The Importance of White Space in Marketing

There’s a common misconception in marketing the more elements on the page, the better the marketing.

But, that’s not the case.

White space, or the negative space that separates text and graphics, plays an enormous part in the success of your marketing. Take a look at this handful of reasons why you need to utilize white space in your design.

White space is the framework of your design.

Not only does white space frame your essential information, but it also creates balance and allows the eyes to focus on what is truly important.

White space creates more interaction.

White space is resting space for the eyes, allowing people to take their time when reading your content. This makes for better interaction between the reader and the writer.

White space creates elegance and sophistication to your marketing.

If used correctly, white space doesn’t make your marketing look sparse. It makes it look professional, helping your images and text stand out perfectly when you want them to.

White space creates balance.

Too much white space looks like you don’t have enough to say. But too little white space makes your marketing information confusing and disorganized, making people want to move on and not read what you say.

White space helps draw attention to your Call-To-Action (CTA).

Your message will stand out better when the right amount of white space surrounds it. When people have no doubt what you want them to do next, your results are better at getting your audience to do what you ask.

White space increases imagination.

When we see white space in a design, it allows our imaginations to roam free, which results in a stronger emotional response. And this is what we want when creating marketing materials because it creates a response and connection.

White space helps brand design.

White space helps your logo and photos stand out more. They are given a position of importance rather than having it just lumped into endless text.

White space provides direction to the reader.

White space can also lead a reader from one element to another so that the “story” is read the way it was intended.

White space brings focus.

The more white space that surrounds an object, the more focus will be put on it, and people will notice it and remember it better.

According to Pratik Hedge, a writer for Prototypr.io.com, there is a study showing that “proper use of white space between lines of paragraphs and its left and right margins can increase comprehension up to 20%.”

The use of white space can make or break your marketing efforts. Don’t forget to edit so that you can use the white space to your advantage.

We are here to help should you need advice on editing your marketing materials. We want you to be successful and have your marketing materials go far. Reach out today!

8 Direct Mail Mistakes to Avoid

You know you need to do direct mail.

After all, it’s been proven to be effective in getting the word out about your business, and it’s economical. Not only that, but it’s trackable to some extent.

In fact, 71% of people say they read their direct mail, and 54% say it leads them to try a new business or product. However, you only have about 3 seconds to get people to entertain your direct mail.

So what do you need to know when getting these little treasures ready to mail? There are some common mistakes people make when creating their direct mail. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

8 Direct Mail Pitfalls to Avoid

Wrong Audience

When creating your direct mail, one mistake many people make is not writing it for the right audience.

You need to know who will be reading your direct mail and what they are looking for. Don’t write the copy as generic, meant for just anyone. Think about who you actually want to talk to through your letter, postcard, brochure, or other forms of direct mail. Then tailor it to the audience: men, women, certain ages or incomes, etc.

No Defined Goals

When creating a marketing campaign, you need to think about what you hope to accomplish.

Do you want to drive sales, have more people walk in your door, have more people go to your website, or other goals? You can’t accomplish everything, even if you really want to. You need to have specific goals that are somewhat measurable.

No White Space

We get excited about what we offer, but your audience needs the simplified version.

Don’t use too much text. Customers won’t read it because it looks daunting. Make sure you keep it short and sweet. Use active verbs and exciting adjectives, but choose words carefully.

No Call to Action

Yikes! You put all this effort into amazing direct mail, but you forget to ask customers to take the next step.

This is a setup for failure. We need to make sure we tell people what to do next. “Call us today!” “Stop in our store today!” “Check out our website.” There are so many ways to ask customers to take the next step.

Don’t assume they know what you want them to do. And don’t be afraid to ask for the sale or whatever you want them to do next. Just keep it simple. Only ask them to do one thing, and don’t overload them with requests.

It Focuses on Features

Even though you are interested in your accomplishments or where your business is going, your customers probably aren’t that interested.

They want value.

Tell them how you will make their lives easier and how your product helps them. Be results-oriented rather than features-oriented.  

