If you’re considering whether selling yearbook ads is right for your staff, you’re probably looking to take your team to the next level. Of course, it might also mean you’re hoping to satisfy a financial obligation to your yearbook publisher.
Yearbook ad sales can represent a fantastic learning opportunity. This process can empower your students with real-world skills, from pitching to potential clients to designing captivating advertisements. And the proceeds that come from selling ads to parents and local businesses can help offset or even eliminate the cost of many wish-list items.
However, if ad sales are necessary to offset yearbook debt instead of a way to benefit your program, Treering can help.
Define Your Goal
Before you think about ad sales, ask yourself: what’s our objective? Generally speaking, schools sell yearbook ads for one of four reasons:
- To teach business skills (sales, advertising, negotiation, and more)
- To purchase new equipment
- To help students pursue related learning opportunities
- To pay back existing yearbook debt
If your aim aligns with the first three, congratulations! Purchasing hardware and software that, in your staff’s well-trained hands, will enhance your program for years to come is a fantastic achievement. And being able to do so self-sufficiently is even better! If you find yourself here due to the last reason, however, read on.
Cultivate Favorable Terms
There are many reasons your yearbook organization could be in debt. Perhaps you bought too many books last year (tip: not every company requires a minimum order quantity). Maybe unexpected charges surfaced on your final invoice or your per-book price seems high. Regardless, if ad revenue is solely meant to cover existing debt, it’s a signal to reassess terms with your publisher.
The solution? Negotiate more advantageous terms. Open communication with your publisher can often lead to mutually beneficial solutions. Many publishers are willing to collaborate to foster goodwill and ensure continued revenue.
If renegotiation proves challenging, consider evaluating other publishers. Look for a partner that offers flexible terms, never requires contracts or minimum purchase requirements, provides inclusive per-book pricing without hidden fees, and offers school-friendly ways to raise funds.
Selling Yearbook Ads: the Potential of Your Program
Your yearbook has the potential to not only capture memories but also generate revenue for your program. If you find it becoming a financial burden instead, it’s a cue to reassess your strategy. Selling yearbook ads should be a positive venture, enhancing your students’ skills and contributing to the success of your yearbook program. As you embark on this journey, keep the focus on empowerment, learning, and the enduring impact your yearbook can have on your school community.
