Informative Blog

When was the last time your print marketing products exuded a sense of classic luxury and left a lasting memory?

Print projects do not have to be dull and two-dimensional. Texture is a vital element in creating visually striking printed materials. It has the power to influence emotions, trigger psychological associations, draw attention to the medium used, or focus our attention on the materials themselves.

Welcome to the World of Embossing!  

To begin, let us find some common ground on what embossing means.

Embossing involves creating a raised design or text on the surface of print materials. Companies today often utilize embossing for their logo, initials, or a specific pattern.

While embossing has been around since the 15th century, the process has been refined to provide cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality embossing. 

Embossing utilizes a die, a custom metal plate that carries the desired design, and the chosen material, typically paper. The die is pressed onto the material, creating a raised image and a three-dimensional effect highlighting your company’s logo, initials, or a graphic.

Experiment with Embossing in Print Projects with These Ideal Applications

Business Cards

Craft a unique and notable business card that looks memorable and leaves a tangible impression.

Invitations

Infuse elegance into any invitation with the classy addition of an embossed element.

Postcards 

Adding a three-dimensional aspect to your postcard will make consumers more likely to remember your mailer and connect with your company. 

Gift Bags

Give a gift that keeps on giving with a memorable bag for your customer to take home and continue to remember your business.

Envelopes

Don’t let this often-forgotten piece of paper material be underutilized. Combine form with function by embossing your company envelopes.

Benefits of Embossing

Still not convinced to give embossing a try? Then, consider the following benefits of embossing.

Enhanced Texture

The embossed pattern, especially a double-embossed pattern, makes the paper product softer to the touch.

Aesthetic Appeal

Improve the appearance of print materials to make them more attractive and tactile. 

Stand Out

Rise above the competition with strategic and unique printed materials with a raised logo or visual.

Elevate your Printed Materials with the Art of Embossing 

Be classic with this traditional and revered method of printing. 

Be luxurious in your standards of print marketing materials and expect high quality. 

Be memorable by harnessing embossing to stand out from competitors by exploring new textures and techniques with embossing.

Connect with our print marketing experts today to begin your revitalization of printings with ideal applications of embossing!

Signage is not just to look pretty. It is essential for your business and its success, especially at events.

Standout signage will benefit your event by impressing attendees with welcome displays, informing customers where they should go, keeping a schedule of events visible, thanking sponsors, and more.

Team up with our printing professionals to help create the event of the year with innovative and unforgettable signage and displays.

Printing for Events: Tips for Standout Signage and Displays

Looking for some ideas to begin your journey? Consider the following four ideas.

Welcoming

First impressions are of the utmost importance for your next event.

Ensure your attendees know where they are, why they’re there, where to find specific locations, and most importantly, that they are welcome. 

Examples of Welcoming Signage:

• Feather/Banner Flags: Allow nature to let these flow in the wind to attract views
• Welcome Banner: The first signage a guest sees upon arriving
• Window clings: Utilize windows and mirrors to double as a canvas for your signage
• Yard signs: Start welcoming and directing guests from outside
• Directions for restrooms, conference rooms, and seating: Once at the event, empower your attendees where things are located

Crowd Control

Having many people attend your event is a good thing, but controlling the flow of the crowd is vital.

Clear signage and directions for guests are critical to a safe and effective event. Consider organizing the crowds with thoughtful printed materials such as:

• VIP passes – Allow for distinction among guests to have special privileges
• Admission tickets – This can be a safety measure to know who is supposed to be at your event
• Age-restricted drink/ride/food tickets – Be proactive with specialty items and limitations
• Prize drawing tickets – Give the right amount of attendees the chance to win big!
• Queue Banners – Visibly show where guests are to line up for drinks, tickets, etc
• Stair Wraps – Use a natural mode of crowd flow and harness its signage possibilities
• Floor decals/graphics – Be specific about where attendees should gravitate 

Information

Once your event welcomes people, they need to know their options and when events are.

