GCC Printing and Graphics

It would be best to build brand awareness when you start a business or revamp its image. So what's the best way to do this? Direct mail! Not only is it what your customers want, but it's also incredibly effective. Research shows that 73% of customers prefer direct mail over other marketing channels! And according to the Data & Marketing Association , in 2019, the average response rate for direct mail campaigns was 9%, and consumers engaged with 96% of direct mail. So, why not take the plunge into direct mail? 4 Top Reasons to Use Direct Mail to Help Build Your Brand Direct Mail is Terrifically Tangible Unlike digital marketing and social media, direct mail requires you to touch it. You may think digital is the way to go because people are always online. But the reality is that they are bombarded with online ads that they tend to ignore. Direct mail, on the other hand, requires the viewer to pick it up and read it to take action, whether it's throwing it ...

Direct mail can be a fantastic way to spread the word about your company and promote new interest! Regardless of the size of your budget, there are many cost-effective ways that a company can create engaging direct mail.  Here are five budget-friendly tips to craft effective direct mail for your company! 5 Key Factors for Planning a Profitable Direct Mail Piece 1. Use Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) Purchasing a mailing list can be pricey. But using EDDM® makes it possible for companies to send their direct mail to one specific mail route or multiple routes without investing in a mailing list. To save your company money, consider sending your direct mail out through EDDM® rather than a mailing list- it will be far more profitable regarding production costs and postage. 2. Go Bold With Colors If your company’s printing supplier does their printing digitally, don’t shy away from using lots of colors!  This won’t increase the cost of printin...

Postcards are a practical, versatile medium to send in your direct mail campaign. According to the Data & Marketing Association, postcards get a response rate of up to 4.25%, one of the highest in direct mail marketing. Take advantage of this marketing method with seven postcard direct mail ideas we love!  1. Switch up the norm Although standard postcards are 4.25” by 5.5”, usually in a horizontal position, not all postcards are designed this way.  Try switching it up with a larger postcard format with dimensions of 5.5” by 8.5” or change the orientation by sending a vertical postcard. These designs that deviate from the norm will stand out from the crowd and make the recipient take a second look.  2. Make bold designs With bright colors and attention-grabbing images, your postcard will speak for itself.  Be bold in your design choices. The design significantly influences how long a piece stays in a home. Of course, adhere to...

Don't you wish you could read minds? That would make marketing so much easier.  But it's not possible, or is it? There are some legitimate ways you can get inside the minds of current and potential customers. Take a look at the top three ways to do this.   3 Top Tips to Get Inside the Mind of Customers 1. Talk to Your Customer Service Representatives Customer service staff have the inside scoop into what customers want and need. Interview them to find out what customers are calling about, what issues need to be resolved, and what products are the most popular.   Here are some sample questions to ask your customer-service employees. What expectations and disappointments did customers express? What improvements did customers want? What value were customers hoping to find, and what price were they willing to pay? 2. Analyze the Data  You probably have spreadsheets of data and information on your customers' buying habits. Take a look a...

Print and email campaigns are not an either-or situation. Instead, they work best when paired together, thanks to their unique, complimentary characteristics.  Why print?  Print marketing has stuck around thanks to its many benefits. Print stands out from the crowd, is tangible, sticks around, and is easier to recall. Why email?   Email helps build customer relationships, boost brand awareness, and promote content.  Email marketing has an extensive reach since there are about 4 billion email users worldwide. Due to its many benefits, 79% of marketers list email marketing in their top 3 most effective marketing channels. A multi-channel approach to marketing is the most effective, perhaps because 72% of customers would like to connect with brands through multiple channels. Here's what you need to know about crafting a winning print + email marketing campaign.  The Print Campaign A properly executed print campaign will drive sales.  ...

Even with a tight budget, you can still run a direct mail marketing campaign with a great return on investment (ROI). If you focus your campaign, design the mail well, and perfect your mailing list, investing in direct mail can be a wise choice for your company's budget. Here are five steps to ensure your direct mail is effective while sticking to an affordable budget.  Step 1: Choose the right product or promotion to market It's best to start crafting your marketing campaign with a specific goal. Your company can use direct mail marketing for advertising a new product, a popular service, or even an update or improvement that you've made.  Promoting something specific that will interest most of the public is wisest. Considering this will help your marketing dollars further increase the likelihood of people taking action after seeing your print marketing materials.  Step 2: Refine your target audience 80% of consumers are more likely to purchase after seei...

