GCC Printing and Graphics

In a world where everyone is glued to the screens of their smartphones and tablets all day long, it can be easy to underestimate the power of something like direct mail marketing. It would also be a mistake! Direct mail isn't just as effective as ever; it's arguably more popular, despite what certain myths would have you believe. People Pay Attention to Direct Mail One idea that has cropped up about direct mail over the years is that it is easily ignorable. Thankfully, this is false. According to one recent study, about 42.2% of the people who receive direct mail regularly say that they read it entirely or at least scan it to get the gist.  Now, think about that in the context of an email. Emails can wind up in a "spam" folder or be ignored entirely. If you catch someone at the wrong time of day, they may even hit "delete" and never think of it again without even considering what the message may have contained. People Prefer Direct Mail Ano...

Your company's success depends on many different factors, each playing a vital role. While there are many things to consider when budgeting and creating marketing, it's important not to put too much emphasis on digital campaigns and overlook the power of print materials.  According to a national survey, 82% of Americans find printed advertisements more credible than online ads ! Print marketing can be incredibly beneficial for your company to increase brand awareness, engage existing customers, and boost sales.  Here are some tips on using print marketing to give your company a competitive edge in your field!  3 Ideas for Creative Print Marketing 1. Get Original with Shapes Many companies will get creative with the graphic design and typography components of their print marketing, but one aspect that could help you rise above the competition is unique shapes and sizes!  Consider putting a unique twist on the shapes and sizes expected for certain print mat...

Regardless of your business type, customer feedback is one of your most valuable resources. Make no mistake: your customers have opinions. There are aspects of your operations that they love and want more of. There are aspects that they could be more enthused about. Disregarding this actionable insight would mean missing out on an opportunity to enhance future interactions. Thankfully, that doesn't have to be the case.  Soliciting customer feedback  not only provides a roadmap for continuous improvement but also demonstrates a genuine concern for their input, thus increasing customer loyalty at the same time.  Here are three practical approaches for collecting customer feedback and helping them feel comfortable sharing their opinions with you. 3 Ways to Ask Customers for Feedback  1. Email Surveys  One easy way to ask customers questions and get legitimate answers involves sending out surveys. Make the survey brief enough, or you risk overwhelming ...

Copywriting for postcard marketing is an essential part of any successful campaign. The right copy can capture a reader's attention, engage their interest in your message, and compel them to take action. Compelling postcard copy that resonates with your target audience requires creativity, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of your business objectives. Here are seven ideas to help you create compelling copy for postcard marketing that will inspire your customers and drive results. 7 Hot Tips for Effective Postcard Marketing Copy 1. Focus on the customer Your postcard should focus on what's in it for the customer – not just your business. Consider their needs, wants, and interests, and use language that speaks directly to them. 2. Keep it concise Postcards are small, so limit your copy to the essentials. Use short, punchy sentences that get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary words. 3. Include a call to action Make sure your postcard inc...

When it comes to increasing success and customer recognition for your business, it pays off to focus on the details. Don't underestimate the strength of the little things in your company- like business cards!  From boosting customer loyalty to adding a personal touch to packaging, read on to discover five creative ways to use business cards to enhance your company today. 5 Fresh Ideas for Business Cards 1. Loyalty Cards Rewarding your loyal customers is an essential way to ensure your company's success! Why not incorporate a loyalty-reward aspect into your business cards? Simply print your company's logo and contact information on one side of the card, leaving space on the other for stamps or punch-out holes. Incentivize the shopping experience for your customers by showing them that a freebie or discount is waiting for them after a certain number of visits or purchases.  2. Appointment Reminders If your company offers scheduled services or consultations, ...

83% of brands say that event marketing has consistently increased their sales. Bringing compelling printed materials enhances the impact and is a powerful way to promote your product or services at these events. By using print materials like flyers, pamphlets, business cards, posters, banners, and brochures, you can create a memorable impression that will stay with prospective customers long after they’ve left the event. According to Scientific American , research over the last two decades reveals that individuals tend to understand and remember text better when reading from paper compared to screens. So don’t forget to include print marketing in your event strategy. Top Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials for Your Next Event Keep It Simple Make sure your design is simple so that the critical information can be easily read and understood at a glance. Avoid clutter, and include only essential elements like logos, text, graphics, and colors. Remember ...