Stay organized and give your attendees the power of information with educational signage and other materials like:

• Programs – bi-fold or tri-fold to fit pertinent details about your event
• Schedules – List out the times and locations of events attendees should be aware of
• Menus – Whether it’s food, drinks, or services, impress your audience with their choices
• Maps – Events can be confusing to locate places, so take the guesswork out of navigating
• Flyers – Simple or detailed, these handheld papers detail just the right amount of info 

Sponsor Recognition

Don’t forget to thank your sponsors and all the other people and companies that allowed your event to occur.

Showing your gratitude and appreciation towards others is crucial in positive business dealings and allows guests to know who else to thank and show recognition.

Ideas to illustrate sponsors and thanks:

• Program ads
• Large vinyl banners
• Stage backdrops
• Table tents

These attention-grabbing graphics for indoor or outdoor use benefit your next event, whether you want to welcome guests, help control crowd flow, or thank sponsors. 

Don’t let your customers feel lost, unsure, or confused at your next event. Allow our print marketing experts to collaborate with you today to craft the highest quality and best impression signage! Head to our website to learn more about innovative sign solutions.

With so much emphasis on online advertising and social media, it’s easy to overlook the impact of well-executed print materials on your target audience.

But how do you measure the success of your print marketing campaigns?

While tracking the effectiveness of physical marketing materials may seem complicated, a few key metrics can help you evaluate your efforts.

Consider These 11 Metrics for Evaluating the Success of Your Print Campaigns

Response Rate

The response rate is perhaps one of the most critical metrics for measuring the success of any marketing campaign, including print.

This metric assesses the percentage of people who responded to your call-to-action (CTA) after receiving your print materials. This could include visiting your website, purchasing, or completing a form.

Conversion Rate

Similar to the response rate, the conversion rate measures the percentage of people who not only respond to your CTA but also complete the desired action.

For example, if your CTA is to make a purchase, the conversion rate would track the percentage of people who purchased after receiving your print materials.

Cost Per Response

The cost per response is calculated by dividing the total price of your print marketing campaign by the number of responses you received.

This metric can help you determine your campaign’s ROI (return on investment) and compare it to other forms of advertising.

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

While not specific to print marketing campaigns, CLV is an essential metric for any business.

It calculates the total revenue a customer will generate over their lifetime. By tracking this metric, you can determine how effectively your print materials attract and retain valuable customers.

Brand Recognition

Print marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and business cards can contribute to building brand recognition.

Utilizing these materials consistently and effectively increases your brand’s visibility and improves customer recall.

Call Tracking

Implementing call tracking for your print marketing campaigns allows you to track the number of calls your materials generate.

This can help you assess the success of specific ads or campaigns and make adjustments as needed.

Coupon Redemption

If your print materials include coupons or special offers, tracking the redemption rate can give you insight into their effectiveness.

This metric can also help you determine which offers appeal to your target audience and adjust accordingly.

Social Media Engagement

Even though print materials may not be directly connected to social media, they can still drive engagement on your social media platforms.

You can track the number of shares, likes, and comments generated by your campaign by including social media handles or hashtags on your materials.

Website Traffic

Print marketing campaigns can also drive traffic to your website.

By monitoring the increase in website traffic after distributing print materials, you can measure their impact and adjust future campaigns.

Customer Feedback

Asking for feedback from customers who received your print materials can provide valuable insights into the success of your campaign.

This could include surveys or reviews about the customer’s experience and whether the print materials influenced them.

Sales Revenue

Last but certainly not least, sales revenue is a critical metric for evaluating the overall success of your print marketing campaign.

By tracking the increase in sales during and after the campaign, you can determine whether it effectively drove revenue and met your business goals.

While digital marketing may seem to dominate the advertising landscape, print materials have maintained a valuable place in any successful marketing strategy. By utilizing these key metrics, you can measure the effectiveness of your print campaigns and make informed decisions for future marketing efforts.

Don’t overlook the power of print – with the right metrics, you can ensure its success in your overall marketing plan. Contact us today to start your next campaign.

