Print Cafe of LI, Inc

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Tuesday, November 29, 2022

 Top 8 Print Marketing Design Hints

Designing marketing materials has much room for creativity, but you should also avoid common mistakes.

If you aren't a graphic designer, you may be tempted to do your own thing, but there are some definite no-nos in design. Here are nine hints to guide you.

Top 8 Print Marketing Design Hints

1. Have a clear concept for your marketing campaign

When people start designing, they often keep adding to it without a clear idea of the desired design.

This is a big red flag that your design is off to a bad start. You need to know what you want your design to look like.

2. Use symbolism

For example, try to enhance the text's mood with a sketch, a drawing, an image, or a picture representing what you are trying to communicate.

3. Target the right audience with your print media

Your content isn't for everyone.

But there's one particular group of people you should always aim to impress and engage: your target audience.

Think like them. Read like them. Try to entertain and engage them in your words and design.

4. Use white space

Make sure you don't pack everything into your design.

You may have great design ideas, but you don't need to use them all in one place. Instead, save some for future projects.

5. Add pictures and graphics

Don't just pack in the text.

There needs to be a break in the page. Add a pertaining photo or an image of something else with its own caption. Maybe it's a picture of a new employee, a party you had for your clients or a giveaway.

Sometimes the simplest designs are the most effective, so don't overdo it with images. There are ways to make your design clean, clear, and attractive without too many graphics. You want it to look uniform and enhance the text.

6. Be consistent across your marketing channels

Whether it's fonts, colors, or images, make sure you're consistent.

This helps tie your design down into one visually appealing and harmonious look.

So keep it similar, using specific colors, fonts, or designs.

7. Be careful with the fonts

Stay with two to three fonts throughout the publication you are producing.

8. Choose colors wisely

Understanding color theory and psychology can help you use colors at their optimal best.

Colors can set the tone, mood, and style of your design.

Don't go crazy picking a variety of colors. Instead, be consistent and keep the colors in the same family.

When it's time to print your project, please remember us.

We are here to help guide you, answer your questions, and print your project.

Contact us today! Call: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com


Wednesday, November 23, 2022

How to Use Color to 

Impact Holiday Campaigns

When you think of the holidays, what colors come to mind?

Red, green, white, or maybe even blue and gold. These festive colors can evoke emotions from consumers by drawing them to colors they might not naturally be drawn to outside of the holiday season. 

Using color theory, the study of how color impacts perceptions and behaviors, we can help get customers in the mood for the holidays and, hopefully, buy your products. Here's what the experts say about the holiday colors we love.

How to Use Color to Impact Holiday Campaigns

Red

We know red as a warning: fire, stop signs, danger, and so forth.

But it is also a powerful color representing love, passion, importance, and hunger. 

Red can raise blood pressure and respiration rates and enhance human metabolism. We think of things like red berries, Santa, and more. Use this color as an accent, and you'll be doing well. However, if used in abundance, it tends to get overwhelming. 

Green

Green has both the calming attributes of blue and the excitement of yellow.

When used in a design, it is known to have a balancing and harmonizing effect. It also helps balance out red, which is used often this time of year.

Christmas trees can go back to medieval times to symbolize the Garden of Eden. Today, we tend to think of Christmas trees and mistletoe. 

White

Of course, we associate white with snow this time of year. 

But it also is an excellent backdrop for design. Since it is the polar opposite of black, it goes with just about every color and is perfect for minimalist design. In addition, it can soften the often bright colors of the season.

Blue

While blue is sometimes acquainted with sadness, calmness, and responsibility, it is also known for its dependability, peace, and religion.

Especially this time of year, we see that blue represents these last attributes. In times past, blue was connected to royalty as the pigments to produce the die were expensive

Gold

Success! Achievement! Luxury! Elegance! 

These are what gold represents, and many individuals associate this time of year with gifts.

Yellow, or gold, is a warm color and represents passion, happiness, enthusiasm, and energyIt's a powerful color, not used in abundance.

When thinking about designing your holiday marketing materials, these colors are tried-and-true, and people instantly associate them with the holidays. 

There are always beachy themes and tropical photos, but that typically doesn't represent the classic feel of the holiday season. Tapping into those warm emotions is easier when you keep with tradition.

