The Power of Promotional Products

When it comes to marketing, it makes sense to invest creatively and effectively. In 2022, on average, companies spent about 9.5% of their total revenue on marketing budgets.

Promotional products represent a strategic option, with 85% of people saying they are more likely to do business with a company after receiving such items. These products range from everyday items to unique gifts, all customizable with your company’s logo, slogan, or colors. They come in various sizes and styles to meet diverse needs and budgets, making them a versatile choice for enhancing brand visibility and engagement.

3 Major Benefits of Promotional Products

Read on to learn some of the best promotional product benefits!

1. Brand Visibility

The first significant benefit of using promotional products is increasing your brand visibility.

Whether you think of it as brand visibility, brand recognition, customer awareness, or simple advertising, handing out products that carry your company’s logo, name, or colors will create more opportunities for everyday consumers to encounter your company.

Promotional products can be given away at career fairs, trade shows, company events, or even in-store to spread brand visibility through your employees and potential customers.

Whenever someone sees your company name or logo, whether posted on a full-sized billboard or printed onto someone’s water bottle, it still serves to spread the word about your brand and familiarize more consumers with it. 

2. Customer Loyalty

Although marketing campaigns often focus on catching the interest of new, prospective customers, it’s also essential to maintain contact with your existing customers.

One way to do this is by supplying them with a useful item they will continue using daily. Each time they use that tote bag, coffee mug, pen, or water bottle, they will be reminded of your company. This practice establishes a more personal connection with your customers, keeping your company fresh on their minds and making them feel more cared about by your company.

3. Cost-Effective Marketing

Promotional items are highly cost-effective marketing tools, offering long-term exposure and brand reinforcement.

These items are typically retained for long periods, providing continuous brand reminders to users and those around them. Moreover, the cost per impression for promotional items is generally low, as they are frequently used and visible to a broad audience. Additionally, these products are highly customizable, allowing size, quality, and type adjustments to fit various budgets, further enhancing their flexibility and appeal in marketing strategies.
 
Visit our website today to connect with us for personal assistance creating high-quality promotional material and any other marketing needs you might have!

5 Trends Shaping Corporate Stationery

In the world of corporate branding, stationery plays a pivotal role in shaping the identity and professionalism of a business.

From business cards to letterhead, each piece of stationery reflects the brand’s values and aesthetic. If you are planning to update your stationary in the near future, these trends not only enhance visual appeal but also ensure that your brand stays relevant and impactful. 

5 Design Trends in Corporate Stationery

1) Eco-Friendly 

Being environmentally conscious is a significant trend.

Consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennial customers, are increasingly focused on purchasing from environmentally responsible companies that care about their environmental impact.

To align with this trend, consider utilizing:

• Sustainably sourced materials, e.g., paper sourced from sustainably managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Recycled materials, e.g., paper made from recycled materials.
• Biodegradable and compostable materials, e.g., pens made from biodegradable materials, notebooks with compostable covers, and packaging that breaks down naturally.
• Natural or non-toxic ink, e.g., soy-based ink made from soybeans instead of petroleum-based ink.

2) Bold Colors

Say goodbye to muted tones and embrace bold, vibrant colors like reds, blues, pinks, and oranges!

Create eye-catching designs by pairing high-contrast colors together and incorporating bold patterns. Be sure to offset bright colors with white to maximize their impact.

3) Watercolors

Watercolors offer a range of creative possibilities for stationery.

Use them to add soft lines, intricate mosaics, or whimsical designs to your notepads or folders. Watercolor artwork can evoke botanical scenes or unique logos, adding a touch of artistic flair to your stationery.

4) Retro Revival

Vintage-inspired designs are making a comeback.

Consider incorporating elements from eras like Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern into your stationery. Art Deco features ornate, elegant patterns and colors like black, gold, and white, while Mid-Century Modern embraces sleek lines, bright colors, and funky geometric patterns.

5) Minimalism

Minimalist designs allow your branding to stand out in a cluttered world.

These designs are easy for consumers to navigate and make a robust and modern statement. Embrace minimalism to create a sleek and sophisticated look for your corporate stationery.