The start of a new year is always exciting for businesses and professionals.

It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year, set goals, and plan for the future. As we step into 2024, one thing that should be at the top of your list is updating your business cards.

Business cards may seem small, but they are an essential tool for networking and promoting your brand. They provide a tangible representation of you and your business, making it easier for potential clients or collaborators to remember you and reach out in the future.

Start the New Year Right with New Business Cards

Here are some reasons why getting new business cards should be on your to-do list for the new year.

A Fresh Start

With every passing year, businesses evolve and change.

Your services or products may have expanded, your branding may have been updated, or you might have a new job title.

Whatever the changes, it’s important to reflect them on your business cards. Outdated information can leave a negative impression and make you appear out of touch with your business.

Getting new business cards is a simple way to start the year on the right foot, showing that you stay current and relevant in your industry. It also lets you update your design and incorporate new branding elements or colors.

Networking Opportunities

Attending networking events, conferences, or trade shows is a great way to connect with potential clients and partners.

And when you do, you want to ensure you have a professional and memorable way to exchange contact information. Handing out a well-designed business card is much more impressive than scribbling your number on paper or trying to remember someone’s email address.

Ensure your new business cards represent you and your business in the best possible light. Choose a high-quality cardstock, add a unique touch with rounded corners or embossing, and make sure your contact information is clear and easy to read.

Showcasing Your Brand

Your business cards are an extension of your brand identity.

They should represent your company’s values, personality, and aesthetics. If you have recently rebranded or updated your logo, it’s crucial to have your new design on your business cards. It helps to solidify your brand in the minds of potential clients and partners.

Take advantage of the blank canvas business cards offer and get creative with your design. Use bold colors and unique fonts, or add images representing your brand.

Remember to keep your business cards professional and on-brand to make them stand out and leave a lasting impression. 

Staying Ahead of the Game

In today’s digital world, we often rely on our phones or laptops to connect with others. However, having a physical business card shows professionalism and sets you apart.

When everyone else exchanges information digitally, handing out a well-designed business card adds a personal touch and leaves a lasting impression.

Keep your business cards handy, and you’ll always be ready to make connections and promote your brand.

Start the new year on the right foot and give your business the professional touch it deserves with new business cards. Contact us today to get started!  

The new year is the perfect time to make resolutions and lay out goals for your year ahead. 

Personal resolutions can help you improve your life or pursue new hobbies, and in the same way, making resolutions for your professional life can motivate you to try new things in the year ahead.

4 Ideas for Marketing Goals to Make in the New Year

Dream big and lay the foundations for a successful 2024 with some of these marketing ideas!

1. Upgrade Your Visuals and Images

Customers love to engage with marketing that uses high-quality imagery and interesting visuals.

So, set the goal for yourself to invest extra time into the visual appeal of your brand this year!

Is it time to update your logo or brand identity? Consider using a graphic designer to ensure you have a cohesive look that tells your brand story and engages your audience.

Using high-quality images in your marketing materials will also pay off. Consider hiring a photographer or utilizing stock photography from sites like Getty Images or Shutterstock for professional and compelling images.

2. Focus on Quality Content

As the saying goes, quality rather than quantity often matters most.

So, in 2024, focus your resolution on producing better content! It’s essential to ensure that the content you’re producing for your marketing materials is helpful and engaging for customers. 

Focus on writing that prioritizes a human connection, intentionally fosters trust, and is unique, engaging, and easily readable. This resolution will help to improve your user experience!

3. Update your Website

If your website hasn’t been updated in a while, make this the year you polish it up so it’s at its best!

Add new testimonials or reviews from happy customers, update the photos or design to make it more modern, or add new links and interactive features. 

One specific resolution you could make is to improve the functionality of your website. Statista reports that 17% of global web usage comes from cell phones, so it’s essential that your website is mobile-friendly! 

The start of the new year is also a great time to look back on your metrics and performance from the past year to see which features garner the highest customer response rate. Make adjustments to your website according to that data. 