The time to start thinking about holiday print materials is now! We can help you pick the right hues and colors for your marketing efforts. Visit our website today!www.printcafeli.com or

Call us at: 516-561-1468


 

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

5 Self-Mailers That Help 

You Stretch Your Budget

Everyone wants to save money. But we also wish for success. So how do we achieve both?

Self-mailers are the answer. It's a tried-and-true method of marketing that gets readership and results.

Research shows that mail is one of the most effective ways to connect with customers personally.The options are endless, and they are read more often than an email.

When physical mail goes into your mailbox, you know it's intended for you, and you take notice. One benefit of a self-mailer over a traditional envelope is that a self-mailer can be creatively designed with attention-grabbing text and images.

Direct mail achieves a 3.7% response rate with a house list and a 1.0% response rate with a prospect list. Compare that to: Mobile 0.2%; Email 0.1% for a Prospect list and 0.1% for House/Total list; Social Media 0.1%; Paid Search 0.1%; Display Advertising 0.02%.

5 Self-Mailers That Help You Stretch Your Budget

1. Newsletters

Newsletters hold essential information about your business and how you can help your clients. In addition, it allows space for articles on several things.

Make your newsletter monthly, and people look forward to seeing it in the mail and reading it.

Keep your reader in mind, however. Don't just tell what is new at your business. Instead, show them how important it is to do business with you. And include a call-to-action, so they know how to get a hold of you.

Also, incorporate your logo, pictures, graphics, and white space. But don't pack it too full.

2. Postcards

These clever little items let you transfer a thought or solution to your customers. Use it as a teaser, announcing that something big is coming. Or use it to promote a new item.

Show a picture of how it helps your customer, rather than just a shiny item. Use a standard size or extra-large postcard.

Either way, it's a quick read and will capture your client's attention.

3. Brochures

Use these comprehensive pieces in the mail, around town, or wherever you do business. They are perfect for trade shows as well. These are easy to take with and affordable to mail.

People look at brochures containing pertinent information, attractive pictures, and graphics. The text is usually broken up by panel and allows for an easy read.

Always include your logo and a call-to-action so that guests will contact you.

4. Tri-Fold Mailer

Try a tri-fold mailer to get optimal results while saving money. These are typically six panels that open up to be an oversized postcard about 6" X 11."

These are great for promoting sales, adding coupons, and a tear-off business card.

5. 6-Fold Mailer

These are similar to the tri-fold but with a little more space. Again, you can use these mailers vertically or horizontally.

Self-mailers are creative and get noticed. 

We're here to help you create your next budget-friendly, eye-catching self-mailer. Contact us today to get started! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our website at:www.printcafeli.com


 

Thursday, November 17, 2022

5 Top Reasons Tracking Metrics is Vital

 

You stress over minor details. You plan. You delegate. You edit. You design. Then you execute.

Your marketing deserves to be read and digested. But how do you know how effective it is? That's where tracking metrics come in.

Without tracking metrics, you have no idea if your campaign and business are thriving.

Proper metrics should be giving you answers to the following questions:

  • What were your results in the past?
  • What are your goals for the future?
  • Is there something that should be improved?
  • Which targets did you reach?
  • Which targets did you miss?

5 Top Reasons Tracking Metrics is Vital

1. Makes your business efficient.

Looking at metrics helps analyze how well all aspects of your business are doing.

When you're able to view and analyze key metrics, it makes it much easier to run your business. In addition, you know where to invest your resources and focus on the most critical issues.

2. Gauges performance of staff.

Tracking metrics helps analyze the performance of your staff, and it will show you what areas are succeeding and what areas are lacking.

Then, if there are problems, you can tackle the issues head-on.

If not, you can reward your employees.

3. Alerts you to problems.

Keeping an eye on metrics will immediately alert you to problems and issues in your business.

This helps when you're out of the office or on vacation and want to stay updated on how things are going.

In addition, metrics will alert you to the areas you need to focus on when you return.

4. Develops accountability and consistency.

Knowing what areas to improve will help your business become more vital.

It's like training for an athletic event. The more specific your metrics are, the better you are to train for the big day or event.