There is a wealth of stylish options available for memorable stationery. Stay on top of the trends by partnering with our experienced local print marketing experts to create contemporary and cost-effective stationery sets.

Our printing professionals cater to all your company’s stationery needs, including calling cards, business cards, envelopes, letterheads, presentation folders, notepads, memos, and more, ensuring your brand stays modern and forward-looking. Contact us today to get started!

5 Tips for Incorporating Storytelling into Print Marketing

Everyone resonates with a good story. Whether funny, sad, or utterly ridiculous, stories have a unique power to stick with us forever.

Your company’s story is no exception. It has the potential to captivate, inspire, and drive action. Research shows that people remember stories 22 times better than facts. So, why not leverage the power of storytelling in your business marketing? 

5 Strategies for Integrating Storytelling into Your Print Marketing

Sharing your company’s story has the power to build, grow, restore, empower, and connect. Here are five ways to start incorporating storytelling into your print marketing. 

1. Company Origin

Share the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your company’s beginnings.

Add a unique twist or perspective to make your story stand out. Include images to bring your story to life and connect with your audience visually.

2. Testimonials

Let your satisfied customers speak for you to gain buy-in and credibility!

By using testimonials of happy customers, you gain the trust of the skeptical future customer by not seeming as pushy or direct in your marketing tactic but more conversational and casual, much like a word-of-mouth referral.

When collecting the testimonials, ask if you can include a picture. Putting a real face to your reviews makes them even more reliable and authentic.

3. Case Studies

Case studies are not just for peer-reviewed journals. 

They are excellent for gaining customer trust and credibility when showcasing your expertise and success. Use visuals like graphs and charts to support your claims. Keep it simple and focused to avoid overwhelming your audience with information. 

4. Be Authentic

“No legacy is so rich as honesty,” a poignant quote by Shakespeare, is an excellent reminder that you must be true to your story and avoid exaggeration or fabrication.

Authenticity builds trust, and over 85% of people are more likely to support honest brands.

5. End with a Call to Action

End your story with a clear call to action.

Whether it’s a QR code for more information or a coupon code for a discount, give your audience a reason to take the next step.

Storytelling within your marketing is a potent tool that can be used to connect and grow relationships with customers, build trust, and increase sales. In the words of Seth Godin, American author and marketing strategist, Remember, “Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.” 

Contact our print marketing professionals to begin creating compelling and memorable marketing campaigns that leverage the power of storytelling.

9 Steps for Planning a Seasonal Marketing Campaign

Seasonal marketing campaigns capitalize on the unique opportunities presented by specific times of the year, such as holidays, changing weather, or cultural events.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, planning a successful seasonal marketing campaign is an effective way to attract new customers, retain existing ones, and increase sales during specific times of the year.

Drive Results for Your Business with These 9 Seasonal Marketing Steps

Here’s how you can effectively plan and execute a seasonal marketing campaign.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before you kick off any marketing campaign, take the time to define your goals clearly.

What specific outcomes are you aiming for with this seasonal campaign? Whether boosting sales, attracting new customers, or enhancing brand recognition, having well-defined goals will serve as your North Star, guiding you through the planning process.

Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience

Understanding the audience you need to reach is the foundation of a successful marketing campaign.

Dive deep into your target audience’s demographics and preferences. This information will enable you to tailor your campaign to resonate with their interests and effectively address their needs.

Step 3: Research Seasonal Trends

Staying informed about the latest seasonal trends and observing competitors’ strategies can provide valuable insights.

Knowing what’s trending and how other businesses leverage seasonal opportunities can help you better position your campaign for success.

Step 4: Set a Budget

Having a well-thought-out budget is vital when planning your seasonal marketing campaign.

By establishing a clear budget, you can make informed decisions on the strategies and tactics that align with your goals while ensuring financial prudence.

Step 5: Create a Timeline

Timing is a critical aspect of seasonal marketing.

Develop a detailed timeline that maps out the campaign launch date, promotion duration, and key dates or events to leverage. A well-structured timeline will help you stay organized and maximize seasonal opportunities.