4. Utilize Inbound Marketing Strategies

Inbound marketing creates content to boost brand recognition, attract website visitors for information, and drive product interest and sales.

Examples of inbound marketing include blog posts, social media, and videos that focus more on education or entertainment than sales. You could even consider holding webinars, recording video sessions, or making a podcast related to your company.

Integrating these inbound marketing tactics with traditional methods like direct mail, flyers, and other print marketing can enhance visibility and amplify the overall effectiveness of both approaches.

As you head into the new year, our company is here for any print marketing needs that you might have, helping you bring success to your business! Visit our website today.

We’re grateful for incredible customers like you all year, especially this season.

Taking time for appreciation is important for all of us – for many reasons. Research shows that gratitude has several beneficial effects:

• Gratitude enables people to savor positive experiences and have greater life satisfaction.
• Thankful attitudes help individuals cope with stressful circumstances and be resilient in facing challenges.
• Expressing appreciation strengthens social relationships.
• Gratitude improves people’s health and well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood, and immunity while decreasing depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and disease risk. In Mayo’s words: “If a pill could do this, everyone would be taking it!”

A Year-End Message of Appreciation from Our Business

In this holiday season, we want to express our gratitude.

Thank you for your patronage, partnership, and loyalty. Print is not about projects; it’s about people, and it is truly our pleasure to help people like you succeed.

Also, your steadfast partnership is the fuel that powers our firm to offer greater flexibility, shorter lead times, and best-quality service. Consider this unbeatable customer care our most sincere expression of gratitude.

Create Pristine Products with Start-to-Finish Partnership

As you think ahead to a new year, please know our team is standing by to assist.

Create, order, and shape your printing project with practical help at each step.

Design and Marketing Support

Shape logos, branding, new product launches, or personalized mailings.

Build from scratch or revitalize existing designs with helpful consults from our experienced team. Our goal is to provide the right level of service for projects large and small.

Solutions-Oriented Teamwork

Wondering about sizes, layouts, or projects that break out of the preset templates?

We’re glad to collaborate. With can-do attitudes, our team seeks to flush out ideas in ways that work best for your budget – any color, any size, any time!

Exceptional Bindings and Finishes

Custom finishes can make your products sing like a beautiful bow on a gift.

Amplify impact with textures, bindings, die-cuts, gloss or matte overlays, custom seals, and more. Inquire about details if you are looking to brainstorm!

Helpful Proofing and Accessible Consults

Are you prepping artwork or handling large orders?

Avoid stressful setbacks and costly mistakes with friendly guidance from our team.

We are pleased to serve you and look forward to collaborating soon. We know the world is full of choices. Thank you for choosing us!

Print projects are crucial for businesses and organizations, whether for marketing, packaging, or brochures.

A critical aspect of every print project is selecting the right paper. The type and quality of paper you choose can greatly impact your printed materials and their results. 

But with so many available options, how do you know which paper suits your project?

7 Steps to Choose the Perfect Paper for Your Next Print Project

Step 1: Identify the Purpose

Is your project intended for promotional materials at a trade show or a product catalog for potential customers?

The purpose will determine the type of paper you need. For example, for luxury brochures, opt for thicker, glossier paper. For eco-friendly projects, choose recycled paper.

Step 2: Consider Your Audience

Who will receive your printed materials?

Understanding your target audience is crucial. Different demographics may prefer different paper types and quality.

For a younger audience, choose vibrant and colorful paper. For a more traditional appeal, go for something classic and elegant. 

Step 3: Determine the Look and Feel

Aesthetics matter.

Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Do you prefer a modern, sleek look or a traditional, rustic feel?

The paper’s texture, weight, and finish contribute to the look and feel. Textured paper adds depth, while a glossy finish gives a polished appearance.

Step 4: Understand Paper Types

Know the different paper types available:

• Coated Paper: Smooth and glossy with a coating
• Uncoated Paper: Natural and textured
• Recycled Paper: Made from recycled materials with various textures and finishes
• Specialty Paper: Metallic or textured paper for a unique touch

Step 5: Consider the Printing Process

Different printing processes may require specific paper types.

