Top Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials for Your Next Event

83% of brands say that event marketing has consistently increased their sales. Bringing compelling printed materials enhances the impact and is a powerful way to promote your product or services at these events.

By using print materials like flyers, pamphlets, business cards, posters, banners, and brochures, you can create a memorable impression that will stay with prospective customers long after they’ve left the event.

According to Scientific American, research over the last two decades reveals that individuals tend to understand and remember text better when reading from paper compared to screens. So don’t forget to include print marketing in your event strategy.

Top Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials for Your Next Event

Keep It Simple

Make sure your design is simple so that the critical information can be easily read and understood at a glance.

Avoid clutter, and include only essential elements like logos, text, graphics, and colors. Remember that people will likely scan as they walk by your booth.

Get Creative

Make your materials stand out from the competition by incorporating creative elements like foil, texture, die cuts, or unique folds.

These unique touches will help draw people in and make them more likely to remember your brand.

Think Local

If participating in a local event, consider customizing some of your print materials for that specific audience.

For instance, you could include a specific offer or create visuals that feature local places and landmarks.

Make the Most of Social

Include your social media handles on all your print materials so people can follow you immediately.

Also, consider using QR codes, which make it easier for people to quickly pull up your website or social accounts on their mobile devices.

Print Products People Will Remember

In addition to flyers, brochures, and business cards, consider exploring other print products that will make a lasting impression.

Some great options include:

Stickers

Great for giveaways or simply as eye-catching additions to your booth. Consider die-cut stickers with unique shapes or foil accents for an extra “wow” factor.

Posters

Whether you’re looking for something to hang up in or around your booth, posters are a great way to make an impact. Add a frame or easel for added style points.

Magnets

Get creative with car magnets that feature your logo and contact information. This is an easy way to get your name out there when people are traveling to and from the event.

Notepads

Make sure your name stays on everyone’s desk with branded notepads that remind people of your brand every time they use them.

By making print marketing a part of your event strategy, you can create powerful impressions that will stay with prospective customers long after the event.

Not sure where to start? We can help! Contact our team today to begin creating print marketing products to get your business noticed!

 

6 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes on Postcards

Digital marketing may be everywhere, but many companies still use print marketing or print products as part of their advertising and marketing plans. Finding ways to integrate the tangible appeal of print marketing with the interactivity of the online realm is a great way to utilize both.

One way to do this is strategically using QR codes on postcards. QR codes provide an exciting opportunity to add interactivity, engagement, and measurable insights to your print marketing campaigns.

According to recent statistics, in 2022, 89 million smartphone users scanned a QR code with their devices. With this number projected to reach nearly 100 million by 2025, it is evident that QR codes have become a prominent tool in connecting offline and online experiences.

Now, let's explore six creative ways to leverage QR codes on postcards to captivate your audience and boost your print marketing efforts.

6 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes on Postcards

1. Link to a Website or Landing Page 

Placing a QR code on your postcard is a great way to provide more information about your business or organization.

You can use a QR code to link to your website, a landing page for a special offer, or even a video about your products or services. This immediately turns offline traffic into online traffic and gives you valuable, measurable insights into how well your marketing dollars work.

2. Offer a Discount or Promotion

Everyone likes to get something for free or at least at a discount.

You can also use QR codes as an inexpensive way to promote your business or organization. You can use a QR code to offer a discount on your products or services or to enter a contest or giveaway.

3. Collect Feedback From Customers

Seeking customer feedback is vital for growth, and you can use QR codes to collect it.

By creating a survey that you link to a QR code, you can gather immediate responses and gain valuable insights to improve your offerings and meet customer needs. 

4. Drive Traffic to Social Media 

Want to gain followers on social media? Use QR codes!

QR codes can be used to drive traffic to your social media pages. You can use a QR code to link to your Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram, or any other social media platform. Combine driving traffic to your social media accounts with a discount, and you have a double whammy. 

5. Personalize Your Postcards 

Don't have enough room on your printed postcard for a lengthy or personal message? QR codes can be used to personalize your postcards.

You can use a QR code to link to a video or message specific to the recipient.

6. Distribute a Free E-Book or Digital Download

Many organizations and businesses use free e-books and digital downloads to gain loyal customers.

With a quick QR code scan, your customers can be led directly to the e-book or digital download, and you can collect valuable data. 

QR codes are a versatile tool that can be used in various ways, which is why they are at the top of the industry trends-to-watch list. Using QR codes on your postcards, you can add interactivity and engagement to your marketing campaigns.

