9 Special Day-Themed Print Marketing Campaign Ideas for Winter

Winter is a season of crisp weather and festive joy. It's a time of year that presents your business with a prime occasion to initiate captivating, themed print marketing campaigns. 

From New Year to Valentine's Day, you can leverage plenty of holidays and events during this season to attract customers and boost sales.

From Cozy to Cool: 9 Print Marketing Strategies to Beat the Winter Blues

Here are 9 special day-themed print marketing campaign ideas for winter.

New Year, New You

Tap into the popular New Year's resolution trend by promoting your products or services to start the new year off right.

For example, a gym could offer eye-catching posters featuring special membership deals for those looking to get healthy.

Winter Wonderland Photo Contest

Encourage customers to take photos of themselves enjoying your products in a winter wonderland setting.

For participants or winners, print customized coupons or discount codes as prizes.

Valentine's Day Love Notes

Create creative love notes that can be given out with purchases leading up to Valentine's Day.

These can also be shared on social media using a branded hashtag. 

Groundhog Day Predictions

Have fun with the quirky holiday of Groundhog Day by creating a postcard campaign around predicting what products or services will be popular in the coming months.

President's Day Sale

Celebrate President's Day with special discounts and promotions offered to your customers via direct mail.

This approach can help you attract new prospects looking for holiday sales.

National Soup Month Recipes

If you sell food products, take advantage of January being National Soup Month by featuring recipes using your products in print materials.

Mardi Gras Mask Design Contest

Tap into the party spirit of Mardi Gras by hosting a mask design contest.

Create eye-catching posters and flyers promoting the contest and encourage customers to submit their designs to win prizes.

Super Bowl Party Supplies

Print flyers or catalogs featuring all the necessary supplies for throwing the ultimate Super Bowl party, including food, decorations, and even team-themed merchandise.

Winter Olympics-Inspired Campaign

During the Winter Olympics, create a campaign centered around your products or services being "gold medal worthy."

You could include unique discounts or promotions for customers who mention a specific athlete's name at checkout. 

Take advantage of these special day-themed print marketing campaign ideas. Start planning now to implement them this winter to attract new customers and boost sales. 

Looking for help with your next winter print marketing campaign? Contact us today!

Last-Minute Holiday Printing: Tips for Stress-Free Orders

The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time, especially for businesses trying to get their print materials ready before the end of the year.

With tight deadlines and high demand, it's crucial to have a well-planned approach when placing last-minute print orders during the holidays. 

Here are some tips for successful last-minute holiday printing orders, whether promoting a winter sale, sending holiday cards, or creating a personalized gift.

Last-Minute Print Orders for a Stress-Free Holiday? We've Got You Covered!

Plan Ahead

Plan your holiday print orders well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.

Communicate your requirements early so there is sufficient time to prepare and allocate resources for your project.

Clearly Communicate Deadlines

Clearly communicate your desired delivery date and time.

Provide all the necessary details, including any specific requirements or expectations. This will help manage the workflow effectively and ensure timely delivery.

Utilize Expedited Services

If you have urgent print orders, inquire about expedited services.

There may be an option for faster turnaround times, such as same-day or next-day printing. While these services may come at an additional cost, they can be a lifesaver when time is of the essence.

Provide Print-Ready Files

To streamline printing and avoid delays, ensure your artwork files are print-ready.

Double-check the file format, resolution, color mode, and bleed or trim requirements. 

Opt for Digital Printing

Digital printing offers faster turnaround times than traditional printing methods.

Consider choosing digital printing for your holiday print orders, especially if you have a tight deadline. This technology allows for quick production without compromising on print quality.

Stay in Communication

Maintain open lines of communication throughout the process.

Regularly check in for updates on the progress of your print order. This will help build trust, manage expectations, and promptly address concerns.

Review Proofs Carefully

Before giving the final approval for printing, carefully review the proofs.

Pay attention to details such as colors, fonts, and overall layout. By ensuring everything is accurate, you can avoid costly reprints or delays caused by errors.

Stay Organized

Keep a record of all your print orders, deadlines, and communication.

This will help you stay organized and easily track the progress of your projects. Use project management tools or spreadsheets to keep up with your holiday print orders.

Following these tips can minimize stress and ensure a seamless experience when placing last-minute print orders during the holiday season. 

Effective communication and proper planning are vital to achieving stress-free holiday print orders. Get in touch today to discuss your holiday printing needs and enjoy a hassle-free printing experience.

Making Marketing Goals a Reality with Print

Marketing is the process of getting potential clients interested in your products or services.

The keyword phrase here is the process. Goals aren't just about scoring a touchdown; they encompass every move leading up to that defining movement. In marketing, that includes researching, promoting, and sharing your brand and its offerings. 

When (and Why!) Print Marketing is Important

Did you know . . . 

• Print ads require 21% less cognitive effort to process


• Print advertising drives higher levels of brand recall than digital (77% vs. 46%)


• 82% of consumers trust print ads the most when making a purchase decision

How does print drive consumer response? 

• The response rate for direct-mail marketing is 37% higher than the email rate.


• Nearly 80% of consumers act on direct printed mail advertisements compared to 45% on electronic advertisements.


• Print and direct mail marketing bring a 9% customer response rate compared to other digital marketing channels, which hover around 1% or less. 

Even more exciting, brands that combine print and digital ads make online campaigns 400% more effective!

Now is the Time to Craft a Print Marketing Plan

When it's time to plan your print marketing, start with the ideal outcome.