For digital printing, choose paper designed for that process. Embossing or foiling requires paper that can withstand those techniques.

Step 6: Test and Compare

Narrow down your options and test each paper.

Printing companies offer sample packs for comparison. Print your design on each piece of paper and compare it.

Step 7: Consider the Cost

Higher quality and specialty papers may be pricier, so check if they fit your budget.

Using high-quality paper can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your project, creating a lasting impression.

Choosing the right paper for your print project may seem daunting, but these seven steps will help you make an informed decision. Take the time to choose wisely, and you’ll see its impact!

Need help selecting the perfect paper? Let us assist you! Contact us today to create the ideal print product to promote your brand. 

There is power in good copy, but there’s MAGIC in great advertising.

Want proof? Enjoy this trip down memory lane!

• When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best (Hallmark, 1934)
• Breakfast of Champions (Wheaties, 1935)
• Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand (M&Ms, 1954)
• Betcha Can’t Eat Just One (Lay’s, 1963)
• The Few, The Proud, The Marines (US Marine Corps, 1977)
• Just Do It (Nike, 1987)

A strong slogan is a snapshot of what the best ads embody.

Their idea is short, captures attention, and leaves a lasting impression on consumers long after the message fades.

Drafting Short Soundbites with Big Ideas

Writing convincing copy is both a skill and an art form.

Advertisements should be unique, timely, persuasive, memorable, and concise. Easy, right? If only it were that simple.

Whole books are devoted to helping you write 30-second promos, but if you’re looking for the very basics, here are four tips to get you started.

1. Know Your Audience

You can only hit a bulls-eye if you have a tangible target in mind.

To shape the perfect message, you’ll need to review exactly who your target prospect is and the advertising medium where your ad will appear. Alert writers won’t pen a word before nailing down these details.

2. Highlight Your Unique Selling Proposition

Today’s buyers are overwhelmed with options, so they must quickly understand what makes you different from your competitors, or they’ll disengage altogether.

When you want to stand tall in your industry, a unique selling proposition (USP) sets you apart. USPs clarify the reason customers should buy from you and you alone.

What makes your product or company different? Brainstorm ways you can say this in one punchy phrase.

For example: 

• Saddleback Leather: They’ll fight over it when you are gone (because our products will outlive you!)
• Geico: 15 minutes could save you 15 percent more on your car insurance

3. Use Offers that Sell

Add a natural conclusion – like an exceptional deal, a date-sensitive timeline, or a risk-free option – combined with a clear next step that prompts people to act.

For example: 

• No charge for the first two months. Email ___ for your subscription.
• Free returns, no questions asked. Take your ___ home today!
• Only ___ tickets remain! Reserve your spot HERE.

4. Unleash Your Inner Poet with Active, Emotional Language

Only have a minute or less?

Maximize your mic time with bold headlines, flavorful adjectives, and poetic flair. Need inspiration? Here are 120 clear examples of words and phrases for marketing with emotion.

Brief and Brilliant

Ready to rock it? In closing, remember this advice, often credited to President Woodrow Wilson: “Be brief, be brilliant, and be gone.”

Contact us today to help get your great advertising messages out in print!

The new year is near, and with it comes new opportunities and ideas!

Isn’t it time your company joined in on trying something new this year? The new year is the perfect time to begin afresh with your print marketing methods and ideas. Stay current and on-trend with the latest in advertising options.

Out with the old and in with the new and fresh ideas for your company!

According to research done by Harvard Business School, over 30,000 consumer products are launched yearly. What an incredible amount of new products vying for attention from consumers!

With all this competition, let our print marketing specialists work with you to create new, engaging ideas to gain traction in this fast-paced economy.

3 Print Marketing Ideas to Start the New Year Right

Branch out to try one of these three exciting and creative marketing ideas to boost your company’s profile and exposure.

1. Go Big

Stand out from the crowd by literally going big! 