Combining established mobile technology with print marketing will help your business soar to the next level. Contact us today to learn how to start incorporating QR codes into your next round of postcards.

 

5 Tips for Creating an Effective Brand

A brand is the spirit and soul of your company. It makes your company recognizable, trustworthy, and loved by customers. A brand built up well is one of your company's most valuable assets! 

59% of consumers prefer buying their products from familiar brands. That's why crafting a brand is vital, considering many different elements of what you want your company's brand to be! Here are some things you should consider. 

5 Tips for Creating an Effective Brand

1. Identify Your Audience and Research Competition

One of the first steps in creating your company's brand should be completing market research.

Identifying your company's target audience will help you focus on communicating to them how your company's products or services will meet their needs and values.

It's also important to scope out how the competitors in your company's field compare to what your business has to offer. When marketing your brand, consider emphasizing what makes your company unique to stand out from competitors. 

2. Design the Visual Aspect of Your Brand

Using a signature color can increase a customer's brand recognition by 80%.

Choosing a color or two that works for your company and keeping it consistent between your brand's packaging, logo, and any other print materials will create a strong association in your customer's minds. 

A consistent font or typography style can also help create a cohesive and professional feel for your brand.

3. Create a Personality for Your Brand

One of the more finite details you might not have considered is the language your brand uses in its signage, advertisements, and other marketing.

Choosing a "voice" for your brand will create consistency and make your branding more effective. For example, if you're trying to create a classy, high-end feel for your brand, consider using more formal language; if your target audience is young adults, consider using more conversational vocabulary.

Remember, your company slogan should also reflect your brand's personality to your customers. 

If your company has social media accounts, create posts that reflect the personality that your brand is going for and reply to posts mentioning your company to connect with customers and build familiarity and trust with them.  

4. Consistency is Key for Your Brand

Consumers will agree that the strongest kind of brand is a consistent brand.

The brands that have earned a loyal customer following over the years are the ones that integrate their brand's personality and key elements seamlessly throughout their entire company. 

One of the easiest ways to do this is by creating a style guide for your entire company. A style guide is like the rulebook for your brand, and every company department should have it. This practice ensures that font, tone of voice, and color shades remain consistent between direct mail, social media posts, your company website, and more. 

5. Never be Afraid to Rebrand

Sometimes, even if your company's current brand is effective, a rebrand might open up more opportunities for you.

Consider how you might be able to change your company's name, visual aspects like logo and color scheme, or brand "voice" to better speak to your audience.

But remember to gather feedback from your current customers before making any major brand shifts and try to maintain a degree of brand consistency to prevent instability.

Your brand is an asset that can drive customer preference and contribute to long-term success. Invest the time and effort into crafting a brand that truly represents your company's values and resonates with your target audience. 

Follow these five tips and tricks to unlock your brand's potential and watch your business soar! If you need help translating your ideas into print, contact us today. 

 5 Statistics That Show Combining Direct Mail with Email Really Makes a Difference

The combination of direct mail and email can be a powerful marketing strategy.

Not only does it help you connect with more potential customers, but evidence suggests that combining the two forms of media can even increase response rates.

Here are five statistics that show just how effective this combination can be:

1. Direct mail is six times more likely to result in a purchase than email alone. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration) 

2. Direct mail response rates are 10-30 times higher than sole digital marketing campaigns. (Source: Amsive)

3. Combining direct mail and email can increase response rates by as much as 50%. (Source: Epsilon)

4. 72% of potential customers enjoy interacting with brands via several mediums before purchasing. (Source: Lead Forensics) 

5. Marketing campaigns integrating direct mail and digital media hold 39% more of a customer’s time than digital campaigns alone. (Source: Canada Post)

What are the Advantages of Combining Direct Mail Initiatives with Email?

Utilizing both direct mail and email can help your business create a comprehensive marketing strategy to reach a wider audience and generate more leads.

Combining these two channels also allows cross-promotion, improving visibility on both platforms and raising brand awareness.

Here are some of the advantages of putting both direct mail and email to work for you:

Longer Shelf Life 

Direct mail boasts a longer shelf life than email, meaning it can be intercepted and influence potential customers even after receiving their email campaign.

More Memorable

Consumers are more likely to remember the messages they receive through direct mail, increasing their engagement with a brand.

Trustworthiness

Direct mail is considered more trustworthy than email or other digital forms of communication.