5. Improves business.

Good metrics rely on numbers rather than opinions.

Words like good quality, bad quality, and acceptable quality are vague. They may depend on the personal opinion of the person expressing them.

But when you have the numbers in place, you can get the numbers that will enable you to improve your business.

When you have good metrics, you can improve different areas of your business, coach your employees, and meet your customers' needs.

Our metrics show that our customers are happy with our products and service, as you are probably aware.

Check us out today! Call 516-561-1468 Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

5 Best Ways to Combine Print 

and Social Media

Print and social media go hand in hand.

Promoting your business online is great because it doesn’t cost much and helps track customers.

But people still shop at stores and go to companies in the flesh. You must be ready for people when they stop at your business place.

So here’s the best way to combine the two ways to market your business: print and social media. Take a look.


1. Post on Facebook.

Post regularly to actively reach your audience. It doesn’t have to be much, but it will keep your name at the top of everyone’s mind.

For example, try posting an inspirational quote, or try your hand at writing a short article on where your business excels.

2. Don’t forget Linkedin.

Another great social media tool is Linkedin. This reaches specifically to other business people, and it doesn’t have to be a long post.

Still, it’s the perfect way to spotlight your products and services. Let people know what you offer and how you can help them.

Use testimonials to let the public know you have helped others succeed.  

3. QR codes are making a comeback.

Adding a QR code to your printed materials will combine the two worlds, online and offline.

Link it to a coupon or sale just for them when they scan the code. This will take them to a specific site that will inevitably help you track what they are looking for.

4. Create giveaways.

Run a promotion using printed materials to engage customers and offer something exciting.

Use rack cards or flyers with all your contact information and a call to action. Even though this method uses direct mail and printed items, it proves worthwhile.

Research consistently demonstrates that direct mail outperforms other marketing tactics regarding response rate.

5. Use hashtags.

Hashtags help you tie everything back to your brand and make it easier for you to track mentions of your campaign, event, product, or business.

This enables you to use both the printed word and online in a combined effort. For example, Indiana University leveraged hashtags as part of a brilliant admission promotion.

The simple use of the hashtag #IUsaidYes on bright, bold red envelopes produced a viral social media campaign when students began posting selfies with their acceptance letters.

Whether you prefer—online or offline marketing—you need both in advertising.

We are a part of your success because we offer quick, reliable service.

Need something soon? Check us out today! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website:www.printcafeli.com

 


 

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Brighten Holiday Sales With Festive Promotional Signage


Celebrating winter holidays in the US is big business. These holidays rank only second in consumer spending to the back-to-school season. It is also a big deal for retailers as holiday buying can generate up to 30% of their annual revenue during this time. How big is the holiday shopping season? eMarketer reported that retail spending grew over 16% in 2021 to a total of 1.2 trillion dollars in the US. Last year’s impressive results were due in part to the retailer’s ability to limit price reductions to a 5-year low. Other factors like supply chain constraints kept inventory levels low while demand spiked as vaccinated shoppers returned to in-person shopping. 

 Consumer shopping trends in 2022 have been a fickle thing to predict. Just ask Target and Walmart, which lowered revenue guidance in the recent quarter, citing increasing inventory levels and lower consumer demand. Perhaps there was also some over-ordering by retailers dealing with long lead times and supply chain shortages. No doubt the pandemic-fueled supply chain swings are also impacted as consumers pivoted from purchasing hard goods in previous years to soft goods in 2022. Let’s not forget the inflationary battle redirecting consumers to spend more money on the basics, too.  Whatever the root causes, the effect is an inventory glut at many retailers and an attempt to reset prior to the holiday season. Stores, big and small, will need signage to help to get customers into stores and to move excess inventory through the rest of this year.   

 The 2022 winter holiday season will be challenging for retailers of all sizes.  According to the National Retail Federation, over 60% of shoppers start their holiday shopping by the beginning of November, so retailers have little time to spare. Getting people into the stores is top of mind, but so is focusing shopper’s attention once they are there. Signage plays a critical role for both. Large format signs and banners on the storefront and teardrop flags positioned out front are just a few ways to draw in shoppers. Window clings and A-frame sidewalk signs also work well in any retail shopping center or other walkable retail areas to entice passersby shopping at other businesses. 

