Breaking Down the Buyer's Journey

The buyer’s journey lays out the process the buyer takes when buying a product or service. Understanding this journey allows you to be better prepared to meet your customer’s needs each step of the way. 

Stage 1: Awareness 

In this stage, the customer is made aware of a problem they would like to alleviate. They research this problem so they can better identify it. 

Actions you can take in stage 1.

You can provide the prospective client with information to educate, entertain, or inspire them.

For example, your company could provide information through brochures, blogs, website content, press releases, videos, and social media. Not only will you inform your client base, but you will also grow your clients. According to HubSpot, blogging increases your website traffic by about 55%. 

Stage 2: Consideration

Now, the prospect has identified the problem and begins to research ways to alleviate it. The prospect will start to compile a list of products and brands. 

Actions you can take in stage 2.

You’ll want to effectively communicate to the prospect how your business can solve their problem and why you can better provide what they need over your competitors.

Continue to provide resources to your prospect, this time focusing on what makes your product or service stand out through your unique selling proposition. 

Stage 3: Decision 

Now it’s time for the customer to decide which company and product to go with.

The customer has done their research. Throughout their research, your company has hopefully come up multiple times as a reliable resource for them. This in itself will subtly make your company more attractive. 

Actions you can take in stage 3.

You must be able to respond to potential objections or hesitations the customer may have about buying from your business.

Provide a unique selling proposition to better help your business stand out. This will help your business maximize conversion rates, turning prospects into customers. 

Stage 4: Post-Purchase

The customer has completed a purchase and will eventually consider buying from you again.

Statistically, past customers are much more likely to buy from you compared to prospective customers. According to the book Marketing Metrics, businesses have a 60-70% chance of selling to an existing customer compared to only a 5 to 20% chance of selling to a new one. 

Actions you can take in stage 4.

It’s your job to continue interacting with your client, so they purchase again.

Perhaps send them flyers through a direct mail campaign to accomplish your goal of turning a one-time customer into a loyal one. Thank them for their purchase and provide a call to action. 

Every buyer’s journey is unique. 

Knowing the buyer’s journey framework is helpful, but keep in mind it breaks down an extremely complex process into the simplest form.

The exact buyer’s journey varies depending on the industry and the buyer. Therefore, do your own research into your customers’ unique buyer’s journey. Perhaps try asking for feedback and providing gift cards as an incentive. Looking for More Information, Idea's or Samples on any of our Marketing Products Call:516-561-1468 or go to: www.printcafeli.com

4 Print Marketing Materials 

to Increase Your Sales

Print marketing is a valuable tool to increase your sales.

It stands out, generating a greater return on investment. 80% of consumers act on direct mail advertisements, and 92% of 18- to 23-year-olds say it’s easier to read print over digital material.Print marketing itself has a wide variety of options. Below are five effective choices and why they work.

Promotional materials increase sales.

Promotional materials are one of the most popular and effective print marketing tools. 

Popular promotional products include stickers, fridge magnets, key chains, t-shirts, and bags. They usually include your company’s name and/or logo. In the U.S, promotional materials is a $17.8 billion industry. Given their efficacy, it’s no wonder the business is so large. 

When deciding which promotional materials to use, bear in mind the best promotional items are the ones customers will keep. 77% of customers said the promotional product’s usefulness was their number one reason to keep it. Customers considered health, safety, technology, and writing products to be the most useful.

A calendar is one example of a useful and, therefore, effective promotional material. 

Promotional material example: calendars

Over its lifetime, a promotional calendar will generate around 850 impressions, making them extremely powerful marketing tools.

Customers love calendars because they are useful. Recipients will hang them up and use them often to remember important dates and events.

You can use the calendar’s space to highlight positive customer stories and include your business’s important dates. https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/36-Calendars

Brochures increase sales. 

Brochures give you the space to provide detailed information about your business. 

Often, they work best in location-specific spaces, making them perfect for the tourist industry. According to Bentley University, 95% of visitors who pick up a brochure become aware of a business, and 83% of visitors plan to visit a company they see in a brochure. Those are high statistics! https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/50-Flyers-And-Brochures

Posters increase sales.

40% of those who saw a poster visited the business advertised, 24% made a purchase, and 13% recommended the advertiser to others. 