By utilizing both mediums, you build confidence in your target audience. 

Optimize Your Marketing Budget

Combining direct mail and email can help you reallocate resources and optimize your designated advertising funds, allowing you to make the most of a limited marketing budget.

What are the Most Effective Ways to Link Direct Mail Campaigns with Emails?

There are several ways to link your direct mail and email campaigns. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Personalized URLs

Use personalized URLs (PURLs) in your direct mail campaigns linked to targeted landing pages associated with an email campaign.

QR Codes

Include QR codes on physical mail pieces that link to online content or offers.

Special Offers

Offer discounts, coupons, or other incentives in direct mail campaigns that can be redeemed online.

Social Media

Incorporate social media links into physical mailings so recipients can easily connect with your brand on various platforms.

Call-to-Action

Include a call-to-action or other prompt in your direct mail campaigns encouraging recipients to visit an associated website or sign up for an email list.

Using these strategies, you can create powerful integrated marketing campaigns that maximize physical and digital media.

In doing so, you’ll be able to maximize your reach, increase response rates, and build stronger relationships with your customers.

With the right strategy, combining direct mail and email can be a powerful tool that produces tangible results.

By leveraging the strengths of both media types, you can create effective campaigns that reach more people and promote conversions.

Are you looking to drive your business growth? Integrated marketing campaigns can be powerful and practical tools. Reach out to our team to get started on yours!

 

5 Ways to Use Social Media and Print Marketing Together to Your Advantage

Figuring out which channels to use for your company's next campaign can be tricky: sometimes, a more traditional print-ads approach seems useful, while other times, a social media campaign feels like the way to go. 

But in reality, combining these two channels can create an even more effective result for your company! 

With a few easy things to keep in mind, your company can use print ads to increase social media engagement and use social media to boost the ROI on your printed materials. 

5 Ways to Use Social Media and Print Marketing Together to Your Advantage

1. Use Social Proof from Media Accounts

Potential customers rely on other consumers' testimonials when deciding whether to purchase from your company.

A recent report showed that 93.4% of consumers depend on customer reviews when investigating retailers for the first time. Use this to your company's advantage by bringing those reviews directly to consumers through your print materials.

Include quotes of honest reviews from your company's media accounts on your next direct mail design, and invite consumers to see what others say about your company on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram as a call to action (CTA).

2. Make it Easy with QR Codes and Short URLs

Including information about your social media accounts on your direct mail is a good start, but it won't get you very far if it isn't convenient and quick for people to utilize. 

Firstly, if you include a URL, ensure it isn't too long for people to type into their search engine. You can use websites like TinyURL.com to convert a long URL into one that's easier for consumers to search.

QR codes are the height of convenience, and they can take consumers to one of your social media pages, websites, or online resources with just a quick scan of their phone camera. 

3. Design Exclusive Media-Related Offers

An easy way to use print marketing as a bridge to your online marketing is by using a media-related CTA on your print materials.

For instance, consumers will be motivated to follow your social accounts if you use print for advertising a special offer or discount for new followers.

4. Try Out Hashtags

Include hashtags on your direct mail and encourage customers to post photos of your products or company using that hashtag!

It could become a viral social media campaign, creating something big from a simple direct mail design.

5. Gather Data for Direct Mail Using Media

Social media provides a pre-organized way to discern which pieces of your content consumers are most engaged by. 

If a photo on one of your social accounts has the most likes, use it as the cover image for your next direct mail piece. See which data your customers like, share, and comment on, and use that to your advantage. 

Are you ready to try combining social media and print for your next marketing campaign? Partner with us, and we'll show you how! Give us a call today to get started. Check out how you can increase your Direct Mail response effectively.

 

5 Tips To Ensure Quality Data For Print Marketing

Even in today's digital age, print marketing is an effective method for reaching your target audience, especially when you use quality data to inform your campaigns.

Quality data can help you target your print marketing campaigns effectively. By understanding your target audience's demographics, interests, and needs, you can create print materials more likely to resonate with them. 

For example, if you're targeting young professionals, you might want to use bright colors and eye-catching designs in your print materials.

If you're not sure where to start, several resources are available to help you collect quality data for your print marketing campaigns. You can collect data about your target audience through online surveys, social media analytics, and customer feedback forms.

5 Tips To Ensure Quality Data For Print Marketing

Here are five tips for using quality data in your print marketing campaigns:

1. Segment your audience 

Not all of your target audience is the same.

