PrintRoundTable

Simple Ways To Make Plain Flyers More Appealing!

Filed under Custom Printing Tips and Guidelines , General , Marketing Collaterals

Flyers are a great way to get your message to the public.  Sometimes it can be a challenge to get the results you want.  Here is a simple set of tips to help add visual impact to your flyer printing.   One Simple Message is all you need to draw attention to your flyer. When you try to create a flyer with a ton of information, the message you want to convey almost always gets overlooked. Flyers should have just one main message that is to the point and grabs attention.  For best flyer printing results, make your main message font 2 to 3 times larger than the body copy font. Add Information That Draws the Eye to the Message to provide details. A great way to do this is by adding 3 to 6 bullet points. Bullet points help add short, descriptive details including dates, times, locations, entry fees, or any information that supports the main message.   Colored Text and Images can change boring flyers into more interesting ones. It is important to not overdo on color, but add just enough to grab attention and make it relevant to the main theme.  For example, if you are promoting a sale, you may want to add photos of your sale items on the back of your flyer.  If you are doing a church fundraiser, a beautiful bible verse or spiritual image may help draw people’s attention.   Material optionsare vast; however, a glossy material tends to help color stand out more. Whether you need text or cover material, choose a gloss material, or add a laminate for extra shine so your flyers get noticed!   It is very easy to go from a simple, basic flyer to ones that pop.  Just follow the guidelines above and see what results you can get!  

Start Marketing Off On The Right Foot For 2013

Filed under Custom Printing Tips and Guidelines , Full Color Envelope Printing , General , Marketing Collaterals , OnlinePrinting - Marketing Tips For Small Business

Every year brings new business challenges.  Whether it is budgeting tasks, creating goals and traveling schedules, the one thing that should be at the top of your business to-do list is creating marketing collaterals that will bring interest in your company.  A consistent corporate identity will give your business brand recognition, build trust and bring in current and new customers in the door.  The best way to get the word out is to create flyers, brochures, rack cards, letterhead, business cards, and envelopes that are tailored to your exact needs.  And do all of this on a budget!   Out of all marketing collaterals, business cards, letterhead and envelopes are a must.  Business cards get handed out everywhere.  From trade shows, conventions, sales calls, and just casual run-ins, you need a way for customers to contact you.  If you have a business where there are many products and services, adding an informational brochure, flyer or rack card will give customers valuable information to take with them and have on hand.  Depending on your offering, you may just need a simple rack card, or single sheet flyer, but regardless, giving customers with the information they need that is easily accessible is a must for growing your business.   Another key element is creating marketing collaterals that show a solid corporate image.  Basically, you want everything to match.  A solid corporate identity does many things that businesses sometimes take for granted.  For example, having many different logos may make your business come off as indecisive.  If your brochures have one design and your business card is vastly different, a customer may mistakenly throw one of the collaterals away, not realizing it is the same company. Building trust is one of the hardest things any business does, and customers can be very unforgiving when it is broken.  Keeping all collaterals consistent is key to building a solid, trusting relationship with your customers.   Finally, price shop with caution.  Sometimes cheaper isn’t better.  Having one printer print all of your marketing collaterals may help ensure that your design colors stay consistent.  You may also get discounts for ordering many collaterals at one time.  Turn time is also important. You do not want to waste valuable sales time waiting on your print.  Keeping these points in mind will start your 2013 marketing year off running!  

Get The Word Out About Your Business With Postcards!

Filed under General , Mailers , Marketing Collaterals

The holiday season is right around the corner and with that many things are going on. Churches are holding special services for their congregations. Retail stores are arranging their promotions. Even hospitals and clinics are holding flu shot clinics.  This time of year is extremely busy and hectic, and with all of these amazing events going on, many forget to market. What good is an event without anyone showing up? Paper and Plastic Postcard mailers may be the cheapest, most fun mail item a person gets in the mail.  Letting your target audience know to visit you will make your project successful, and in some cases very profitable.  Depending on your budget, and goals, will help you determine whether to go with a paper postcard or the plastic version.  Paper postcards are the most economical, fast way to get the word out. Many paper postcards come in very thick materials with a coating, making them withstand the mail environment and arrive as beautifully as they were coming off the printing press.  Choosing a glossy coating also enhances the likelihood of the postcard getting read and not simply tossed in the trash.  Paper postcards generally have very fast production times, so you can rely on a mailing to reach your customers within a few short days.      If you have the budget, a plastic postcard is the best choice for many reasons.  First, they are made of plastic, so they are have a higher chance of being read.  Also, they can have a plastic card built right into the postcard, making them interactive and fun; not to mention a lasting souvenir of your business.  There are also some postcard mailers that allow you to put a magnetic strip on the back, making them a functional card for promotions and discounts. The downside is cost and time.  Plastic postcards do cost more than their paper counterpart; however, because they produce a higher read rate, you may get more sales or response making the cost worth it.  Production times are much higher with plastic postcards, and can run as high as 7 to 10 days, so that is something to consider when planning your event.     Businesses cannot go wrong with either postcard version.  Knowing your budget, timeframe and what you want to convey to your audience, will ensure your project will be a success.  