Print marketing is an effective way to promote your business and boost sales. It allows you to reach potential customers tangibly and create valuable connections with them. From creating customized mailers to using promotional flyers, we will cover all the tips and tricks you need to get the most out of print marketing. Let's dive in! Increase Your Sales with These 9 Print Marketing Tips 1. Create Customized Mailers Customized mailers are a great way to grab your customer's attention and make them feel special. Personalize your mailers with unique messages, designs, or images that match your brand and add value to the customer experience. 2. Design Personalized Postcards Postcards are a simple yet effective tool for getting your message across. Create postcards with attractive designs and eye-catching images that appeal to your target audience and draw them in. 3. Utilize Promotional Flyers Promotional flyers allow you to spread the word about your busine...

If you're new to print marketing (or marketing in general) for your small business, it is easy to get confused by all the industry-specific jargon. But fear not. We're here to provide clarity and guidance! Regardless of the print media you choose, be it postcards, brochures, or posters, implementing effective marketing strategies is essential for getting the best results. And a critical step towards success is gaining an understanding of the fundamental terms used in marketing. Here is a list of 10 essential terms you need to know as a small business owner. 10 Key Marketing Terms Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know 1. Branding Branding refers to all the processes that help create a unique business identity. Effective branding is vital to making your business stand out from competitors in a positive way. Branding elements include your company's name, mission, logo, general theme, tone of voice, etc. 2. Content Marketing Content marketing revolves around...

Digital marketing may be everywhere, but many companies still use print marketing or print products as part of their advertising and marketing plans. Finding ways to integrate the tangible appeal of print marketing with the interactivity of the online realm is a great way to utilize both. One way to do this is strategically using QR codes on postcards. QR codes provide an exciting opportunity to add interactivity, engagement, and measurable insights to your print marketing campaigns. According to recent statistics, in 2022, 89 million smartphone users scanned a QR code with their devices. With this number projected to reach nearly 100 million by 2025 , it is evident that QR codes have become a prominent tool in connecting offline and online experiences. Now, let's explore six creative ways to leverage QR codes on postcards to captivate your audience and boost your print marketing efforts. 6 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes on Postcards 1. Link to a Website or Landing Page  ...

Die-cut signs offer a great way to elevate your business's visibility and make a lasting impression. Whether promoting products or services, announcing events, or enhancing your brand's presence, die-cut signs leave a lasting impression. Die-cutting is a broad term that refers to a process in which you use a machine to mass-produce cut-out shapes. This saves time and guarantees professional, consistent results every time without using scissors, stencils, or a craft knife.  The five tips below will help you use die-cut signs to stand out and leave a lasting impression.  5 Ways to Outshine the Competition with Die-Cut Signs 1. Material Matters Die-cut signs can be made from various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. The material you choose will depend on the look you're going for and the environment your signs will be displayed in. 2. Select an Eye-Catching Die-Cut The die-cut shape of your sign offers boundless creative opportunities. You can ch...

A brand is the spirit and soul of your company. It makes your company recognizable, trustworthy, and loved by customers. A brand built up well is one of your company's most valuable assets!  59% of consumers prefer buying their products from familiar brands. That's why crafting a brand is vital, considering many different elements of what you want your company's brand to be! Here are some things you should consider.  5 Tips for Creating an Effective Brand 1. Identify Your Audience and Research Competition One of the first steps in creating your company's brand should be completing market research. Identifying your company's target audience will help you focus on communicating to them how your company's products or services will meet their needs and values. It's also important to scope out how the competitors in your company's field compare to what your business has to offer. When marketing your brand, consider emphasizing what makes your com...

When you're looking to drive more traffic to your business, there are many ways to choose from. However, one approach stands out as practical and simple: print marketing. Print possesses a unique power to capture audiences that online cannot. 65% of consumers are influenced to purchase after receiving a direct mail piece. Print offers longevity that online mediums lack, and it enjoys a higher level of trust from people. Nevertheless, print and online platforms can work hand in hand to maximize results. Here are five ways print marketing can increase online traffic and sales. 5 Ways Print Marketing Can Increase Online Sales 1. Utilize QR Codes on Your Print Materials Incorporating QR codes in your print advertising makes it effortless for people to find you. By simply scanning the code on the print marketing piece, users are directed straight to your webpage. You can use this to drive traffic to your online presence . 2. Highlight Your Website Address You want to ens...