Define how many first-time customers you hope to gain or how many product units you want to sell. Quantify the goal, then work backward like this:

The Crooked Spoon Café noticed that about 20% of recipients visited a "BOGO" URL link created as an online landing page in response to a direct mail teaser. 10% of BOGO link visitors used this time-bound coupon in the restaurant. From this information, the café worked backward to craft a direct mail strategy.

The Crooked Spoon wanted to draw 200 visitors for a fall harvest gala. If around 10% of URL visitors use online coupons, the café needs about 2,000 visitors for the landing page. If only 20% of direct mail recipients would hop online, the café should send mail teasers to 10,000 households.

How might this work for your business? Define your "win," then zoom out to plan where, when, and how you'll use specific print products (brochures, catalogs, direct mail postcards, trade show flyers, or presentation folders) to get there. Tie measurable outcomes to the amount of print pieces you'll prep, and make this print advertising as compelling and timely as possible.

Like a perfectly executed pass, print marketing can move the ball from mid-field to the endzone in a flash! Need help? Our team of experts is happy to share estimates, samples, or ideas. Contact us today for details.

4 Marketing Ideas to Attract More Shoppers to Your Small Business

Supporting small businesses is a vital part of thriving communities, and it's something that should be celebrated and practiced year-round.

In a post-COVID economy, consumers are eager to support small businesses. One Consumer Pulse study showed that 93% of Americans believe supporting small businesses they value is important, and 9 out of 10 shoppers said this is even more essential after the pandemic.

As further proof, Small Business Saturday has emerged as a significant retail event during the busiest shopping season for small businesses. In 2022, projected spending reached an estimated $17.9 billion, as the 2022 SBS Consumer Insights Survey reported.

4 Fun Ideas for Getting More Shoppers in the Door of Your Small Business

Consumers' goodwill and awareness of the importance of small businesses create a massive opportunity. Here are four ideas to kickstart your creativity.

1. Capitalize on Curb Appeal

Part of the charm of shopping at small businesses is the experience, so make it fun for people to step through your doors!

Try sidewalk A-frame banners or a freebies table with magnets, custom notepads, or samples. Advertise in advance and reward people who participate in your highlighted theme (like a 15% discount to anyone wearing plaid or area sports team merchandise). Or collaborate with area merchants on a "Deals Near-BUY" flyer to build momentum in your neighborhood.

2. Reward Referrals

While your brand may serve customers beyond your region, an enormous 85% of business owners depend on word-of-mouth referrals, so actively influencing friends and neighbors is vital!

Bump up referrals by mailing a Buy One/Get One coupon. Or pump up a "Bring a Buddy" event with food tasting, demonstrations, free drawings, or a fun in-store activity.

3. Personalize Advertisements

When promoting your small business, highlight testimonies or quotes from real local customers.

Try before and after pictures, photos of your customers in well-loved parks, or advertisements featuring your content in front of an area mascot. If your city has special events during the season, tie these into your promos.

4. Offer Bonus Merchandise

When balancing price reduction and profit margin gets tricky, consider adding rewards instead.

Could you ask suppliers for samples to be used as "gift with purchase" items? Or pair your own smaller freebies with the full-price items—like s'more sticks with a tent purchase, socks with a pair of shoes, or a free dessert or spice packet with a cookbook purchase.

Print Local

Local purchasing has tangible benefits for shoppers and merchants: for every dollar spent shopping small, estimates show an average of 68 cents stays in that business's local community.

So, choose to shop and print locally and contact us for all your printing needs, including posters, mailers, business cards, and more. 

25 Thankfulness Quotes for Expressing Gratitude This Season

Thanksgiving brings around the start of the holiday season, and it brings with it a season of thankfulness! Gratitude is important for all of us individually because expressing gratitude positively affects our health, mood, and relationships. 

Embracing gratefulness helps in the workplace, too. Research has proven that employees who have had gratitude expressed to them put more effort into helping others, are more generous and willing to share profits, and show more loyalty to their company. 

Whether you incorporate them in seasonal print marketing materials or share them with your friends, colleagues, or employees, these quotes are sure to inspire and encourage.

25 Gratitude-Filled Quotes to Express Thankfulness

1. "Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire

2. "Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." - Charles Dickens

3. "When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears." - Anthony Robbins 

4. "Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." - William Arthur Ward 

5. "I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." - G.K. Chesterton 

6. "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle 

7. "When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." - Willie Nelson 

8. "This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before." - Maya Angelou 

9. "Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." - Aesop 

10. "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault 

11. "I am happy because I'm grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy." - Will Arnett 

12. "We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction." - Harry A. Ironside 

13. "Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." - W. T. Purkiser

14. "The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing." - Hannah Whitall Smith

15. "Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." - Karl Barth

16. "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie

17. "I can no other answer make, but, thanks, And thanks, and ever thanks." - William Shakespeare

18. "Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other." - Randy Pausch 

19. "In your darkest hour, give thanks, for in due time, the morning will come. And it will come with a ray of sunshine." - M Johnson

20. “The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” - Norman Vincent Peale

21. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

22. "Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us." - Lauryn Hill

23. "Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty." - Doris Day

24. "Gratitude is the sweetest thing in a seeker's life — in all human life. If there is gratitude in your heart, then there will be tremendous sweetness in your eyes." - Sri Chinmoy 

25. "When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in." - Kristin Armstrong

As we move into the holiday season, know that our company is thankful for you! Visit our website to learn about the products and services we would gladly offer you. 

Personalized URLs in Direct Mail Marketing

Despite the more modern online alternatives in advertising today, direct mail will always be a classic and effective strategy for customer engagement.

Direct mail boasts a strong overall response rate of 3.7%, outperforming mobile ads (2%) and email and social media marketing (1%). 