Step 6: Develop Compelling Creative Content

Capturing your target audience’s attention requires engaging and creative content.

From captivating visuals to compelling copywriting, tailor your content to resonate with your audience and reflect your campaign’s overarching goals.

Step 7: Utilize Multiple Channels

Diversifying your marketing channels is a great way to reach a broader audience.

Integrating digital platforms like social media and email with direct mail can enhance your overall strategy and maximize your campaign’s impact.

Step 8: Track and Measure Results

Once your campaign is live, monitor and evaluate its performance closely.

Track key metrics and analyze results to identify successful strategies and areas for improvement. This data will be critical in informing future seasonal marketing efforts.

Step 9: Engage with Your Customers

Developing solid relationships with your customers is the key to fostering brand loyalty.

Engage with your audience by promptly responding to their comments, addressing queries, and showing appreciation for their support. Nurturing these connections can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty over time.

Let us be your partner in planning and executing seasonal print marketing strategies that drive results for your business. Contact us today, and let’s work together to make this season one of your most profitable yet!

Get Noticed with These 9 Out of the Box Print Marketing Ideas

While digital marketing has dominated the advertising world in recent years, it’s essential not to overlook the power of print. 

Print marketing can be a refreshing change from the constant bombardment of online ads, emails, and social media posts. 56% of all consumers trust print marketing more than any other advertising method. Plus, it allows you to reach potential customers who may not spend much time online.

Make Your Mark Today with Print!

If you’re ready to make a lasting impression with your marketing efforts, here are nine out-of-the-box print marketing ideas to get you noticed.

Oversized Mailers

Think big!

Oversized envelopes have the greatest household return on investment (37%) over other mediums like postcards and letter-sized envelopes (29%). You can use this extra space to showcase your brand, products, or services in a visually appealing and compelling way.

3D Pop-Up Cards

Bring that same wonder and surprise of 3D pop-up books to your print marketing with 3D pop-up cards.

These interactive pieces are eye-catching and provide a tactile experience for the recipient, making them more likely to remember your brand.

Magnetic Calendars

Looking for a way to stay top of mind with your customers all year long?

Consider creating magnetic calendars that can be easily attached to filing cabinets, refrigerators, or other metal surfaces. These calendars are practical for daily use and serve as constant reminders of your business.

Brochures with QR Codes

Make your print materials interactive by including QR codes that lead to exclusive content or special offers.

The modern touch of a QR code builds a bridge between your physical and digital materials, allowing you to track engagement and gather customer data.

Die-Cut Business Cards

Stand out from the sea of rectangular business cards by opting for a unique die-cut shape.

This will not only make your card more visually appealing, but it can also reflect your brand’s personality and creativity.

Custom Stickers

Who doesn’t love stickers?

Create custom stickers with your brand message or logo to give out at events, include them in orders, or use them as a fun way to personalize packaging. These small but impactful items can go a long way in promoting your business.

Personalized Notepads

Everyone needs a notepad to jot down quick notes or reminders.

Take advantage of this by creating personalized notepads with your logo and brand colors. This is a subtle but effective way to keep your business top of mind.

Mini Brochures

Sometimes, less is more, which is where mini brochures come in handy.

These compact, folded pieces are perfect for handing out at events, including in mailers or displaying on countertops. They allow you to share important information about your business without overwhelming the reader.

Scratch-Off Cards

Create custom scratch-off cards with discounts, prizes, or other incentives to encourage people to engage with your brand.

This is a fun and interactive way to promote your business while creating excitement and buzz.

Branded Packaging

Take your print marketing further by incorporating your brand into your packaging materials.

This can include custom tissue paper, stickers, or even branded boxes or bags that make receiving a package from your business feel like a unique experience.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new – it may be the key to getting noticed in today’s crowded advertising landscape. So start printing and promoting your business in a whole new way! 

Are you ready to take your print marketing to the next level? Contact us today, and let us help you create eye-catching and unique materials that will get your business noticed. 

Top 10 Reasons Why Packaging Is Important in Brand Building

Packaging is like the silent hero of brand building, quietly shaping perceptions.

