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

 

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

 

 

 Advanced Leadership Skills for Managers

Managers can make or break the workplace atmosphere, seeping into a company’s outputs. 

Unfortunately, good management can sometimes be hard to find. Poor management costs $7 trillion globally, or  9-10% of the world’s GDP. This staggering number can decrease if companies hire and train better-equipped managers.  

Below are the top 4 skills required for advanced leadership in the workplace. 

Advanced Leadership Skill 1: Communication

Clear communication prevents workplace hiccups. 

Communication requires the ability to properly convey sometimes complex ideas to a wide range of people. Age, background, skill level, and personality can prevent clear communication. 

Sometimes the most difficult skills in life must be mastered through trial and error. However, you can keep a couple of critical aspects in mind when communicating. 

• Actively listen. If you catch your mind thinking about your extensive to-do list, stop and bring your focus back to the conversation.
• Positive body language. This includes smiling, making eye contact, and not crossing one’s arms.
• Connect. Connect with others through shared experiences by telling stories and being vulnerable. Also, try making time in your day to talk with your coworkers casually.
• Kindness. People are more likely to openly listen and talk to those who seem kind. So be kind throughout your life, and it’ll show.

Proper communication is necessary for any leader because it’s needed throughout the office, especially when explaining projects and tasks when delegating. 

Advanced Leadership Skill 2: Delegation 

The higher up you go, the more important it is to rely on others. 

However, it seems many people want to do everything themselves. This attitude ends up harming the entire team and company. 

Delegation is about first realizing you can’t do everything and pulling yourself away from micro-managing tendencies. 

The next step is being able to see your team without judgment. Knowing your team members’ strengths and weaknesses will help you delegate tasks in a way that benefits everyone. 

Proper delegation helps the workplace run smoothly and more efficiently. It leads to higher growth rates, revenue, and job creation. But you can’t delegate if you aren’t confident in yourself and your decisions. 

Advanced Leadership Skill 3: Confidence

All the intelligence and leadership capability in the world would be worth nothing without the confidence to execute it. 

Confidence is like the glue that holds everything together. Leaders must be confident in themselves, the company, and their own ideas to pursue greatness and fulfill their visions. 

A confident leader… 

• doesn’t let fear deter them from opportunity.
• executes ideas into action.
• doesn’t overanalyze.
• shares the confidence bug.

Confident leaders help build a successful business. Therefore, be confident in yourself so you can pursue excellence. 

Advanced Leadership Skill 4: Pursue Excellence 

The inner drive to be your best self isn’t taught but comes from within.

This trait is what makes some managers stand out. Managers who pursue excellence genuinely want the company and the employees to succeed, and they’re willing to put in the extra time and effort to achieve excellence. 

These managers have high self-expectations and are willing to continually learn and grow through experts and daily experiences. Managers who pursue excellence are valuable assets to the company. 

Outstanding leadership brings the company together to pursue common goals. While you’re out leading, we’re here behind the scenes making sure all your print marketing initiatives go smoothly.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

7 Advertising Basics for 

Small Business Owners

With many advertising options, billboards, websites, direct mail, etc., it can prove challenging to advertise effectively. Still, there are guides to lead you down the right promotional path for small businesses.

Let’s take a look.

7 Advertising Basics for Small Business Owners

1. Budget

When you think about advertising, of course, you need a budget. And most small businesses don’t have large ones.

This is probably best used in ways that maximize your return, rather than throwing it all in on one large ad on TV.

Leave that for the big businesses that have large budgets.

2. Website

A professionally-designed site can cost thousands of dollars, so try online templates. These work well to foster name recognition and promote your products and/or services.

In addition, you can add pictures, logos, and illustrations that look professional for a fraction of the cost.

3. SEO Marketing

Promote your website.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a practice that aligns your business with Google’s ranking algorithm.

Get Google to advertise it with the right tools. For example, add relevant (industry- and location-based) keywords to specific places on your website.

4. Paid search marketing

Google AdWords and Bing Ads can bring in traffic to the website and help your business feature prominently when people search for relevant phrases.

For $20 or $30 a day, you can get your name in front of the right people searching for what you have to offer.

