Inkwell Printing Company

Advice from the Printer

By

Nonprofit Printing: Annual Appeal Mailing Tips

Annual appeal season is here for nonprofits.  This can be a very busy and stressful time of the year.  Here are a few quick tips we have put together to help ease some of that stress.

Annual appeal

  1. Plan your calendar

Timing is going to be a key feature of your annual appeal mailing.  Start planning early so that you are not in a rush at the end of the year to get your letters out.  Also if you plan on doing a multi piece mailing timing is a crucial element.  Send the letters out too close together and you risk annoying your potential donors.  But send them out too far apart and you may be forgotten amongst the other appeals they are receiving.  Research your target market to find some of the best timing practices for your mailing.

  1. Set a goal

Have a clearly defined goal for your annual appeal.  Not all mailing pieces need to have the goal of raising money directly.  The first pieces you send may need to be informative pieces with the intention of raising awareness.  Or maybe your plan should be to drive them to follow your social media sites.  These people can later be converted into donors.  Whatever your plan is, a clear goal needs to be set so that you can design the most effective piece.

  1. Budget

If you run your own nonprofit organization then you are well aware of how important budgeting is.  The annual appeal is one of the most important fundraising opportunities for nonprofit organizations so decide on how much you plan to raise this time of year.  Then set a firm budget.  Make sure the vendors you work with respect your budget and stay within it.

  1. Specific audience

Target as specific an audience as you possibly can.  Many times getting in front of the most people possible is not as effective as getting in front of a smaller group of interested people.  Mailing lists for all types of demographics exist if you do not have one on your own.  The strongest list is going to be a list of supporters that you have collected throughout the years.  If you do not have your own list, then reach out to local printing/mailing companies.  They will have access to mailing lists that can target people based on interests and other qualities.

  1. Design

Designing the final annual appeal piece is the biggest part of this project.  But if you have followed the steps listed above it is much easier than you think.  With a set goal, budget, and audience most design companies can come up with a very effective piece.  Find a company that has experience with these pieces and make sure your appeal is as personal as possible for the best results.

  1. Track data

Finally, track your results.  Although this may not seem like the most important step it is extremely helpful in the long run.  If you can locate your most effective pieces, then the next year you can dedicate more resources in that area.  This will lead to improving your annual appeal each year.

 

Hopefully these tips can make this annual appeal season go a little more smoothly and relieve some of the stress.  Have a happy Holidays!

 

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

Holiday Cards: Why A Business Should Send Them

The Holidays are upon us. Whether this is a busy time of the year or a slow time for your business it presents a great opportunity.  The opportunity to show your appreciation for your customers. This is where holiday cards come in to play.

Holiday Cards

Holiday cards are an inexpensive way to go a little above and beyond for your customers.  They are a personal gesture that can help grow a real connection between them and you. Holiday cards are not a sales pitch, they are not trying to take advantage of the increased spending many households go through during the holiday season.  They are just a way to say thank you.  They are personal, fun to receive, and your customers will appreciate them.

During this season people will be receiving countless sales ads and their mailboxes will be full of promotional pieces.  Most of these marketing pieces will be tossed without a second thought. But your simple, genuine holiday cards will get noticed.  They will get opened, and the customer will appreciate not being overwhelmed with marketing.  Keep your card to the basics, a nice message and a signature.  Maybe don’t even include your contact info, just to really show that this is not a sales pitch.  Make your holiday cards feel genuine, with no underlying motive other than to say thank you for supporting your business throughout the years.  This is an extremely non-intrusive way to help build a more personal relationship with your past customers.

Keep these tips in mind when designing your holiday cards and have a Happy Holidays!

 

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

Printing For Nonprofits

If your nonprofit is trying to grow engagement or build your brand, these print materials can help you do just that. Consider adding these items to your marketing plan this year.

nonprofit

 

Postcards

Postcards are an excellent way to stay in front of potential supporters. They can be used as a personal thank you for a donation or to encourage contact.  A well-designed postcard is a nonintrusive way of reminding your supporters to think about you.  Remember when it comes to most people, out of sight out of mind.

Brochures

Every nonprofit needs a strong brochure to explain exactly what services they provide.  The brochure should also explain your company’s mission and a little about why it exists.  These brochures make great handouts when you do not have time to give the full story of your nonprofit.

Invitations/Event Tickets

As a nonprofit you probably have many events throughout the year. Events like trivia nights, galas, and golf tournaments can be great fundraisers.  A personal invitation can increase attendance and participation in events.  Then once they have RSVP’d you can get them a ticket or raffle tickets to raise money during the event itself.

Envelopes/Letterhead

Custom envelopes and letterhead can be very important when it comes to building your brand.  You want your logo to stand out and have meaning when it is seen in public.  You must build this strong brand by having professional stationery for any contact with supporters.