A personalized URL (PURL) is a unique and helpful tool that can supercharge your direct mail marketing efforts! One of its standout features is the ability to digitally track the response rate for direct mail pieces, giving you data to ensure that your marketing dollars are being put to the best use possible. 

3 Benefits of Using PURLs for Direct Mail

1. Make Your Customers Feel Special 

Customers love to see marketing items that feel unique to them!

Each recipient's name can be incorporated into the PURL, giving you the perfect opportunity to add that touch of personalization to your direct mail. 

For example, John Doe's PURL might look like johndoe.trymail.com or john-doe.trymail.com. This will make your customers feel special and increase the likelihood of them following the link and engaging with your mail. 

2. Gather Valuable Data

With PURLs, you can precisely track responses to your mailings and gain deeper insights into your audience's preferences.

This information is essential because it means your team can ditch designs that don't yield response rates while improving upon the designs that demonstrate the most success. 

3. Integrate with Your Overall Marketing Strategy

PURLs can be integrated into your marketing strategy through various channels to enhance customer engagement and track responses effectively.

For example, incorporate PURLs as clickable links that lead to personalized landing pages in marketing emails or share them on social media. This not only enhances engagement but also allows you to collect valuable data to refine your marketing strategies.

Ready to supercharge your marketing campaigns with effective direct mail strategies and PURLs? Contact us today to explore how our printing services can transform your marketing efforts into success. Let's bring your vision to life! 

Personalized URLs in Direct Mail Marketing

Despite the more modern online alternatives in advertising today, direct mail will always be a classic and effective strategy for customer engagement.

Direct mail boasts a strong overall response rate of 3.7%, outperforming mobile ads (2%) and email and social media marketing (1%). 

A personalized URL (PURL) is a unique and helpful tool that can supercharge your direct mail marketing efforts! One of its standout features is the ability to digitally track the response rate for direct mail pieces, giving you data to ensure that your marketing dollars are being put to the best use possible. 

3 Benefits of Using PURLs for Direct Mail

1. Make Your Customers Feel Special 

Customers love to see marketing items that feel unique to them!

Each recipient's name can be incorporated into the PURL, giving you the perfect opportunity to add that touch of personalization to your direct mail. 

For example, John Doe's PURL might look like johndoe.trymail.com or john-doe.trymail.com. This will make your customers feel special and increase the likelihood of them following the link and engaging with your mail. 

2. Gather Valuable Data

With PURLs, you can precisely track responses to your mailings and gain deeper insights into your audience's preferences.

This information is essential because it means your team can ditch designs that don't yield response rates while improving upon the designs that demonstrate the most success. 

3. Integrate with Your Overall Marketing Strategy

PURLs can be integrated into your marketing strategy through various channels to enhance customer engagement and track responses effectively.

For example, incorporate PURLs as clickable links that lead to personalized landing pages in marketing emails or share them on social media. This not only enhances engagement but also allows you to collect valuable data to refine your marketing strategies.

Ready to supercharge your marketing campaigns with effective direct mail strategies and PURLs? Contact us today to explore how our printing services can transform your marketing efforts into success. Let's bring your vision to life! 

Direct Mail for Local Businesses: Unique Advantages and Strategies

Don’t leave attracting customers up to chance; be proactive with direct mail!

Employing the ability to reach scores of potential customers in specific regions, direct mail is an excellent vehicle for growing your customer base and publicizing your business creatively and methodically.

Direct Mail for Local Businesses: Unique Advantages and Strategies

Direct mail marketing is the method of sending out print materials to potential customers. Materials mailed could include postcards, flyers, or catalogs.

Scholars have found the earliest versions of direct mailings from ancient Egypt, around 1,000 B.C. Direct mail has come a long way since then, but it still has tremendous benefits for businesses today.

Direct Mail Can Physically Bring in Customers

A unique advantage to direct mail is that you can mail out a coupon or another promotional item to have customers physically visit your store and redeem it.

By bringing customers into your store, sales and business growth can grow exponentially. 

Get Customers Excited and Stand Out

Do you think young adults aren’t excited about direct mail? Think again!

Generation Z, or people born between 1997 - 2012, is 63% more excited about direct mail today than in 2022. Younger generations find direct mail more interesting and unique than digital marketing.

According to the World Advertising Research Center (WARC), this generation is particularly impressed with direct mail because they have grown up in such a digital age. 

By diversifying your marketing campaign to include direct mail, the generation bombarded with digital content will resonate more with your mailings and feel that the physical marketing stands out.

Direct Mail: A Tangible Approach in the Digital Age

Direct mail has strategic benefits for businesses, especially in today’s tech-savvy world.

Reap the rewards and return on investment by choosing direct mail to diversify your marketing campaign. Don’t just communicate with potential customers; encourage them to physically visit your business by mailing promotional materials such as coupons for customers to bring into your business.

Stand out from competitors’ marketing by sending physical mailers versus simply having digital marketing. Younger generations are hungry for printed materials they can touch and hang on to versus oversaturated online platforms.

Contact us today to begin your journey of creating creative and engaging direct mail!

Mind-Driven Design: 5 Ways to Use Neuroscience for Impactful Posters

Science rules, not only in the natural world but also in the marketing world.

Neuroscience, the study of the brain and nervous system, and marketing go hand in hand, especially in today's competitive world. Utilizing science to gain consumer attention and interest can be incredibly impactful for your products and your business. 

Did you know that 90% of buying decisions are made in the unconscious mind? Now imagine harnessing neuroscience, or a better understanding of how the brain works, to create the most impactful customer posters possible. 

