Envelope Printing: Don’t Skimp on this Effective Marketing Tool

Many of us focus so much on our marketing and advertising materials that we don’t stop to consider the envelopes in which we are sending them.

Your marketing and correspondence efforts should be appealing and eye catching, and should show your business’ professionalism and perhaps its creativity. In short, envelopes deliver a professional appearance for your business and will be the first thing your customers see when they open their mailbox.

With that in mind, envelopes printing should be given as much attention as your other marketing materials so you can put your best foot forward with your customers or potential customers, particularly if you participate in direct mail campaigns. A printer may be able to add customized text, shades, borders, graphics and images to your envelopes, including photographs and logos.

Here are a few factors to consider regarding envelope printing:

• Customized envelopes, printed by a professional printer, will strengthen your business’ reputation and identity.
• Customized, printed envelopes almost always improve the response rates for direct mail campaigns. In other words, if you don’t entice readers to open your correspondence, you can’t wow them with your marketing materials.
• Businesses can often achieve competitive rates from printers by ordering bulk quantities. The only time you may want to skip on bulk envelope printing orders is if you foresee your business address or logo changing in the near future. Printers will also likely offer businesses discounts by bundling envelope printing with other types of printed marketing materials.
• Customized envelopes often have the strongest impact when businesses design them to match their other marketing materials. In other words, business recognition is incredibly important for a business’ marketing efforts and this is easily accomplished when there is consistency between marketing materials.
• Don’t miss an opportunity to market your business and create a strong business image. Customized envelopes are one of the easiest ways to capture your customers’ attention and entice them to open your correspondence. Customized envelopes are also a great way to set yourself apart from the competition and stand out from the other mounds of correspondence awaiting customers as they open their mailbox.

Create a New Marketing Strategy with Door Hangers

Marketing is all about being creative. It’s all about getting word out about your business in new and inventive ways.  The question is: Have you considered the power of door hangers printing for your business?

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider door hangers for your business:

• They are inexpensive to print – Door hangers will likely fit easily into your annual printing budget, as they are generally quite cost effective to print. Some of the factors that may affect the pricing of your door hangers include: number of colors, type of card stock, and printed images or photographs. And, of course, you will likely enjoy savings if you order a larger number of door hangers.
• Door hangers can convey important information about your company – Of course, door hangers can provide inexpensive advertising for your business, but they may also serve more practical purposes for some businesses. If you need to convey information to a large number of clients or customers, door hangers may be quite convenient. From charities to churches, door hangers allow organizations to spread the word.
• Door hangers are a great way to market to your local community – If you want to garner the attention of your local community then it pays to invest in door hangers. Most people, as they have to remove them from their door, give door hangers at least some of their attention. Because of this, you have already captured the attention of your potential customers simply by hanging your marketing efforts on the door.
• Door hangers convey a better sense of quality than do flyers. If you want to focus your marketing efforts on your local community, printing door hangers will likely produce better results than flyers, as they are generally more attractive, they are more likely to be read, and they don’t blow away as easily!
• Door hangers can be useful for new businesses that want to introduce themselves into a neighborhood. In addition, door hangers may also be used to welcome new residents into a neighborhood. In other words, a door hanger is like the welcome wagon, either for you or your customers!

Bookmark Printing: 4 Ideas to Consider

One of the easiest ways to stay visible in the marketplace is to produce a number of high-quality marketing materials. If your marketing budget allows, why not consider bookmarks?

Bookmarks may not seem like an obvious choice for marketing materials, but the truth is that the intrinsic value afforded by bookmarks is often overlooked. Consider that a bookmark used by a reader will be looked at every time the reader opens and closes his or her book. In fact, bookmarks are a great way to achieve the all-important marketing concept of brand imaging.

If you want to explore the idea of bookmarks for your business’ marketing efforts, you will likely need to consider the following:

• Decide upon the size of your bookmark. Printers should be able to offer you a number of bookmark sizes, although the size of your bookmark will largely depend on the image on your bookmark, the information you want to include on your bookmark and, of course, your budget.
• Consider the type of paper stock your printer will use in your bookmark printing. Of course, the higher the stock, the more expensive your bookmark printing costs will be, but a better stock will also produce a better-quality product that will likely be used longer by your customers.
• Consider the design and message you want for your bookmark printing. The number of images or words found on a bookmark is a bit of a tricky proposition; this is because you want to convey your message or your business contact information and its products or services, but you don’t want to cram too much information into one small space. The best rule of thumb is to think simple in terms of bookmark design, but to also get your message across loud and clear.
• Consider adding something valuable during your bookmark distribution. Many small businesses will offer discounts, coupons, promotions or even giveaways with their bookmarks, thereby ensuring that their bookmarks are making a lasting impression on their customers. Other things you may want to consider include: attractive photographs, pictures, designs or sayings, as this will better ensure your customers will use your bookmarks for a longer period of time.