By segmenting your audience based on demographics, interests, and needs, you can create more targeted print marketing campaigns that are more likely to resonate with each segment.

2. Create personalized print content 

One of the best ways to use data in your print marketing campaigns is to create personalized content.

This could include using the recipient's name in the salutation or sending them a print ad relevant to their interests.

3. Track the results of your print campaigns 

Once you've launched your print marketing campaigns, tracking the results is essential so you can see what's working and what's not.

This information can help you improve your future campaigns and get better results.

4. Gather data from a variety of sources 

There are many different sources of data that you can use for print marketing.

You can collect data from your website, social media, customer surveys, and CRM system. The more sources you use, the more comprehensive your data will be.

5. Use data analysis tools

There are several data analysis tools available that can help you to make sense of your data.

These tools can help you identify trends, patterns, and insights that you might not see on your own.

By following these tips, you can use quality data to create more effective print marketing campaigns that help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals.

Get the most out of your marketing dollar through print. If you have questions on how to do just that, call us. We would love to help you succeed with print.

 

7 Tips to Create Eye-Catching Banners

Are you attending a trade show or job fair and need your banner to make an impact?

Banners are an incredibly popular marketing tool due to their instant message delivery, cost efficiency, simplicity in assembly/dismantling, and durability.

Ensure the maximum number of people sees your banner by designing one that looks like a million bucks.

7 Tips to Create Eye-Catching Banners

1. Lead with Your Brand

Make sure to leverage the most influential real estate by placing your logo at the top of your banner.

This is the spot your viewers will automatically look at and what they will most likely recall afterward.

Positioning your company logo and name in this area can help create an immediate connection with people who come across it, allowing them to recognize and remember you quickly!

2. Keep Your Message Brief

Use as few words as possible to attract attention and convey your message.

By avoiding excess text, you can ensure that onlookers aren't overwhelmed by an overcrowded banner.

Strive for conciseness - key phrases are all it takes to get noticed!

3. Incorporate Your Brand's Color Palette

Incorporate your company's signature colors into the banner.

Remember, sometimes simpler is better. Your color scheme should contribute to branding, not overshadow it with too many hues and saturations.

Ensure your palette complements the content while helping you communicate a consistent message across all platforms. 

4. Utilize High-Quality Images

When designing your banner, rely on high-resolution visuals for maximum impact.

The sharper and more vivid the colors are, the easier they will be noticed by passersby.

Use a single premium image instead of overcrowding your banner with numerous lower-quality graphics for optimal results.

5. Include Your Contact Information

Prominently display your website URL, phone number, and relevant social media icons on your banner for maximum visibility.

Take your business to the next level with a QR code, enabling potential customers to instantly scan and store contact information on their smartphones.

Giving people easy access to connect with you later is essential.

6. Select the Correct Size

When selecting the right banner size for your chosen purpose, it is essential to get it right.

Oversized banners can be overwhelming and intrusive, while undersized banners may not attract the attention you seek. 

To ensure that you make a statement, choose wisely when deciding on the dimensions of your banner to create maximum impact in its appropriate setting. 

7. Use High-Quality Materials

Choose fabrics such as polyester or canvas to ensure your banner stands up against the elements and is durable enough for long-term use.

Waterproof ink is a great way to protect your banner's colors from fading, allowing you to maintain maximum visual impact and reuse your banner for subsequent campaigns. 

A cleverly designed banner helps to draw attention to your message, showcase your branding, and ensure your banner withstands the elements for years to come.

Ready to get started designing your next banner? Contact us today. We're here to help! 

5 Tips to a Successful Trade Show Experience for Your Company

Trade shows and other events can be an incredible opportunity to showcase your company’s products and services to the public and network with other companies in your industry.

However, you must craft a strategy to ensure you can make the most impact. 

Here are five things you should do when planning for, attending, and evaluating the results of a trade show. 

5 Tips to a Successful Trade Show Experience for Your Company

1. Set goals

Treat your company’s appearance at the trade show just like a campaign.

What do you want to gain from the event- closing leads, making sales, or increasing brand awareness? Be specific and include numbers: for example, your goal could be to gather at least 150 leads during the event or to sell 30 products.

Also, remember to share your goals with the team that will be at the event with you! 70% of people who share their goals with others accomplish them, while only 35% accomplish them when keeping them to themselves.

2. Create your booth and message

The biggest goal for a trade show is to attract customers to your booth and give them something to engage with once they stop by.