In today's digital world, most of the messages we receive as consumers come from online platforms. However, leveraging traditional methods of communication is still effective for reaching customers. According to Newswires , direct mail boasts an average response rate between 2.7% and 4.4%, while email only has a 0.6% response rate. Direct mail remains a relevant and valuable way for your company to advertise itself to the public. But the idea of unknowingly sending your print materials to random addresses might seem daunting.  Thankfully, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a program that allows you to send your direct mail specifically to your company's target demographic, making it even more effective! This feature is called Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) . Read on to learn more about this helpful option! 5 Things to Know About Every Door Direct Mail 1. Individual Address Are Not Required One of the advantages of EDDM is that you don't need to know the...

Print is a tried and true marketing method that holds significant trust and influence among consumers.  With 82% of consumers placing their trust in print advertisements over other sources when making purchasing decisions , it's clear that print marketing remains a force to be reckoned with. Surprisingly, even the tech-savvy Millennial generation embraces print media -  about 33% of them maintain active subscriptions to newspapers and magazines . Having said that, while print marketing is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it still needs to be appropriately utilized to see the results that you're after. If you want to make the most of this print marketing opportunity for your small business, here are two strategies to consider. Embracing Creative Shapes and Materials The first thing you should do when designing print marketing collateral as a small business owner involves leveraging every opportunity to think outside the box and make an impression. Case in point: the ...

Back-to-school season is a time for parents, students, and educators to prepare for the upcoming school year.  It's also an excellent opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the spending rush of starting a new academic term. 73% of back-to-school shoppers plan to shop in late July and early August, so it's not too early to start marketing now. When it comes to promoting your business during back-to-school season, nothing beats print marketing! 11 Great Print Marketing Ideas to Give Your Business a Head Start This School Year 1. Back-to-School Flyers Create a catchy, eye-catching flyer that targets parents and students with special deals, discounts, or promotions for the back-to-school season. Have them distributed around local schools and neighborhoods. 2. Bookmarks Design a unique bookmark to be included in student textbooks or given out as free keepsakes. Include your logo, contact information, and any relevant offers or discounts for back-to-school sh...

Print advertising is a powerful way to engage customers and promote your brand.   Print marketing can be even more effective when done correctly, allowing businesses to create experiences that genuinely connect with their target audiences!   You can be confident that your message resonates and drives action with the right strategy and creative ideas. 9 Ways to Let Creative Freedom Ring in Your Next Print Marketing Campaign 1. Use Bold Typography Make sure your message stands out by using bold typography . Whether a large headline or an eye-catching font, ensure your words stand out and attract attention. 2. Play with Colors Color is one of the most powerful tools for print marketing. Use colors that reflect your brand and complementary hues that will draw customers' eyes to your message. 3. Utilize Unique Shapes Instead of keeping everything in a linear format, use shapes and lines to create interest and depth. This can be a great way to break up the monot...

Did you know that 93% of shoppers focus primarily on visual appearance when making a purchase ? This is precisely why colors can be so important when it comes to the way that your print designs impact your audience! Understanding which colors pair together well and which don't make your printed marketing materials look more professional and appealing.  One concept that's especially helpful to remember when designing your printed materials is complementary colors. Complementary colors fall directly across from one another on the color wheel.  Using complementary colors creates a defined, vibrant, and bold look for your design. Make sure to choose shades of those colors that flatter one another, and avoid combining too many different pairings of complementary colors within the same print design to prevent a clashing look.  Go ahead and use these complementary color pairings to level up your next print design. 3 Inspiring Complementary Color Combinations  1...