Graphic design is critical in making marketing effective. But, unfortunately, you can't just take one well-designed piece and transfer it to another form of advertising. It just doesn't work that way. Graphic designers are trained to know how to design for the two forms. Here's a glimpse of what they know…just in case you want to try it yourself.  5 Main Differences Between Print and Online Graphic Design 1. Print is tactile When you think of print, you think of a more tactile experience, such as texture, smell, and shape. This lends itself to a different experience than online. When printing materials, you might try letterpress, embossing, or debossing, which reaches out to one's senses in another way than online.  2. Web is flexible For print, all information must be presented within the constraints of the printing surface, whereas designers have almost unlimited flexibility to organize, arrange, and filter information for the web . However, using di...

Paper comes in all kinds of forms. Knowing the different variations of paper and when to use each will help you choose the right type for your print projects.  One major decision is choosing between coated or uncoated paper.  Coated Coated paper typically receives a fine clay or polymer coating, which seals the paper, restricting ink absorption and reducing dot gain. Dot gain makes the printed material look darker than intended because of ink absorption. All this gives your finished printed products a crisp, clean look.   Coated paper tends to be great for projects that include images and color, which means it's great for photographs, magazines, and catalogs. One thing to note, however, is that coated paper tends to be harder to write on. Below are a few of the subcategories of coated paper. Gloss A gloss coating is going to have a higher sheen and is lightweight. It also tends to be cheaper than other finishes while having vibrant colors.  Satin...

You want the word out…the good word! But how does that happen organically? Sometimes it takes some help to brand your business and get word-of-mouth advertising. There are so many things you can do to help it along. Let’s take a look. 6 Top Ways to Promote Your Brand Via Word of Mouth 1. Hire an influencer Sometimes using an influencer helps spur word-of-mouth advertising. This method creates an image in people’s minds and gets people talking about what you offer. A recent study by Sideqik found that 7 out of 10 consumers trust influencers’ recommendations just as much as the opinion of real-world friends . If you can’t get a significant influencer, try contacting a micro-influencer. Reach out to bloggers, video bloggers, or DIYers with a smaller following whose goal is to share subject matter expertise by producing tutorials, shout-outs, how-to guides, day-in-the-life videos, and so on .  2. Create a unique experience Get people to tal...

Using print marketing is a great way to get your company’s name out there and let customers know what services you offer. But what if there was a way to increase the effectiveness of your printed ads, creating a better experience for your existing customers and drawing in new ones? According to a study by Accenture, 91% of customers are more likely to purchase from companies who recognize and remember them, providing them with relevant offers or recommendations.  Here are five easy ways to add personalization to your print marketing plan! 5 Ways to Personalize Your Company’s Print Marketing 1. Use Variable Data Printing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases are an easy way for your company to accumulate and sort information about your customers. Then, to use the data that your CRM has gathered and incorporate it into your print marketing, use Variable Data Printing (VDP) to create a variety of personalized print ads that will better suit the cu...

Research shows customers are more likely to buy when you get creative with ‘special’ day-themed promotions . Winter and spring are full of international and national holidays, like the seven detailed below, providing plenty of room and creativity for direct mail campaigns.  7 Special Day-Themed Direct Mail Campaign Ideas for Winter and Spring 1. Black History Month : February  Black History Month is intended to celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the history of the United States.  Do some research to find influential Black figures who shaped your business. Share their hard work and contributions in a flier or brochure.  2. Valentine’s Day : February 14 A day meant for romance, with romantic partners sharing their appreciation for each other with gifts. Many also use this day to share their love and appreciation for their friends.  Remind your customers about the upcoming holiday and suggest gifts to make a partn...

What does your marketing plan look like? Does it include print marketing? What about email marketing? An approach that combines print and digital marketing, like email, is best to get optimal results for any marketing campaign.  Don't forget to include these critical elements in your marketing lineup! Here are six ways to utilize this multi-channel approach to make your marketing dollars go further.  6 Ways to Combine Print and Email Marketing 1. Reiterate Your Message Use email to reiterate what you say in your printed pieces. That way, you will catch their attention no matter their preferred medium. 2. Try Teasers Send teasers through email, promoting your direct mail that is coming. Use this technique to announce a big sale or event. Then when your direct mail is delivered, they can get more information about what you are offering them. Provide a digital coupon on your direct mailer or give direct mail recipients a unique promo code to redeem an online...

