Inkwell Printing Company

Advice from the Printer

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4 Marketing Ideas For Postcards

When it comes to direct marketing, postcards are an excellent tool.  They are an inexpensive, easy to use, and effective way to attract customers.  Postcards are extremely versatile and have many different implementations.  Since they can serve a variety of different purposes, we have put together a few ways to use postcards in your own marketing strategies.

Postcards

  1. Coupons
    • One great way to use a postcard is as a coupon or discount card. These can be mailed out to past customers to get them back into your store.  They can be handed out at tradeshows or networking events to give a person a little extra incentive to visit your store or website.  Coupons are a great way to generate some attention for your business and a postcard is the perfect size to go with.
  2. Announcements
    • Another postcard idea is to use them for announcements. If you are looking to announce a store opening or a great sale/new product a postcard is the perfect tool.  Postcards can be mailed very inexpensively so if you are opening a new location, an EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) piece is extremely effective to get the word out to the community.
  3. Birthday Cards
    • Birthdays are a perfect opportunity for you to do something fun and thoughtful for your customers. If you are in a business where you collect your customers information and can get their birthdays on file, then sending them a card is a very nice gesture. Not only is this a good way to show gratitude and that you care for your customers, but also, it’s a non-intrusive way to stay on your customers mind.  You can combine the birthday postcard with a coupon card to get even better results.
  4. Information
    • The final idea for using postcards is simply to give more information. While a well-designed brochure is a more effective way to give out info on your business or service, a postcard can still be a strong tool.  If you are at a trade show or a marketing event you can not always carry around brochures with you.  This is where your postcard can be of great use.  You can hand these out to anyone that shows a little more interest in your company.

Hopefully these 4 ideas can help you get started with implementing postcards into your marketing plan.  Remember to keep them simple, don’t overload them with information.  Try to use an eye-catching graphic and include your contact info on every one of them.  A well-designed postcard is a strong tool for direct marketing and when used effectively can boost sales and or traffic to 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

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Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) Campaign Tips

Every door direct mail (EDDM) is a great way for small business owners to target a large number of potential customers quickly and inexpensively.  With no need to collect addresses or purchase mailing lists, the cost and speed of EDDM can be hard to compete with. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your own EDDM campaign.

  1. Goals
    • As with all types of direct mail, it is crucial to define your goals upfront. Are you trying to get customers to visit your store for a new opening or a big sale?  Are you attempting to generate leads for your real estate business? What ever your goal is it should be defined before you begin so that you can track the success of your campaign. Determining your goal will also help make the design process far easier as well.
  2. Size
    • The design of an EDDM campaign is crucial to your success but before you begin you must check the guidelines for EDDM. Not every postcard sized piece is eligible for EDDM, there are strict guidelines that must be followed.  Make sure you are aware of these guidelines so that you do not have to redesign your piece after putting in too much work.
  3. Content
    • Now that you know the size requirements you can get started on the content of your EDDM piece. Keep in mind the goals you previously determined and that should make the content relatively easy.  Do not overload the piece with too much info or no one will take the time to read it.  Keep it simple and less crowded. If you are advertising a sale or grand opening, then make that the center of your piece with an exclusive offer or sales code.  If you are trying to generate leads in a certain area for real estate, then consider listing some of your success stories in the area. Your goals should determine the type of content you add.  But most importantly, include all relevant contact information and make it very easily accessible.
  4. Routes
    • Finally, you must select your routes. As the name implies, you must mail to every door along a route.  That is one of the cons of EDDM, you can not exclude any locations along a selected mail carriers’ route.  But that is why it is less expensive then a normal direct mail campaign.  So, you select an area that encompasses the most of your target and then you get it sent out.  Timing is important because a piece will be mailed in the next few days, but the exact day is never completely guaranteed.  So make sure to always mail a day or two earlier to account for this.

Hopefully these tips will help you out if you are planning to run your own EDDM campaign.  EDDM is not the perfect fit for everyone but it is certainly a strong tool for many circumstances. And the cost and ease of EDDM is hard to compete against in the world of direct mail marketing.

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

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Quick Brochure Design Tips

Getting started on your first brochure can seem overwhelming.  But with a few quick tips here and there you will be off and rolling in no time. This is certainly not a comprehensive guide to designing a brochure and if possible, you should enlist the help of a professional.  If that is not possible though, and you need to get started right away, remember these tips to help out along the way!

  1. Have A Clear Objective
    • The very first thing you should do is decide what you are hoping to accomplish with your brochure. Is it to introduce your company or a new product? Is it simply to provide more information on a service?  Any of these are great reasons and can be easily accomplished with a brochure you just need to define your objective.  Make sure to not try and accomplish too many things at once. Have one plan to focus on so that you can have a nice outline for your brochure.
  2. Keep It Simple
    • This one is very important. Do not overload your brochure with too much information. This will make it boring and people will not read it.  Consider an eye-catching image with few words if your intention is to draw in customers.  If your goal is to inform then keep the information short and concise.  Use easy to read fonts that encourage the potential customer to inquire about more information.
  3. Experiment With Folds
    • There are many different ways to fold a brochure. And depending on your objective and design you may find some are more useful then others.  You can stick with the tried and true trifold or you can experiment with a Z-fold.  None of the folds are objectively better than the others but depending on your design some may fit better and be a little more eye-catching.