5. Social Media

There’s also Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to get the word out. These are relatively easy to use if you know what to say.

It’s possible to hire a writer on a freelance basis who can write these for you. Or, if you have a marketing team, enlist someone to write these regularly.

This is a great way to get in front of people daily, or at least regularly.

6. Traditional Print Advertising

Use flyers, postcards, and brochures for marketing your business effectively. It’s inexpensive, and it works.

Provide coupons on the handouts to informally track effectiveness.

You can use oversize postcards to get a better reaction since they tend not to get lost in the shuffle.

7. Combine Print and Online Efforts

Print and online advertising complement one another.

For example, on your printed pieces, be sure to have a call to action that involves visiting your website. Then give them a coupon or discount when they visit.

Likewise, when they visit your website, try to capture their physical address so you can send them direct mail. This is very effective.

You can do many things to promote your small business. However, traditional direct marketing is still in high demand.

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

 9 Productivity Tips for Business Owners

Are you busy unnecessarily? Are there ways to become more productive and skip some small steps? Let’s take a look.

9 Productivity Tips for Business Owners

1. Outsource.

Some things seem important, but when you look at them more closely, you realize that maybe someone else could do that for you.

For example, think about having another company or person write your thank-you notes and do other small tasks. You’ll save time in the long run.

2. Create a Schedule.

Making lists is a great way to ensure you don’t overlook the essential things that need to get done.

But putting that list into an actual schedule will help you get more organized and make sure those tasks get accomplished.

Schedule specific times to do certain projects, rather than just listing them on paper.

3. One Task at a Time.

Take it one thing at a time, rather than jumping from task to task.

You will accomplish more and won’t feel as frazzled. Stick to the schedule of tasks rather than what pops up in your mind.

4. Plan Ahead.

Try scheduling it a week before instead of printing off notes or sheets for a meeting the day before. That will calm your nerves and will make you more efficient.

5. Review Goals Daily.

Every morning, take a few minutes to review your annual goals and weekly and daily goals.

Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year and what you would like to get done today.

6. Turn Off Notifications.

When your computer, phone, or watch constantly beeps at you, staying focused is hard.

So, turn those notifications off for a set time each day. That way, you can get more done without getting distracted.

7. Choose to Be Happy.

Make sure you have a good relationship with your staff. Choose to be happy and to get along with everyone.

8. Schedule Social Media.

You want to be sure you are posting regularly, but you also don’t want to get distracted by this thought all day long.

The best way to combat this is to schedule a specific time every day in which you will post your social media.

9. Reward Yourself.

When you have accomplished your goals, reward yourself with a massage, a fancy coffee, or some time with a friend.

There are so many great ways to improve your productivity, and these steps should help you right away.

If you need help with getting your printing done in a timely, effective manner, reach out to us today! For Help With All Your Marketing Needs Wether it's Design Idea's or Specifications for a Particular Product your Trying to Promote. Call Us at 516-561-1468 or Browse our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

5 Key Customer Service Skills and 

How to Develop Them

Above and beyond customer service leaves customers satisfied and impressed. 

Customer service is essential for many clients in determining their overall satisfaction with your company. Most customers have little patience for poor customer service.

Customers with a bad customer service experience are more likely to leave than those unhappy with prices. That’s a primary reason why 89% of consumers switched to a competitor after a poor customer experience. 

Customer retention saves your company money. Repeat customers spend more and in larger amounts while also bringing in more customers. Customer service is at the forefront of keeping customers happy and coming back for more. Providing top-notch customer service is imperative for the success of your business. 

Check out the qualities that make for great customer service. 

1. Customer service skill: positivity

Often, customer service representatives are dealing with angry customers.

It’s important for them to keep a positive spin on the situation while not being insensitive to the customer’s emotional state. 

Being aware of the customer’s emotions is a key part of empathy. 

2. Customer service skill: empathy

Consumers use emotions over information when evaluating companies. 

Therefore, customer service should focus on the emotions of the customer. This begins by being able to perceive these emotions and then meeting the customer’s emotional needs. Ultimately, the customer is going to take away how they felt during the encounter. Make sure it’s a positive experience! 

This task of guiding the customer’s emotions is greatly aided by clear communication. 