Business cards are a convenient 3.5" x 2" way to share your business with prospective clients.  However, with about  10 billion business cards being printed annually, finding ways to make your business card stand out is essential. The texture of your business card can add character, convey meaning, and make you memorable.  Everything You Need to Know About Textured Business Cards Finishes That Add Texture The finish you choose for your business card not only makes it look more polished but also adds texture, creating another dimension to your business card. Two of our favorite finishes are:  Matte . A matte finish is smooth, giving it an expensive appearance. It enables you to write on the card, making it helpful if someone has a personal inquiry that requires more information than can be found on the business card. However, if you want a colorful card, matte can make colors seem duller.  Glossy . A glossy finish gives the card a shiny l...

Regardless of how you look at it, direct mail marketing isn't just successful - it's positively thriving.    According to a recent study, approximately 73% of consumers say they prefer to be contacted by brands using direct mail rather than by alternative means like email. This preference is because they can read physical mail at their convenience. Not only that, but about 40% of direct mail recipients either fully read or, at the very least, scan what they receive - as opposed to something like an email that is far too easy to ignore.   But as effective as direct mail is by its very nature, there are still ways to increase the engagement you can generate between you and the members of your target audience. Behavioral science is a great way to accomplish that, but it is a concept that will require you to keep a few critical things in mind.  3 Tips for Using Behavioral Science to Increase Direct Mail Response  Don't Neglect "Magnet" Words One ...

In today’s tech-savvy world, it might be easy to assume that the best way to catch the attention of your potential customers is through digital ads. In reality, according to Marketing Sherpa , 76% of consumers said they would trust printed ads they received in the mail when making a purchase, while only 25% said they would trust online pop-ups.    The advertisements you’re sending out through the mail can significantly impact customers. Here are seven ways to design direct mail to make your company stand out!  7 Tips to Refresh Your Direct Mail Strategy 1. For direct mail, BIGGER IS BETTER! Research has found that using a larger envelope increases the response rate from customers by 53% when compared with the same content being sent in a standard-sized envelope.    Try something new by sending out your mail in larger, oversized envelopes to intrigue your recipients to read what’s inside!  2. Use POSTCARDS instead of letters for yo...

It's that time of year again: Time to re-evaluate your life, business, and goals. Setting intentions for this year will help you fulfill them and be more successful than setting a resolution. Both practices require looking at yourself and making changes. But an intention isn't as harsh as a resolution. Rather than setting goals for where you want to go, creating intentions shifts your attitude and mindset toward how you want to be. It allows you to take steps and be proud of them. How does one do this? Take a look at these four steps to setting intentions. 4 Simple Steps to Set Intentions  1. Evaluate Yourself If you want more knowledge, energy, and creativity, you have to start by taking a step back and looking inward.  This is true even for leaders who don't have time, perhaps, especially for them! "Spending time casting our thoughts back over the past day, week, or month and sitting down to regularly set goals for the future feels like a luxury of tim...

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Metallic, matte, recycled. If you want to create direct mail marketing that stands out from the crowd, these three types of paper are the ones you want to know about.  While it might sound simple, there are implications to using each type. So let's take a closer look. 3 Top Specialty Papers for Your Print Marketing 1. Memorable Metallic This paper is shiny, durable, and oh, so sophisticated. The metallic finish almost creates a 3D effect and gives your designs a warmth and depth that no other paper can. Metallic tones add a bold and elegant touch to your designs, from projects as simple as homemade cards to more sophisticated endeavors like business cards, stationery, or even your wedding paper suite. Use metallic papers to create a line of business marketing materials that pop. Try pairing metallic envelopes with non-metallic paper printed with metallic ink for a subtler look. 2. Earthy Matte Why choose matte? It's chic and earthy. Matte can make your mat...

