Why Direct Mail is Irreplaceable

Direct mail is not a new marketing topic, but it shouldn’t be forgotten. It is tried and true and will be here for the long haul.

Recent studies show that direct mail’s average response rate of 9% is higher than the 1% average rate for email.

9 Reasons Direct Mail is Irreplaceable

1. Direct mail is long-term.

It’s something you touch and feel and need to think about before moving on to the next step of your day.

2. Direct mail is easy to understand.

There is limited space if you use postcards, brochures, or even letters, making your appeal quicker and easier to understand than online websites filled with endless copy.

3.  Direct mail entices customers.

Using a quick, direct mail campaign lets you send teasers to get your customers excited and curious about what you are up to.

4. Direct mail is customizable.

You can use unusual die cuts, folds, tear sheets, or other fun printing options to make your customers interact with your marketing.

5. Direct mail is more official.

Direct mail is a more permanent and trusted form of communication. People know that anyone can go online and get noticed, but serious businesses send out printed communication.

According to Marketing Sherpa, 76% of people trust ads they receive in the mail.

6. Direct mail is memorable and sentimental.

We all remember getting letters in the mail…right? Well, sending mail to your customers brings back that sentimental feeling.

Add a handwritten note or signature, making it even more personal.

7. Direct mail is inclusive.

Direct mail is more inclusive for older adults who don’t go online.

If you want to appeal to people who don’t even use websites or Google, direct mail is the best way to reach this target market.

8. Direct mail pairs with other media.

You can pair social media and digital content marketing with direct mail for a seamless customer journey.

Cross-promotion works wonders.

By incorporating your message online with the printed word, you will reach a broader audience and answer more of their questions.

9. Direct mail is dependable.

People like to check their mailboxes. On average, people get 122 emails per day. Compare that to the fact that 4 out of 10 people like checking their actual mailbox for items in the mail.

Oversized envelopes have the highest response rate (5%), followed by postcards (4.25%), dimensional mail, or anything more than 0.75 inches thick (4%), and catalogs (3.9%).

With this in mind, be creative and have fun with your direct mail so your customers will enjoy getting mail from you.

If you need further ideas on creating great direct mail pieces, we are here to help. 

7 Reasons to Use Print

You might think of Twitter, Facebook, and email when you think of marketing.

But did you know print is still a popular marketing strategy? That’s right. It’s tried and true, and it’s so much more personal than clicking a variety of non-personal ads.

The Global Commercial Printing Market projects the commercial printing market to grow over the next five years, which means people will use this valuable marketing method even more.

The organization predicts that 72% of corporations will use direct mail campaigns.

Such marketing efforts are relatively inexpensive and are a proven strategy for companies to keep their image and services in the public eye.

As a result, direct marketing is expected to continue its upward trend.

7 Reasons to Use Print as Opposed to Just Online.

1. It’s the most trustworthy.

Approximately 56% of customers find print marketing the most trustworthy type. In addition, direct mail response rates are 37% higher than email.

2. Be environmentally friendly.

There are environmentally-friendly ways to print, reducing the guilt with the printed word. For example, try using environment-friendly vegetable inks because they are made from vegetable oils.

And as far as trees go, only 17% of cut forest trees are used by the paper industry, which means the trees are fine. 

There are 20% more trees now in the United States than 40 years ago.

3. Think non-traditional printing.

There are basketball floors, signs, flyers, banners, and other types of print that help your business succeed in ways that online can’t match. 

4. Think outside-the-box printing. 

Right now, there are many ways to promote your business, and one of those is with a subscription box offering goodies to your clients on a monthly subscription-based business. 

5. Get your printing quicker. 

The options are endless. Printers can use many ways to print your marketing materials that will take much less time than before.

6. People love to be tactile. 

Having something to hold in your hands helps promote businesses. Try using oversize postcards and updated brochures more in your approach to advertising. Cross-promote with other companies, so you are supporting each other.

7. There is easy personalization. 

There are many ways to personalize your marketing using lists and data that offer information on specific people, where they live, what they do for a living, and the likelihood of buying from a printed piece.

Approximately 70% of Americans say mail is more personal than the internet. When you send out direct mail, you will get a better response than online marketing options.

People appreciate the extra care that goes along with a printed piece.