3. Customer service skill: effective communication

33% of clients say the most important skill a customer service representative can have is efficiently answering questions.

Unclear communication and an inability to clearly answer customer questions escalate the situation, turning dissatisfied customers into angry ones. 

Speaking isn’t the only form of communication. Written skills are important as well. Although often underlooked, writing within customer service can be more challenging because it’s harder to convey a tone. An email taken the wrong way will further aggravate the customer. 

One effective way to avoid aggravating customers is by responding in a timely manner. 

4. Customer service skill: timeliness 

The quicker you respond, the better. 

Of online consumers, 71% expect to be helped within five minutes, and 31% will go elsewhere if help isn’t immediately provided. Being available to quickly help customers is an important aspect of great customer service. 

It’s also important to streamline your methods because the more time you spend on one customer, the later you’ll be able to address another’s needs. Therefore, find the balance between being attentive and listening to the customer’s needs while moving things along in a timely fashion. Being tech-savvy and able to use the programs within your company can go a long way in speeding up the process. 

Having a genuine work ethic will speed up the process as well. 

5. Customer service skill: work ethic

A strong work ethic is important in any role, especially in customer service. 

Going above and beyond to meet customers’ needs will help your business stand out positively, building loyalty and trust. 

How to Develop Quality Customer Service Representatives

Quality customer service primarily comes down to hiring the right people who naturally possess the above qualities. However, there are specific actions your business can take to develop quality customer service representatives. 

1. Provide customer service training 

Customer service training can take many forms, such as a formal course, online resources, or a mentor/coach. 

Whatever form the training occurs, it should be effective. Your customer service representatives should feel confident in addressing various customer needs. Your employee should feel comfortable with company knowledge, knowing the buying process and your product/service. Learning all the ins and outs can take time, depending on the company. This is why employee retention is important. 

If your employee doesn’t know the answer to the customer’s inquiry, they should be able to get the customer to someone who can. 

2. Have a clear customer service pathway

If the customer service representative can’t answer the question, it’s imperative the next person in the chain can. 

Customers hate having to repeat themselves over and over to multiple people within the same company. The fewer people they need to talk to and the faster the problem can be resolved, the happier the customer is. 

It’s okay if the employee doesn’t know the answer to a question. Learning how to say, “I don’t know, but I know someone who does,” will help keep customers satisfied. 

3. Thank the customer 

Every customer complaint indicates about 26 other unhappy customers who remained silent.

Many unhappy silent customers leave. 91% of the 96% of unhappy customers who don’t complain will leave and never come 

Therefore, although it may be unpleasant to be on the receiving end of an unsatisfied customer, ultimately, the customer is doing you a service. They are pointing out a problem that has affected many others. Now, you can fix the problem and retain customers. 

After the altercation, consider sending the customer a thank you card for their feedback. This will further help your company get back on good terms with the customer while also elevating your business in the customer’s eyes. Perhaps provide a personal discount for the customer to further share your appreciation for their input. 

We’re here to help you satisfy your customers by printing marketing materials your customers enjoy. For all your printing needs, including thank you cards, we’ve got you and your customers covered! Call 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

Decrease Clutter for a Happier, 

Healthier, More-Productive You

Clutter can be detrimental to your success.

A messy desk and office may seem normal, but it is a problem that can make you less successful.

According to the National Association of Professional Organizations, paper clutter is the number 1 problem for most businesses. Studies show the average person wastes 4.3 hours per week searching for papers, which not only adds stress and frustration, but it also deters concentration and creative thinking.

Studies also show that 75% or more of all physician visits are stress-related, so when you unclutter your office, you will not only increase productivity, security, and profits but reduce overall stress and medical care costs.

Stop the Clutter

Here are a few ideas on stopping the clutter and getting organized practically.