"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude," writer G.K. Chesterton said. It's that time of year: The perfect opportunity to show appreciation to those who have helped you this year and those you don't know. It will do your heart and head well to increase your gratitude this holiday season. So here are some practical ideas. 7 Great Ways to Show Gratitude During the Holidays 1. Volunteer Help at local hospitals, libraries, homeless centers, nursing homes, animal shelters, churches, or parks. You can also go much more personal, helping friends in need by babysitting, doing their yard work, or taking them a meal. Whatever you do, you'll help the community and improve your sense of thankfulness. 2. Count Your Blessings Make a list of things for which you're grateful. For example, instead of making a list of items you want for the holidays, make a list of what you have. Count y...

2023 is just around the corner, and a new year comes with new graphic design trends.  Graphic design matters because it captures the attention of your audience, aids in memory, and influences the consumer's first impressions. This is why the global graphic design industry was worth $45.8 billion in 2021. Make sure your business stays up-to-date with the latest graphic design trends.  5 Graphic Design Trends to Look Out for in 2023 1. Science Fiction-Inspired Designs  Many businesses are aiming to look futuristic with science fiction-inspired graphic designs.  Certain elements are common within science fiction designs. Color . Shades of blue- like cyan- and neon colors are prevalent. There's often a contrast between light and dark. Shapes . Sharp lines, circles, and geometric shapes give off science-fiction vibes. Fonts . Science fiction fonts are an entire genre, often showing distorted letters that look stretched, chopped, or duplicated with incons...

An abundance mindset is when you believe there are enough resources in the world for everyone and are grateful for what you have.  This is in opposition to the scarcity mindset, which believes the earth contains limited resources. This mindset creates an overly competitive lifestyle and envy for others because the person tends to focus on what they don’t have. This mindset is damaging because it promotes unhappiness and less fulfilling relationships.  Why You Should Develop an Abundance Mindset Having an abundance mindset helps you create a happier, more fulfilling life for yourself.  It comes with many benefits . An abundance mindset …  Promotes personal and professional success by letting you focus on the many opportunities. Helps you feel confident and capable. Generates creativity and motivation through a more proactive approach to life. Makes you feel better about yourself. Deepens your relationships.  If you’ve been s...

Direct mail is naturally advantageous when getting people to notice your business.  85% of consumers open their direct mail, and 62% act after receiving direct mail, according to a recent report. However, your business can take action to increase further the number of people opening your direct mail.  1. Use a Call to Action in Your Direct Mail  The best call to action, or CTA, follows the format “Do something simple, get something great.”  In this scenario:  Do something simple = open the envelope. Get something great = receive a credit card, special discount, or a gift or sample. Creating a sense of scarcity works exceptionally well when prompting people to act. For example, try advertising a limited-time offer or a special discount while supplies last. Fear of missing out or not being enough gets the customer to act soon. However, don’t create a false sense of scarcity.   2. Send Your Direct Mail in a Unique Envelop...

The holidays are a busy time of year for you and your customers, but print marketing has the power to get you noticed and boost sales. How do you accomplish this? Here are seven ways to use print marketing to boost your sales this holiday season! 7 Print Marketing Ideas to Boost Holiday Sales 1. Creative Packaging  Use beautiful boxes, papers, and images when you send out items to customers. They are more likely to hang onto them and remember you in the future. Plus, it creates a warm fuzzy feeling when customers receive such packages. 2. Door Hangers Create fun, whimsical door hangers to put on customers’ doors. These will receive a lot of attention and will solicit a response.  3. Coupons Send coupons to customers on fun, holiday-centered postcards. Include fun images, pictures, and sayings that will grab their attention during the holiday hustle and bustle. 4. Holiday Newsletter Time and attention span may be limited this time of year, but a ...

When you advertise, you need to know your target audience. And the same is true in print marketing. A target market is the set of consumers that a company plans to sell to or reach with marketing activities. A target audience is a group or segment within that target market that is being served in advertisements. The target audience, therefore, is a more specific subset of a target market. Your target audience is united by common characteristics like demographics, e.g., men, women, teenagers, or children, and interests, like reading, running, or soccer. To get your marketing message to reach this specific group of people, you need to know the decision maker and who supports them. Therefore, it's vital to examine your target audience, so messages are exciting to the reader.  This exercise will help define who to target in your marketing efforts.  6 Steps to Find Your Print Marketing Target Audience  1. Determine who already buys your product.  Look at t...