 

 

Once inside, indoor signage can direct the shopper’s attention where it’s best for the retailer. Indoor signs can be more targeted based on the retailer’s most pressing need or to coincide with a larger campaign. For example, retailers can use a poster one week to direct shoppers to markdowns that must be sold. The following week rack cards or counter cards could point shoppers to a loyalty program or credit card signup. Once inside the store, adhesive floor or wall graphics can act as way finders pointing shoppers to different areas of the store or special promotions. Hanging fabric banners also work well to highlight target products or services and appear more upscale than posters or mounted foamcore signs.



 As you work with your clients, keep a few items in mind:

  • Start promoting and engaging early since the shopping season begins when back-to-school ends
  • Use multiple sign formats to attract shoppers
  • Work with the goals of the retailer to create signage for multiple uses and campaigns

Contact the team at the Print Cafe of LI to explore all the signage options that work well during the winter holiday season and to ensure orders are placed based on customer timing requirements.Check us out Today to Learn More Information on all of our Marketing Products Call  516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 


 

Thursday, November 3, 2022

 Holiday Shopping Outlook 2022

How Inflation is Impacting Holiday Shopping Plans in 2022

Fall is right around the corner and the holiday season is fast approaching. In an unprecedented time with the highest rate of inflation in 40 years, and an impending recession, it’s never too early to start planning and budgeting for the expensive holiday season.

With many retailers looking at big sale days like Amazon Prime to forecast consumers’ shopping habits, we wanted to also know how Americans are planning for the upcoming shopping season. A survey of more than 1,000 Americans reveals if they’ve started saving already, how much money they plan to spend, and how inflation is impacting their decisions.


Holiday Shopping in 2022

Screen Shot 2022-08-16 at 8.33.25 AM

Although Christmas is months away, 59% of Americans are stressed about buying holiday gifts this year due to inflation. Just over one in four (27%) are planning to start holiday shopping soon in case inflation gets worse.

Almost three in four (73%) think prices for things will increase by the holiday season, and 56% are planning to do their holiday shopping during big sales like Labor Day and Black Friday. Interestingly, almost half of Americans (47%) say paying full price for something is a dealbreaker this year.

If you’re not in the habit of budgeting for gifts, this may be the time to start. 73% are paying closer attention to how much they’re spending on gifts this year versus last year.

It’s the Most Expensive Time of Year

4over - Holiday Shopping_Graphic 2

In 2021, Americans spent an average of $611.19 on Christmas gifts. This year, they plan to spend slightly less on gifts: $575.64. While this is only about $35 less, 61% say they actually plan to buy fewer gifts. 41% expect to spend more than last year.

12% have already started their holiday shopping. When asked why, 16% of those say they started because of budget concerns. 11% say they’re already shopping because of inflation.

For those who haven’t begun the process,17% will start in October, 31% in November, and 13% in December. Not everyone has a plan for shopping though, as 23% don’t know when they’ll start their holiday shopping and plan to buy gifts as soon as they find them.

On average, Americans buy gifts for 8 people during the holidays. Just over one in five (22%) plan to buy gifts for fewer people this year. When asked who they buy gifts for every holiday season, 67% say parents, 56% say their partner or spouse, 48% say their siblings, and 45% say their kids.

Now that we know how much Americans plan to spend, we wanted to find out just how they plan to pay. Just over half (53%) of people say they will use a credit card to cover holiday costs. 35% will make the most of points and rewards programs to help them pay for gifts. 29% will use savings, 24% will use gift cards they already own, and 15% plan to use a Buy Now, Pay Later service. A mere 6% will regift something they already own.

Some experts say it’s not a bad idea to start saving for or buying gifts early, as inflation is predicted to climb throughout the year. When asked if they’ve already started saving for the holidays, 14% will start saving in August, 11% in September, 9% in October, and 3% in November.


It’s no surprise that rising costs may mean Americans have to cut other things out of their budget to pay for gifts. 43% plan to limit other expenses this year to help make room in their budget for the upcoming holiday season.