While companies hustle with advertising and promos, packaging silently weaves brand identities. In today’s competitive market, packaging reigns supreme. It shields the product and wields marketing magic. 

Discover the Top 10 Reasons Why Packaging Rules in Brand Building

First Impression

Packaging is often the first touchpoint that consumers have with a brand.

It is your chance to make a positive and memorable first impression on potential customers. A well-designed and attractive package can grab their attention and entice them to learn more about your product.

Differentiation

Packaging can be the differentiating factor for your brand in a sea of similar products.

A unique and eye-catching package design can make your product stand out on store shelves and create a lasting impression on consumers.

Brand Identity

Packaging is an excellent way to express your brand’s identity and values to consumers.

The colors, fonts, and imagery used on the package convey the brand’s personality and help customers connect with it on a deeper level.

Brand Recognition

Consistent packaging design across all products can help create brand recognition.

When consumers see your distinctive packaging, they will immediately associate it with your brand and products, making it easier for them to identify and choose your products in the future.

Consumer Trust

Packaging can also build consumer trust in your brand.

A well-designed package that displays essential information such as ingredients, nutrition facts, and certifications can instill confidence in consumers about your product’s quality and safety.

Shelf Appeal

In a crowded retail environment, the packaging is your product’s best chance to stand out and grab consumers’ attention.

Good packaging can create shelf appeal and entice customers to pick up and examine your product.

Marketing Tool

Packaging has now become an effective marketing tool for brands.

It can serve as a mini billboard that showcases your brand’s message, values, and unique selling points. It can also include promotional offers or call-to-actions to encourage customers to try your product.

Brand Extension

Packaging plays a crucial role in brand extension strategies.

With the right packaging design, a brand can introduce new products under the same umbrella and leverage its existing brand equity to generate sales.

Protection

Besides its marketing benefits, packaging also serves a practical purpose: protecting the product during storage and transportation.

A sturdy and well-designed package can prevent damage and ensure the product reaches consumers in good condition.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Packaging is not just about aesthetics; it can also create a positive customer experience.

Customers who receive a well-packaged product are likelier to share their experience, which can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing for your brand.

Packaging is not just about protecting the product; it is a powerful marketing tool that can create a lasting impression on consumers and drive sales. Brands that understand the importance of packaging and invest in it can reap the benefits of increased brand recognition, consumer trust, and loyalty. 

Don’t overlook the power of packaging in your brand-building strategy. Contact us to learn how we can help create a distinctive and effective packaging design for your products. Let us help you make a lasting impression on consumers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. 

What’s the Difference Between Glossy and Matte Finishing?

When it comes to marketing for your company, direct mail can be a powerful tool. It helps you to increase brand awareness, connect with potential customers, advertise new products or special promotions, and stay in touch with existing customers.

73% of American consumers say they prefer brands to contact them via direct mail rather than online advertisements. Clearly, direct mail can be a useful channel, and it’s important that you learn more about how to make the most of your direct mail campaigns.

Incorporating various finishing techniques can be pivotal to ensure your mail grabs attention. Among the most common are glossy and matte finishes, each possessing distinct attributes that warrant consideration before determining the ideal choice for your next endeavor.

The Basics of Glossy vs. Matte Finishing

Glossy Finish

A glossy finish is your best option if your vision for the piece is vivid colors and sharply defined images.

The smooth, shiny finish will give the product a characteristic shine, creating a polished and modern look. A glossy finish also has the added benefit of durability since the coating prevents scratches or scuffs in transit.

The physical texture of a print with a glossy finish will be smooth and slick to the touch. A glossy finish works well for any materials that include photos or important graphics, magazines, brochures, postcards, and most other marketing pieces.

Although it varies depending on the specific product, a glossy finish will typically have a higher cost than a matte finish since more coating is used to achieve the high-gloss effect.

Overall, a glossy finish is typically more popular for promotional pieces or marketing materials due to the eye-catching effect of the vivid colors and high-shine finish.