5 Ways to Use Neuroscience for Impactful Posters

Ensure your business's printed posters are seen in the most thoughtful, most efficient way by applying these neuroscience tips:

1) Location Matters

Where your posters are located matters.

Surroundings, or location, create 60% of the sensory sensations associated with a product, a Nestle research study indicated. Think critically and creatively about what is in your poster and where you decide to place it.

Be strategic and be connected with a positive and alluring location for your potential consumer.

2) Ditch Percentages

People don't listen to percentages; they listen to absolute numbers.

When communicating an offer on your poster, present the number like "You save $300" versus saying "You save 30%."  

Absolute numbers have a more substantial impact on customers and are retained better than percentages.

3) Keep It Simple

Using fancy or exotic fonts on your poster may be tempting, or your first idea to engage customers, but research has shown simple fonts are best.

According to experiments conducted by the University of Michigan, utilizing a straightforward font is the best way to convince or teach customers about your product.

Complex fonts help with memory recall, but simple fonts are best for sharing information.

4) Living Color 

The Harvard Business Review has found that nearly 90% of purchasing decisions are influenced by color.

Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow create feelings of excitement and energy. Conversely, cool colors like blue, green, and purple are linked with calmness and relaxation.

Color choices are critical in the mood and emotions you want your customers to feel and associate with your business or product. 

5) Engage FOMO

The Fear Of Missing Out, or FOMO, is a strong motivator for consumers that can be translated into marketing.

A study from University College London in 2021 revealed that urgent language increases sales. Words such as "Only a Few Left!" or "The Sale Ends Soon!" evoke strong FOMO responses that trigger customers to expedite their shopping or purchasing so they don't miss a good deal. 

Paint a marketing picture of urgency and saving money now, and sales have been found to increase due to the FOMO principle.

Work smarter, not harder, by utilizing neuroscience in your posters. The human brain is attracted to specific sensory elements; knowing these and how the brain interprets them can positively impact your print marketing campaigns. 

Head to our website to collaborate with our creative and professional print marketing experts on your engaging posters today!

Writing the Perfect Thank You Note to Your Customers

A heartfelt thank you note can be the perfect way to show genuine appreciation to your customers, creating a strong and lasting bond.

But why stop there? Thank you cards allow you to seize the opportunity to extend warm wishes and heartfelt greetings to your valued customers anytime. It's a small yet powerful gesture that goes beyond words, expressing gratitude for their purchase, unwavering loyalty, and continuous support. 

9 Top Tips for Crafting the Ideal Thank You Note for Your Valued Customers

Writing a personalized note that resonates with your customers' experiences and showcases your sincere gratitude can leave an indelible impression on them.

These thoughtful acts strengthen relationships and foster long-term loyalty. So express your appreciation and encourage your customers with a personalized thank-you note this Thanksgiving!

1. Be Genuine and Sincere

Don't just write a generic thank you note; make it personal and heartfelt.

Speak from the heart and tell your customers how much they mean to you and your business.

2. Keep It Concise

Keep your note short and to the point.

Your customers will appreciate a sincere thank you without having to read through paragraphs of text.

3. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize

Include personal touches in your thank you notes, such as mentioning specific details about the purchase or their loyalty to your brand.

This shows that you have taken the time to appreciate them truly. 

4. Show Gratitude for Their Support

Whether it's a one-time purchase or continuous support, let your customers know how much you appreciate their business and how it has helped it grow.

5. Include a Call to Action

Encourage your customers to continue supporting your business by including a call to action in your thank you note.

This can be anything from visiting your website to leaving a review. 

6. Use Quality Stationery

Make sure to use good quality stationery when writing your thank you notes.

Contact us or visit our print shop for all your custom stationery needs. We take pride in providing products to ensure that your thank you notes express gratitude and exude elegance and thoughtfulness.

7. Be Timely

If you send your customers thank you notes after a specific purchase (vs. a holiday or occasion), do it promptly, preferably within a week after purchasing or receiving support.

This shows that you value your customers' time and business.

8. Get Creative

Don't be afraid to get creative with your thank-you notes!

You can include a small token of appreciation or a personalized message to make your customers feel special and valued.

9. Make It Meaningful

Lastly, ensure your thank you note is meaningful and specific to your customers.

This will make it more memorable and leave a lasting impression.
 
Don't underestimate the power of a simple thank you note in building and maintaining strong customer relationships. Take the time to craft a personalized and heartfelt message, and watch as your customers continue to show their support and loyalty.  
 
Need a little help getting started? We can help! Reach out to us on our website or give us a call for compelling thank you card ideas to help your customers feel appreciated this Thanksgiving.

Interesting Envelopes: How to Use Them to Increase Your ROI

Envelopes allow your business to seize attention and effectively engage your audience from the moment they open the mailbox.
 
An envelope may seem like a small detail in your overall marketing strategy, but it can significantly impact your return on investment (ROI). 

Stand Out from the Competition and Increase Your ROI with Interesting Envelopes

Here are a few reasons why incorporating unique or eye-catching envelopes into your marketing strategy can benefit your business.

Increase Open Rates

When it comes to envelopes, incorporating captivating designs or compelling messaging can have a positive impact on your open rates.

People are likelier to open a visually appealing envelope, especially if it stands out among the rest of their mail.

Enhance Brand Awareness

By using envelopes with your company logo or incorporating your brand's colors and fonts, you are reinforcing your brand identity.

Even if the recipient doesn't open the envelope immediately, they will still see your branding and be reminded of your business.

Create a Memorable Impression

When you send out a marketing email or social media post, it can get lost in other messages.

But sending someone an attractive envelope is more likely to stick in their mind and make a lasting impression.

