High Level Ad Specifications & Creative Standards

Ad Specifications & Creative Standards

Family Resource Group Inc. – Client Success Knowledge Base

Overview

Family Resource Group Inc. (FRG) builds high-performing print and digital campaigns every day. As an industry leader, we combine proven strategy with standout creative to help our advertisers succeed.

Our Creative Standards are designed to:

• Ensure ads reproduce correctly in print
• Maximize digital performance
• Protect brand integrity
• Maintain production efficiency
• Prevent delays caused by file issues

👉 Full Creative Standards Page:

https://familyresourcegroupinc.com/frg-creative-standards

Client Success team members should always direct advertisers to this page for the most current specifications.

Submission Process

Where Clients Submit Ads

Primary Email:

CS@FRG.INC

Advertiser Portal:

https://frg.apps.adorbit.com/clients

If a client needs portal access:

• Click “First Time Logging In”
• Reset or create password
• Follow prompts

AdOrbit How-To Video:

https://vimeo.com/569534313

File Naming Requirements

Clients must clearly label files with:

• Advertiser’s name (not agency or designer name)
• Month of issue
• Publication name

Example:

ABCCompany_March_BRParents.pdf  

Deadline Policy

⚠ All ad submissions are due no later than the 5th of the month prior to the run date.

If materials are late:

• Notify Production immediately
• Document communication in CRM
• Do not promise exceptions without approval

Print Ad Specifications

File Format

• Flattened, high-resolution PDF
• No spot colors
• Single page or spread only
• No nested PDFs or EPS files
• File name limited to 24 characters including extension

Technical Requirements

• 300 dpi image resolution
• Maximum total ink density: 300%
• Convert RGB & spot colors to CMYK
• Files must be properly trapped
• Registration & crop marks not required

Document Setup

• Built at 100% trim size
• Bleed: 1/8” beyond trim (all sides)
• Live matter: 1/2” inside trim
• Borders: minimum 1/4” inside trim + 1/8” bleed
• Spread ads: keep live matter 1/4” from gutter

If critical design elements cross the gutter, Production must be consulted.

Font & Type Rules

• No 4-color black type
• Rich black = 100% K + 60% C
• Free/system fonts must be outlined
• Do not apply faux font styles

• 4-color type must not exceed 300% density

  Reverse type should use dominant color (70%+)

  Minimum line thickness:

  • 4-color: .5 pt
  • Single color: .3 pt

Type should be set in InDesign or Illustrator — not Photoshop.

Digital Ad Specifications

Templates for all required sizes are available on the Creative Standards page.

Common Display Sizes

Run of Site / Channel / Takeover:

• 970×250
• 970×90
• 728×90
• 300×250
• 300×600
• 320×50 (mobile)

Accepted File Types:

• JPG
• GIF
• PNG
• HTML5
• JavaScript
• Most third-party ad tags

Client must supply destination URL.

Specialty Placements

Page Peel

• 300×300

Pop-Up

• 600×600

Sneaker

• 728×90

Programmatic Ads

• 728×90
• 300×250
• 160×600
• 300×50
• 320×50
• 300×600 (additional allowed size)

Newsletter & Email Marketing Specs

Newsletter Banner

• 728×90
• JPG, GIF, PNG
• URL required

Targeted Email

• 600px wide (max 1700px height)
• JPG or PNG

E-Blasts (The Weekender)

• Headline: 25–60 characters
• Description: 150–240 characters
• Subject Line: 25–45 characters
• Optimized images for mobile + desktop

Directory Listings

Clients must provide:

• High-resolution photo (JPG/PNG)
• Biography (1,500–3,000 characters)
• Contact info (address, phone, website)

Sponsored Content

• Headline: 25–60 characters
• Description: 150–240 characters
• Horizontal photo only (no logos/graphics)
• URL required

Creative Best Practices (CS Talking Points)

When advising clients, suggest:

QR Codes

Drive measurable traffic to landing pages.

Infographics

Turn statistics into visually engaging creative.

Social Media

Encourage clients to include handles and reinforce messaging online.

Important Policy Notes

• FRG does not make changes to approved ads.
• All materials must meet deadline and spec requirements.
• Any production exceptions require approval.

When to Escalate

Escalate to Production if:

• Files do not meet technical specs
• Gutter-sensitive creative exists
• Density exceeds limits
• Font embedding issues occur
• Deadline exception requested

Summary for CS Team

When a client asks for specs:

1. Send them to the Creative Standards link
2. Reinforce the 5th-of-month deadline
3. Confirm publication + run date
4. Clarify print vs digital requirements
5. Offer portal upload option
6. Document communication in CRM

Primary Reference Page:

https://familyresourcegroupinc.com/frg-creative-standards

For internal questions, contact Production or CS leadership.