You can stand out from the crowd in different ways- through giveaways or handouts, eye-catching displays, and choosing a booth in a high-traffic area (near entrances or food stations).

The items and signage at your booth should also focus on the central call-to-action for your campaign that day. 

3. Spread the word before and during the show

Make people aware that your company will be at the event!

This will help draw people to your booth once they arrive at the trade show. A great way to do this is through social media ads, email, or direct mail outreach.  

Attendees at the trade show will likely search online to see which booths to visit. Post information, photos, and videos during the show, along with your booth number, so that attendees can come to find you! 

4. Collect information effectively

Meet with the team running your booth before the show starts to discuss your method for collecting leads.

Popular methods for lead collection include paper forms, digital forms, a trade show lead app, business cards, and business card scanning.

Depending on the organizer of the trade show, you may have access to badge scanning technology, which even gives you the option to import the information directly to your CRM. 

Whichever method you use, just be sure everyone on your team is on the same page so that capturing and entering the data is streamlined.

5. Help them remember you

Ensure that anyone you speak to during the event leaves with your contact information or at least something with your company name.

Business cards are classic, and brochures work well, but you can get creative too and use t-shirts, pens, notepads, or stickers. This will remind them to reconnect with you after leaving the event!

For help with show-stopping visuals, memorable business cards, and expert advice, call us! We are your local print marketing resource and look forward to helping you make the most of your next trade show.  

6 Ways to Boost Your Sales with Social Proof

 Did you know you can incorporate what your customers say about your business in your print and digital marketing to boost your company's sales?

When other people engage in something, it triggers the brain to reduce the perception of risk associated with an idea or activity, creating social proof. When you utilize social proof successfully, you convey to potential customers that buying your product or service is the safe thing to do.

Authenticity, transparency, and honesty are paramount to the success of social proof by building loyalty and trust with your customers.

Sound complicated? It's not.

6 Ways to Boost Your Sales with Social Proof 

1. Build Your Social Media Reach

You need to build your social media platform by asking for online reviews.

This is a trusted source for many people looking to do business.

People regularly check the reviews online to see what others have experienced and decide who to do business with. Nearly nine out of ten consumers read reviews before making a purchase. 

2. List Customer Experiences

Listing customers' experiences online will encourage people to follow the pack and try you.

Ask customers if you can get a quick testimonial from them and have them write it down or write it as they tell you what they've experienced.

3. Mix It Up

Don't just ask for one type of review.

Spread the reviews on multiple sites, such as Yelp, Facebook, Google, etc. Approximately 59% of consumers look at two to three review sites before making a purchase decision. 

4. Help Your Customer Visualize

Use staged photos and action shots of people using your product.

People trust this much more than an ad. They will see people just like them using your product or services and think they might benefit from getting a hold of you, too.

5. Use YouTube

Show your customers unboxing your products and freebies or learning about a contest they won from your business.

This is exciting and fun for people to watch, engaging them in what you're business is doing.

6. Promote Your Accomplishments

If your company won an award or received recognition in some way from a third party, capitalize on this by advertising it on your website, in your marketing materials, and online.

If you have an article written about you or your company, post it online. If any trust badges are available, place them on your website.

These are a few ways to build social proof and help people decide on their own that they want to do business with you. Seeing others trust you and use your product or service encourages them to do the same.

If you need signs to post on your company's doors to encourage people to give reviews, or you want posters or business cards to feature QR codes to link to a review site, we can help.

Check us out today!

3 Top Tips to Get Inside the Mind of Customers

 

Don't you wish you could read minds? That would make marketing so much easier. 

But it's not possible, or is it?

There are some legitimate ways you can get inside the minds of current and potential customers. Take a look at the top three ways to do this.  

3 Top Tips to Get Inside the Mind of Customers

1. Talk to Your Customer Service Representatives

Customer service staff have the inside scoop into what customers want and need.

Interview them to find out what customers are calling about, what issues need to be resolved, and what products are the most popular.  

Here are some sample questions to ask your customer-service employees.

• What expectations and disappointments did customers express?
• What improvements did customers want?
• What value were customers hoping to find, and what price were they willing to pay?

2. Analyze the Data 

You probably have spreadsheets of data and information on your customers' buying habits.

Take a look at these carefully. 

Are there certain times of the year when they buy certain items? Decipher their buying habits and then reach out to them on their timetable. Finally, make sure your offer is compelling.