• Make a commitment to getting clutter under control. Make an appointment with yourself daily and weekly. Every night before you go home, unclutter your desk so that 80% of your desk shows. Every week, pick a day to organize your desk a little longer.
• Get rid of anything on your desk that you don’t use regularly. This is the first step to uncluttering your office area.
• Limit the number of personal items, such as photographs and knick-knacks. Try to stick with one or two items so you don’t get distracted and to free up more space.
• Instead of dumping papers in piles on the desk, use a desktop organizer and color-coded files. Be diligent about filing when new papers come into your office. If you get behind a little, try to end the day by organizing them into the appropriate folders.
• Try to handle emails and papers only once. Decide how to respond right away, so you don’t have to rethink it and stash it somewhere on your desk.
• Have permanent places to store ink cartridges and other office supplies so you can easily see what you need and what you already have. When things get messy, it’s easy to re-purchase items because you aren’t aware you already have them.
• Shred old papers that are no longer needed. This is a great way to stay on top of the clutter.
• Try to eliminate sticky notes, as they make things messy and cluttered. Make files on the computer if you need to recall something. Or have a notebook with passwords and other important information you may need.

No matter if your desk and office are slightly messy or are disaster areas, learning to unclutter will help ease your mind and make you more efficient. At our printing firm, we get things done efficiently and professionally. We are here to help you stay on top of your latest projects. Reach out today! Call 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

Creating a Successful Experience 

for Your Remote Team

According to a recent global study by Logitech, more than 43% of employees are expected to work from home part or full time. Certainly, hybrid work environments are here to stay. And with the increase in remote workers, a smart balance of collaboration is critical. So, what does that look like?

7 Tips for Creating Successful Remote Teams

1. Space

Remote workers will need a comfortable space at home to work in, so you may need to budget for a new desk and chair for their homes and/or be clear in your expectations of what you provide and what the employee will be responsible for.

2. Workflow

You will need to make sure you are using efficient workflow and task management tools so that everyone is on the same page.

For example, you could use Workzone, Trello, Jira, or others just as effective. Then everyone will know when things are due and when someone is done with a project.

3. Daily Communication

Include remote workers in your daily communication.

They might feel isolated and alone if they are used to the banter and camaraderie of the office. Make sure you keep the lines of communication open so they can ask questions, provide information, and be a part of planning for different events and projects.

4. Time

Ensure employees know when their start and stop times are so that they don’t go over their allotted time, costing you money if they are paid by the hour.

Not only that, but you don’t want your employees to get burned out. Most people say this is the hardest part of working at home--knowing when to quit for the day. Many people forget the time and focus on their projects.

5. Structure

Structure is a critical step in making remote work successful.

Although working at home is more flexible, things can go array without structure. You will need to have standards and specific goals for remote workers, so they know what is expected of them. If you expect them to work 9 to 5, make sure they know that. Otherwise, they may think it’s okay to start at noon as long as they get their hours in.

6. IT Safety

Recently, the US Secret Service issued an alert warning of fraudulent emails related to Covid-19 that contain malicious attachments.

This is a good reminder to practice the same standard of privacy and protection of information no matter where your team is working.

7. Internet Usage

Remember that while employees are working at home, their spouses and children might also be using the Internet.

This means they may have a slower connection and might need to be taught how to best deal with this. Consider setting up additional connections for employees or advising them on connecting and disconnecting various devices when not in use.

We can all agree that remote working is here to stay for many people, and for others, we never know what the future holds. With that said, it’s nice to know we are here for each other. Our printing firm is here to take the weight off your shoulders when it comes to professional printing. We are your partner when it comes to printing high-quality designs and styles. Hone your advertising today with high-quality printing! Call the Print Cafe of LI, Inc at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com

 

 Using Direct Mail to Promote Your Website

Both direct mail—the printed word—and websites are essential in promoting your business.

So, how does it work? What’s the secret to using direct mail to promote your online presence? Let’s take a look.

Don’t rely on Google to sell your site to anyone. Just because you have a website doesn’t mean you will become an overnight success. There are so many websites and businesses competing for consumers’ attention that you will need a little more help than just having a site.

As Barry Fieg, author of “Streetwise Low-Cost Web Site Promotion” says, “Google doesn’t care about your sales. Nor does Google help you target your market.”

Fieg says two things have to happen: First, you need to get people to your site. Second, you need to convert them from surfers to buyers. And, according to studies, you have about seven seconds to grab peoples’ attention.

And this is where direct mail comes in.

Direct mail can lead people directly to your site.

Direct mail prepares prospects and clients for what they are about to see on your site.