Let Interesting Envelopes Lead the Way to a Better ROI for Your Business

Here are some tips for incorporating interesting envelopes into your marketing strategy.

Design an Eye-Catching Envelope

The first step is to create a design that will capture attention and stand out from the rest of the mail.

You can use bright colors and unique shapes or add texture to make your envelope more visually appealing.

Personalize the Envelope

Believe it or not, personalized envelopes can significantly increase open rates.

Consider adding the recipient's name or a customized message to the design to make them feel special and more likely to open it.

Use Teaser Messaging

Teaser messaging is a clever way to entice recipients to open your envelope.

You can use short phrases or intriguing questions on the outside of the envelope to build curiosity and make people want to see what's inside. If you are including a discount code or sample, use the teaser to let them know. It will make them more likely to take action. 

Go Big

Did you know that oversized envelopes have the greatest household return on investment (37%) over other mediums like postcards and letter-sized envelopes (29%)? (Source: TheDMA.org) 

Maximize your marketing impact by utilizing oversized envelopes for your direct mail campaigns, driving a higher return on investment while capturing your audience's attention. 

Incorporating interesting envelopes into your marketing strategy can increase ROI and help your business stand out. 
 
Contact us today to get started on envelopes that are sure to get your business noticed!

5 Techniques for Transforming Packaging into Brand Loyalty

When it comes to catching customers' attention and keeping them loyal to your brand, the look of your product can be powerful! 72% of Americans say a product's packaging often influences purchases. 

Creating brand-consistent packaging for your products is a simple way to increase brand recall, develop a recognizable aesthetic for your company, and increase customer loyalty.

5 Strategies for Engaging Customer Packaging

Read on to learn different ways to bring fresh creativity to your packaging and use it as a tool for customer engagement! 

1. Keep Packaging Consistent 

Maintaining a uniform brand presentation can lead to a revenue increase of up to 33%.

So, when designing your product packaging and labels, stay consistent with your branding. Use the same font style on all your print materials and packaging, lean into your signature brand colors, and include your company logo.

The more often consumers see that color, font, and logo, the more recognition they'll have for your brand.

2. Packaging Gone Green

In recent years, customers have been increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, and your brand's sustainability can definitely influence its popularity.

71% of consumers say they are more likely to buy brands with paper or cardboard packaging that's sustainable, reusable, or recyclable. Switching up the material for your packaging can have a big payoff for customer loyalty.

3. Try Sensory Packaging 

By engaging their senses, draw in customers and get them curious about your company's products.

Use a printed tissue paper insert to add a scented feature to your packaging or create a cutout window so customers can touch or see the product inside. 

You could even incorporate 3D features into your packing with embossing or debossing words or your company's logo. 

Sensory options like these can create a more tangible, exciting experience for the customer while building trustworthiness and transparency, which is essential for brand loyalty.

4. It’s Not Just What’s on the Outside

Don't underestimate the inside of your packaging design!

Customers love the excitement and engagement of opening a product up, only to find another surprising detail inside. Don't shy away from bright colors and playfulness in your design, and think outside the box (or, rather, inside the box!) regarding how to utilize every inch of your package space.

For example, a package insert with a coupon for their next purchase or stickers with your logo or slogan can turn customers into loyal fans.

Customers remember brands that display unique characteristics the best- so allow your brand's personality to shine through by including a bold pattern, quirky message, or 3D detail inside your package.

5. Embrace the Product Itself 

If you're selling meat, incorporate the animal into the package's design- if your product is headphones, use music notes on your packaging.

Cookies could come in a box designed to look like an oven, or a cleaning product could come in a package with bubbles. 

Simple and effective aesthetic references to the product on your packaging will help customers instantly connect with your brand! They'll know from just a glance at the container that your company will deliver a product that meets their needs.

Using these ideas to create new, innovative packaging for your company is made easy by collaborating with our team, where we deliver high-quality print solutions for all your business's needs! Reach out to us on our website today!

Print Marketing Design: Using Color to Stand Out

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” - Pablo Picasso

Using color is as important as the words in your print marketing, if not more important. Color can not only attract customers to read and engage with your marketing, but it can also enhance or connect a certain mood or emotion to your business.

There have been many studies throughout the years about the power of color choice and the psychology behind it all. Stand out with your printed marketing and make a splash with thoughtful color choices that promote your business in its best light. 

The Psychology of Colors

Choosing the right color for the emotion or mood you want to convey is essential to every business. Consider the following colors and moods or emotions they enhance and whether or not they would compliment your business or detract from its core.

Red: Excitement, Passion, Anger

Did you know that hunger is enhanced at the sight of red? 

Many popular restaurants capitalize on branding and decorating with red to encourage customers to eat more.

Blue: Calm, Peaceful, Trust

Banks often use the color blue in their logo to assure customers they are trustworthy and have a calming presence.

Green: Nature, Growth, Optimistic 

Many technology companies use the color green to invoke feelings of optimistic growth and change.

This connection of green with growth parallels green pastures and fields in nature, how people typically connect green with the natural world’s growing plants.

Attract and retain attention with your customized print marketing designs and embrace the power of color! Connect with one of our local experts today to collaborate on color choices for your print marketing design to best promote your business! 

3 Inspiring Ways to Promote Your Offer Using Print + Digital

Reaching your ideal audience while remaining mindful of the bottom line seems like the dream in marketing. By fusing print and digital marketing to promote your offers, customers will benefit from better communication and accessibility to your business.

Working together with online platforms can be instrumental in publicizing your content in a relatable and current way.

Today’s marketplace is increasingly online, which means businesses need to think outside the box when it comes to marketing and promoting their business to potential customers.

