Are you Getting the Yearbook Experience You Deserve?

April 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Are you Getting the Yearbook Experience You Deserve?

7 Tips for Getting the Most out of your Yearbook Company

Entourage Yearbooks is the fastest-growing yearbook company in the country, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and unparalleled customer service. After making yearbooks in 50 states, 19 countries, and 7 continents (yes, even Antarctica), Entourage has compiled a list for you on how to form the best relationship with your yearbook company.

1.   Know your school

Whether you’re an elementary, middle, or high school, it’s important to know your identity. What are your school’s values? What is your yearbook committee like? What best represents your school? Knowing this information is quite helpful when selecting themes and layouts for your yearbook. This information also helps your yearbook company tailor their services to your school.

2.   Know your deadlines

Always do your best to make note of your project’s timeline. This will help eliminate the risk of rushing a project, or even worse, missing your final approval deadline. Even though companies like Entourage offer as fast as a 3-week turnaround, it is always better to stay on track. A good yearbook company will offer options to help you manage your account, keep track of your deadlines, and make sure that your progress is up-to-date.

3.   Know your limits

Everyone who begins a yearbook project wants their yearbook to be the best it can be. However, sometimes there is just not enough time or resources to get this done. For example, perhaps you’ve never taken on a design project and would like further attention. Or maybe you just don’t have enough time to research yearbook topics. Why not make a list at the beginning of your project and discuss these items with your Account Manager? This will enable your yearbook company to determine exactly what you need. Assigning a creative consultant to your project may be just the tool you need for extra support.

4.   Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Sometimes yearbook projects can lead to little hiccups throughout the process. In times like these, it is best to contact your yearbook company for extra support. Whether it’s tech support, account management, or a quick question regarding your project, a good yearbook company will make it their priority to be there for you.

“My Account manager was wonderful to work with...she was very helpful and always very patient with me, even when I contacted her with questions almost every day.”– Latham Christian Academy

5.   Know your budget

It is important to be realistic about how much money you can afford for a yearbook project. If you present this information to your yearbook company, you can be sure to select a program that will meet your financial needs. When shopping around for prices, it is a good idea to take advantage of such tools as Entourage's free budget analysis. You can then work on factoring in cost-saving moves like reducing full color, or working with soft, rather than hard covers. There are many ways to cut costs on a yearbook project. A good yearbook company should be prepared to help you!

6.   If there’s room, take a risk!

Each graduating class is always different. Interests, personalities, and trends can change from year to year. A good yearbook company will keep themselves up-to-date with new styles, ideas, trends, and technologies in their yearbook kits and programs each year. Why not take advantage of these resources and try them out on your next project?

“I loved the flexibility of the marketing and graphics departments. They walked us through using the
software and helped with trouble shooting, etc.. I loved the finished product and so did the students.”
-Ivan Sand Community School

7.   Take Advantage of Technology

There are endless options for the sharing of information and files online. A good yearbook company will take advantage of these opportunities and incorporate them in their yearbook curriculum.

For more information on a great yearbook company, go to www.entourageyearbooks.com.