3. Do Spy Work 

Go to social media sites you think your customers are frequenting.

Dig in and learn about who they are and what they're trying to achieve by using your product. See what you uncover. 

Where would you turn to find help for your issues? Hopefully, you will learn what customers want. Then, by aligning your goals with theirs, you can improve customer communications and make sure you're focusing on the right things. 

Now you have tools to get inside your customers. First, make sure you approach them consistently and effectively. Most people need to see your business message seven times to get a response. Keep knocking on those proverbial doors. 

And when it comes to using this information to reach your customers using the printed word, trust us to get the job done right. We go above and beyond to make you succeed. 

Check us out today!

3 Winning Direct Mail Campaign Ideas You Can Start Using Today

 We're proud to inform you that the reports of the supposed death of direct mail have been, as Mark Twain once said, "greatly exaggerated."

Not only is direct mail just as effective as it ever was - it's positively thriving. According to one recent study, the market for direct mail advertising is anticipated to grow from $71.57 billion in 2021 to a massive $72.67 billion by the end of 2022. Much of this has to do with the average return on investment for direct mail collateral is $4.09 for every $1.27 you spend getting those marketing materials out into the world.

But it can be challenging to know where to begin if you've been out of the direct mail world for a while or are wading into these proverbial waters for the first time. With that in mind, here are three winning direct mail campaign ideas that you can start using immediately.

3 Winning Direct Mail Campaign Ideas You Can Start Using Today

Taking Advantage of the Holidays

One of the best direct mail marketing campaign ideas you can start using immediately involves taking advantage of the holiday season - a time of year that is already upon us again.

Remember that while part of the goal of any marketing campaign is always to raise awareness for your brand and get the word out about your products and services, this is just one small portion of a much larger story.

Equally important is your ability to get in touch with people occasionally and simply remind them that you're out there. Because of that, don't hesitate to send out a simple postcard for Christmas or the New Year to wish people well. It doesn't have to be overly "salesy" at all - it can be a simple message that illustrates that you care about your consumers, even when you're not coming right out and asking them to buy something.

When executed correctly, you'd be surprised by the difference this can make in generating repeat sales from existing, satisfied customers.

The Benefit of Unusually Sized Mail

Another technique that you can use with direct mail, in particular, has to do with sending out unusually sized mail.

Think about it - part of why messages like emails are so easy to ignore is that they all blend together in someone's mind. They all look the same, and they're far too easy to archive when someone is wading through their email inbox in the morning.

But if you send out a piece of direct mail collateral that is slightly larger or shaped differently than every other piece of mail that someone receives that day, they're going to notice. You immediately stand out, and at that point, you can use someone's curiosity to your advantage.

Bridging the Gap Between Direct Mail and the Digital World

Finally, don't be afraid to bring the benefits of both direct mail collateral and digital marketing together in innovative ways.

Always include information about the various social media channels you use, like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, which are great for allowing someone to get in touch with you in other ways quickly. This way, you can begin an experience with them through physical mail but give them the option to continue it over the Internet if that is their preference. 

If you'd like to find out more information about getting started today with any of these direct mail campaigns, or if you have any additional questions you'd like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don't delay - contact our team today! 

7 Top Ways to Show Appreciation to Customer

 

Gratitude is a great skill to possess.

"I think gratitude is a big thing. It puts you in a place where you're humble," said Andra Day. 

And humility is a wonderful attribute, primarily when serving the public. When you meet up with prospective clients, gratitude is vital. We receive a much better welcome when people see how thankful we are to meet with them and to have their continued support. 

Research has proven that returning customers spend 67% more than new customers, and 82% of customers are brand loyal.

So, what else can you do to show appreciation besides saying thank you?  

Here are some ideas to show your gratitude.

 7 Top Ways to Show Appreciation to Customers

1. Send a Thank-You Note

Send a thank-you note in a letter, hand-written and signed by you.

Sure, it takes a little time, but keeping current customers happy is worth it—especially the ones you genuinely want to maintain a relationship with.

2. Make a Donation

Donate to something close to your customers' hearts.

If they support a worthy cause you can get behind, consider donating something to these causes in their name. 

3. Offer a Discount

Offer a discount just for them.

One of the easiest ways to build customer loyalty is by rewarding your customers for their business with loyalty cards and retail rewards.

4. Do a Giveaway

Offer a giveaway prize package.

Want to share the love and give out prizes to your fans? Running a giveaway is a great way to show your appreciation. This will excite customers, and they might even tell their friends and colleagues. 