No matter why you choose to do printed marketing pieces, you know they are practical and have been proven to get results.

 

The 7 Stage Employee Life Cycle

Understanding the employee life cycle will help you support your employees throughout their entire time with your company. It will also better help you to mitigate turnover risk, which can be costly.

The average U.S. employer spends about $4,000 and 24 days to hire a new worker. Other estimates have the cost of hiring as high as $6,110. However you calculate it, hiring a new employee is not cheap.

Below are the seven stages of the employee life cycle.

Attraction: the 1st stage of the employee life cycle

The employee life cycle begins the very first time your company is exposed to the potential employee. 

Do your best to make sure your first impression is a good one. Build a positive company culture and a brand that will appeal to future employees.

Recruitment: the 2nd stage of the employee life cycle

Recruitment encompasses the period from applicant to employee. 

Although salary, job title, and job fit are all important, they’re not everything. Future employees are also looking for your company’s equality and diversity policies, mental health stance, maternity leave, overtime, sick pay, unpaid leave, and work-life balance. Positive testimonies from current and past staff are also important. 

Remember, the job interview is both a space for you to see if the prospective employee is a good fit for your company as well as for the prospective employee to see if your company is a good fit for them. 

Onboarding: the 3rd stage of the employee life cycle

The employee has been hired, now it’s time to get them acclimated to your work environment. 

When employees start a new job, they’re most likely feeling optimistic and full of potential. Build off of this by making them feel welcomed and safe in the new work environment. 

Development: the 4th stage of the employee life cycle

If your employees are learning and improving, so too will your business. 

Support development by organizing workshops, conferences, and seminars. Encourage constructive criticism throughout the workplace. If your company is able, financially support learning programs for your employees. 

Retention: the 5th stage of the employee life cycle

Successful employee retention will save your company many workers and dollars. 

Never take any of your employees for granted. Let them know they’re appreciated by thanking them often. Reward employees for their hard work through recognition programs and promotions. Check in with your employees to see if they’re happy and content. If not, find out why. What can your business do?

Separation: the 6th stage of the employee life cycle

Employees can’t stay at your company forever, no matter how hard you try. 

Employees might leave for a variety of reasons: better career opportunities, retirement, a change of pace, etc. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial that you try your best to remain on good terms. 

They’ll be able to testify for or against your company down the road. Positive word-of-mouth reviews are important to the success of your company. Try throwing them a goodbye party to thank them for all they’ve done for your company. 

Before they leave, make sure you ask them for their honest opinions. This will help you improve your workplace. 

Check in with your remaining employees. You didn’t just lose an employee, they lost a friend. 

Alumni: the 7th stage of the employee life cycle

Although no longer officially part of your workplace, past employees can still be part of your company’s culture. Invite them to company events if possible, ask them for future referrals, and request their help from time to time. 

We understand the workplace community can sometimes feel like a second family. Support your employees every step of the way with the print pieces that make communication a breeze. Support is important, and we’re here to support you in your business goals. Anything print-related, we’ve got your back. 

10 Direct Mail Myths Debunked

Myths can sidetrack your marketing efforts and keep you spinning your wheels. Be on the lookout for these common misconceptions regarding direct mail.

Direct Mail Myths Debunked

1. Direct Mail is Dead.

Direct mail is still a driving force behind a successful business.

As more companies look to online communication, you have a better chance of standing out in the mailbox. In addition, direct mail paves the way for the recipient to fully engage with your content on their schedule instead of being a quick (and annoying) interruption to their day.

2. Online Ads Are Better than Direct Mail.

Online ads indeed help businesses succeed, but what is also true is that direct mail helps drive traffic to your online site. Without direct mail, people tend to click away. Direct mail is permanent and begs for attention in the palm of your hand.

3. You Can’t Target the Right People with Direct Mail.

It is even easier to target the right customers with the new lists and technology. You can decide what ages you want to reach, the location of homes, gender, household income, and even if they typically respond to direct mail.

4. You Can’t Track Direct Mail.

You can track direct mail in a variety of ways.

One way is to have a designated email or phone line that only goes to that direct mail campaign. Or, offer a specific coupon or coupon code that corresponds with your campaign. You can even get personal with personalized URLs or PURLs that provide a unique web address for each recipient’s direct mail piece.

