Inkwell Printing Company

Printing

By

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

By

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

By

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

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

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

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

By

How To: Trade show Booth Marketing

Trade shows are an excellent way to market your business.  But what all is needed to get the most out of your trade show booth?

  1. Posters
    • Posters are a great way to show pictures that showoff your company’s products or services. Hang a few behind your booth to catch the eye of people walking by.  These are most effective when they are simply pictures and are not designed to overload with information.  Make them eye catching and pleasing to look at.
  2. Retractable Banners
    • Retractable banners are a must for every trade show booth. They are easy to transport and install.  They are compact but then expand into a great marketing tool.  A well designed retractable banner will draw people in to your booth and let them know who you are. 
  3. Flyers
    • Your trade show booth should have a strong mix of informational material. Flyers are an easy handout to pass to people that won’t bore them with too much.  A flyer is not meant to give every detail about a product or service.  It is meant to catch the eye and make people remember your company.
  4. Brochures
    • With your flyers you should also have a few brochures. These will be informative and have more in-depth information on your service.  These you will hand out to people who seem more interested or who request more information. Brochure
  5. Coupons
    • A coupon is a great way to draw people to your booth. They also serve as an excellent tool to get people to come visit your store after the trade show.  People will be more likely to keep a coupon then the rest of the materials they are given that day.
  6. Giveaways
    • If you have ever been to a trade show or a business expo then you have seen that most booths offer some sort of free giveaway. Maybe a chance to win a prize by entering a drawing or some free promotional handouts like pens.  These giveaways will get people to stop at your trade show booth rather than just pass it by.

Consider these 6 things to get the most out of your next trade show booth.

 

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: Brochure Design

A brochure is an excellent way to give more information about your company or services.  But how do you design a brochure?  Here are some steps to get you started on creating this important piece of marketing material.

Brochure

 

Checklist

Before you begin creating your brochure there are a few things that you will need.

  1. Logo
    • A high-resolution company logo is vital to your brochure. This will appear throughout the different sections so a strong logo is important.
  2. Image
    • High-resolution images are critical as well. Pick a few that represent your company and services and make sure that they will show up well in print form.  Many pictures that look good on a computer do not print well.  Check with your designer to see if your images will work or if they will come out blurry.
  3. Copy
    • This is the text you will use to describe either your company or the service that you are advertising. It should include an about section, service information, and contact details.

Now that you have your checklist you will begin to create the brochure.

  1. Format
    • First you will need to decide on the layout of your brochure. The two most popular are bi-fold and tri-fold.  If your goal is to show a lot of detailed information, then a tri-fold will work best.  If you are planning to show a few large pictures then stick with the bi-fold.
  2. Design
    • Next you will select a template for your content. There are many different templates you can find online or a designer can design your own for you.  Stick to colors and a layout that matches your brand image.
  3. Layout
    • Now you are ready to begin to insert your content. Use multiple images and sections to separate your different information.  Do not overload the customer with too much information or they will not read it.  Stick to short brief descriptions whenever possible.
  4. Paper
    • Finally you are ready to select your paper grade. Choose a stock that fits with your style.  If the brochure is meant to be reusable then make sure it is a sturdy stock.  And consider a glossy finish to keep marks and stains off.

 

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

Retractable Banner Design Tips

Retractable banners are an excellent marketing tool.  They can be used to increase foot traffic at a store front or a trade show booth.  A retractable banner is perfect for setting up a booth at a business expo as well.  But how should one be designed?

Retractable BannerRetractable Banner

Logo

First and foremost, company logo and name should be large and at the top of the banner.  This will help in company brand building.  Keep the logo separate from other messages and pictures on the retractable banner so that it is easily identifiable.  Other company information like contact info and address should be listed at the bottom of the banner.

Images

Secondly, a retractable banner has a large amount of space to be used.  Do not clutter this space up with too many messages.  Take advantage of one or two high quality full color images to speak for themselves.  Make sure these are full color and eye-catching images.

Message

Next, consider what message to display on the retractable banner.  If your company has the budget to buy multiple banners then consider having very specific call to actions that are relevant to the event.  If you do not have the budget for multiple banners then aim to make your banner one that can be used as a universal banner for all events.  Getting your company’s message and goal out to people is more important than just a list of products and services.  Try to display what your company is all about in as little words as possible.  The banner’s job is to draw people in and to introduce your company.  It is not a sales brochure.

 

In conclusion, the goal of a retractable banner is to increase foot traffic and introduce your company to a potential customer.  If designed effectively a banner can be an excellent tool for brand building.  Hopefully these tools can help get you started with designing your banner!

 

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

Tips For Effective Postcard Marketing

A postcard marketing campaign can be a very effective strategy for attracting customers.  Here are a few quick tips to make your postcard marketing more effective.

postbox

 

  1. Create Leads
    • Your postcard is not for closing a sale it is to create leads for future customers. Come up with a strategy to drive your audience to your website or to call your office to get more information.  You won’t have enough space on the postcard to say everything you will want to say about your product or service so try and lead the customer to look for more information by contacting you.
  2. Quality Not Quantity
    • When deciding what information to include on your postcard remember that the quality of the information is far more important than the quantity. Do not fill up your postcard with too much information. Your readers will think that it is too cluttered and will consider it a waste of time.  An effective postcard marketing campaign has a few key points but is mostly filled with graphics.
  3. Both Sides
    • This is a rather simple point but be sure to use both sides of the postcard. This will help you take full advantage of your limited space and will also make it more visually appealing to the consumer.
  4. Looks Matter
    • This point is very important to consider when starting your postcard marketing campaign. It is tempting to try and save money by designing the product yourself or by using a cheaper paper. But you have to be very careful when deciding to cut costs of quality. A cheap postcard will be completely ineffective and can destroy your credibility with your target audience. Your local printer or graphic designer can set you up with a very professional postcard for a small cost. It is worth it to not cut corners on the quality of your card.
  5. Target Audience
    • This is one of the most important points to consider when setting up a postcard marketing campaign. Postcard marketing is not just about sending out as many cards as you can to as many people as you can.  You will see a much better return on investment if you target your campaign to your specific audience.  Set up a targeted mailing list for the best ROI.
  6. Track Results
    • After you have sent out your postcards you need to make sure to track the results of your postcard marketing campaign. Try and find out what your customers liked about your card. And how many new leads were you able to attain with this campaign. This makes it easy to decide if you would like to do another campaign in the future.

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