You can tease them with a little bit of information in the direct mailer. Then, you can elaborate on it when they go to your website. You could show people the details of your product, give a tour of your business, or show options that you offer in real-time.

Direct mail allows you to target the exact people you want to reach. 

You can pinpoint your audience, send direct mail to them, and lead them right to your site online.

Direct mail is like a personal invitation to your guests to see what you offer and to buy it online. Most people actually appreciate the fact that you sent them something directly in the mail, versus in a quick email, and it has more of a personal touch.

Direct mail allows recipients to engage with you on their time.

If you send out postcards, you allow customers to carry that information with them until they sit down in front of the computer.

Postcards are convenient, catchy, and direct. It doesn’t take long to get someone to punch in your website address now that it’s in their hand. And if your direct mail is creative, it will grab people’s attention right away.

Direct mail is preferred over email.

People get lost in hundreds of emails a day and often delete them without truly looking them over.

But direct mail is different. It is tangible, and it gets noticed.

Successful businesses realize that there needs to be more than just an online presence; direct mail is the transition from advertising to buying. In a recent Info Trends study, people actually preferred direct mail three times as much as receiving emails.

Direct mail is cost-effective.

Direct mail is cheaper than radio ads, which disappear in 30 seconds, and it has a longer shelf-life than TV ads.

Direct mail can be read over and over, even if it’s just sitting on a desk, and it commands attention.

No matter what your direct mail is—whether it’s postcards, catalogs, brochures, flyers, or other items—the tangible mail is worth the extra effort to drive people to your website. You can’t rely only on search engines to bring you virtual traffic.

If you need fresh, new ideas, we are here to help make you even more successful. Reach out today! Call the Print Cafe of LI, Inc at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

10 Ways to Get People to Respond 

to Your Marketing Efforts

Marketing takes time and money to execute well, which means it needs to hit the mark and provide a good return on investment.

Here are ten ways to ensure your marketing efforts get the response you’re looking for. 

1. Find your target market.

It’s great to think that your business is for everyone, but it’s also unrealistic.

Marketers need to focus on the correct gender, age, profession, and so forth. That way, you know how to “talk” to them. Keep it real, and focus on who actually walks in your doors.

2. Point out the advantage of doing business with you.

Do your clients get freebies or a discount? Or maybe they get a free consultation?

Focus on the items that will get your prospects and clients to your door quicker. Offer them something unique that other people can’t get. If you target your market with direct mail, you can send specific offers to people you want to reach.

3. Find your niche and focus on it.

What makes your company special? How are you different from the competition? Show people how your company is doing business in a new, innovative way.

4. Target repeat customers.

Remember to target repeat customers rather than always looking to acquire new ones.

Clever marketing gurus find ways to include repeat customers and entice them to come back.

5. Follow up on your marketing.

Use a calendar to track when certain people have received their direct mail piece or other marketing, and then call on them.

Sometimes they just need an extra push along the way to get a hold of you.

6. Be personal with your marketing.

Make sure your target market feels special and knows you appreciate them and all their needs.

People are more likely to engage with advertising that they feel has been specifically tailored to them.

7. Create a hybrid campaign.

Direct mail is critical to most businesses’ success, but you’ll need to combine your efforts across multiple channels in today’s digital age. Use direct mail to point people to your website and online presence.

8. Test your marketing.

Rather than going all out right away, test your marketing on a small sample size.

Try mailing a small batch of direct mail to targeted customers. Then track it to see its efficacy before sending out the large campaign.

9. Use data points in your marketing.

Be sure to include codes on your promotional items so you can track your success. This will allow you to hone your advertising message and format to be more accurate.

10. Be patient.

While, of course, you want immediate responses, sometimes waiting is necessary to see if your efforts are working.

Remember that direct mail takes longer than clicking on a banner ad online. But the effort you put into your marketing will not go unnoticed.

Hone your advertising today with high-quality printing! Call the Print Cafe of LI, Inc at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 

 5 Ways To Reinvent Postcard Usage

Many of your customers have probably not explored the Print Cafe's full lineup of wholesale postcards. People tend to think of postcards as a flat piece of cardstock with a few words and a singular image—often on display racks or in gift shops. They’re typically sent to keep in touch with friends and family—but when it comes to business, postcards are so much more! Postcards are a durable, versatile tool for attracting new business, promoting new deals, and keeping in touch with clients. 