Being Coupon Crazy

Direct mail coupons are great for repeat customers, but you don’t want to build a culture around saving a buck.

Focus on value more than saving money. Every once in a while, use a coupon, but don’t let this be your go-to.

Not Making It Personal

It’s so easy now to personalize direct mail.

Include their name, birthday, or anniversary. Choose colors and images that represent the demographics well. People tend to hang onto these types of direct mail and respond to them.

Saving the Best for Last

Unless you are a world-renowned company, you should lead with the logo and product. Don’t save it for the end of the ad or direct mail.

Start with what you can do for the customer, following up with details.

By avoiding these few mistakes that happen in direct mail, you can be sure to have a more successful campaign. We want to make sure you are successful. So we offer high-quality, beautiful direct mail that will represent your company well. Check us out today!

Increase Your Marketing Efforts with Print

One of the most common misconceptions about modern-day marketing is that everything has to be digital to break through the virtual "noise" that we all experience on a daily basis.

In reality, the reverse is true. According to experts, about 66% of direct mail collateral gets opened whereas about 82% of online ads and similar techniques get ignored entirely.

In fact, there are a plethora of different reasons why you would want to increase your marketing efforts with print-based materials, all of which are more than worth exploring. 

The Power of Print: Breaking Things Down

By far, one of the biggest benefits of print marketing simply comes down to the fact that it's far more effective than most people realize - even in the fast-paced digital era that we're now living in.

According to one recent study, it's effective with 18 to 23-year-olds in particular - they say that it's easier to read print than digital content. This makes a great amount of sense, given the fact that most people are being bombarded with digital marketing virtually all day long.

Not only that, but the same source as above indicated that about 80% of consumers of all ages end up acting on directed print mail advertisements. This, too, is logical - a printed flyer, pamphlet, or other piece of content is something that you can hold in your hand. You can put it on your refrigerator or you can give it to a friend or loved one. This is contrary to something like an email, which is likely to get deleted or archived - if it doesn't get instantly caught up in someone's SPAM filter. 

But perhaps the most telling statistic of all is that 77% of consumers say that print drives a higher level of recall when compared to digital - meaning that they're likely to remember your brand, your products, and your services for a longer period of time. That means that even if they aren't ready to make a purchase today, when that time comes, the first company they're likely to contact is yours.

Multi-Channel Marketing

None of this is to say that you can't also use digital techniques.

Social media is quite effective in terms of spreading brand awareness and obviously, all businesses should have a website of some kind. But by including techniques like QR codes along with your printed material, you can begin an experience with someone in the physical world and allow them to continue it in the digital one if they choose to. That QR code could link directly to your website or social media channels - giving people an option in terms of how they interact with your brand, where, when, and why. That in and of itself may be the most important benefit of all. 

At our print shop, we do more than sell printing. We make a concerted effort to learn about the specific needs of each client we work with, all so that we can become the most important thing of all - a true partner in every sense of the term. One that is every bit as dedicated to your success as you are, and one who is positioned to leverage innovative ideas and solutions to help you accomplish your goals.

If you'd like to find out more information about why it's a good idea to increase your marketing efforts with print-based collateral, or if you have any additional questions that you'd like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don't hesitate to contact us today. 

How a Target Audience Can Save You Money

A target audience is the people who are most likely to buy your product or service and should therefore be the ones you target in your marketing campaigns.

Identifying and utilizing your target audience is extremely important because advertising to the wrong people is a waste of time and money.

After all, a little bit of advertising to the right people is often as productive as a lot of advertising to the wrong people. 

Finding Your Target Audience

Trying to pin down your target audience can be deceptively tricky and overwhelming. However, breaking it up into small categories can help ease the load. 

• Consider useful demographics. This includes age, gender, location, hobbies, interests, income, education level, profession, marital status, who they trust, what they read/watch, purchase intentions, subcultures, etc. Consider each of these aspects to determine where your ideal customer resides—the more specific, the better. Try creating 3-5 buyer personas with extremely specific target markets. This will help create more personalized and effective marketing campaigns. 


