5 Key Factors for Planning a 

Profitable Direct Mail Piece

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 printing, but it WILL catch your customers’ attention and boost your reply rates! 85% of consumers share that color and visual appearance are the most critical factor when considering whether or not to buy a product, compared to text, which only has 6% influence. 

3. Try a 2-Way Match Concept

If you design multiple components for your direct mail piece, such as a letter, reply card, and envelope, it will be processed as a 3-way match during manufacturing.

Instead, consider a different concept: create a single component with multiple pieces. You could use a perforated line to create a tear-off reply section, which will then be processed as a 2-way match of the letter and its envelope. 

This will cut down the manufacturing cost of printing your direct mail.

4. Keep it Light 

Keeping your mail’s weight in mind will serve your company’s budget well!

If you were hoping to include a small premium or token for customers with the mail, you don’t have to rule it out completely. 

There are many options for flat items that you can include without raising the cost of postage or requiring unique packaging. Coupon cards and discount codes, decals or stickers, magnets, bookmarks, and other small goodies can provide that engagement for customers without adding extra weight to your mail. 

5. Choose Paper and Envelopes Wisely

Getting creative with your direct mail designs is a great idea and can showcase your company’s personality to potential customers.

However, don’t underestimate the importance of the basics! 

One way to keep paper costs down is using text paper, cover stock, and neutral-colored papers since these are typical types we have on hand. Using these will save you time and money!

When choosing envelopes, consider the same thing. Standard-sized envelopes with standard windows will likely be the most available and, therefore, the most cost-effective option. 

Whatever the size of your budget, we are here to make your next print marketing campaign successful. Contact us today to learn more! Call: 516-561-1468

 

10 Tips to Increase Productivity 

as a Busy Entrepreneur

Productivity is a critical factor in being successful.

Although it would be nice to have our goals reached by relaxing at home all day, there is a rewarding feeling of achievement knowing that effort was put in for a great outcome.

This is easier said than done; being productive daily takes self-control and discipline. There are so many factors that go into running a business. Incorporating organization into your day and staying productive can assist and guide you as a busy entrepreneur. Here are a few ways you can do that!

10 Tips To Boost Productivity

1. Prioritize.

Looking over a long to-do list can be stressful.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed, try organizing your to-do list into priorities. Determine which task is the most crucial to complete and stick with that one. Taking it one step at a time changes your perspective and helps you take a realistic approach to overcoming that stubborn list!

2. Communicate.

Communication is essential in all areas of life- especially in the workplace.

Many problems arise from a lack of communication, and this can waste time and resources in many different instances. You can avoid conflict down the road by ensuring you communicate with everybody involved.

3. Delegate.

Going along the lines of communication, being able to delegate is a valuable skill.

Look over what you need to accomplish. Is there anything that you can pass on to someone that is qualified? This may require you to look at your team and detect their strengths and skills.

In the end, this will save you time and help you communicate with your team- keeping everybody involved and connected.

4. Develop a routine.

You may have heard this tip before, but that’s because it’s important!

Structure throughout your day will help you stay on track and accomplish what needs to be done. Forming habits that will improve your overall health, like clean eating, exercise, and sleep, can translate to your work performance and mood.

5. Practice time management.

Your workday hours are limited, so you probably want to take advantage of each second you get.

A study from Stanford University found that productivity per hour declines when a person works over 50 hours a week. At 70 hours per week, the amount of work completed is the same as for someone that worked only 55 hours.

This data shows that the more time you spend working doesn’t always result in more work being accomplished. Managing your time is vital so that the quality of your work can be done in a reasonable amount of time.

6. Reflect.

Looking back on the past can be beneficial to improving your business.

Try recognizing what went well and what needs improvement. You’ll be able to analyze which factors created success and build off those things. By reflecting on past projects, you can learn and take feedback to prepare for the future. Remember to not dwell on the past and let it bring you down. Learn and move on!