Again, these are very promising numbers. For example, if 100 people see your poster, which is more than likely if you place it in a high-traffic area, then this will translate to about 24 sales and 13 likely sales.https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/75-Posters

The 13% who recommend the advertiser to others is a positive statistic. After all, word-of-mouth advertising is highly effective, increasing trust and sales. 

Catalogs increase sales.

Catalogs allow you to highlight your most profitable items to prospective clients. 

In a world that’s becoming increasingly advertisement averse, catalogs are a breath of tried and true air. 84% say they enjoy catalogs from brands they’ve purchased from in the past, and 57% say they enjoy receiving catalogs from brands they’ve never heard of. 

Because customers enjoy receiving catalogs, they are more likely to keep them and look at them. On average, https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/38-Catalogs

Promotional materials, brochures, posters, and catalogs are a small percentage of the many print materials to increase sales. We’ll help you find the best match to serve your needs. By keeping the cost of printing low, your sales can go high. Contact us today to get started! 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.Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/97-Booklets

Top Offline Marketing Tips in 2022

The digital marketing age has become an essential component of any company’s marketing strategy.

Since much of the world has moved online, search ads, blog content, email newsletters, and social media posts are relatively inexpensive and practical tools to increase a marketing plan’s reach.

Although we find many of our clients and customers online, we must not forget the importance of having a non-digital marketing strategy and getting out face-to-face with our potential clients and customers. 

What Is Offline Marketing? 

Essentially, offline marketing is any advertising, marketing, or promotional practice using channels that are not online or accessible via cell phones, computers, or tablets.

Though many do not always consider offline marketing because they feel it is an outdated practice, it can be somewhat effective. Using both online and offline marketing strategies, businesses can expand their reach and capture the attention of many more clients and customers.

Offline Marketing Tips for 2022

There are many things you can do offline to help market your business.

It may seem primitive to some to get out and meet others face-to-face, but in the long run, doing so, along with a solid digital marketing plan, can take your business to the next level. 

Some of the best offline marketing tips for 2022 include:

• Join your local chamber of commerce and attend meetings and events.
• Business cards work well, especially when wanting to set your business apart using a unique design reflecting your brand values.
• Printed pamphlets and flyers offer an informational marketing tool that you can hand out at exports, events, and during networking meetings.
• If you own a business, you are an expert in your field. Write and publish a book sharing your expertise with a larger audience.
• Offer existing customers loyalty rewards and coupons and send unique coupons to attract new customers.
• Send seasonal cards and gifts to your loyal customers and members of your mailing list.
• Find another business that shares your values and business model to work together to co-develop products, cross-promote each other’s company, and co-sponsor events.
• Get involved with the community by setting up a booth at local events, sponsoring local nonprofits, volunteering, attending government meetings, networking events, etc.
• Host your community events and workshops, inviting other local businesses to join in for cross-promotion and providing entertainment for residents.
• Send out press releases to local media outlets, including radio stations, new stations, and newspapers.
• Try a local billboard to reach a new market and help your business stand out. 

There is a lot of untapped marketing potential in offline advertising. So take your business marketing efforts offline and get more involved in your local community. If done correctly, both digital and offline marketing can be very beneficial for businesses. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 Using Public Relations to Your Advantage

Public relations help your company look good in the eyes of the public and create more sales.

PR can be a powerful marketing tool because it is regarded more highly by consumers, given that it is a third party advertising your business.

Even better, it can sometimes be possible to use unpaid tools, such as media, the internet, and business networks. 

Marketing vs. Public Relations

On the surface, PR and marketing may appear to be the same; however, there are key differences.

• Marketing promotes your businesses’ products and/or services.
• Public Relations focuses on promoting a positive reputation for your company.

The goal of marketing is to increase sales, while PR’s goal is to generate a positive reputation. Marketing generally targets the consumers, while PR aims to reach the public, especially stakeholders and media. 

3 Tips for Developing a PR strategy

A good PR campaign will cause the public to think more highly of your business, increasing their likelihood of doing business with you. Here are some tips to help you create a PR campaign of your own.

1. Develop your goals.

Make sure your goals are SMART goals.

SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. According to Chron, some beneficial PR goals include “raising awareness; generating interest; promoting goodwill; reinforcing/burnishing brand image; providing information; and creating demand.”

