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Millennials and Their Mail

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Millennials and Their Mail Millennials are a prime target market because they make up a large portion of America’s population. What do we know about millennials? They’re young, tech savvy individuals who aspire to see the world and break the norm. Millennials are thought to be the generation with the world at their fingertips. They stay connected on their phones and learn via the internet. Though it is true that millennials spend most of their time online and engaging in social media, these platforms may not be the greatest places to advertise. Web advertisements flood the internet and more often than none, millennials will ignore them. So many advertisers have jumped on the bandwagon to reach millennials through social media and the internet that it has become a competition for webspace. Digital marketing is still effective in all its rights but print marketing serves it purpose with the millennials as well. Quite possibly the number one thing that most millennials are interested i

IMpb v.s. IMb

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So, what are the letters for? Well it turns out, the postal process is more technical than one might think. There is a rhyme and reason to the barcodes that can be located at the bottom of postcards or on packages. That long line of numbers contains a lot of information, hence the name, Intelligent Barcode. There are two different kinds of barcodes, one is used for packages and the other is used for flat mail. Each barcode is unique and has a very specific purpose. The intelligent mail package barcode (IMpb) provides piece-level data which allows the postal service to increase efficiency and enhance package tracking capabilities.   So, what are the letters for? Well it turns out, the postal process is more technical than one might think. There is a rhyme and reason to the barcodes that can be located at the bottom of postcards or on packages. That long line of numbers contains a lot of information, hence the name, Intelligent Barcode. There are two different kinds of barcodes,

Here’s Looking at the New Year - Print Marketing Trends for 2018

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In ringing in the new year, new trends arrive for all kinds of industries. This includes the print industry and more specifically, print marketing. Like any good marketing strategy, things change with the times and to stay relevant with 2018 and all it has to offer, here are a few anticipated print trends: 1. Combining Print and Digital Media Adding QR codes, clickable paper, and social media icons to print pieces is a great way to strengthen a marketing strategy. These are all ways that print can advertise for social media. Social media can do the same for print by advertising for special offers or bonus codes in the mail. These two contenders no longer need to be on opposite ends of the marketing spectrum. 2. Simple Messages In a world filled with advertisements and promotions, the best way to stand out from the crowd is to go simple. One of the general rules of design is, less is more, and all it requires is an image with a direct message and minimal text. Visually appealing piec

The Impact of Direct Mail

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The Impact of Direct Mail The world is pushing toward a technology strong era. Everything is better online and today everybody has a smartphone or some way to check their social media or news across the world. Where does mail fit in this advancing world? Does it still hold worth in the eyes of customers? Let’s take a look at the impact that direct mail can have and why it’s not out of the race yet. The Appeal of Direct Mail Old fashioned is the new trend as it seems so rare nowadays to get direct mail. When customers receive an actual piece of mail they are more likely to read through its content rather than if it was online. It’s like the thought, everything old becomes new again, with the internet being flooded with advertisements and nonstop social media emails, direct mail provides a breath of fresh air.   Personal Touch Sending something directly to a customer’s home is pretty much the definition of personal. As with any personal touch, the chances of buildin

Combining Print and Social Media

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Combining Print and Social Media Without thinking too long about it, what is the opposite of print media? There could be several things. The one thing that comes to mind right away is social media. Social media deals with the internet and online communication. It’s the one force that is thought to be putting print out of business. A different story can be told of these two seemingly polar opposites though. It turns out these two media platforms can work quite well together. How? I’ll give you a hint, you’ve seen it more often than you realize.   As visual as social media can be, it’s easier for people to remember something like a poster or flyer. Tangible things resonate more with people and they’re more accessible. People don’t need wifi to read printed material. Adding social media icons to a poster or flyer indicates that their business has a social media presence, like a Facebook page or Twitter account. Print is a great way to advertise for social media.   Print is a

How Print is Going Green

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Going green and helping the environment has become an extremely popular trend. When people think about print, the only image that comes to mind is cutting down rainforests and wasting trees. To flip your view on the process of printing, let’s take a look at how printing is able to go green. Volatile Organic Compounds. What are volatile organic compounds (VOC)? VOC are a variety of high vapor pressure chemicals that are emitted from certain solids and liquids. They can be found it paint, aerosol sprays, disinfectant, pesticides, and even other household items. VOC creates ozone which is a colorless toxic gas with powerful oxidizing properties. The

Brands and Branding: Yes, There’s a Difference

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Oftentimes, it’s hard to discern the difference between brands and branding. Most people think they’re one in the same, or that the words are interchangeable when talking about a company’s identity. There is in fact a difference between the two and it can be found in the definition of each word. A brand is a unique symbol, word, design, or combination used to create an image that identifies a product. Branding is the process of creating a mental image or perception in customers’ minds that attach a certain experience to a brand image or name. To get a better understanding of these two ideas let’s break down their importance in a marketing strategy. Let’s start off by looking at a brand. A brand should represent you as a person, your company, and your promise to customers. This can be achieved by specific design elements such as typography, imagery, and colors. It is important to understand your customers’ wants and needs. Ask yourself what they would look for and what they