5. There Isn’t Enough Room to Tell Your Story in Direct Mail.

The great thing is that you can work together with your online presence by including a QR code, a website, or an email.

You can get your main point across in your direct mail piece and then continue to tell the whole story online. Or you can use a beautifully designed brochure that offers more room for print. Not only that, but people can hang onto it much longer, and they can easily pass it to a friend.

6. Email is More Effective than Direct Mail.

Did you know that 80% of direct mail recipients take immediate action on the mail they receive versus 45% of email recipients? Those statistics are powerful when evaluating the efficacy of direct mail.

7. Young People Don’t Respond to Direct Mail.

Studies have shown that 95% of 18- to 29-year-olds respond positively to direct mail. That’s a great way to reach those used to being bombarded by online ads.

8. Direct Mail is Forgettable.

Direct mail yields a 70% higher recall rate than other advertising, showing how memorable this is for customers.

The fact that they need to tangibly hold the item before tossing it shows that the message sticks in their heads easier than just clicking away.

9. I Only Need to Advertise Online.

You need both digital marketing and direct mail.

According to IWCO Direct, cross-channel marketing can increase your response rates by 35%. The important thing is that it works together to serve your purpose: increased sales.

10. Email Marketing Works Better Than Direct Mail.

Forbes states that direct mail achieves a 4.4% response rate, compared to 0.12% for email, proving that direct mail is essential in your marketing efforts.

If you need a boost in your direct mail efforts, we are here to help. We will produce gorgeous marketing materials that will be noticed and remembered. Check out our website today!

How to Become a Mentor

A mentor can genuinely help another person achieve success.

If you have been in the business world for a while and are a trusted leader, you might be a great candidate for being a mentor. 

What is a Mentor?

First of all, let’s start by talking about what a mentor is.

A mentor offers insight into business, as they have gleaned information through experience and education. You could mentor a recent graduate or someone who may be new to your particular business.

Whatever you aspire to help a person with, here are a few tips to get you headed in the right direction.

Time

You will want to determine what the mentee wants to get out of the mentorship.

Do they need a one-time talk, or do they want an ongoing, weekly, or monthly meeting? Will you meet for coffee or in your office, and for how long?

Decisions

Remember that even though you provide advice and direction based on your expertise, the mentee needs to be free to make their own decisions.

Don’t be offended if they do something you wouldn’t do. Maybe it will work out, or maybe they will learn the hard way. Don’t get discouraged. Your work is still valuable.

Evaluations

How will you two determine if the sessions are valuable and doing what they should be doing?

If your work has a formal program for a mentorship, fill out those papers and use them as a guide. If not, talk openly with the mentee about how often you two should evaluate the relationship.

Will you have an open discussion once every three months? Or will you each write an evaluation to give each other every month? Determine how often you think you need to evaluate the mentorship, then specify how to do it (written or verbal).

Boundaries

Develop clear boundaries so that it stays professional.

You might want to ask the mentee only to contact you at work rather than blowing up your phone during your free time.

Feedback

Be honest with the mentee, rather than tip-toeing around particular topics.

If you feel strongly about specific topics, offer constructive criticism so they can improve in those areas. Don’t be afraid to tell them honestly if you see them making classic mistakes. Let your experience be your guide.

Listen

Make sure you balance your advice with listening.

Many times, mentors think they are only there to provide direction. However, you are also there to listen. You are not to fix problems for them; rather, you are to answer their questions and lead them in a particular direction.

Be Honest.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your failures.

Sure, we like to talk about successes, but what we learned from failures is just as valuable.

Let your mentee know you aren’t perfect, but you learn from things that don’t go as planned. This should allow the mentee to open up about their shortcomings and ask honest questions.

Role Model.

Be a positive role model on the way to act in the office, how you answer emails, and how you treat your mentee. Be professional and talk about positive things regarding the business.

Now that you know how to be a mentor, we want to be here for you as a mentor in the printing world. There are so many options to be considered, and we are here to help you fine-tune your marketing materials. Check us out today!

6 Reasons Why You Need a Vacation

Taking time off can be difficult, especially if you fear things might stall or fall apart without you there.

But rest, and the time to unplug and recharge, are necessary indulgences.

Here are six reasons why vacations are necessary for being healthy and successful.

