Top 5 Yearbook Mistakes Made Every January

January has come, and the end of another school year is just beginning to peek over the horizon. Here’s Entourage’s list of the Top 5 Yearbook Mistakes Made Every January:

#5 Assuming Someone Else Is Going To Help Later

In January, many advisors log into their projects for the first time. Not knowing who will take over the task, many yearbook advisors setting up new projects will do so under their own name, with the hope that someone else will take over later.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that anyone will be enthusiastically joining the yearbook team in January. By waiting for someone else to volunteer, advisors can cost themselves precious time and add undue stress to the end of the year. That being said, however, there are always ways to ensure that the yearbook process is as smooth as possible.

How to Avoid It: Entourage suggests that advisors start solo, so that as many tasks as possible are out of the way. Those who receive extra help later will be ahead of the game, and those who do not will be on schedule.

#4 Trying To Do Too Much

Entourage also recommends that advisors pare down any big design dreams by this point. As the new year ramps up, it becomes time to stop dreaming and start designing. It’s important, too, to remember that some of the most beautiful yearbooks have simple, straightforward designs.

How to Avoid It: Entourage’s advice is to keep designs simple. Advisors may wish to use pre-made templates or automated book-building tools, if available.

#3 Waiting To Get Student Portraits

Creating student pages can be the hardest part of the design process, or the easiest. Advisors who have a good index file of student data and headshots for all students, and who are comfortable with their design software, can create all needed portrait pages quickly and efficiently. Advisors who have not received their photographs within 30 days of shoots should reach out to their photographer, says Entourage.

How To Avoid It: Entourage suggests setting expectations early with school photographers and vendors. Advisors should keep a schedule of all photography shoots and plan a hard deadline to have their portrait pages completed.

#2 Forgetting to Sell The Book

According to Entourage, advisors who have not yet begun selling their book in January should definitely do so before February. For advisors using online yearbook sales, setup can usually be done online or with a call to the yearbook company. For advisors selling in-school as well, Entourage suggests making plans to notify all parents and gather orders before the end of the current month.

How to Avoid It: Entourage suggests that advisors make a calendar reminder for the beginning of their yearbook sales.

#1 Skipping Training/Not Reaching Out for Help

According to Entourage, advisors often feel pressured and stressed when they begin their yearbook in January because they left starting the yearbook so late. This may cause them to want to speed the process up as much as possible, and skip training opportunities.

How to Avoid It: Entourage suggests signing up for a short webinar training no later than the end of January.