3 Creative Ways to Showcase Your Business Utilizing Print and Digital

Branding your company to a broader audience on multiple platforms can be intimidating, but with a few simple and energizing ideas, you will surely gain traction with today’s customers.

1) Use a QR code on your posters and flyers

A QR code is a type of barcode that smartphone cameras can read easily.

Once scanned, the camera will open up the designated website. This ability to get a potential customer directly to your website without typing in the website is both simple and effective.

There are many free QR code generators available. Customers will appreciate the easy access to your website and the ease of saving it onto their phone for reference later. Additionally, QR codes simplify posters and flyers by not having extra words weighing down or busying the overall aesthetic. 

2) Connect your social media to printed materials for deals

Don’t let your social media and printed marketing be islands; make them complement each other.

One application is to include an insert in your product packaging that encourages customers to post their purchase to their social media and tag your business or use a specific hashtag. Once the customer posts with the specific hashtag, you will send them a discount code for a future purchase.

This strategy uses customers as ambassadors online for you while also drawing them into stores to purchase a product. Connect your customers to your online presence to grow your digital content and familiarize customers and future customers with your business.

3) Merge your physical mail and email customers

On your physical mailers, have an option for customers to sign up for your email list.

This will give you flexibility and another platform to showcase your materials. Additionally, having customers subscribe to your emails will increase awareness of your current and upcoming deals and more.

Today’s marketplace is ever-changing and increasingly digital, so ensure your business stands out on digital and print platforms. Digital and print marketing do not need to be mutually exclusive. Contact us today to unite your online and printed materials to meet your company’s unique needs.

Driving Foot Traffic: 9 Offline Marketing Strategies for Brick and Mortar Stores

As the retail landscape evolves, a well-conceived offline marketing strategy remains critical for attracting and retaining customers in brick-and-mortar stores.

To achieve this goal, a well-crafted offline marketing strategy is essential. 

Harness the Power of Offline Marketing to Improve Foot Traffic to Your Business

Here are ten strategies to help you drive foot traffic into your store.

Have a Clear Brand Voice

Your brand voice sets you apart from other businesses.

Establishing and maintaining a consistent tone of voice will help customers recognize your store.

Host Events

Promote events within your store to get people in the door.

Try hosting workshops, classes, or community-oriented activities like movie nights or local artists' exhibitions.

Join Local Organizations

Get involved in your local community by joining organizations and networking with other businesses.

This will help you drive foot traffic to your store and increase your visibility within the community.

Run Contests & Giveaways

A great way to attract people to your store is by running contests or giveaways.

Include promotional information with each prize to help spread the word about your store.

Create Loyalty Programs

Offering discounts and rewards for loyal customers is a great way to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Send Out Promotional Flyers

Reach out to customers by sending physical mailers with promotional offers or coupons.

You can also distribute flyers at local events or post them in strategic locations in the community.

Offer Discounts & Incentives

Offering discounts or incentives can effectively drive foot traffic into your store.

Consider offering student or senior citizen discounts or even a buy-one-get-one special.

Invest in Local Advertising

Invest in local advertising, such as radio spots, billboards, and signage.

This will help to increase the visibility of your store and attract customers.

Focus on Customer Service

Excellent customer service is critical to successful retail marketing.

Ensure you provide a positive experience for all your customers so they will want to return. 

Boost Your Business' Foot Traffic with Print!

Are you looking for ways to draw more customers into your brick-and-mortar store? 

Print marketing can be a powerful tool in driving foot traffic, as it's tangible, cost-effective, and can reach a broad audience. 

Consider using print to increase foot traffic into your store: 

• Place print advertisements in local newspapers, magazines, and other publications.


• Create attractive brochures or flyers that highlight your store's products and services.


• Hang posters or banners at busy intersections or high-traffic areas.


• Decorate store windows with colorful displays that draw attention to the store.


• Invest in direct mail campaigns to target local customers with promotional offers or coupons.


• Offer discounts for customers who bring in cut-out ads from magazines or newspapers.


• Place outdoor signage with your store's logo and contact information near high-traffic areas like highways, shopping malls, and airports.


• Distribute postcards to customers in the area with information about your store and promotional discounts.

Now is the time for your business to benefit from offline marketing strategies. Start by establishing a clear brand voice, getting involved in local organizations, and creating attractive print materials that promote your store.

With consistent effort and the right approach, you can build an offline marketing plan that is sure to draw customers into your store. 

Contact us today to get started!

Driving Foot Traffic: 9 Offline Marketing Strategies for Brick and Mortar Stores

As the retail landscape evolves, a well-conceived offline marketing strategy remains critical for attracting and retaining customers in brick-and-mortar stores.

To achieve this goal, a well-crafted offline marketing strategy is essential. 

Harness the Power of Offline Marketing to Improve Foot Traffic to Your Business

Here are ten strategies to help you drive foot traffic into your store.

Have a Clear Brand Voice

Your brand voice sets you apart from other businesses.

Establishing and maintaining a consistent tone of voice will help customers recognize your store.

Host Events

Promote events within your store to get people in the door.

Try hosting workshops, classes, or community-oriented activities like movie nights or local artists' exhibitions.

Join Local Organizations

Get involved in your local community by joining organizations and networking with other businesses.

This will help you drive foot traffic to your store and increase your visibility within the community.

Run Contests & Giveaways

A great way to attract people to your store is by running contests or giveaways.

Include promotional information with each prize to help spread the word about your store.

Create Loyalty Programs

Offering discounts and rewards for loyal customers is a great way to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Send Out Promotional Flyers

Reach out to customers by sending physical mailers with promotional offers or coupons.

