Print-on-demand services allow you to produce and sell reports without having to manage inventory, shipping, or fulfillment. However, to ensure that your reports look professional and consistent, you need to optimize them for print-on-demand platforms. In this article, you will learn how to do that by following six steps.
The first step is to choose the right format for your report. Print-on-demand services usually offer different options for paper size, binding, and cover design. You should select the format that suits your report's purpose, audience, and content. For example, if your report is a long and detailed analysis, you might want to use a letter-sized format with a spiral binding and a glossy cover. If your report is a short and concise summary, you might want to use a booklet format with a saddle-stitch binding and a matte cover.
The second step is to adjust the margins and bleed of your report. Margins are the space between the edge of the paper and the content of your report. Bleed is the area beyond the edge of the paper that is trimmed off during printing. You should follow the guidelines provided by your print-on-demand service for the optimal margins and bleed settings. This will ensure that your report does not have any unwanted white space or cut-off content. You can use software tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, or Canva to adjust the margins and bleed of your report.
The third step is to use high-resolution images in your report. Images are an important element of any report, as they can illustrate your points, support your data, and enhance your design. However, if your images are low-resolution, they will look blurry, pixelated, or distorted when printed. To avoid this, you should use images that have at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) resolution. You can check the resolution of your images by using software tools like Photoshop, GIMP, or online converters. You should also make sure that your images are in the CMYK color mode, which is the standard for printing.
The fourth step is to choose the right fonts and colors for your report. Fonts and colors are essential for creating a consistent and appealing report design. However, not all fonts and colors are suitable for print-on-demand platforms. You should avoid using fonts that are too small, too fancy, or too uncommon, as they might be unreadable, illegible, or unavailable when printed. You should also avoid using colors that are too bright, too dark, or too similar, as they might be faded, muddy, or indistinguishable when printed. You should stick to fonts that are clear, simple, and common, and colors that are balanced, contrasted, and complementary.
The fifth step is to proofread and preview your report. Proofreading is the process of checking your report for any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting. Previewing is the process of checking how your report will look when printed. You should do both before submitting your report to your print-on-demand service. You can use software tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, or ProWritingAid to proofread your report. You can also use the preview feature provided by your print-on-demand service to preview your report. You should look for any mistakes, inconsistencies, or discrepancies in your report and fix them accordingly.
The sixth and final step is to order a sample copy of your report. Ordering a sample copy is the best way to test the quality and appearance of your report before selling it to your customers. You can order a sample copy from your print-on-demand service at a discounted price. You should inspect the sample copy carefully and compare it with your digital version. You should look for any issues, such as misalignment, smudging, or cracking, and contact your print-on-demand service if you need to make any changes or adjustments.
I was always taught from day one always run a sample before going to production. Mistakes cost money and take away production time that otherwise would be making you money. Simple principle that will save you time and money.