• The decision-maker vs. the supporter. Understanding the difference between the decision-maker and the supporter is key. The decision-maker is the one who ultimately buys the product or service. The supporter may not directly buy the product but heavily influences the purchase. For example, gift receivers and children reside in this category. Targeting both these demographics is useful, but it’s important to understand which one you’re reaching. 


• Research your current customer base. Usually, your target audience consists of people already buying from your business. Send out surveys and collect data on who are already your customers. Determining your competitor’s target market can also help determine your own. This will also give you insight into what your competitors are doing and what you can do to win over customers. Understanding your competitors is just as insightful as understanding your own business.

Reaching Your Target Market

Identifying your target audience is just the first step.

The next step is reaching them. This can be challenging, especially when not all people especially like being advertised to. 

Infer where your target audience receives advertisements.

Use various aspects of your target audience to determine the best way to reach them. For example, if you’ve determined your target audience prioritizes their health, perhaps the best way to reach them is through websites, magazines, and social media pages promoting health. 

Bring in third-party help.

Various third parties exist that can help you identify the best ways to reach your target audience effectively. For example, social media is quite adept at this. Many sites store user information for advertisement purposes, and businesses can then advertise through those sites to effectively reach their target audience. 

Timing is everything.

When it comes to getting the attention of your target audience, determining the best time to reach them is crucial. You’re going to want to reach them at a time when they’ll be most likely to see it. For example, if you’re trying to reach them over email, avoid weekends because many try to avoid their emails during this time. 

Determining your target audience saves your business money by helping you reach the people most receptive to your advertisements. However, target audiences aren’t everything. Don’t let it cloud your judgment and make you miss interested potential customers.

The Hidden Benefits of Promotional Calendars

Promotional calendars are an ingenious marketing tool to target loyal and prospective customers. 

The Benefits of Promotional Calendars

Promotional calendars utilize continuous, year-round advertising.

Even in today’s digital age, printed calendars are still widely used. According to PPAI, 78% of consumers still use a printed calendar at home or work.

Therefore, if you give a calendar, the customer will most likely use it. After all, it can’t get much better than a free calendar. This calendar will hang in the customer’s home or office where they and their coworkers and family members will also see it. The recipient is bound to refer to it at least once a day. This equals at least 365 views per calendar. That’s a lot of advertising power!

Promotional calendars are cost-effective.

Depending on where you go and what specific calendar you buy, a printed calendar will cost you roughly $2.00. That one calendar is likely to receive at least 365 views per year, translating to about half a cent per view. That’s some cost-effective marketing! 

Promotional calendars are recyclable.

The best way to show that you care about prevalent topics, such as the environment, is through action.

What better way to do this than by creating a recyclable product? Your impact on the environment will be lessened, and your customers will appreciate your efforts. 

Promotional calendar tips

Promotional calendars are incredibly effective but increase their potency with the following ideas. 

Add monthly specials and important business days to the calendar.

The customer is going to be referring to the calendar often. Take full advantage of this by reminding them about special deals and important business deals to increase sales and traffic. 

Feature customer stories.

Share some of the ways your business has helped individuals and the community by highlighting inspirational stories through your calendar. This will make the calendar more engaging while simultaneously generating trust between you and the customer. 

Personalize the calendar by adding the customer’s name.

Show your customers you genuinely care about them and their support by giving them a personalized calendar. This will make the client feel special. 

Include stickers with the calendar.

People of all ages enjoy stickers. Try including calendar-specific stickers, such as birthday, to-dos, laundry day, tax day, payday, etc. Look into creating customizable stickers so that your company can be advertised through them too. 

Try 18-month calendars.

This will help you get ahead of the curve by giving these out in June instead of December when most other businesses distribute their calendars. Once the customers start using your calendar, you can continue supplying as the years go on. 

Calendars are subtly powerful marketing strategies due to their usefulness and staying power. Soon, your customers will be asking you when your next calendar is coming out.