Matte Finish

A matte finish is the right option for you if you’re looking for a soft, muted, elegant, or classic feel for your piece. A product with a matte finish will have a physical texture that is almost velvety and more natural.

It is important to note that matte finishing typically has less durability than glossy finish. However, two benefits of using a matte finish are that products with matte finishes have reduced glare and are less prone to being smudged by fingerprints. Also, matte finishing will typically be a more affordable alternative than glossy finishing for most print projects.

Matte finishing is popular for high-end catalogs, more elegant or formal-looking marketing pieces (such as invitations), posters or art prints, business cards, and more.

Keep these things in mind when deciding which finish to use for your next printing project. Visit our website today for high-quality printing services to help you achieve your printing goals!

Brand Consistency Across Print and Digital Channels: Best Practices

59% of global shoppers prefer buying new products from brands that are familiar to them. But how do shoppers become familiar with certain brands in the first place? The key is consistency. 

Consistency can be challenging when working with multiple marketing channels. Still, despite the challenge, investing resources into print and digital channels is essential. Almost 80% of consumers act on print advertisements immediately, compared to 45% for digital ads. 

So, to maximize your marketing, you’ll need to focus on creating a consistent, powerful brand image in both print and online materials. 

3 Tips for Creating Consistency in Print and Digital Marketing

1. Create and Utilize a Style Guide

Creating a style guide is essential when maintaining consistency across all your marketing channels. 

A brand guide outlines the specific details of every aspect of your brand’s image. It should include which fonts are acceptable, which language and wording (formal, casual, enthusiastic) are standard for the brand’s “voice,” which variations of the company logo are acceptable, the exact wording of the company mission statement, and more. 

Once you’ve created your style guide, share it with every employee in every department. This is the first big step toward ensuring consistency since they will all have access to the same unified source of information when creating new marketing materials.

2. Lean into Consistent Colors

Color is one of the most recognizable parts of any brand and can increase brand recognition by up to 80%.

It helps consumers connect your products or marketing materials with your brand when they see them. Start by choosing one to three signature colors to commit to and connect with your brand. Then, integrate those colors consistently throughout your materials! Use those same colors for the background of your flyers or mail pieces, the text on your social media posts, the signage outside your storefront, and the headers and footers on your company website. 

To create true consistency with color, focus on matching the exact shade of your brand colors throughout your materials. For example, if you choose red as your brand color, ensure that the same shade of red is used for every material. The best way to ensure an exact match in the shade is to include the hex color codes (CMYK or RGB) in your company’s style guide so that team members across different departments can easily access the right color. 

3. Focus on a Unified Team

One of the last things to keep in mind that might usually be overlooked is focusing on the team members creating your marketing content and watching how that will result in a more consistent image for the content itself. 

When hiring team members, look for individuals who understand and fit in with your brand’s identity. Educate your employees across ALL departments about your company values, mission, and image, including sharing your style guide. 

Starting with the employees rather than with the content will create consistency between print and digital marketing, customer service, and every aspect of your brand. 

Use these tips to start building a foundation of consistency in your marketing today! Visit our website for more ideas on elevating your marketing materials.

How Print Marketing Enhances Customer Engagement

Print marketing plays a crucial role in effectively communicating with your current and potential customers. Author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “If you just communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles,” highlighting the importance of connecting well with your customers.

Every business aims to enhance customer service and engagement, but where do you start? What’s the secret to success? Print marketing is a critical factor in improving customer service and engagement. From door hangers, brochures, and catalogs to business cards, direct mail, and postcards, print marketing offers a versatile and effective way to communicate with your customers, fostering a personal connection and building trust.  

Print Marketing: A Trusted Choice

Printed materials are increasingly seen as trustworthy and reliable in an era of digital overload.

82% of consumers trust print advertisements the most when making purchase decisions, with 56% considering print the most trustworthy form of marketing. Building trust is essential for growing a business; investing in quality print marketing can help establish that trust. 

Tell Your Story

Print marketing is also an excellent method of telling your company’s story.