Booklet Printing: How to Make a Strong Impact

Booklet printing is the ideal way to produce quality marketing and business materials for your business. Booklet printing can be anything from your company’s annual report and newsletter to marketing materials, such as magazines, sales booklets and product catalogues.

Although your business’ needs will be highly individualized, there is something that all businesses have in common: a goal to produce quality, printed materials, and that includes booklet printing.

Regardless of whether your business’ booklet printing is for business objectives or a creative form of marketing, there are a few things to consider when it comes to booklet printing:

• Consider what you want to achieve with your business booklet.
• Consider your intended reader.  Who is this booklet targeted to, and how will your design compliment your target reader?
• Consider how you will accomplish a booklet that will stand out from the competition; this usually means creating an original, eye-catching design.
• Consider how many booklets you will need printed. Most of the time, printing more means saving money, so give this idea some serious thought.
• Decide how you will want your booklet to be bound. Your printer will be able to show you a number of binding ideas (spiral, cerlox, saddle stitching, gluing and stapling), but keep in mind that prices can vary between binding options.
• Decide the paper stock you will use to produce your booklet. Of course, a heavier paper stock will produce a more professional image, but will also come with a higher price tag, so it is important to keep both of these factors in mind.
• Consider whether you want or need a full-color booklet or a black-and-white booklet. Remember: the more colors you choose, the more expensive your booklet will be, so choose your colors carefully.
• Consider the size of your booklet. Your printer will likely be able to produce your booklet in a multitude of sizes, so ask about pricing when it comes to booklet size.
• Consider turnaround time. Make sure to check with your printer regarding turnaround time, and ask if there are added fees for a rush job.

With these considerations and decisions in place, you will have a booklet that shines with professionalism and converts prospects into customers!

Increase Your Business With Custom Presentation Folders

Presentation folders are not only designed to contain vital marketing tools like brochures, bound presentations, DVDs and CDs, but are also a form of promotion. Presentation folders are professional ways to distribute press kits, samples, product information, sales presentations or a combination of these materials.

Instead of presenting important marketing or sales tools in a plain, store-bought folder, you are presenting them in a customized, professional folder designed to meet your business’s needs.  Better yet, custom presentation folder printing will highlight your specifically developed brand.

When you decide to choose custom presentation folder printing, remember these printing tips.

• Selecting Folder Size – If you plan ahead of time what your presentation folder will contain, you’ll be better equipped to order the folder size you need. The standard folder size is 9 by 12 inches, but you might not need one that large because you’re including a small product sample and promotional DVDs, for instance. Should your planned folder contents be printed on legal paper, for example, you’ll need to increase the length to 14.5-inches.

• Type of Folder Paper – Your custom printed presentation folder will represent your business on paper and should make a favorable impression. The best choice is double-sided coated paper, but if your budget only allows for single-sided, just be aware that it’s not as durable and shouldn’t be overloaded with a large sales presentation, for example.

• Number of Pockets – Carefully planning what will be inserted in the folder will help you choose the amount of pockets. Do you need multiple pockets so that each marketing tool has its own place or will a single pocket on each side work best?

• Make Room for Accessory Slits – If you plan to insert accessories, like DVDs, business cards, pre-printed envelopes for requesting additional information, or even an introductory letter, all will benefit from a specially designed accessory slit in the folder to prevent items from sliding out of the folder’s regular pockets.

With careful planning, you can make the most of your custom printed presentation folders and be prepared when discussing your needs with your printer. Being prepared means your presentation folders will effectively represent your business in a professional light and make potential customers take your business seriously.

Draw Repeat Business With Semi-Custom Greeting Cards

Greeting cards are traditionally a great marketing tool because businesses rely on customers to purchase a product or service in order to succeed. Businesses also rely mostly on repeat customers to continue making those purchases and even telling others in order to grow.

