Metro Creative Graphics Releases Web-based Spec-Ad Makeup System

By: E&P Staff New York-based Metro Creative Graphics has released MiAD: Metro interactive Ad Designer, a Web-based, content-driven ad-makeup system. An integral part of Metro Ad Development Services, MiAD's interface enables sales reps to prepare spec ads in minutes.

"We all know that spec ads sell, but getting them for every advertiser presentation is always a challenge," Metro President and CEO Robert Zimmerman said in a statement. "With MiAD, Metro has finally removed the barriers, enabling sales reps to more effectively pursue advertising prospects."

Sales persons can select an ad, fill in their data, upload local content and download a PDF to present or e-mail in a fraction of the time it takes to build or rebuild ads through traditional programs. MiAD's technology lets users instantly create a various ad concepts or campaigns to provide prospects more choice or to sell ongoing ad programs.

MiAD offers more sophisticated users multiple-item ads, ordinarily the most time-consuming. One Auto-Fit button click intelligently formats data using specified items while retaining intricate layout designs. This can dramatically reduce production time for item-intense ads like grocery, real estate and auto, as well as making it realistic to create spec ads that will show these types of prospects what their ad will look like. Artwork and headlines can be altered on an existing ad to create entirely different ads based on the original layout.

MiAD is offered as an add-on feature to Metro subscribers. An unlimited number of users can produce an unlimited number of spec or finished ads with uploaded content, or using images and ads with integration from MetroCreativeConnection, Metro's online content library. Spec ads can be saved for future use, printed or e-mailed. Saved ads can be finalized and output as PDF or EPS files. Individual users have access to their own areas for saving art and ads.

To give subscribers an opportunity for a quick revenue boost, Metro included MiAD "magic layouts" for all ads in its 2009 Holiday Advertising Service. They can be used in a call center to set up an ad while on a call. The ad then can be e-mailed to the prospect. Or ads may be printed and presented to prospects.

Metro has included MiAD-enabled ads for all its services, including classified, retail, full-page, small-space, self-promotion and cover designs for all key categories and promotions.