5. Offer Free Services

Offer more free services if possible.

When people began to feel the impact of the coronavirus and social distancing, some companies went above and beyond to help people adjust to a challenging new reality.

Some companies offered free services or better deals on their products. When there is a stressor in your customers' lives, help out a little more. People notice it and will appreciate your help.

6. Talk Face-To-Face

Engage in face-to-face conversations with your clients.

Ultimately, people want to be seen and heard. Engaging with them in a conversation over video chat or, better yet, in person is a perfect way to thank them for supporting your company daily.

Listen to them rather than just pitching your ideas. Ask about their business and learn how you can genuinely help each other.

7. Acknowledge Them on Social Media

Feature customers on your blog or social media.

If they had a big event that you were able to be a part of, or help with in some way, show it. Portray pictures of the big day with words from them as to how the day went.

This is great to help celebrate their day. It's also great to get the word out about how you help people.

Whatever you choose to show appreciation will elevate your customer relationship and nurture long-lasting bonds. If you need help printing stationary or customized packaging, let us know. We would love to help!

 Interactive print marketing allows more engagement from the receiver, upping retention. 

Interactive print marketing is any print that allows engagement beyond reading from the user. It can have digital or non-digital aspects. 

Non-Digital Interactive Print Marketing

Non-digital interactive print marketing uses creativity to enhance print, creating a unique experience. 

1. Scents

Sending scents through the mail is especially helpful when advertising the wonderful smell of your perfume. 

However, even if you don't sell perfumes, sending a scent through the mail can still be helpful. By associating your business with good smells, you'll intrigue and please potential clients while influencing their emotions, as 75% of emotions are due to smell.

Incorporating a particular smell could become part of your brand identity, boosting recognition. People are 100 times more likely to remember a smell than something they see, hear or touch.

2. Invisible Ink

Make your campaign fun by telling your recipients to get the paper wet or bring it outside into the sun. 

Having "hidden" messages appear after following the prompts creates a fun experience for the customer while also making your advertisement memorable. 

Entice your readers to follow the prompts by providing a discount or some benefit after following through. 

3. Origami

Send print that can be transformed into something more through origami. 

This is a fun activity for the recipients. Make sure the directions are clear and the origami doesn't get too complicated. Otherwise, the recipient will become frustrated. 

Connect the origami piece to your marketing campaign and product. Make it even better by providing the customer with something functional once they're done, like a pencil holder. 

Digital Interactive Print Marketing

It can be beneficial to change your strategy mid-campaign by including digital aspects. 

It also increases response rates; a study shows the increase in response rates could be from 2 to 35%!

4. Lights 

Did you know you could include lights in your print marketing?

Adding lights can make your direct mail shine. With the holidays just around the corner, adding lights to Christmas trees in direct mail will help you stand out. Use your imagination to find ways to enhance your package through digital lights. 

5. QR Codes 

QR codes help to create a seamless omnichannel approach by creating a bridge between the print and the digital world. 

QR codes can connect consumers to…

• Social media. Social media is a wonderful way to interact with clients while showcasing your best products or services.
• Website. Your website can be used to find out more information about your company and answer any questions. To make it even more effective, you could include QR codes that bring the customer directly to the product you're advertising.
• Video. If you'd like to share more information than can be included in the print piece, then have the QR code direct users to an engaging video for more info. 

QR codes can help your print marketing deliver more than would otherwise be possible while helping people follow your calls to action more easily. 

6. Artificial Reality

Artificial reality gives your print marketing a chance to come alive. 

When the recipient scans the image with their phone or tablet, they'll be able to see images moving and making noise through their phone.

It's another element that increases the recall of the recipients while also providing them with a bit of fun in their lives. 

Print marketing is not archaic. Although it has been used for many years, it has kept up with modern technology to provide unique, memorable features to your target market. 

Let us help you engage your audience with interactive print marketing! Reach out today!

How to Set Smart Goals for Your Next Social Media Campaign

 

SMART goals help you identify areas you'd like to improve and clarify your objectives for a successful social media campaign. They act as a guide to data collection and help your team know which tasks to prioritize. 

SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym for… 

• Specific. Use statistical values to narrow down what and how much you'd like to achieve.
• Measurable. Attribute values to non-numerical indicators of success, being precise in how you'd like to measure. 
• Achievable. Look at past campaigns and use them as a base for how much you think your business can achieve.
• Realistic. Similar to achievable. Make sure your goal is relevant.
• Timely. Set a date for when you'd like the goal to be completed. 

