Publicity Suggestions

Timing

• When possible, post an event no more than three times – once when the first announcement is ready, another several days before and a last one the day before or the day of the event.
• Submitting too often will turn off readers.
• The deadline submission for the next day’s issue is 4:00pm.

Dates and Deadlines

• Bates Now isn’t just for events! Use the “Reminders for Events/Deadlines” section of the “Create an Announcement” page to alert faculty and staff to upcoming dates and deadlines.

Graphics

• Images submitted with announcements should be formatted as a square, with recommended dimensions of 300 pixels by 300 pixels.
• Don’t include text in images or limit it as much as possible. Text may be too small to read.
• Don’t include an event poster as a graphic. It will likely include too much information that won’t be able to be read in the smaller graphic space of Bates Now.
• Be sure you have the permission to share any photographs.

Accessibility

• Readers may be utilizing a screen reader or other assistive device, and such devices generally can’t read the text included on the pictures. It is best practice for digital accessibility to add the who/what/when/where vital information in text near the graphic.
• Add “Alt text” when uploading a graphic where possible.
• Some are color-blind so don’t rely solely on color to convey information and use contrast between colors when possible.

For questions, reach out to askbatesnow!