Annual Appeal

Annual appeal season can be a stressful time of the year for nonprofits.  But if you work with a printing company that has experience in this area they can design you a highly successful direct mail piece.

 

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

Business Stationery Every Company Needs

Whether you are just starting out or are a long-established company.  This list of stationery is important to help you succeed.

Business Stationery

 

Business Cards

Business cards are an obvious but important need for companies. A well designed business card is a crucial piece of stationery to keep in contact with potential customers.  A business owner should always have a few business cards on them where ever they go.

Custom Envelopes

Custom envelopes with a company logo on them are an excellent way to give off a serious and professional image.  If you mail to your customers often you should consider a custom envelope to increase recognizability among prospects.

Notepads/Letterhead

Another important piece of stationery to have around your office is branded notepads and letterhead.  Whether it is simply for writing down interoffice memos or for sending important messages to customers, branded notepads and letterhead are great for building your brand.  Also branded notepads make for great handouts to prospects.  Everyone keeps notepads on their desk and it is great to have your logo in front of them every single day at work.

Brochures

The final piece of stationery every company should have on hand is a well-designed brochure.  A brochure that explains who your company is as well as gives a list of services is crucial to a business.  This brochure can be handed out at conferences or networking events to quickly give a potential customer more information about your business.

 

Hopefully this list of important business stationery can help you on your way to growing your business. For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

Designing A Business Card: What Goes On The Back?

 

When designing a business card there are many questions to consider.  But one that often gets overlooked is what to put on the back of the card.  The front is full of important information like company name and your contact info, but what is the back for? There are a few different routes you can take here.

Business Card

Blank

The first and easiest choice is simply to leave the back of the card blank.  If you are an active networker this could be a great choice for you.  It leaves and empty space for you to take small notes when meeting someone.  You will never be without a place to write down a reminder.  But this is not for everyone.

Services

The next option to consider is a list of services.  This can be a great way to give a potential customer a small glimpse of what it is your company specializes in.  Make sure not to flood the back of the card with too much information.  As this will lead to it being completely ignored.  People don’t want to read the fine print on the back of a card.  Keep it to a few services that you feel are important for someone to know.

Promotion

Another route you can take is to put a promotion or coupon on the back of your business card.  This is the strongest way to ensure that someone holds on to the card.  If your company has a retail level, then this is an excellent option for you.

Graphic

The final option to consider is to use an eye-catching graphic.  This is an excellent idea for photographers or graphic designers.  Put a graphic that makes people stop and look at it.  Or a graphic that showcases your work as a photographer.  This is a great personal touch for a business card.

 

Hopefully these tips can help you in your business card designing process. For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

4 Ways To Use Postcards In Marketing

Postcards are an inexpensive and effective way to market your business.  While there are many different ways that postcards can be used, these are just a few ideas to get you started on implementing postcards into your marketing plan.

Postcards

  1. General Info

The first and probably most obvious way to use postcards, is to use them for general info.  Postcards are very inexpensive to mail and can be sent to a large number of prospects.  Do not overload your postcard with too much information as this will deter people from reading.  Use a nice eye-catching graphic to draw a potential customers attention.  Then include a small amount of information about your company or a particular product.  This is a great form of soft selling.

  1. Coupon

Another effective usage of a postcard is for coupons.  Mail these out to past customers to increase the odds of them revisiting your store.  Include a call to action on the coupon with an incentive to use it quickly, or else many will simply be forgotten.

  1. Announcements

Postcards are a great way to make announcements as well.  They are small, eye-catching, and perfect for passing on small amounts of information.  If your company has a grand opening or an anniversary event coming up, a postcard is a great way to get the word out.  Design the postcard to look like an invitation to get people to come check out your event.

  1. Handouts

Another less obvious way to use postcards are as handouts.  Postcards do not have to be used as mailing pieces exclusively.  They are perfect for tradeshows and other marketing events where you would like to give someone more information.  Postcards can fit more information then a business card while still being small and easy to carry.

 

Hopefully you will find these tips useful and can find a way to implement postcards into your marketing plan.  For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

Business Card Design Checklist

Whether you are starting a new business or going through a company rebranding, designing a business card is a very important step.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are deciding what direction to go with your cards.

Business Card

Logo/Graphics

First and foremost, make sure you have access to a high res version of your logo and any graphics you want on the card.  You will need a high res version to ensure that your card can be produced at a high quality regardless of size and shape.

Size/Shape

Next, consider the different options in size and shape of cards. The standard size is 2” by 3.5”. Consider your industry and if the standard size is what you would like.  Sometimes designing an eye catching and unusual shaped card is very effective.  But for more professional industries, like finance and law, a more standard card is appropriate.

Cardstock

Now that you have selected the shape you want your business card to be, consider the weight of paper you would like.  A thicker paper adds a very nice and professional feel to a card.  There are also many other options of materials like plastics that can help a card stand out from the competition.