You can also distribute flyers at local events or post them in strategic locations in the community.

Offer Discounts & Incentives

Offering discounts or incentives can effectively drive foot traffic into your store.

Consider offering student or senior citizen discounts or even a buy-one-get-one special.

Invest in Local Advertising

Invest in local advertising, such as radio spots, billboards, and signage.

This will help to increase the visibility of your store and attract customers.

Focus on Customer Service

Excellent customer service is critical to successful retail marketing.

Ensure you provide a positive experience for all your customers so they will want to return. 

Boost Your Business' Foot Traffic with Print!

Are you looking for ways to draw more customers into your brick-and-mortar store? 

Print marketing can be a powerful tool in driving foot traffic, as it's tangible, cost-effective, and can reach a broad audience. 

Consider using print to increase foot traffic into your store: 

• Place print advertisements in local newspapers, magazines, and other publications.


• Create attractive brochures or flyers that highlight your store's products and services.


• Hang posters or banners at busy intersections or high-traffic areas.


• Decorate store windows with colorful displays that draw attention to the store.


• Invest in direct mail campaigns to target local customers with promotional offers or coupons.


• Offer discounts for customers who bring in cut-out ads from magazines or newspapers.


• Place outdoor signage with your store's logo and contact information near high-traffic areas like highways, shopping malls, and airports.


• Distribute postcards to customers in the area with information about your store and promotional discounts.

Now is the time for your business to benefit from offline marketing strategies. Start by establishing a clear brand voice, getting involved in local organizations, and creating attractive print materials that promote your store.

With consistent effort and the right approach, you can build an offline marketing plan that is sure to draw customers into your store. 

Contact us today to get started!

Type Design: Finding the Perfect Font for Your Brand

Fonts are an essential part of any brand's identity.

Effective brand messaging relies on establishing an appropriate tone, whether fun, whimsical, serious, or authoritative. Since each typeface has its unique personality, selecting the right font that matches your brand's tone of voice is essential. 

Find the Right Font to Perfectly Represent Your Brand 

Do you need a typeface that is professional and authoritative? 

Or one that is more approachable and fun-loving? 

Whatever the tone, selecting the right font will help your brand convey the message you want to send. 

Consider these factors when choosing your typeface: 

1. Readability: Is it legible on both digital and print mediums? 


2. Brand Personality: Does the font feel like an extension of your brand's spirit? 


3. Relevance: Consider how contemporary the typeface is and if it will appear up-to-date in a few years. 

Top Tips for Choosing the Ideal Font for Your Brand

With the right font, you'll be well on your way to elevating your visuals and expressing yourself with clarity and personality.

Follow these tips to find the perfect typeface to represent your brand.  

• Start with a small selection of typefaces so you don't get overwhelmed. 


• Look for versatile fonts with multiple weights, styles, and widths.


• Preview your font choice before deciding by testing it out on different backgrounds and sizes.


• Check the licensing agreement to make sure you are not violating any copyrights.


• Combine two complementary fonts for a unique look. 

Matching Fonts with Businesses: A Guide

The same principles for choosing brand colors can also be applied to selecting fonts. Your font choices may vary depending on your target audience, products, and services. 

For formal and classic businesses with a subtle touch, consider using a thin script or serif font as the primary font, complemented by a sans serif font with varying line weights.

On the other hand, if your business leans towards informality with a modern and striking look, a bold display font combined with a sans-serif font would make a great pairing.

Here are examples showcasing the implementation of different font types:

Serif

It exudes a traditional and professional feel, making it suitable for dramatic and light branding.

Sans Serif

It is the most versatile and legible font type with a modern style, making it ideal for body text.

Script

Typically associated with traditional values, it can also be used for modern or luxury branding.

However, it is not recommended for small or body text.

Display

This hyper-modern font type is not well-suited for body text but shines in larger sizes.

It offers diverse styles and can evoke many emotions, making it perfect for dramatic branding.

Choosing the right font—whether serif, sans-serif, slab serif, or script—can make all the difference in setting your brand apart. 

When you are ready to print your unique font combination on marketing materials, we are here to help. Head to our website to learn more and start your next project.

9 Lead Generation Ideas Using Print

Print media continues to be an effective tool for lead generation. 

Its tangible nature allows you to connect with a broad audience, making it a valuable addition to your marketing strategy. 

Best of all, print media can be a cost-efficient option, especially when compared to digital advertising.

Consider These 9 Effective Print Strategies for Generating Leads! 

Incorporating these tips into your print media initiatives can enhance your lead-generation efforts and achieve better results. 

1. Coupons

Send postcards or hand out flyers with special coupons for services and products.

Encourage customers to sign up for the coupon by providing a unique code that can be used online or in-store. This is one metric you can use to track the campaign's success.

2. Print Ads

Place print ads in high-traffic areas like waiting rooms, lobbies, or train stations.

Make sure your ad stands out with attention-grabbing design and copy.

3. Posters

Hang posters in popular venues such as shops, cafes, or bars.

Include a QR code that customers can scan to sign up for more information on your services or products.

4. Brochures

Design an attractive brochure with detailed descriptions of your products and services, and hand them out at trade shows or other industry events.

5. Direct Mail

Create a direct mail campaign that targets potential customers in your area with relevant offers based on their interests or location.

6. Bookmarks 

Place bookmarks or business cards at local libraries, schools, or community centers and encourage people to take them.

7. Loyalty Program

Start a loyalty program with special discounts or rewards for customers who sign up and share their contact information.

8. Event Sponsorship

Sponsor a local event and have your brand logo printed on all promotional materials such as t-shirts, posters, or banners.

