Newsletter Advertiser Style & Submission Guidelines
Ads are billed quarterly and will appear for three consecutive months. Prices below are per month.
Priority is given to Madrona-based and neighborhood-serving small businesses, with non-local advertisers included as space allows.
Ad Size and Price Guide
View Size Examples HERE
Dimensions below are width × height in inches.
Large – $395
5.5104″ × 2.8628″ Strong visual presence and ideal for businesses seeking prominent exposure.
Medium – $275
3.6206″ × 3.6977″ Balanced size offering high visibility and efficient value.
Small (Flexible Orientation) – $165
Vertical: 1.7273″ × 3.9365″ Horizontal: 3.6213″ × 1.4873″
If possible, please provide both vertical and horizontal versions when purchasing a small size. Alternate orientation versions help us to maintain clean layouts and comply with USPS mailing requirements. Content may remain the same; only formatting needs to change.
Mini – $125
1.7273″ × 1.9465″ Compact, square format designed for consistent monthly visibility.
Design & Readability Requirements
To ensure quality print reproduction of text-based ads:
• Headlines: 12–24 pt recommended
• Avoid overly condensed or decorative fonts for body copy
• Maintain clear hierarchy (headline → message → contact info)
• Leave comfortable white space around text and logos
• Keep at least 0.125″ internal margin
• Avoid fine text below 9 pt
• QR codes at least 0.5 inches square and include a brief label (e.g., “Menu,” “Book a Visit,” “Learn More”)
• All ads are print-ready PDFs or high-resolution JPG/PNG at 300 dpi minimum.
Contrast requirements
• Use high contrast between text and background
• Do not place text directly on busy photos without an overlay
• Reverse/white text should sit on dark, solid color only
*If we find an ad unreadable, we may request minor revisions before publication.
Aesthetic Preferences & Brand Consistency Notes
To support readability and visual consistency:
• Limit yourself to 2–3 typefaces per ad
• Avoid ALL CAPS paragraphs
• Use real imagery where possible (storefront, team, product, food, etc.)
• Stock photography is acceptable but should feel authentic, not corporate
• Ads do not need to match the newsletter palette, but please avoid neon or fluorescent colors. Avoid any heavy, or all-black backgrounds.
File Preparation Checklist
Before submitting your ad, please make sure:
□ 300 dpi resolution
□ CMYK color mode (not RGB)
□ Correct size and orientation
□ Fonts embedded or outlined
□ No crop marks or printer marks
□ No critical content within 0.125″ of edge
Deadlines & Revisions
• Ad deadline is typically 2-3 weeks before publication
• Late submissions may be moved to the next issue
• We do not provide full ad design, but light typesetting or resizing may be available upon request
Placement
• Placement requests are welcome but not guaranteed
• Premium placement upgrades may be offered in future issues
• The editorial team reserves final layout control
How to Submit
Please email: newsletter@madrona.us Subject line: “Advertising Submission – [Business Name]”
Include:
• contact name & phone
• preferred issue month(s)
• your print-ready file (if available)
• any layout or content questions you may have
• payment will be collected via online portal
Advertising must be appropriate for a family-friendly, community-focused publication. We do not accept political campaign advertising, discriminatory or inflammatory content, adult material, predatory or misleading services, or ads that resemble spam or mass-market solicitations. All ads should be honest, respectful, and aligned with the values of a neighborhood newsletter. The editorial team reserves the right to decline any advertisement that does not meet these standards.