Tag Archives: commercial printing

The Benefits of Direct Mail

Posted on October 25, 2013 by globaltechnj

Six Reasons Why Direct Mail Works So Well

If your business thrives on creating relationships, direct mail may be the best choice to lead your contact strategy. Here are six reasons why direct mail is chosen for certain types of promotions, as well as continued customer service initiatives.

It’s targeted
Mass advertising (TV, print, radio, etc.) can be expensive and aren’t typically a viable option for small businesses. But direct mail can focus in on a select list of very targeted individuals who are more likely to respond to your relevant offer. In terms of revenue dollars generated for every dollar spent, no form of advertising is as efficient as direct marketing.

It’s personal
With direct mail you can address your customers by name, speak to them based on demographic niches, and appeal to their specific interests. You can also follow up with an email or phone call to move the relationship forward. Plus when customers feel that you understand their needs, they’re more likely to respond. In fact 55 percent of consumers say they actually look forward to viewing the direct mail offers they receive.

It’s flexible
From letters to large-format postcards to brochures, there are a variety of formats you can use to create and customize your direct mail campaign. Unlike most other forms of media, with direct mail you can simply change up the format if you find that your offer requires more space to convey the message in an attractive, uncluttered design.

It’s tangible
Direct mail allows you to physically deliver your message and encourage interaction with it. Along with an irresistible offer, you can make a lasting impression by incorporating elements that actively involve the customer. Coupons and business cards are examples of objects you can deliver to create an ongoing interaction with your brand. If your offer is really valuable, people will hold on to your coupon or online coupon code even if they aren’t able to buy at that particular moment.

It’s measurable
Direct mail is one of the few media channels that gives you the ability to accurately track the success of your campaign. It’s as simple as counting the inquiries you received or counting the number of coupons redeemed. By tracking and analyzing your results, you’ll see what’s working and can then build upon it for future mailings. Knowing that you know that a promotion is working is what many consider to be the golden key of all marketing and advertising initiatives. Just one profitable direct mail piece can form the bedrock of your company’s growth for years or decades to come. As long as you have fresh, targeted prospects to mail to, you can continue growing your company at a comfortable pace.

It’s easy and cost-effective
You don’t have to be a direct mail expert with a big budget to advertise through the mail. You don’t even need to do much more than hire a designer and describe what you want to achieve. Most direct mail designers will have all the connections needed to get the job done.

Source: InfoUSA

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The ABCs of Business Cards

Posted on October 11, 2013 by globaltechnj

5 tips for creating a professional business card that leaves a lasting impression.
BY JOHN WILLIAMS
Read more: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/159468#ixzz2hL6lSkWv

Many people overlook the value of having a professional business card that accurately reflects your brand image, yet this small piece of paper can be an important part of your collateral package. It’s often the first item prospects receive from you, so it’s your first opportunity to make a strong, positive impression on them. The preponderance of do-it-yourself online business-card printing companies is an interesting and somewhat troubling phenomenon. With limited exceptions, it’s fairly easy to spot an inexpensively produced card. When you choose to “go cheap” on your business cards, what message does that send to those with whom you wish to do business? Are you really doing yourself any favors by missing out on the opportunity to start building a positive brand image right from the start?

Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to first impressions. Give clients a great first impression with these tips and tactics:

Design Tips

Tip #1: Enlist the help of a professional designer unless you have the requisite skills to design your business card yourself.
Ideally, this person’s also tasked with designing your other collateral (letterhead, brochures, website, etc.), so it’ll be intuitive to carry your brand image through from those pieces to your card.

Tip #2: Keep it simple.
Business cards are typically just 3.5″ x 2″ (except when they’re not–see below), so you don’t have too much space with which to work. Don’t make your logo too large, don’t make the type too small to be comfortably read, and don’t be afraid to use white space.

Tip #3: Keep to the standard business card size–unless you’re the adventurous type.
There are things you can do to a 3.5″ x 2″ card to differentiate yourself (e.g., rounded corners), but going with an unusual shape can be tricky. A round card, for instance, is quite memorable, but it certainly won’t fit in standard business-card holder devices. You must be willing to trade convenience for memorability if you choose an unconventional shape or size.

Content Tips

Tip #4:Be deliberate in choosing the information to appear on your card.
What’s most important? Your name certainly needs to be there, along with the name of your company (via your logo), your phone number and your e-mail address. Space permitting, you can add your physical address, fax number, cell-phone number and company website address, if desired. Don’t clutter things up too much–as with the design, simpler and cleaner is always better.

Tip #5: Keep the back blank, or use it for non-critical information.
How often will people see the back of your business card? Traditional card storage modes assume that side is blank. If you do wish to put copy on it, be sure the information is of a supplemental nature: e.g., your company’s mission or tagline. While business cards should promote your brand identity, they shouldn’t be confused with advertising.

The Bottom Line

Think about how you use other people’s business cards when you make decisions regarding your own. Do you get frustrated when you can’t quickly find the information you need? Or the type is too small to read? Or printed in a font that’s hard to decipher? Do cheaply produced cards make you think less of the person or company represented? Does it take you a while to realize whose card it is, or what company that person works for? Don’t make those same mistakes when designing your business card. Make sure it’s a positive reflection of both you and your company, and it mirrors your well-defined brand identity.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/159468

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