2. Create a budget.

PR campaigns can be costly.

Start with a budget and then research various PR strategies. Choose the ones that will accomplish your goals and within your budget.

3. Cement your key messages.

Key messages are the main points you want your audience to remember.

These messages consist of five to six sentences clarifying your goals while answering the who, what, where, when, and why. Be sure to mention these message points in all press releases and keep them concise, memorable, and relevant. 

Where to Get Your Message Out

There are several places you can get your message. Check out these public relations outlets.

Media.

The media loves to report on interesting happenings.

If your business is doing something newsworthy, the media is going to want to report on it. You want the media to report because this equates to free advertising that customers will likely trust more than marketing campaigns.

Get the attention of journalists by releasing media statements and fact sheets. Even better, offer on-site media tours.

Newsletter, brochures, and catalogs.https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/38-Catalogs

These are all useful ways to utilize the power of print.

Inform current customers and draw in new ones by disseminating these tangible printed works. Customers will enjoy looking through these. Plus, customers will leave these around their house for quite some time.

Sponsorships or partnerships.

People love it when businesses support non-profits.

It elevates the business’s image in their minds as they’re happy to see a company caring about its community. It’s a win-win because you get the chance to help others, while goodwill and loyalty towards your business are elevated.

People will begin to associate your business with selflessness and good ethics. It will give them a greater motive to do buy from you. 

PR strategies can be an extremely effective way to increase sales in the long run by positively influencing the public’s view of your business. We’re here to help you get there. Check us out today! Call 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

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. 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

 

 

10 Ways Print Marketing 

Earns Repeat Customers

Loyal customers are extremely valuable.

A 2% increase in customer retention has the same effect profit-wise as cutting costs by 10%, according to the book Leading on the Edge of Chaos.  Below are 10 ways print marketing can help you earn repeat customers.  

1. Print builds trust; trust builds loyalty.

Print is one of the most trusted advertising methods out there. 

82% of consumers trust print ads the most when making a purchase decision. Customers who trust a business are more loyal to it, leading to greater revenue and business growth. 

2. Loyalty programs … create loyalty. 

Loyalty programs do just as they’re intended: they build loyalty! 

Start a loyalty program by printing loyalty cards. This helps both your customers and your business keep track of points. Loyalty programs will turn the buying experience into a positive one for customers. They will feel like they are doing something good because each purchase gets them closer to the end reward. For example, every $100 spent equals 10% off their next purchase. 

3. Personalization builds loyalty.

Print adds that personal touch that can be lost in the digital world. 

Try sending out birthday cards to remember your customer’s big day. Or send out thank you cards to let the customer know you appreciate their purchase and support. A grateful company that remembers its customers’ birthdays will earn loyal customers. 

4. Direct mail campaigns foster loyalty.

Direct mail campaigns remind customers about your business. 

Try collecting the names and contact information of every customer who walks through your door. Then reach out to them through direct mail campaigns. Even the most loyal customers get busy and forget to stop by. Send them a friendly reminder! 

5. Promotional products build loyalty.

Promotional products keep your business at the forefront of your customers’ minds. 

The most loyal customers are the ones that are most often thinking about your business. By sharing practical gifts, such as pens, calendars, t-shirts, lanyards, key chains, and toys, customers will remember your company every time they frequently use the promotional product. 

6. Customer feedback creates loyalty.

Customers love to know their feedback is taken seriously. 

Jumpstart customer feedback by sending out surveys in the mail. Even better, respond to their feedback and let them know how you incorporated it into your business plan. This will make the customer feel valued while also providing constructive ways to improve your business. A valued customer is a loyal customer. 

7. A positive first impression produces loyalty.

Drawing in loyal customers starts at the very beginning: the first impression.

What better first impression than with print? It shows the customer you are a quality, trustworthy business that cares about its customers. 

8. Exclusive invitations generate loyalty. 

Host special events for your loyal customers and invite them through custom invitations. 

Holding special events for your customers will make them feel appreciated. They’ll want to support a business that appreciates them. 

9. Inserts foster loyalty. 

Put inserts inside of packages being shipped and customer bags. 

Include upcoming sales or special coupons within these inserts. This will keep your business on the customer’s mind. Loyal customers are the ones who remember you. Help them out!

10. Booklets build loyalty. 

Print informative booklets just for your customers. 