Over one in three (36%) will cut down on dining out. 27% will cut down on activities like going to the movies, events, and concerts. 20% will buy fewer clothes, 13% will limit travel, and 12% will cut down on beauty appointments like haircuts and manicures.

Another way to save money is to skip paying for shipping. 70% of Americans usually add something to their cart to reach a free shipping threshold. Buying gifts in bulk and having them shipped together can save money and time.

It can be stressful thinking ahead to the most expensive time of the year. It’s a good time to start planning, saving, and budgeting for gifts as inflation continues to climb. Make the most of upcoming sales, evaluate where you can cut back in your budget, and pay attention to shipping slowdowns, and you’ll be well prepared for the upcoming holiday season.

Methodology
In July 2022, we surveyed 1,004 Americans to ask about their opinions on holiday shopping for the upcoming season. Respondents were 48% male, 50% female, and 2% transgender/non-binary. Respondents’ ages ranged from 18 to 84, with an average age of 38.
For media inquiries, please contact media@digitalthirdcoast.net.

Check us out Today to Learn More Information on all of our Marketing Products Call  516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com


Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The Beginner's Guide for Creative 

Marketing Campaigns

Creativity in marketing campaigns is invaluable. 

Creative campaigns help you stand out, allowing you to reach more people. The more people reached, the more successful your campaign.

But how exactly can you come up with creative marketing campaigns? Below are some ideas to help you out. 

Get inspired for creative marketing campaigns 

Look to places such as social media and local or national news for inspiration. Try to participate in TikTok trends, especially if they connect well to your business. Look to the news. Is anything happening you can find a way to relate to your company? 

Use FOMO for creative marketing campaigns 

FOMO, or fear of missing out, is quite a powerful marketing technique. 

In fact, 60% of people make purchases because of FOMO. Usually, the purchase is within 24 hours.Tap into this through limited-time specials and discounts. Build up the anticipation through emails and direct mail, letting consumers know it’s coming up. Perhaps take it a step further by only making it accessible to people who complete an action, such as visiting your store or following you on social media. 

People will do a lot for limited-time opportunities. 

Be charitable for creative marketing campaigns

Consumers like to support businesses that care about and support good causes. 

82% of consumers prefer companies that support and donate to charities. Look around for causes that you and your employees care about. Find a way your business can support it. Perhaps give it attention within your marketing. Say X% of the proceeds will go to the organization. Or your business will be closed for a day so you and your employees can volunteer. 

Either way, make it known that your business cares about that cause. When consumers support you, they’ll also be supporting others. 

Engage daily for creative marketing campaigns

Not every marketing strategy has to relate to your business directly. 

In fact, sometimes it can be more effective if it doesn’t. Maybe customers don’t want to get an ad from your business daily. But perhaps they do want to get a daily quote, fun fact, cute animal picture, or joke. Allow customers to opt-in or out of this daily content.

Customers will associate your business with something positive while not getting angry for being overly advertised to.

Create interactive content for creative marketing campaigns

Customers enjoy participating actively rather than passively. 

Interactive content includes… 

  • A decision tree to help customers make those tough decisions
  • A quiz to help a customer discover new things about themselves
  • Polls for customers to voice their opinions. 

Giving customers a way to participate in your marketing materials actively makes the experience more memorable and enjoyable. 

Beginner’s guide for creative marketing campaigns

Perhaps your industry has some barriers to entry. 

Help potential customers by creating an easy guide into the industry by defining complicated jargon, providing them with the dos and don’ts, giving insider tips, and everything else they’ll need to get started. 

Provide value for creative marketing campaigns

Stand out from your competitors by adding unique value to your customers. 

Conduct case studies or interview industry experts to get one-of-a-kind information that can only be found through your business. By contributing up-to-date and interesting material to the industry, you’ll draw people in. 

Being creative and coming up with new ideas to reach customers can be daunting. Look around for inspiration and refer to this guide for ideas. 

Every marketing campaign isn’t complete without a diverse method of communication. The more methods you use, the better your chance of reaching people. Limited-time sale notifications can be sent out through direct mail, and a beginner’s guide could be shared through a brochure.

Wherever your creativity takes you, we’ve got you! 

Check us out Today to Learn More Information on all of our Marketing Products Call at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com