Setting SMART goals acts as a base for your social media campaign.

Create a Social Media Campaign With SMART Goals

SMART goals help create a stellar social media campaign that works for your company. 

Step 1: Set a goal using the SMART goal method, making sure it's specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Determine what metrics are best to measure. 

Step 2: Determine your target market. This will guide decisions, including which social media channel(s) to use and content to put out. Make sure it all ties back to support your goal. 

Step 3: Create a content calendar. Plan out your content using a calendar. Make sure everything is spaced out, and posts build off each other. 

Step 4: Manage the campaign. Actively engage with customers by replying to comments and answering questions. Adjust your strategy as needed. If you're not in line to meet your goals, then try new tactics to boost engagement.

Step 5: Analyze the results. What went well? What would you do differently? Why? Use what you learn to create a better social media campaign next time. 

Using SMART goals as a guide can help you get the results you want in your next social media campaign. 

SMART Social Media Campaign Goals

Sometimes, determining what goals to set can be challenging. Here are two ideas to get you started. 

1. Increase brand awareness 

If you're running a social media campaign, this is a great place to start because it's the top reason marketers use social media.

To set a SMART goal, answer these questions: 

• Who do you want to increase brand awareness with?
• How will you measure this? Through followers, views, likes, or shares?
• Once you've determined how you're going to measure your campaign, how many followers, views, likes, or shares do you want? Is this goal achievable and realistic? Do you have access to past campaigns to use as a benchmark?
• When do you want to reach your goal? 

By effectively increasing brand awareness, your business will increase sales and traffic. 

2. Improve customer service

More and more customers are looking to social media for customer support. 

One in five people says they use social media for customer support.

To set a SMART goal, answer these questions: 

• How many people reach out via social media for customer support?
• How fast is your current average response time through social media?
• How fast would you like your response time to be? Is this realistic?
• What is your customer satisfaction score for those who sought help via social media? Where would you want it to be? 

Your business can increase revenue, customer satisfaction score, and customer retention by having good customer service available through social media. 

Having goals, especially SMART goals, improves performance and happiness. Setting SMART goals for your social media campaigns can have a significant impact. 

Social media is one of your business's many avenues to reach customers. Effectively reaching a variety of customers requires an omnichannel approach, including online and offline marketing.

As always, we're here to help you with whatever print needs come your way, including print campaigns that help boost your social media! 

5 Best Ways to Combine Print and Social Media

 

Print and social media go hand in hand.

Promoting your business online is great because it doesn’t cost much and helps track customers.

But people still shop at stores and go to companies in the flesh. You must be ready for people when they stop at your business place.

So here’s the best way to combine the two ways to market your business: print and social media. Take a look.

5 Best Ways to Combine Print and Social Media

1. Post on Facebook.

Post regularly to actively reach your audience. It doesn’t have to be much, but it will keep your name at the top of everyone’s mind.

For example, try posting an inspirational quote, or try your hand at writing a short article on where your business excels.

2. Don’t forget Linkedin.

Another great social media tool is Linkedin. This reaches specifically to other business people, and it doesn’t have to be a long post.

Still, it’s the perfect way to spotlight your products and services. Let people know what you offer and how you can help them.

Use testimonials to let the public know you have helped others succeed.  

3. QR codes are making a comeback.

Adding a QR code to your printed materials will combine the two worlds, online and offline.

Link it to a coupon or sale just for them when they scan the code. This will take them to a specific site that will inevitably help you track what they are looking for.

4. Create giveaways.

Run a promotion using printed materials to engage customers and offer something exciting.

Use rack cards or flyers with all your contact information and a call to action. Even though this method uses direct mail and printed items, it proves worthwhile.

Research consistently demonstrates that direct mail outperforms other marketing tactics regarding response rate.

5. Use hashtags.

Hashtags help you tie everything back to your brand and make it easier for you to track mentions of your campaign, event, product, or business.

This enables you to use both the printed word and online in a combined effort. For example, Indiana University leveraged hashtags as part of a brilliant admission promotion.

The simple use of the hashtag #IUsaidYes on bright, bold red envelopes produced a viral social media campaign when students began posting selfies with their acceptance letters.

Whether you prefer—online or offline marketing—you need both in advertising.

We are a part of your success because we offer quick, reliable service.

Need something soon? Check us out today!