To stay ahead in business, business and marketing professionals alike are constantly searching for the next big marketing campaign to really get their word out there. To be heard, we need to be different, we need to capture the attention of our audience, and we need to think outside of the box. However, sometimes we over think the process and the most effective way to grab the attention of our audience is right in front of us – ink and paper. It may seem a bit “old-school” or “dated” to some, but print media and business go together like PB & J. Our theory on this is, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”, so while some businesses will be quick to disregard this method, especially in this digital world, we will be helping our clients master the fundamentals.
We are in a digital world, our inboxes are full, our eyes are constantly on screens of all shapes and sizes, but seeing a piece of paper- that’s like magic! For example, I have only been at work for a few hours, and already in my personal email account I have 83 emails…Yes, really! I get emails all of the time, and unfortunately, many get overlooked or sent IMMEDIATELY to the trash bin or spam folder without questioning it, but print? Anything in print I take a look at, it’s in my hands, grabs my attention- even if for a few moments- and I either hold on to it or throw it away. BUT even though I threw it away, it was a much longer process and that printed piece got my attention, I looked at it, I physically touched it and it made an impact. So now, if I receive an email from the same company that sent me the printed piece, I will be more inclined to read that email.
The feeling of paper can influence the way customers perceive a product, service and brand. It’s called Haptic Perception– recognizing through touch. Printed materials trigger emotions in customers that digital marketing efforts cannot replicate. The tactile quality of fine papers combined with unique printing techniques, trigger emotions and capture the attention of your audience.
So how will you make an impact by using Print in your next Marketing campaign?
Here are a few tips:
Print + Digital = Success:
Don’t rely solely on Print Marketing for your next campaign, combine print and digital to create a multi-channel campaign. It’s a known fact that when an email campaign is supported with a print piece, it creates a better rate of response than when using email or print alone. Support your email marketing messaging with your printed piece and vice-versa. Incorporate web, cross-substrate print, mobile, email, social media, and targeted landing pages to create more opportunities to communicate with audiences, AND to track the success of your campaign. Remember, the more forms of media, the more interaction and engagement from your clients, so mix up your media in your next marketing campaign.
Paper is important:
Texture, quality, size, shape, color, fold, weight, packaging, substrate material, these are all things to consider when planning your printed piece. A plain white piece of paper with black ink in an envelope won’t get the same amount of attention as a multi-colored die-cut and folded printed piece. With the amazing printing technology that is out there and the multitude of substrate options, the possibilities are endless! Make an impact, think of your campaign as a whole before selecting your substrate. Are you promoting a new Eco-friendly product for your company, or are you going ‘Green’? Then choose a natural recycled paper that’s printed using eco-friendly, water-based, odorless industrial inks for your direct mailer. If you are having an event, choose an odorless, non-toxic, phthalate-free, green and eco-friendly adhesive material like PhotoTex for your event signage. Your campaign should be consistent, the paper and printed materials should compliment the campaign.
Design matters:
Good design does more than just look good; it’s a branding and marketing tool that really helps to deliver results. The right design should create a great first impression, be memorable, and establish recognition. When it comes to style and decision-making, the number one goal should be consistency. Make sure your design is consistent with your branding, your messaging or your event theme. Branding throughout all marketing materials is the key to making sure your company is being recognized. Every message you send out, should hold true to your branding, but also incorporate the campaign or event theme. Typography, shape, color, texture are all basic elements that matter in creating a successful marketing campaign. Think of the end goal, what message you want to be heard, how you want to be perceived and remembered. A good design is essential to the success of your campaign; so don’t skimp on the details.
Get help from an expert:
Endless substrates, design elements, shipping methods, combining print and digital marketing, there are so many elements to be considered when you create a print marketing campaign. Luckily, veteran printers know what methods of print marketing are most effective. They know the fundamentals; every substrate and packaging method, the basic elements of design, they know which colors work best for each type and color of substrate, and they care about making the most of your print marketing. Choose a company that has a passion and long history in print.
You won’t find many marketing solutions companies who know print the way we do. We believe that choosing the right paper for your project can make a difference. That’s why over the years, we have formed close relationships with many of the finest paper mills and paper merchants. And for our first five issues of our Marketing Hour Magazine, we have worked closely with them in an effort to showcase some unique and quality papers that perhaps you may find will add attraction to your future communications. Need help choosing the perfect paper for your next campaign? We would love to help! Contact us today to get started on your next campaign.
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