Sending greeting cards for certain occasions, such as holidays or to celebrate a business anniversary, make existing customers feel appreciated. Customers recognize and remember a custom greeting card, whether it was sent in appreciation or with a special incentive.

There is a way around designing a completely customized greeting card, which can help you save money, but still appear like a custom product once printed. Pre-designed greeting cards allow businesses to “design” the greeting card by choosing from ready-made designs and then customizing the card with a logo, business name and message.

These hints will help your next greeting card printing go smoothly and stay on budget:

• Be Colorful – In general, choosing a full color greeting card is the best decision because not only will using color make your greeting cards appear more customized, but will enhance the design you choose.  Color will make your greeting card will shine.

• Match the Design to Your Business – If you fall in love with a design that features a whimsical garden scene, but you operate a law firm, you might want to skip the flowers and find a design that reflects the tone of your business better. A florist might choose the whimsical garden scene, however, because it meshes perfectly with the business.

• Be Eco-Friendly – Customers respond to ecologically responsible businesses, and one way to show your dedication is to choose eco-friendly greeting cards. These could be printed on recycled paper or plant based renewable paper, or you can even consider using “green” soy ink.

• Save Money on Size – Printing your greeting cards in a standard size will not only save you money in postage, but will reduce the printing cost that comes with larger paper and reduce the cost of creating custom envelopes. Customers will appreciate the custom feel and won’t require a larger than life greeting card.

Customers like their patronage to be recognized and sending greeting cards is the perfect way to encourage continued loyalty and business into the future.

2011: Economic Rejuvenation on the Horizon

Although the economic climate this past year has been a struggle for both consumers and businesses trying to stay afloat, 2011 bodes well, according to newly published reports and several economic changes occurring in 2011.  These reports are good news for businesses and should help lead America to economic recovery.

Proposed Tax Cuts Means More Spending Money

The government instituted tax cuts for 2011, including a cut in employees’ Social Security taxes, meaning consumers will be taking home more money in each paycheck this coming year. More money in consumers’ pockets typically promotes a rise in consumer spending, benefits businesses, and helps the economy recover more swiftly. According to economists, consumers are boosting their spending habits at a faster pace now than compared to the past four years.

Venture Capitalists Have Money to Invest

Although the venture capital dried up like Death Valley after the 2007 financial crisis, a survey conducted by the National Venture Capital Association with the Dow Jones VentureSource claims that venture capitalists will focus their funds in 2011 on tech start-ups. The survey also shows that venture capitalists are positive about economic growth overall, with 51 percent expecting investments to increase for 2011. When investors are willing to back new businesses, this often helps propel economic growth, meaning 2011 is looking up for many industries.

Consumer and Investment Spending Set to Increase

The 2011 economy is set to support increased consumer and investment spending, meaning businesses will benefit from both. The sectors predicted to explode in 2011 include digital and internet media aimed at the consumer, including cloud computing. Stocks are also on the rise, which promotes active investment from both brokers and individual investors, which also helps boost a sagging economy.

How Businesses Benefit

Businesses that take advantage of all the positive changes will likely see growth in 2011. The tax cuts and increased consumer spending, coupled with venture capitalist interest and higher stock prices, should help boost the economy in 2011 – which will help existing grow as well.

Remembering that consumers are starting to spend more, focusing your printed marketing materials on attracting budget-conscious consumers will help grow your business in 2011.

Tips for Creating Inspiring Door Hangers

If your clientele is made up of local residents in your area, such as a regional retail or service business, then you might consider adding door hangers to your marketing tool arsenal. Door hangers are inexpensive to print and are delivered to all your potential customers in your area.

Door hangers are perfect for local businesses because after you choose a few target neighborhoods, you simply order an ample supply of door hangers and send a few people to hang them door to door.

It’s important that your door hangers look professional, however, otherwise they’ll be thrown out. Using a professional printer will help you distribute a final door hanger that will catch people’s attention, using the following tips.

Using Door Hanger Borders to Your Advantage

Your printer will tell you your border options, meaning your door hanger content can be printed within a border or they can “bleed” it all the way to the edge. Bleed printing is more expensive, but getting a quote for both methods will help you determine whether the extra money is worth it. Although bleed printing looks very professional, the right printer can make sure your border doesn’t detract from your design so that you can save money and still appear professional to potential clients.