The fact that you took the time and effort to create booklets will appeal to any customer. They’ll want to remain loyal to the business that provides them with their favorite reading. 

Loyal customers are the best customers. Print can help you attract more loyal customers. 

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

Bleed and Crop Marks: 

What Do They Mean For You?

If you have worked with a printing firm, you have probably heard the words “bleeds” and “crop marks” come up before. But what does that actually mean to you, the print buyer?

What are Crop Marks?

Crop marks tell the printer where to cut the paper, especially if it’s a finished product, such as a business card or postcard. But there are crop marks on pages for a booklet as well sometimes.

If you look at a proof of your project, you will probably see these tiny lines that go horizontally and vertically, giving the margins for your project to be cut down. All crop marks in the USA should be either one-eighth or one-quarter inch. Since projects are printed on oversized paper with bleeds, these tick marks help guide printers when trimming the print job down to the final size.

What is a Bleed?

A bleed is when the color or text goes off of the page, and the cut will trim excess color off of it.

A bleed makes for a complete look as the artwork typically goes (or “bleeds”) off the page. There are two types of bleeds: full bleed and partial bleed. A full bleed is when all the artwork goes off the page, whereas a partial bleed is when only some of the artwork goes off the edge.

How to Use Crop Marks and Bleed Marks

These two tools ensure that you get a quality printed product containing all the words and artwork you desire. To have your project print-ready, you need to use crop marks so that bleeds can be done correctly.

When you save your project, you will want to use a PDF so that it remains permanent and the crop marks are solidified. This ensures your project will come out as you planned.

A PDF document contains embedded fonts, so the printer won’t have issues with what you laid out. One of the most common issues related to printing is fonts that are contained within the document.

For example, they might be incompatible versions, corrupted fonts, or missing fonts. Font issues tend to occur when using programs such as Illustrator or Adobe InDesign. A PDF eliminates these types of issues because all your design elements are embedded within the file.

No matter what your project is, we are here to help. If you aren’t sure how to create a PDF, let us help you. We want to partner with you to get successful print project results. Visit our website to learn more! At https://www.printcafeli.com/help/glossary.html

 

 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! 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

Increase Your Marketing Efforts with Print 

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

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

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

The Power of Print: Breaking Things Down

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

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

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

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

Multi-Channel Marketing

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

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

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

If you'd like to find out more information about why it's a good idea to increase your marketing efforts with print-based collateral, or if you have any additional questions that you'd like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don't hesitate to contact us today. Call Today 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

Leading Vs. Kerning … What Are They

and Why Are They Important In Printing? 

When it comes to creating or integrating graphic design, you need to fully understand the intricacies and attention to detail required to make your work stand out. Whether you are looking for a free vector image for commercial use or digital printing in NYC, knowing more about the process of graphic design and what makes a good design stand out is important when searching for “digital printing near me.” 

In this article, we will take a closer look at two important graphic design techniques: leading and kerning. We will identify what each technique is, how they differ from each other, and why they are important when considering any type of graphic design printing. 

Leading Vs. Kerning

Leading and kerning, which are frequently used in conjunction with tracking, are used in typography and graphic design creation. Both techniques improve the appearance of a piece of text, however, there are a few key differences between leading vs kerning.

Instead of altering the font's appearance through different font styles, leading and kerning are used to address how the type appears when placed in a specific environment.

A well-done leading and kerning job can significantly improve the legibility and clarity of any piece of text, be it a logo or wordmark, an entire web page, or a print advertisement. The correct application of kerning and leading ensures that the reader's eye can easily move over the text and absorb the information quickly.

Both kerning and leading are used to manipulate the spacing between words in a piece of text. Kerning is concerned with the space between two characters or letters in a sentence (horizontal spacing) while leading is the process of filling in the vertical gaps between lines of text (vertical spacing). 

When writing magazine articles, blog pages, and other elements of written work, leading is often critical in maintaining readability.

At The Print Cafe of LI, we pay attention to the small details when customers are looking for “digital printing near me”. We appreciate that customers are looking for only the best in digital print in NYC.

What Is Kerning?

Kerning adjusts the spacing between characters. Some letter combinations have too much or too little space between them, making it difficult to read some letters. Kerning reduces this issue by controlling the space between characters. The term refers to adjusting the spacing between letters to create a more pleasant font. 