1. Production

There are many reasons to take time off. It makes you more productive to have time away from the grind. When you return, you feel refreshed and can spend those fresh eyes on sprucing up your marketing efforts or other things that need updating.

2. Physical Health

“People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals,” according to Allina Health.

It’s a great way to stay healthy and vibrant. Just check out these statistics:

• The New York Times reported that taking a vacation every two years instead of every five will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks for both men and women.


• Forbes reported a study in which working 55 hours or more a week was associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to a workweek of 35 to 40 hours.

3. Mental Health

Taking time off from work is also a great way to boost your mental health.

Neuroscientists have found that “chronic exposure to stress can alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression.” Give your brain a break by taking time off, in which you turn off your phone and social media. It will help heal your mind when it’s on vacation.

4. Reduce Burnout

It goes without saying that vacations help reduce burnout.

When you have time to step away and reflect, you can be more creative when you return. And when you are refreshed, you’re often filled with new, innovative ideas for your business.

5. Improve Relationships

Relationships benefit from vacations as well.

Most marriages are happier when there are mini-vacations and large vacations. Just time alone with your loved ones makes families thrive and can trickle down into one’s performance at work.

6. Reduce Stress

A study released by the American Psychological Association concluded that time off helps reduce stress because it removes people from the activities and environments that they associate with anxiety.

If you can’t take a vacation right away, take little breaks in nature. Take your lunch break outside in the sunshine. Or take a walk after work with a loved one. Take the long way home through a park, get out and walk a trail. But be sure to plan a real vacation soon to help you be the best version of yourself.

When it comes to your print marketing, plan to leave the stress to us!

The Benefits of Banners

A banner is a large piece of fabric or flag used to advertise a business by displaying a slogan, logo, symbol, or promotional offer. It is one of the oldest forms of advertising, and it is still around today because it is low cost and effective.

Benefits of Banners

Banners have a wide array of benefits. Below is just the tip of the iceberg.

• Visibility. Banners are highly noticeable. Pair it with an eye-catching design, and it’ll be hard to miss.


• Positive response. Unlike t.v. or radio commercials where the audience can become quickly tired of the advertisement and eventually irritated, banners don’t have that problem. The audience can choose to look at the banner or not. Therefore, the chances of them becoming annoyed by it are lower than alternative forms of advertising.


• Cost-effective. Compared to t.v. commercials or media advertising, banners are much more cost-effective. In advertising, you’re going to want to spend as little as possible to generate the most sales. Banners are a good intersection.


• Reusable. If you make sure to use durable, high-quality inks, your banners should be reusable time and time again. This is perfect for local events, trade shows, and social gatherings. The banner’s reusability adds to its cost-effectiveness.


• Easy. Getting banners printed is usually just a call away!

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of banners is their vast customizability.

Ways to Customize Banners

No two banners are alike because they are customizable.

• Size. Banners come in various sizes ranging from 2’ wide by 4’ high to 6’ wide by 30’ high. The standard size is 6′ wide x 3′ high. The size you end up choosing largely depends on where you’re placing your banner.


• Portrayal. Banners can come single or double-sided. If you’re placing your banner against a brick wall, it’s probably best to go with the single side. But, if your banner will have both sides exposed, then it’s best to go double-sided.


• Material. Banners can come in matte, gloss, fabric, mesh, or vinyl, depending on your printer. The material you choose often depends on the placement of your banner. For example, if the banner is outside and needs to survive the weather, it is best to choose more durable options.


• Finishing. Depending on how you want to hang your banner, you can choose grommets, hems, or pole pockets. Grommets are the holes on the outside of the banner for it to hang. Usually, you can select the material of your grommets, such as brass, stainless steel, or plastic.


• Viewing distance. Depending on your printing company, the quality of the design can be adjusted based on how close-up people will be viewing your poster. If they’re only going to be seeing it from far away, there’s no point in wasting money on a detailed design.


• Design. The banner’s design is highly customizable, and it’s what makes your banner unique and stand out. Using excellent design skills helps draw in customers’ attention. Try incorporating graphics, a memorable logo, complementing color schemes, patterns, and your unique selling proposition. A unique selling proposition states why customers should buy from your business over your competitors.

Banners are the perfect addition to your advertising campaign for customizability, effectiveness, and price!