9. Signage

Print eye-catching signs for your storefront, displays, and sidewalks that contain your brand's name and message.

Unlock the Potential of Print to Drive New Leads for Your Business!

To maximize the impact of print media on lead generation, here are some tips to consider:

Targeted Distribution

Identify the demographics and interests of your target audience and strategically distribute your print materials in locations where they are most likely to be found.

Eye-Catching Design

Invest in visually appealing designs that effectively capture attention and communicate your message.

Utilize color schemes, images, and typography to create a compelling visual experience.

Compelling Content

Craft persuasive content that highlights the benefits and uniqueness of your products or services.

Use storytelling techniques to engage readers and leave a lasting impression.

Call-to-Action

Include a clear call-to-action in your print materials, guiding readers on the next steps.

Whether visiting your website, calling a phone number, or visiting a physical location, put yourself in the customer's shoes and make it easy for potential leads to take action.

Measurement and Analysis

Implement tracking mechanisms, such as unique URLs or promo codes, to measure the effectiveness of your print media campaigns.

Analyze the data collected to optimize your future strategies.

Need help creating compelling and high-quality sales and marketing materials? Contact us today for a consultation, and let us guide you through the process. 

Tech Support Marketing Ideas For Printers MI4P.com   techsupport@mi4p.com 5990 14th Street South • Fargo, North Dakota 58104

3 Logo Design Elements That Are Trending Now

Logos- they're instantly recognizable, eye-catching, and memorable.

In other words, the perfect way to distinguish your business from the competition and build a brand identity! A great logo gives customers a simple, creative image to associate with your company. 

In recent years, businesses have been more eager than ever to refresh their logo designs or create a new polished logo for their company. This year alone, we have seen refreshed logos from big-name brands such as Jell-O and Pepsi.

3 Tips for Designing a Logo That Works

Designing an effective logo can be tricky. Let's look at which styles can make your logo stand out! 

1. Are You Seeing a Sea of Blue?

One essential thing to consider when designing your logo is color.

According to research cited by Zippia, 40% of Fortune 500 companies use the color blue in their logo. Something in this hue is tied to success! 

The color blue is known to evoke feelings of calm, trust, loyalty, dependability, logic, and security. These are all great things to remind your customers of at the same time that they see your company name. Blue logos are a trend that is paying off for plenty of successful companies

2. Take Your Logo Back to the Basics

Stripped-down, minimalistic formats for logos are also rising in popularity.

Companies such as Pringles and Nissan have been simplifying their logos, reducing them to bold and basic versions of their easily recognizable designs, and other businesses are following their lead.

Rather than including all the finer details in your logo, consider a more focused style that will communicate the basic idea and remain timeless. Using a more minimalist design for your logo is also a practical decision. In the digital world, a simplified logo can be easily used as an app icon or profile photo for a social account.

3. Bring Some Nostalgia to Your Logo

Another recent logo trend is leaning into designs that bring back nostalgia.

We are now seeing a return to the styles and trends of the 90s with vivid, warm color palettes paired with bold, rounded font types, like Burger King.

Many consumers worldwide prefer to buy products from brands that feel familiar to them. Choosing a nostalgic-feeling design for your company's logo could help create that familiarity!

Once you take these tips to create or redesign the logo for your company, make sure to use that fantastic new logo on all of your print materials! We've got you covered for reliable and high-quality printing.

Check out the services that we offer on our website today!

Tech Support Marketing Ideas For Printers MI4P.com   techsupport@mi4p.com 5990 14th Street South • Fargo, North Dakota 58104

3 Fall Marketing Ideas to Boost Sales

While you may still be enjoying the summer sunshine, fall is just around the corner. As the leaves start changing colors and the air becomes more crisp, it is the perfect time to breathe new life into your marketing strategies.

With the right approach, you can tap into seasonal enthusiasm to catch your customers' attention and turn it into increased sales for your business.

3 Seasonal, Fall-Themed Marketing Ideas

Check out these three creative fall marketing ideas that will engage your customers and boost your sales.

1. Show Thankfulness with a Postcard

Autumn is the season for thankfulness, so it's a great time to express the generosity of your company and your appreciation for your customers.

One seasonal idea for an autumnal marketing piece would be to create a thank-you postcard. Use the lettering on the print piece to share your thankfulness for the local community and your loyal customers, and consider making a border of leaves, acorns, or pumpkin shapes to bring fall festivity to the design. 

You could even include a discount code or a limited-time coupon on the card to encourage continued loyalty to your company.

2. Bring Fall Cheer to Your Social Media

According to Forbes, 76% of social media users have purchased something they saw on social media.

Social media is a powerful tool that you can use to leverage your business in the right direction and connect with potential customers.

There are many options for social media posts that you could make to engage the public. You could hold a fall-themed photo contest. You could also host a giveaway, where customers could earn entries by following your social media account or tagging a friend on your company's post. 

And don't forget to create videos or posts for your accounts that are fall-themed, too! This is a fantastic way to increase your social media presence while embracing the season. 

3. Create Fall Editions of Your Products

Research has shown that customers prefer to buy products that are limited-edition or specially themed. 

So, embrace the season by incorporating themes, aesthetics, or flavors into your products or packaging design. Limit the quantity of your fall edition products to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Highlight the limited availability in your marketing materials, and consider offering pre-orders or early access to loyal customers.

When planning your new fall-inspired marketing ideas, we are here to help you! Check out our website for more ideas for marketing materials and other great resources for your company's marketing and printing needs!

Tech Support Marketing Ideas For Printers MI4P.com   techsupport@mi4p.com 5990 14th Street South • Fargo, North Dakota 58104