In short, kerning is the process of adding or removing space between characters to produce proportional spacing in the desired environment. Known as kerning pairs, some letters require frequent kerning. Without kerning, the gap between characters can be seen, requiring more care. It takes skill to kern a typeface such that the text appears natural.

What Is Leading?

Leading is a space-focused feature of typeface design and typography management. The term "leading" relates to old-fashioned printing machines where extra lead lines were placed between text lines to enhance line spacing.

Leading helps establish clarity in a text. Using a font with more flourishes or distinctive elements may necessitate greater line spacing. This extra gap helps readability without blending items.

Leading focuses on the overall image of the text in block format rather than moving individual characters or letters. It's standard in magazines, newspapers, blogs, and other branded content.

Digital Print NYC

When looking for a free vector image for use, paying attention to details of any typography can help you assess the vector's overall design concerning how the finished design will look.

At Print Cafe of LI, we have over 35 years of experience in all aspects of printing and pay attention to all design rules such as the relationship of leading vs kerning. This ensures we provide only the highest quality service for all of our customers. Call Today 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

Paper Supply Chain Challenges and 

How To Address Them Head-On

 

As Covid restrictions continue to lift across the US, many employees are returning to their offices and businesses are experiencing rapid growth—but now we are now faced with a challenge: supply chain interruptions.

 

Supply chain issues have been interrupting manufacturing processes over the last few years—and the printing industry is no exception. We’re seeing it in the decreased availability of paper stocks, the increased cost of raw materials, and labor shortages. Because of the decreased demand for print products during the pandemic, mills reduced their inventories down to the lowest levels in history. And with the post-pandemic surge, they saw a dramatic depletion in their supplies finding themselves unable to keep up with the increased demand.  

We know, everyone is wondering when will the supply chain stabilize?

That’s the million-dollar question to which nobody seems to have a solid answer. Experts predict that some stabilization is likely toward the end of 2022, or possibly into the first quarter of 2023. 

One thing all experts agree on in riding out this storm of uncertainty is that communication with your customers is key. Talk to them sooner rather than later about maintaining flexibility in their offerings and the projects they’re doing.

Check out these 3 tips when it comes to getting ahead of stalled supply chains:

1. Actively communicate and communicate often

Keep in close contact with your customers as things are fluid. Let them know about any fluctuations in stock or availability and the importance of maintaining flexibility as things will be changing and adjustments will need to be made. Be prepared to offer enhanced customer service as your customers are adjusting to changes.

 2. Revamp products and displays

This is a great opportunity to get creative with your customers by offering incentives (free delivery/shipping, rewards, punchcards, etc.), increased value-driven content, and discounts on future purchases. 

 3. Make forecasting a priority

The best way to weather this storm of uncertainty is to stay informed so you can communicate important changes to your customers and make educated predictions and decisions to best benefit your customers and your business. Call Today 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

How to Write a Newsletter That Will Get Read

In a busy world filled with lists and to-dos, how do you put out content that will rise to the top and be read by others? Here are some great writing tips to help your newsletter get the attention it deserves. 1. Figure out who your audience it first. Are you sending the newsletter to prospective customers? Or are you sending it internally to your staff? This will determine the tone of the language you use, be it formal or informal. 2. Determine the voice you want to use. Most of the time, it’s best to write as if you are writing to a friend. Use a more casual tone so that everyone feels welcome to read it. 3. Keep it short. Don’t over-write. Figure out your message, then tell it in as few of words as necessary to get the point across. 4. Organize your articles. Put the most important article first, on the front side of the newsletter. Then add the following essential articles. 5. Use pictures and graphics. Insert some visual aids in your newsletter. No one wants to read something that is packed full of tiny print. 6. Make sure there is some white space. Don’t pack it full of text and graphics. The eyes need to have a break, so make sure to leave some space without anything in it. 7. Pick articles that other people will care about. It might be interesting to you and your staff, but how does it relate to your readers? Think about it from their viewpoint. How will your article help them? Then write what will capture their attention and keep them reading. 8. Add a call to action. Be sure to list your contact information on the newsletter so they can contact you to get more information. Whether you are an expert or a novice newsletter creator, we can help get your message out. We offer excellent graphic design and printing to make sure your newsletter gets read. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com