Whether sharing your origin story, highlighting team members, or showcasing leadership bios, print materials offer a tangible and engaging way to connect with your audience. In a 2018 survey of consumer preferences, 65% of respondents believe they understand a story more deeply when reading in print. Engage with customers by sharing your story on quality print marketing materials.

Increase Engagement

Reading printed materials has also been shown to boost customer attention and retention of information. 

Studies show that people scan a website for about 15 seconds on average. This small window of time is crucial in making a great impression. But you have people’s attention for longer when they’re reading print. People read slower when reading text on paper than when reading a web page, leading to increased recall and retention rates. This improved memory of what they read about your business transfers to brand recognition, interest, and potential sales.

When customers interact with print marketing materials, they engage their senses, including sight, touch, sound, and smell. This multi-sensory experience creates a lasting impression and enhances brand recognition and recall. By investing in quality print marketing materials, you can create a memorable and engaging experience for your customers, helping your business stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Connect with our print marketing experts today to improve your engagement and customer satisfaction through printed marketing materials. Our team is committed to helping your business grow and succeed through effective and efficient print marketing strategies.

3 Types of Monthly Mailings to Connect and Engage with Your Audience

People love to receive physical mail.

In fact, 70% of people said mail, rather than email, gave them a better impression of the company that sent it. Monthly mailings are an engaging, unique, and thoughtful way to reach new and loyal customers. From stories about your company and special offers to gifts, let the customer get to know and appreciate your business to build trust and loyalty.

Three Monthly Mailing Ideas to Connect with Your Audience

Direct mailings don’t have to be boring or mundane. Get creative and thoughtful with our experienced print marketing experts to craft one of these monthly mailings.

1. Newsletter

Newsletters are an excellent method to inform your customers of what is new in your business.

Customers love to stay informed and in the know of the companies they are loyal to. Share exciting updates, expansions, new products, new management or team members, and other updates like the following: 

• History. People connect best with stories, so what better way than by describing your company’s own origin story? Expanding on the roots of your company can grow customer appreciation for where you’ve come from as a business.
• About Us. A fun and unique item to add to your newsletter is a section with mini-biographies of your employees and management. Customers enjoy getting to know the company they are supporting on a personal level. Giving little excerpts about your employees creates a connection with customers and spotlights exceptional staff who have earned positive recognition.
• Growth. Showcase your business’s growth, whether physical growth, such as opening new stores or locations, financial growth, employee growth, or product growth. Seize the opportunity to compliment your business’s positive growth and remind customers that your business is strong.
• Sales. Upcoming sales are an excellent feature to add to your monthly newsletters. Customers are looking for great deals to make their money stretch further. Incentivize coming into your store or logging into your website with information about upcoming sales and discounts. 

2. Postcards with Special Offers

People love a good deal. 

86% of online shoppers are more likely to try a new business if they have a coupon, which is why special offers are an excellent way to incentivize new customers to try your business. 

Limited-time promotions are a unique but simple method to attract sales. Shortening the time window when a special offer or price is available grows excitement and anticipation in purchasing. Focus on your sales in a specific timeframe and publicize it.

Including birthday or anniversary discounts in your monthly rotation is a thoughtful way to encourage sales growth while building a personal connection with customers. Receiving a mailer with a discount from your business is a definite cause for celebration!

3. Welcome New Customers with a Series of Content 

Over five or six months, send out mailings that provide value to new customers.

Start with a personalized welcome letter and follow it up with something else each month, like a brochure detailing your offerings, tips, and tricks related to your products or services, industry insights, or a discount coupon or small gift.

Be remembered and thought of frequently by mailing out gifts like:

• Fridge magnets: Compact and economical, fridge magnets have a natural place in the home. Be present in the kitchen and available for reference in a flash by sending out magnets.
• Reusable shopping bags: Not only will customers appreciate the environmentally conscious effort your business puts into sending out reusable bags, but these gifts are also useful.
• Sticky notes: Create a memorable and practical sticky pad for customers to enjoy and reference your company’s information. 

Ensure customers are excited to see your name in the mailbox by regularly connecting and engaging with your audience. Contact our local print professionals today to begin your company’s journey to craft any of these monthly mailings for your growing business!