Get Your Door Hangers Noticed

People often come home juggling kids, groceries or are just in a rush. To catch their attention with your door hanger, use a bold, colorful headline to make them add your door hanger to their pile to read inside. Examples of headlines that work are offering a product or service for free or highlighting a huge sale. Nothing keeps people reading like the thought of a free product.

Keep the content beneath your headline simple and concise as well. Door hangers are meant to be teasers, not full catalogs, so give people a reason to check your business out. Also, door hangers should be printed on both sides, even if you simply include directions on the reverse. That way, if it gets flipped over by the wind, for instance, the customer won’t think it’s blank and throw it away.

Door hangers, if designed following these tips, are the perfect way to connect with your local customer base and increase your sales.

4 Tips to Promoting Your Business With Bookmarks

Bookmarks are the perfect promotional giveaway because they are easy and inexpensive to create and print, and their intrinsic value, if done correctly, is much higher to your customers. Bookmarks come in handy for most people, and if they’re attractive, are often passed on to others.

Bookmarks are easy to transport and can be easily printed in bulk so that you can give them away with every purchase, include them in mailers or even bring them along to business conventions and include them in a goodie bag.

Follow these tips, and your next promotional bookmark printing will go a long way towards inspiring customer loyalty.

Choosing the Right Bookmark Paper

Cardstock should be at the top of your list when planning your bookmarks with your printer. Premium 14pt cardstock is ideal because the bookmark needs to be both professional looking and strong. Cheap, thin bookmarks that tear after one use won’t inspire goodwill in your customers.

Choosing the Right Bookmark Finish

Once you’ve chosen your cardstock, you need to choose your bookmark finish. Should it be glossy or matte or should you not use a coating, but laminate your bookmarks? A glossy or matte coating will both make your bookmarks professional looking if you don’t want the extra cost of laminating, so choose according to your budget.

Choosing the Right Color Scheme

Black and white bookmarks can be made to look artsy, but if your business is a pet store, you might be perceived as cheap. Full color bookmarks will stand out to customers, especially if you include graphics. You also need to choose whether you want a border around the edge of your bookmark, which is the cheapest printing method, or whether you want bleed printing. Bleed printing takes your bookmarks to the next level by having the color extend all the way to the edge with no white border.

Maximizing Space

Your bookmarks can be printed on both sides so that customers connect with your business, no matter which side of the bookmark faces up. You might also consider adding a tassel, making it more useful as a bookmark, simply by having a hole punched at the top of your bookmarks.

Bookmarks are great giveaways, and if printed with care, will impress your customers as long as they continue to use it.

Creating a Newsletter That Inspires Customer Loyalty

A newsletter gives you a direct communication link to your customers, whether you choose to write a weekly, monthly or quarterly newsletter. If you follow these simple tips, your customers will not only look forward to reading your newsletter, but you’ll likely discover the benefit of customer loyalty.

Here’s what to include in your next newsletter:

• A greeting from the owner – A short greeting from the president or CEO to begin your newsletter will resonate with customers, especially if a headshot is included. Customers like to feel important, and reading a message from the owner will help personalize the company and create customer loyalty.

• Spin a story – Give each newsletter a specific theme and include a related anecdote or at least write the articles in an engaging manner so that they feel like stories instead of product advertisements. A creative writer can help highlight product points in a lively way that engages readers instead of turning them off.

• Invite customer participation – In the same way that spinning a story makes your newsletter more personable, including real stories from actual customers will also enhance your business. A photo of the happy customer will go a long way towards inspiring other customers to come forward with their positive experiences and help your business grow.

• Let a professional handle the newsletter – A freelance or professional writer can make a world of difference by ensuring your newsletter is well-written, creative and error-free. A professional writer will also see your business objectively and be able to create a newsletter that keeps your customers coming back for more.

• Brighten your newsletter with graphics – A newsletter is designed to both inform and entertain, but it’s not a report and shouldn’t read or present like one. A colorful newsletter that balances written content with relevant graphics will keep readers engrossed without overwhelming them with too many words! Make sure the graphics look professional and so your newsletter retains its professional feel.

Your newsletter should inspire customer loyalty by letting your customers get to know your business better and thus improving the relationship. A professionally written and edited newsletter will only increase the perception that your business is well-run and deserves the loyalty of its readers.