GCC Printing and Graphics

Rack cards are often tucked into lobbies, counters, and event displays. With so many competing for attention, the challenge isn’t just being there, it’s being noticed. Innovation in design and printing can turn an ordinary rack card into a piece people stop, pick up, and remember. Here are five forward-looking techniques that are reshaping how businesses can use rack cards more effectively. 1. Beyond Flat: Folds and Die-Cuts Who says rack cards have to stay rectangular? Die-cutting allows you to shape them into something instantly recognizable: a wine glass for a vineyard, a coffee cup for a café, or even a pet paw for a groomer. Add perforated tear-offs for coupons, business cards, or tickets, and you’ve got a card that works harder than a simple handout. Pro Tip: Keep the shape aligned with your brand. If the die-cut feels random, it’s a gimmick; if it connects, it’s memorable. 2. Borrowing from Tech: Microcopy Digital products rely on mi...

Welcome to Training 101: How to Arm Your Team for Success (Warning: This is not your typical dry employee manual. Coffee optional, enthusiasm required.) Chapter 1: The Right Tools = Superpowers Imagine sending your sales team into the world without brochures, rack cards, or business cards. I t’s like asking a superhero to show up without their cape. They might still save the day… but it won’t look nearly as impressive. Lesson: Equip your team with polished print tools, and suddenly, they walk into every conversation with confidence. Whether it’s a pocket folder full of info sheets or a simple flyer, having something tangible makes them feel prepared (and makes your brand look professional). Chapter 2: Consistency Beats Chaos Ever notice how some teams design their own handouts in Word and print them on the office copier? Yeah… let’s retire that habit. Nothing says “we’re winging it” quite like mismatched fonts and pixela...

Businesses today often pour budgets into digital ads, but there’s a hidden problem: trust. Consumers are skeptical of what they see online. Pop-ups, banner ads, and even sponsored social posts are easy to ignore or, worse, mistrust. Print, on the other hand, has staying power. A brochure in hand or a postcard in the mailbox feels more tangible, more credible, and more personal. Let’s break down a few myths about print versus digital and uncover the facts that make printed marketing such a powerful trust builder. Myth 1: “People only pay attention to digital now.” Fact: Print marketing is still widely read and remembered. Studies show that 75% of people recall a brand after receiving direct mail , compared to only 44% with digital ads. A well-designed brochure or postcard often gets pinned to a bulletin board, left on a counter, or passed to a friend. Takeaway: If you want to be remembered, put something physical in their hands. Myth 2: ...

When it comes to planning a successful event, every detail matters: the message, the materials, and the way people experience it. Many businesses assume they need to go big and outsource to large agencies or online vendors. But the truth is, working with local experts can give you an advantage that no out-of-town provider can match. Local printers and marketing partners don’t just produce materials. They know your community, understand your audience, and help you create events that feel authentic. Knowledge of Your Audience A national vendor may know “trends,” but your local partner knows people. They know where your customers shop, what community spaces are busiest, and even which colors and styles resonate in your market. That knowledge translates into event marketing that connects. A local printer might suggest distributing rack cards in a popular nearby grocery store or printing posters for a neighborhood fitness center, strategies an outsider would nev...

At its core, event marketing is about people: bringing them together, sparking conversations, and creating shared experiences. Digital reminders can help, but there’s something about a physical piece of print that makes an event feel real.  Imagine this: a local nonprofit is preparing for its annual fall fundraiser. They’ve got the date, the venue, and the cause lined up. The question is: how do they spread the word in a way that feels personal, not just another post in someone’s feed? The Story of a Community Fundraiser Instead of relying only on email and social media, the nonprofit prints a set of rack cards. These aren’t generic flyers. Each one features a bold headline — “Join Us for a Night of Community and Impact” — along with the date, location, and a short invitation. The cards are distributed strategically: Stacks in local coffee shops where neighbors gather. A stand in the library lobby where parents come ...

When someone picks up a printed piece, whether it’s a rack card, flyer, or handout, they decide in seconds whether to keep reading. In busy settings like hotel lobbies or retail counters, you rarely get a second chance. That’s why design clarity isn’t just about looking nice; it’s about making sure your message lands. Here are practical ways to simplify your message so your print doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 1. Start With One Goal Before you design anything, ask: “What’s the single action I want someone to take after reading this?” If the goal is to drive foot traffic to a store, the headline should push that: “Visit Us This Week. 20% Off All Accessories.” If it’s awareness, the goal might be to make your name stick. In that case, a bold tagline with your logo front and center may be enough. Tip: Write your goal at the top of your design file before you start. Every element you add (headline, photo, o...

Imagine This… You’ve just opened a new coffee shop downtown. The espresso machine is humming, the tables are set, and the pastries are fresh out of the oven. The only problem? No one knows you’re there yet. Sure, you could run digital ads, but your audience (tourists, office workers, students) is already right outside your door. They don’t need another Instagram ad. They need a simple nudge that grabs their attention in the real world. That’s where rack cards come in. Step 1: Get Clear on Who You’re Trying to Reach Instead of scattering your marketing everywhere, think about where your best customers are moving through their day. For a coffee shop, that might be: The hotel lobby where visitors check in each morning. The office tower across the street. The student union packed with hungry undergrads. Rack cards work because you can place them directly into those high-traffic spots — the very places your audience already is. Step 2...

Trade shows are about more than being seen. They’re about being remembered. While digital tools can help you plan and follow up, it’s the printed materials attendees carry home that often leave the strongest impression. From booth displays to handouts, smart print strategies can turn casual conversations into real business opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your trade show presence with print. Step 1: Build Anticipation Before the Show Your impact at the show starts weeks earlier. Imagine a potential client arriving with your postcard already tucked in their bag. A simple pre-show mailing can make your booth the one they look for when the doors open. Send an invitation with your booth number, highlight a product demo, or include a coupon they can redeem if they stop by. If you’re hosting a VIP reception or workshop, printed tickets or passes make the event feel tangible and exclusive. Adding a QR code that links to booth ...

October is the sweet spot for holiday marketing. Start now, and you’ll reach customers before the season gets crowded and be able to take advantage of longer lead times for design and mailing. Wait too long, and you’ll likely face higher costs, rushed campaigns, or even missed opportunities altogether. And here’s something to keep in mind: direct mail averages a 4.4% response rate compared to just 0.6% for email , and 72% of consumers prefer promotional mail over digital messages. Nearly eight in ten say they find print more trustworthy than online ads . In other words, this is the moment to let print work hard for you. 1. Send Postcards Before the Rush Postcards are one of the simplest, most effective ways to launch your holiday promotions. They work well for early-bird sales, event invitations, or just planting a reminder about your brand before the season takes off. Tip: Don’t stop at one. A short series of postcards (say one in October, anothe...