Direct mail remains the medium that gives you direct and reliable access to nearly everyone in your target market . Direct mail marketing is often part of a bigger picture and longer sales cycle. It's the most effective way of reaching people in the comfort of their homes and offices, allowing them to pass along the information to others easily. When it comes to driving traffic to your blog, combining the tangible appeal of print materials with the allure of your digital content can yield remarkable results.  Keep reading for strategies to help entice readers to explore the engaging content you offer.  9 Genius Ideas for Driving Traffic to Your Blog with Print 1. Use Links Send newsletters with your link on them. Use a teaser on your printed piece to pique their interest, then follow up with a link to your blog. Create a desire in them to know more about the topics you have written about by giving them glimpses of the information in the newsletter. 2. Grab Att...

When it comes to print marketing, you can use dozens of tricks to embellish your designs and grab your customers' attention. Some available details, like using embossing for letters or using textured paper, are already promoted by many printing companies. One newer option that you should consider for your next print project is using QR codes. According to Statista , 75.8 million people in the U.S. with smartphones scanned a QR code in 2021. They are increasingly popular and create more opportunities than you might realize when it comes to your print marketing. Read on to discover tips for incorporating QR codes into your next print campaign. 5 Ways to Use QR Codes for Print Marketing 1. Get Creative with Color When you think of a QR code, you probably think of the traditional black design on a white background. You might not know that QR codes have become much more customizable! Use your brand's signature colors, or create your company logo within the design for...

You need to build loyalty and trust with your clients when bringing in business. This will keep them coming back. Doing so isn’t hard, especially when you use direct mail. When people get mail, they are more likely to find it a secure way to receive information. 54% of consumers worried less about direct mail privacy than digital communications privacy . Employ the ideas below. 7 Top Tips to Create Customer Loyalty Through the Mailbox 1. Send Exclusive Offers Make your offers attractive so that clients will want to open your mail. Tease them with discounts and sales on the front of the envelope or postcard. If you have a new product that they have been waiting for, this is the time to offer a good deal on it and announce it. 2. Personalize Communication If you send a letter, a newsletter, or even a postcard, try using their name. This will capture their attention and make them take notice. They will know that it’s not just junk mail. 3. Consistency Coun...

In an era dominated by digital communication, print marketing stands out as a tangible and impactful medium that captures attention and resonates with consumers. According to one recent study, approximately 70% of households with an income of at least $100,000 are newspaper readers . Along the same lines, it has been estimated that about 95% of those under 25 read magazines . Those are just two of the many statistics that help illustrate that print marketing won't just get your message in front of a larger audience - it will help you reach a younger and more affluent one, too. However, using print marketing materials is only half the battle. You still need to craft a purpose-driven campaign built from the ground up with a precise goal. Case in point: if you want to boost foot traffic to your brick-and-mortar store using print marketing, there are a few proven strategies you can lean into to do it. Boost Foot Traffic to Your Store: Two Proven Print Marketing Strategies ...

When it comes to designing for print, color combinations play an essential role in drawing the eye of your consumers. Colors should be chosen thoughtfully to create a compelling visual design that conveys your project's specific purpose and message, ultimately helping your company make a memorable impact.  Each color combination has unique characteristics and can evoke different emotions and responses from viewers. Here are 13 captivating color combinations to elevate your design. 9 Color Combinations That Capture Attention in Print 1. Analogous This combination consists of three to five colors beside each other on the color wheel. It gently transitions from one hue to another, creating an inviting atmosphere. Analogous colors are great for creating a specific mood or evoking emotion. 2. Complementary This color combination is based on two colors found at opposite ends of the color wheel.  These colors create a bold contrast and add excitement to your print ...

Print marketing remains the most effective way to reach customers and build brand recognition. In 2023, there have been several innovations in print marketing that can help you make the most of your message.  Here are eight of the latest trends to inspire your next print campaign. 8 Trends in Print Marketing to Inspire You This Year 1. Variable Data Printing Customized messages, images, and text can make print marketing more impactful. Variable data printing makes it easy to use data to personalize messages, images, and designs to grab consumers' attention and make your message memorable. 2. QR Codes QR codes are gaining popularity in printed marketing materials, allowing customers to quickly scan them with their smartphones for easy access to websites, videos, or other materials. 3. Augmented Reality Use the latest technology by  integrating augmented reality into your print marketing campaigns . This innovative tactic allows viewers to experience ...