Info

Finally, it is time to decide the information that you want on your business card.  Do not overload the card with too much information.  This is distracting and will often cause the entire card to be overlooked.  Keep the information down to the essentials and encourage interaction with your card.  Encourage a potential customer to enquire more about your company.

 

Hopefully these quick tips will help you when designing a business card.  It may seem like a daunting task at first but with a little help from a professional designer it is a painless step in the process of growing your business.

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

How To: Pick A Printing Company

The printing industry is full of many different companies.  From local mom and pop shops to national internet-based companies, the market has many different options to consider when picking your printing company to work with.  So how can you decide which one is best for you?  Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are selecting your printing company.

Printing Company

Consider your project

Most all printing companies can handle the same types of projects. However, some projects fit some companies better than others.  This can drastically change the price depending on the machinery a printing company has.  Consider if your project includes mailing, is this printing company a certified mailing house or will it have to outsource the work? Think about quantities. Depending on the size of the presses and if they are digital or offset presses some companies can handle larger runs while others specialize in short runs.

Customer Service

Spend some time talking with the potential printing company. How is their customer service? Ask how they handle problems that could arise throughout the project. Some companies are less expensive, but you can only communicate with them through email. Is that a big problem for you or are you willing to work with that? Good customer service in a printing company is a sign that they care about your project. They will go above and beyond to make sure that your project meets your standards

Location

Location is very important if you are on a tight deadline.  If you continually need projects printed with a very short turnaround then you will need to look for some place local.  Delivery from a national company can take 3 to 5 days after the project is completed.  Keep this in mind when you are placing your order.  Also, if your project is a high-quality piece you may want to see a sample proof.  A local company can prepare one for you very quickly.

Visit The Facility

If possible, you should take a tour of the company.  This will serve multiple purposes.  First it will confirm that you are working directly with the company and not through a broker.  Second you can tell a lot about how seriously a printing company takes itself by the working conditions.  Finally, it will give you an even better look at the company’s customer service.

History

Lastly, look in to the history of the company.  Has it been around for an extended period?  Check customer reviews.  Even ask the company for referrals.  This will give you a good idea of the quality of work produced by this printing company.

 

 

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

Direct Mail Myths

Direct Mail

Myth 1: Low Response Rate

Studies show that direct mail has a 4.4% response rate.  Which is significantly higher than the .12% average response rate of email marketing campaigns.

Myth 2: Direct Mail Can’t Be Personal

With the introduction of variable data printing you direct mail piece can be extremely personalized.  It no longer costs a lot to add a personal greeting to a mail piece.  You can even personalize a mail piece based off a customer’s buying history.  For example, you can include information on a sale item that a particular customer frequently purchases.

Myth 3: Direct Mail Is Expensive

In the past when all printing was run on offset presses a direct mail piece could become very expensive unless you were willing to buy thousands of pieces.  Now with the industry turning increasingly towards digital equipment you can run much smaller quantities for a much smaller price.  Direct mail is going to cost more than email marketing, but studies show that the average ROI on a mailing campaign is significantly higher than for an email campaign.  The cost may be more upfront, but the payoff will be better with the higher response rates.

Myth 4: Direct Mail Is Complicated

When people think about running a mailing campaign they think it sounds overly complicated.  This is simply not true.  A good printing company will have access to hundreds of lists that you can mail to.  Most can even design you a piece after collecting your information and have it printed and mailed in a week or two. It is a very low hassle project.

 

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

By

How To: Rack Card

What is a rack card?  Generally, a rack card is a printed piece that measures 4”x 9”.  It is a great way to communicate information that requires more space than a business card but less than a full brochure.

Rack Card

The 3 keys to a successful rack card are:

  1. Standout Design
  2. Call To Action
  3. Distribution

 

Standout Design

Your rack card should be an eye-catching piece that effectively uses its extra space.  Focus on a graphic that is not too busy or distracting but that will encourage people to pick it up and learn more.  A rack card is not designed to be over flowing with information.  Remember it is not a brochure but instead it is a piece to raise curiosity in your business.

Call To Action

Your rack card should include a strong call to action.  Either encourage the potential customer to contact you or visit your website to get more information on the topic.  Another example of a good call to action is a coupon or offer.  Include this to get people to hold on to your rack card rather than tossing it after they have looked it over.

Distribution

The third key revolves around how you distribute your cards.  Rack cards are an inexpensive marketing piece, so it is important to get them to be seen by as many people as possible.  Have them at tradeshows or business expo booths.  Pass them out at your local chamber of commerce networking events.  And look to other businesses in similar industries as yours and ask them if you could put up a small stand at their front desk.  Many businesses and restaurants will allow you to do this.  And if you have a well-designed piece it should catch the eye of potential customers passing by.

 

For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/

And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com

Inkwell Printing