What a Good Rack Card Can Do For Your Business

Filed under Marketing Collaterals

 Many businesses think rack card printing is pretty straight forward.  Print the cards, put them in a little plastic holder, and watch the occasional customer grab one while the rest go to waste.  That is just simply not the case anymore!  Many companies, especially retail customers, are using the convenient size of a rack card to throw in their sales bag to promote the next sale or special event.   Rack cards are normally 4x9 inches, give or take, do provide the ideal size for free standing and hanging racks.  A nicely designed card will still get taken from the holder if it grabs the customer’s attention.  However, sometimes consumers are so busy, that not even a beautifully designed piece will jump out at them.  This is why turning a rack card into a functional “mini-flyer”, and either handing it to them or putting it in their sales bag, gives them an opportunity to actually see it; and hopefully act on it. This dual usage of a rack card does not take away from its purpose, but actually enhances it.  When designing a rack card, of course the design is key.  If you fill the card with text, it will most likely get tossed away.  Most people do not want to bother taking the time to read everything on a rack card.  Instead, hit them with quick information that they will need.  For example, retail stores need to list any product specials, coupons, and their contact information.  They can also get away with a few sentences about their business.  A church may want to design a beautiful, scenic background and list their service hours, contact names and numbers, and maybe finish at the bottom with a bible verse.  A restaurant could put their hours, daily specials, or even a small carry-out menu.  There isn’t an industry that can’t utilize rack card printing to improve their business.  

Fun Ways to Make Sure Customers Remember Your Name

Filed under Full Color Magnet Printing , Marketing Collaterals , Promotional Product Printing , Save The Date Magnets

Every business tries to figure out the best way to market to their customers.  Whether it is through social media, mailings or simple word-of-mouth, it can be tricky to keep customers engaged in your business.  One marketing piece that always seems to make a customer look twice is magnets. Magnets are not your typical promotional piece. There are a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and uses that make them very versatile depending on what you want to achieve; however, your method of delivery is usually the challenge with magnets for many reasons.  First, magnets are not the easiest thing to mail.  The USPS is very strict on sending magnets through the postal system.  Putting the magnet in an envelope is a great way to mail, but you can now use a magnetic postcard.  These mail-friendly postcards have a magnet built into the piece that, most often; you just peel out and stick.  There is a catch.  This method can be very costly.  Instead, many businesses print coupon magnets, which combine the best of both worlds by offering a permanent magnet and tear-out coupons to use, all in one sheet. These can be designed to fit perfectly in a #10 envelope. Custom shapes are a great attention grabbing idea.  Nothing stands out more than house shaped magnet for a mortgage company, or even a tooth shaped magnet for a dentist.  You can put your business contact information easily on these magnets, and they last on your customer’s fridge or metal cabinets for years. Take it one step further and use your magnets for a “save-the-date” promotion.  Unlike paper marketing pieces, magnets will get face time every time your customer opens their refrigerator; same with a magnetic business card, frame magnet or a calendar magnet.  Anytime you give a magnet, not only are you promoting your business, but you are giving your customers a functional marketing piece that will not get thrown out with the trash.  Whether you mail out your magnet, hand them out at tradeshows or open housess, or simply put in their bagged purchase, they will get utilized. They are fun, can be affordable and practical for everyone to use.  

Get the Best Envelopes for your Business

Filed under Full Color Envelope Printing , Mailers , Marketing Collaterals

Selecting business envelopes seems like a easy thing to do. Put a logo on an envelopes template and you are ready. Unfortunately, it isn't always that simple. Putting together a good corporate image takes thought, vision and consistency. Your stationary is a direct reflection of your business. It should function as you need it, giving your customers the feeling of security and still be within your budget. Envelope printing seems like a pretty easy thing to understand; however, there are many different features  that a business needs to consider when choosing the perfect envelopes for their business. First variable to consider is the size, or sizes, your company  will need. A #10 envelope is pretty standard for most businesses. However, some would rather have a #10 with a window. And even one step further, many businesses that need payments or correspondence mailed back, need a #9 envelope with or without an envelope. From very large to extremely small, there is a huge variety to choose from. The key it to choose envelope sizes that you actually need with having a stockroom full of extra inventory. Another factor to consider is color. Color can really affect pricing on your envelope printing project. Businesses can go very simple with a one or two color option, or a full color envelope. Full color envelopes can be quite pricey and if it isn't necessary for your corporate image, then it is more cost effective to go simple. However, if you have photo images, or a very complex colored logo, then definitely stay with full color. Trying to change your corporate image on a few marketing pieces to save money will hurt you in the long run, not to mention making your business look disjointed. There are also a large number of materials in the envelope printing world. 24# Linens, Bonds, and Classic Laid materials are just a few. Normally choosing your color helps determine what material to go with. If you choose a full color envelope, the number of materials usually is limited to one or two options. Going with a black only, or one and two spot colors, gives you the most options. Laid materials have a slight handmade finish, whereas Linen has a woven pattern. Bond material is normally smooth. There really is a material to match any look a business is going for. The best way to help determine which envelope options are best for your business is to request envelope samples from your printing company. Testing different colors and materials is the best way to see which one works for your business image. Sometimes it is best to order a small quantity with your logo and information to make sure they are how you envisioned, and then order a larger quantity when you are sure they are exactly what you want. It is better to be out a little money than a lot.  