Hopefully these tips can help you out if you are getting started on a brochure.  Of course this is no substitute for a professional but if you need to get the design completed by yourself, remember these tips and you should be off to a good start.

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

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4 Print Marketing Materials To Boost Your Sales

Print marketing strategies are seeing a resurgence in recent years.  With direct mail pieces seeing some of its highest response rates in years, many companies are including print marketing materials in their campaigns. Large companies like Google and Amazon are beginning to lean more and more on print pieces to boost sales.  Here are 4 pieces to help you boost your sales.

  1. Business Cards

  • We will lead off with an easy one, business cards. Business cards are nothing new to the modern business person, but they are still as essential as ever.  If you do any face to face meetings with your potential clients, you should always have a few cards on hand.  A well designed business card can catch the eye and keep your information close at hand.
  1. Catalogs

  • Catalogs are a classic advertising piece. In the past every company had a catalog and it was an expected marketing piece.  In recent years most companies have gone away from catalogs in favor of websites and other digital media.  However, catalogs are also seeing a resurgence in the modern market place.  Studies suggest that tangible pieces are having a higher response rate, especially among millennials. This has prompted even Amazon, a company that thrives on digital innovation, to resort back to a print catalog last holiday season.
  1. Brochures

  • A brochure designed to stick out can serve a multitude of marketing purposes. It can draw in customers at a trade show booth, it can be a great leave behind when going door to door, it can answer additional customer questions, among many other things.  A well-designed brochure is crucial to your marketing strategy.  Make sure your brochure is simple, eye-catching, and informational to receive the best response.
  1. Postcards

Postcards

  • Finally, a direct mail postcard. With direct mail seeing its best success rates in years, there is no better time to get back on board with a direct mail campaign.  Large companies like Google have come back due to the far higher response rates over digital retargeting ads.

Conclusion

Digital marketing is a great way to reach your customer base and many people will have success with it.  But don’t think that print marketing is dead.  We recommend a strong mix of the two to compliment each other.  Print is making a strong resurgence in recent years and adding these 4 marketing materials will help boost your company’s sales.

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

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Direct Mail In 2019

The new year is a upon us and with it comes many new decisions for your business. How will you spend your marketing budget for 2019? Should you consider direct mail? Although many people will tell you that direct mail is dead and that digital is the absolute way to go, this may not be true.  In fact, recent trends show that direct mail may just be poised for a comeback.  National studies show that direct mail returned with a 4.25 – 5.0% response rate compared to digital retargeting ads at .7%.  There are multiple reasons for this resurgence in effectiveness.

Direct mail

  1. Targeting Data

It is now easier than ever to segment the market.  With advances in data collection over the past few years it is now possible to clearly define your target market and only mail to those locations.  The data is extremely specific and if you know who your target is then there is a mailing list for them.

  1. Personalization

The printing industry has seen its share of advances over the past few years as well.  And one of those areas has been variable data.  It is now easier and cheaper than it has ever been to personalize mail.  You can send out an entire mailing campaign that has your customers name printed throughout the brochure or even has the customers most frequently purchased items. This process used to be expensive and time consuming but with the new tech in the printing field it is now a very simple process.

  1. Attention

The third reason for such a high response rate for direct mail is simply competition.  In the past mailboxes were stuffed to the brim with advertisements and flyers.  Then digital marketing boomed and now our emails are loaded with ads. The average person receives so many email ads a day they hardly pay attention to any of them.  With this shift in approach an opportunity presents itself.  The average home receives less mail than ever these days and so the competition for your target’s attention is lower. People are responding to direct mail because they are receiving so much less of it.  It is much easier to stand out in a mailbox now than in an email blast.

 

These three reasons are just some of the explanations why direct mail is seeing a marketing industry revival. It being easier to personalize and having less competition presents a unique opportunity for businesses to capitalize on their target market.

 

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

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Print Needs For 2019

A new year is just beginning and with it comes new year’s resolutions.  Many of these personal resolutions will revolve around your business.  These are a few print related items you will need to get started on your best year yet!

Print

Business Cards

Maybe your resolution involves going to more marketing and networking events.  You will need a big supply of business cards for all these new events you plan on attending.  Check out our article on business card design if you plan on updating your cards.

Tradeshow Banner

Do you have any tradeshow or convention events you plan to attend in 2019?  If so, make sure to get a banner printed to represent your company behind your table.

Postcards

Postcards can serve many different purposes in marketing.  They can be mailed to potential customers or they can simply be handed out at tradeshows to give a little extra information.  Post cards help you standout more than a business card but don’t overload the person with information.  They are perfect for showing off a good graphic.

Brochures

Now for the most important item in print marketing, a well-designed brochure.  This piece helps tell the customer everything they need to know about your company/product.  At a marketing event if someone inquires more about your company but you don’t have time to tell them everything a brochure is perfect.  If you are going door to door it is a perfect leave behind to answer any unasked questions a potential customer might have.  All in all a well-designed print brochure is a crucial marketing piece for many different circumstances.

 

These four items are just a few of the print-based marketing items you may need to get 2019 off to a great start. Good luck in the coming year and with any professional and personal resolutions you have set!

 

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

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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

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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

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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

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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