5 Ways To Reinvent Postcard Usage

• Appointment reminders: Postcards are commonly used by businesses that require appointments. Medical/dental offices, hair salons, and spas will commonly mail postcards to their clients/patients to remind them that it’s time to make an appointment.
  
  
• Mini catalogs: Remember when businesses used to mail large, thick catalogs? Postcards offer a simpler, more cost-effective way to share the same information at a fraction of the cost while easily keeping the information up to date. Simply include a QR code for easy access to the broader online product selection. 
  
• Mini-Menus: Restaurants can easily promote their top specials, dessert menus, drink menus, or even add a QR code to access the larger menu. Restaurants with to-go ordering will love this postcard option! Their small size makes it easy to staple or slip them into takeout bags.
  
  
• Flyers: Whether your customers are promoting an event, a cause, or new products or services, handing out postcards is a great alternative to traditional flyers. With more options in paper stock, finishes, and print upgrades, postcards are more attractive, more durable, and make a lasting impression.
  
• Election Year Bonus: Postcards are the perfect running mate for politicians in every national, state, city, and local race! Whether you use them as part of a mailing campaign, door-to-door canvassing, or as handouts at a rally, they are the perfect way for candidates to stay top-of-mind.

Postcards aren’t just versatile when it comes to their uses. There is also an incredible range of options when it comes to paper stock, finishes, and mailing choices. The Print Cafe offers both standard and premium options on postcards—not to mention full-service mailing.

The Most Popular Postcard Format

Our most popular sizes, stocks, and coatings that really make a statement: 

• 14pt: common sizes and finishes with 14pt uncoated stock
• 100lb gloss cover: common sizes and finishes with 100LB gloss cover stock
• 18pt: common sizes and finishes with 18pt stock

Premium Postcards

Deliver extra impact and brand recognition with these upgraded options that allow your customers to attract new business and stand out from the competition.

• Magnetic: a perfect promotional reminder
• Plastic: strong, versatile, and durable
• Linen-coated: traditional, elegant, and affordable
• See even more at www.printcafeli.com!

Majestic Postcards, exclusively with Print Cafe

Our signature line of luxury premium stocks, finishes, and embellishments gives you affordable, unique upsells with astounding impact!

• Akuafoil: Metallic vibrance under 4-color process
• Foil Worx: Hot stamped foil accents
• Pearl: Subtle shimmer of pearl fibers
• See them all at www.printcafeli.com!

Mailing Options for Postcards

Help your customers get those great postcards into the hands of their prospects with easy, efficient mailing services from the Print Cafe. We offer mailing options to match every budget from direct mail to Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). You can get the full details about our mailing options for postcards at www.printcafeli.com, but here are the basics:

• EDDM —We offer a popular selection of sizes, stocks, and finishes that meet all requirements of USPS. With full-service EDDM from the Print Cafe, you select your product, choose the routes and upload your artwork. That’s it, we’ll take care of the printing, addressing, bundling, and delivery to the local USPS post office for distribution. It’s that easy!
  
• Direct Mail — Send direct mail postcards from the Print Cafe through the USPS to targeted geographic areas, with or without a mailing list, and saturate local markets with messages that people can feel, use, and remember. Sizes, stocks, and finishes are specially selected to meet USPS requirements for mailing.

Postcards have come a long way! Gone are the days when they simply served as quick greetings or small keepsake souvenirs from a fun vacation. These versatile marketing tools have proven themselves to be small but mighty with personalization, design, and mailing options to complement your customers’ overall marketing campaigns. 

Ready to get started? Head over to https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/74-Postcards to place your order!

5 Tips To Make Business Card More Relatable in a Digital Age

It can be hard to make business cards feel personal in the digital age. We are so used to communicating through emails and social media that it's easy to forget the importance of a physical card. Research has shown that more than half of people (55%) can develop a negative opinion of a company if their business card design is not up to par. So, how can you make sure that your business cards are as relatable as possible? 4over has all the resources you need to update your own business cards and show your customers why they need to update theirs. 