Choosing Invoice and Payment Mailers that Work for Your Business

Filed under General , Marketing Collaterals , Mailers

 Businesses strive every day to find ways to be more cost effective and increase their profitability. Mailing costs is the one area that seems so simple, but yet can swallow up a large amount of a company’s money.  In order to be profitable, and keep costs low, researching the best options and processes is the key to successfully managing those internal costs.  Whether you company mails invoices, payment vouchers, or just regular correspondence, ensuring you are getting what you pay for, while maintaining your corporate image is very important.    If you are a company who sends out invoices and remittance slips, a product that may help you save money is the Form-N-Envelope.  Available in two standard sizes, the Form-N-Envelope mailer runs through a laser printer, and once printed, you can fold, tab and mail.  This one form can take the place of 3 different pieces on information including #9 and #10 envelope and letterhead or invoice. You can also choose to have them pre-printed with the information of your choosing to cut down on toner expense as well. Another great option, although it does require some upfront cost, is Pressure Seal mailers.  Pressure seal comes in two standard sizes, and the functionality and savings you get long term is substantial.  The one drawback is you need to purchase a folder-sealer in order to use the forms. This machine allows you to put a stack of pressure seal forms in the tray, push the button, and they automatically fold and seal.  There are even some machines that will print the form and then fold and seal, making the process even easier.  So the process is very simple.  Print the form, run through the folder sealer and mail.  No need for extra envelopes.  Once the customer receives the mail piece, they simply tear off the perimeter to open what is inside. There is even a version that comes with an envelope built into the form so your customers can return any payments to you! U-Seal ™ is a great mailer option that is very similar to a pressure seal form. They come in flat sheets, but instead of using a folder-sealer to seal the U-Seal ™ form, you can do it by hand.  In fact, you only need 10 lbs of pressure to seal this form (the equivalent of pressing down with your fingers). They form a great seal; however, if the information needs to be very secure, then you still might want to stick with Pressure Seal.  In fact, you only need 10 lbs of pressure to seal this form (the equivalent of pressing down with your fingers). There are many mailer options to customize for your specific business needs.  It may even be possible to use one specific mailer for many different projects around the office and not just invoices or statements. Some companies have been very successful using the above mentioned mailers as marketing piece to drive business.  No matter which mailer you choose, they are all great in their own way to help your business rein in costs and continue to be profitable.  

Bookmark Printing for Businesses and Tradeshows

Filed under Custom Printing Tips and Guidelines , General , Marketing Collaterals

  Bookmark printing has been around for ages.  And they are for so much more than just marking your page in a book.  Bookmarks are a little reminder to anyone who uses them of your business, or any other message, that you want to convey. You can go very fancy to simple and elegant, but the message is always there no matter which way your budget turns.   Bookmarks come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, colors and options. You can add a hole punch and tassel for added pizazz, or keep them simple for ease of use.  To make them an effective marketing tool is all about the message you put on them.  For bookmarks in particular, businesses walk a fine line between overselling themselves on a piece and making it functional. When a person picks up a bookmark to use, it needs to be appealing to the eye, basically something they would want to look at, and still have enough of the company message for marketing purposes.   The best way to achieve this is to devote one side to your company, and one side to the consumer.  Choose the company side to put your contact information, maybe a brief company statement and a product or service list.  Even a price list could be used on the company side. However, on the consumer side, choose something that will grab attention.  Use a beautiful scenic background, maybe a motivational message, or print multiple versions to cater to different audiences. Perhaps an image of a high end sports car for the men, and a neat recipe on the front for women.  Or with recent movie and book crazes, put an image of a character or actor on the front with your information on the back.  A business doesn’t necessarily have to choose an image that matches their field, although many do which is fine as well.  The point is to have a functional, customer driven piece that just happens to have your information on it.   Pricing can be a major factor in what style of bookmark a business goes with.  If your budget allows a full color bookmark on both sides of the piece, by all means utilize the space.  However, if you can only afford a one sided bookmark, you can still make it fun, appealing and functional. It is just a matter of integrating your information with the image on the front.    Regardless of budgeting or style, every business can benefit from this very small piece of marketing collateral.  Try different things until you find one that benefits your business the best; add a promo code, do something totally off the norm.  Have fun with these little marketing pieces because they are designed to be a fun piece, engaging the customer!  Not many marketing collaterals are actually kept buy a customer; however, a fun bookmark is the exception to that rule if done correctly!