Explore the ideas below to get your company’s profile out there in a show-stopping way.

Window Decals

Cling onto windows at your business and show off your promotions, sales, and info.

Banners

Celebrate your successes or upcoming events with vivid and engaging banners.

Vehicle Wraps

Be noticed in public in this unique way! Whether you’re sitting in traffic or parked in a busy lot, people will always be drawn to the colorful and uniqueness of a car wrap.

Posters

Simple but effective. You can place posters in various venues at eye height for the highest engagement value.

Backlit Displays

Stay on trend with this enticing visual of light and imagery to boost your business profile.

Cardboard Cutouts

Choose a product or person from your company and make them life-size! Enjoy a shock value or express an essential element of your company with this life-size idea.

2. Stand Out with Unique Business Cards

Think outside the traditional paper stock rectangle!

Consider the following ideas for a modern twist on this classic printed item.

New and Thoughtful Shape

What makes sense for your company? A fish, circle, or human body? Select a shape that encompasses who your business is or a thoughtful connection to a motto.

Put the Fun in Functional

Place your information on a usable product such as a dish scrub, bottle opener, or comb.

3. Test Out Textures

The following options give your customers texture to feel and remember on your printed materials.

Embossing/Debossing

Embossing is the art of raising your paper. Debossing is the imprinted or depressed image into a paper product.

Felt

Soft to the touch and memorable, strike a creative and unique cord with your future customers by utilizing the modern touch of a felt accent on your printed material.

Die Cut

Crisp, clean, and clever. Die cuts in your printed marketing materials create depth, richness, and individuality for your business. Stand out with die cuts to get you a cut above the rest!

Head to our website or stop by our store, and let’s collaborate to begin crafting your new print marketing ideas today!

In the last few years, consumers have been increasingly emphasizing the sustainability and eco-friendliness of their favorite brands.

A study done by the Harvard Business Review showed that when Gen Z and Millennial customers believe a brand cares about its impact on people and the planet, they are 27% more likely to purchase from it than older generations. 

As the world gravitates towards eco-friendliness, the print industry is also evolving, embracing methods that minimize environmental impact without compromising quality or creativity. 

4 Ways to Make Your Print Marketing More Eco-Friendly

Check out these strategies for taking advantage of the effectiveness of print (80% of consumers act on direct mail print advertisements) while factoring in eco-conscious printing practices. 

1. Use Recycled Materials

One of the easier ways to create more sustainable print marketing is by choosing eco-friendly alternatives to your typical products. 

For paper, try using recycled papers or cardstocks- and make sure that your paper choices are certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Using recycled paper will also reduce your company’s production costs and help limit the number of new trees that need to be cut to make paper.

2. Vegetable-based Inks

Soy-based inks are now available as a substitute for petroleum-based inks.

They are nontoxic, nonflammable, and made with renewable resources.

This easy switch will increase the sustainability of all the materials you print while still producing vibrant colors. 

3. Recycling Initiatives

After creating print materials for one of your campaigns, properly recycle the leftover materials and scraps. 

Or, even better, seek ways to reuse or repurpose those materials for future projects. Sturdier printed pieces, such as postcards or signs on thick cardstock, could be saved and reused to reduce waste. 

You can also limit the amount of leftover print materials by carefully planning before you begin a printing project. Identify your target customers using CRM or other marketing tools beforehand so that you can print only the necessary materials and prevent waste.

4. Use Proofing

Errors in your printed materials can greatly impact the eco-friendliness of your production process.

Whether it’s a grammatical error or a design error, it might result in the need for materials to be reprinted or for an entire batch of prints to be discarded. 

Use proofing tools or have other team members look it over so that your print materials can be reviewed and double-checked. Ensure the message is clear, all contact details are accurate, and the design fits the campaign’s needs. This will ensure a more streamlined process and eliminate opportunities for waste!

As you strive to make your printing process more environmentally friendly, our company is here for you and all your printing needs! Visit our website today to learn how we can help you create quality print materials.