Consider these important factors when marketing business cards to your customers:

Why do business cards matter in the digital age?

Despite the rise of digital communication, business cards still have a lot of value. Firstly, it's an easy way to exchange contact information. You don't have to write out your email, phone number, and mailing address every time you meet someone new. Just hand them your card, and they have all the information they need.

Business cards can help make a good first impression. In a world where most people judge you within the first few minutes of meeting you, good first impressions are key! A well-designed business card can help do just that. Business cards are more than just a piece of paper with a name and contact information. They are a physical representation of a representative and the company, and they can make a lasting impression. From basic business cards that can be customized to fit a company’s brand to  4over's signature line of Majestic business cards that make a statement, there are many options to make a business card stand out. 

 Finally, business cards can serve another critical purpose: they're a tangible reminder of a potential lead or contact. In a world where we can easily lose track of an email address or phone number, having a physical business card to reference is incredibly valuable. If you're a print reseller, business cards should be a staple in your product offerings. Your customers will appreciate the ability to personalize their cards, and you should be able to offer a wide range of options to fit any budget. 

 How to make business cards more relatable in the digital age?

There is no doubt a fine line between useful and relatable. The challenge lies in helping your customers understand how a useful business card with all the necessary information can also be relatable, easy to understand, and most of all, memorable! 

 1) Suggest fun, creative designs for business cards: Advise your customers to be creative and come up with a design that reflects their personality or company's branding. If they’re not sure where to start, check out some online templates or hire a professional designer to help them create something unique. Great design is key to making a good first impression. Think about it—would you be more likely to remember a bland, generic business card or a fun, eye-catching one? In today's world, we're bombarded with so much information that it's hard to remember anything. But if you can make somebody's jaw drop with your business card, you're already ahead of the game.

 2) Offer high-quality materials: The quality of a company’s business card says a lot about its representatives and the company itself. Using high-quality materials shows an increased level of professionalism and focus on quality. Clients and customers will appreciate receiving a well-made card, and it will help you stand out from the competition.

There are a few things for your customers to keep in mind when choosing materials for their business cards. First, the message they want to communicate. If they’re selling luxury goods or services, using a heavy, luxurious paper stock—like 4over’s signature line of stocks and finishes—will help convey that message. If they’re trying to be eco-friendly, they may want to consider using a natural, eco-friendly option or 4over’s brown kraft paper stock—which features an organic look with natural fibers. And if they’re on a budget, there are many high-quality options available.

 3) Suggest photos or illustrations instead of text: The adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" definitely applies to business cards. Using photos or illustrations instead of text can make business cards more memorable and visually appealing. If your customer is a photographer, suggest they use one of their images on their cards. Or, if you have artists looking for business cards, show them how a small illustration that reflects their style is an easy way to show off their work and make a lasting impression. Photos are also a great way to personalize business cards and show off your customers’ personalities or company culture. When choosing photos or illustrations for business cards, it’s important that they are high quality and relevant to the company industry or niche.

 4) Use QR codes: QR codes are small, square barcodes that can be scanned with a phone or tablet. When scanned, they open up a web page or contact information. QR codes are a great way to include more details on business cards without taking up too much space. They can be used to direct people to company websites, social media pages, or even online portfolios. If your customer is a freelancer or creative professional, consider suggesting a QR code to showcase their work. It's an easy way for people to see what they do and how to get in touch with them.

 5) Incorporate interesting fonts and colors: A well-chosen font can make a business card stand out from the crowd. There are thousands of fonts to choose from, so when your customers take the time and find one that reflects their personality or company branding—it shows! Color is their friend! A splash of color can brighten up any design and help your customers stand out in a sea of black-and-white cards. When using color, advise that it is used sparingly and chosen within a color scheme that reflects their brand.

In short, business cards are essential when it comes to business marketing. Urge your customers to use high-quality materials, interesting fonts, colors, and photos or illustrations to make their cards stand out. And don't forget about QR codes—they're a great way to include more information on a business card without taking up too much space. Business cards from the Print Cafe of LI will equip you with all the options your customers need to make a memorable first impression. Call Today 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com