7. Plan ahead.

While it’s important to reflect, it’s also great to think ahead.

Organize what you need to accomplish and set goals for yourself and your business. Yes, focusing on what you have in front of you is essential, but make sure you’re working towards something. Planning is convenient and will prepare you for your next steps, whatever they may be.

8. Set your boundaries.

You may be stressed at times and doubt yourself, but remember you’re in control!

You know what you can and can’t handle, so don’t be afraid to listen to yourself. Taking on too many responsibilities can be detrimental to your work performance. Learn to say no when necessary, and don’t burn yourself out.

9. Follow the 80/20 rule.

If you’re unfamiliar with the 80/20 Rule (also known as Pareto’s Principle), it simply states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

In perspective, the most productive 20% of your day produces 80% of your work. This concept shows that you can accomplish more with less effort by concentrating on things that will produce the most significant results.

10. Motivate yourself!

Think back to why you started your business.

What were you hoping to accomplish, and have you done that yet? Sometimes, all you need to get motivated is a little reminder of why you do what you do!

These things will help you combat your struggles as a busy entrepreneur and increase your productivity. Remember to prioritize your time and use your resources to ensure that you can reach all of your goals for your business.

We want to see you succeed and help you with your needs regarding professional printing.

Call 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

What are the Types & Sizes 

of Booklets in 2022?

Booklets are small printed books with a few sheets of paper. They aren't as thick as a catalog but usually contain more pages than a trifold brochure. As a visual aid, booklets are the mailers sent by wholesale clubs like BJ's, which include the week's sales. You may also get booklets at a summit containing all speaker information, different panels, and overarching goals to discuss. Sometimes they'll include a notes section and a matching pen. Booklet designs are only limited by your imagination. Booklets promotional items are the top way to display your business offerings, services, and products in a high-end gloss finished

                                                             format.

Booklet Types

Booklets are an opportunity to capture new and existing customers. They should use the right colors, images, and designs to attract customers. Playing around with typography, size, and placement of items is pivotal. Your booklet should be designed down to what products or services appear first, middle, and at the end. Beyond products, booklets make excellent brand guides, training manuals, exotic vacations, and promotional materials for new releases or occasion shopping like Christmas and back-to-school season. Use high gloss to communicate prestige, luxury, or quality and thick matte 70lb premium opaque paper stock to communicate rugged strength. You can get creative and present your booklet in a social media-worthy

"unboxing" style with booklet envelopes and custom boxes.

Print marketing with booklets is also cheap and economical for the potential return on investment. They can be printed in short and bulk runs with fast turnaround times. The more you print, the cheaper the booklets will be per book. However, a short run won't break the bank either. The goal of your booklet is to get the customer's senses involved with brand awareness, personal connection, and call-to-action central. Booklet sizes also offer prime space to be elaborate and tell sales stories that narrate why your products work by starting with change and high stakes.

Booklet Sizes

Booklet sizes for printing are customized to your preferences but have traditional booklet sizes. The most common booklet sizes are 6x9. Booklet dimensions also come in standard sizes of 8.5x11 and 8.5x5.5, with page counts from 8 pages to 40 pages. Binding types consist of the classic saddle stitch with horizontal or vertical orientations. For an ultra-custom look, add embossing, foil stamping, and die-cut designs to help your booklet stand out and captivate.

Booklets Boost Brands

Whether you run a private practice, are an artist shopping your portfolio to curators, or a streetwear brand–booklets can boost your brand visibility. The power of the booklet is in the space for design, unique, and superior gloss images. Booklets present brands as classy, authentic, audience-aware, and epic storytellers. Use your next booklet as a beacon that leads your customers to solution-focused products and services. Recalibrate your brand and reintroduce yourself to the masses–making it so good your booklet gets coffee table privileges. Start designing your booklet with us, or bring your print-ready personal designs. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS Call 516-561-1468 or GO TO: www.printcafeli.com