How to Ask Customers for Feedback 

(And What to Do with It)

Regardless of your business type, customer feedback is one of your most valuable resources.

Make no mistake: your customers have opinions. There are aspects of your operations that they love and want more of. There are aspects that they could be more enthused about. Disregarding this actionable insight would mean missing out on an opportunity to enhance future interactions.

Thankfully, that doesn't have to be the case. Soliciting customer feedback not only provides a roadmap for continuous improvement but also demonstrates a genuine concern for their input, thus increasing customer loyalty at the same time. 

Here are three practical approaches for collecting customer feedback and helping them feel comfortable sharing their opinions with you.

3 Ways to Ask Customers for Feedback 

1. Email Surveys 

One easy way to ask customers questions and get legitimate answers involves sending out surveys.

Make the survey brief enough, or you risk overwhelming someone or giving them an excuse to put it off. Try to limit it to five to ten questions via a survey that takes no more than a few minutes to complete.

Keep in mind that with email surveys, you're essentially playing a "numbers game." Because email is so easy to use, it's also easy for people to ignore it. You can't expect ten responses if you send out ten survey emails. But if you send enough of them, even if only 5% of the people respond, that's still a great starting point to understand better what people think about how you're doing.

2. Focus Groups

Conducting focus groups is another great way to ask real customers questions and get honest feedback.

The best practice is to bring in a third-party moderator. They'll collect all the feedback and present it as a report.

It's important to note that success here depends mainly on the moderator's abilities. They need to know how to ask the right questions and pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language that could uncover actionable insight that may otherwise go unnoticed. 

3. Printed Surveys + Giveaways

A great way to leverage print marketing to solicit customer feedback is by holding contests or giveaways.

The premise is simple: all someone has to do is give you their opinion or fill out a comment card, and they get something free, e.g., a notepad, a donut, etc., or you can offer something bigger and enter them for a chance to win a prize.

People will likely be more receptive to this tactic because it is tangible, print collateral instead of an email. Likewise, people always want to win free items! It's a perfect chance to increase your response rate and gather intelligence in one fell swoop.

Utilizing Customer Feedback

You can utilize the data you receive in a couple of different ways.

If you get constructive feedback on anything from your logo to packaging to customer service, you can consider that when making future decisions.

If you receive positive customer feedback in the form of testimonials, you can incorporate it into your marketing efforts. Whether on print materials, online initiatives, or social media platforms, firsthand accounts offer authenticity that resonates with potential customers.

Customer feedback is a compass that guides your business toward innovation, improvement, and satisfaction. Embrace it!

If you need help with print and marketing to help your business thrive, please don't delay - contact us today.Call 516-561-1468

Preparing your Design for the Print Process By Max Trewhitt

Print is an incredible word. It has made its mark on all aspects of our lives. It is the end of one process and the start of another, replicating finished articles and etching them into the pages of history. Its fascinating origins and immense power have given humanity the chance to communicate thoughts and ideas right across the globe, effectively clearing the path for what is now a global civilization.

But enough of print’s romantic past, are you ready for the challenge of sending your graphic designs to print? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to prepare graphic design projects for the printing process. From dos and don’ts to less obvious techniques, you’ll have all the confidence necessary to get your own print files up and running. So let’s dive into it!

Problems often encountered when printing

When you’re getting ready to send your designs off to the printer, there are a few common issues that can arise. Things like:

• Unexpected color output
• Low resolution
• Pixelated images
• Images that have disappeared
• Inadequate bleed margins leading to white borders around artwork
• Replaced fonts
• Sabotaged artwork
• Dealing with huge file sizes

In order to avoid this, you need to make sure that your design is properly prepared before sending it off. Let’s take a look at how you can do just that!

Steps into creating perfect print

Keeping color under control

The first step in preparing a design for printing is assuring that the colors you’re using are correct and the color space you’re using is compatible with the printer’s output device. If your file is using an RGB color profile, make sure it’s converted to CMYK before sending it off. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key. It is a four-color printing process that uses the primary colors of pigment to create different shades and hues. In order to get accurate prints from a printer, it’s important to make sure your color space is set up correctly.

Knowing the difference between RGB and CMYK color systems is crucial to understanding the print process. This will ensure that the colors you see on the screen match those of the printer. However, using your screen as a reference is not going to guarantee 100% accuracy, and for those on-brand design projects, you may need to run test prints to get the color right.

In addition to making sure that the colors you’re using are correct, it’s also important to use Pantone (or spot) colors for logos and other special elements. This will ensure consistent color reproduction across different printing devices. Brand guidelines will often have color references such as Pantone and CMYK numbers to ensure these constraints are met. Perhaps you will create your own guidelines one day, in which case, have a look at this article on How To Pick The Right Color For Your Brand. You will be clued up in no time!

When printing is a fundamental part of your day-to-day projects, it is advised to have a physical Pantone swatch at hand as a reliable reference to colors in the real world. Pantone libraries or books are no longer freely available on Adobe’s programs. However, they are still available via a subscription. Perhaps this is something to consider when taking print seriously.

Preparing your fonts

Convert any text in your design to outlines. This will ensure that the fonts you use stay consistent, even if the printer doesn’t have the same typefaces installed on their machine. It also helps keep your file size down, as outlined fonts don’t need to be embedded into the document.

If you are able to provide the fonts used in your design, do so. This allows the printer operator to use precisely what you’ve used and ensures that everything is as it should be in any case where they need to change something at their end.

Check your design and clean up your artboard

Before sending your design off to the printer, you need to check everything is in order. Seeking out any spelling or grammar errors, as well as ensuring all of your text and graphics are properly aligned, keeping all elements at least 3mm from the edge of your artboard. Additionally, it’s important to clean up any extra elements on your artboard that may not be necessary. Take a look at this in-depth article on how to keep your designs clean. This will help keep the file size down and speed up the printing process.

Make sure your artwork has the correct bleed and cut marks. Bleed is when you extend any background colors or images beyond the edge of your design by roughly 3mm. This will ensure there are no white borders around the edge of your design once printed. Cut marks will indicate where the printer operator should trim off any excess paper in your design. Bleed and cut marks work hand in hand in achieving a flush finish, ensuring your final prints look exactly as intended right to the edge of the page.

Preparing your PDF for print

Once all the above steps are ticked off, it’s time to prepare your PDF for the printing process. This is an incredibly important step, as most printers require a PDF file for printing. When preparing your PDF, make sure to use the correct settings for the printer you’ll be working with. This will ensure that everything looks exactly as you intended once it comes out of the printer.

When creating a PDF for printing, you’ll want to use the correct presets. This includes choosing a ‘Press Quality’ or ‘High-Quality Print’ preset as well as selecting any other relevant settings such as color settings and resolution. It’s also important to make sure that all fonts are changed to outlines or embedded into the file before exporting it.

Checking compression and file types

When working on relatively small projects up to A1 size, it’s recommended that you set the resolution of your document to 300dpi in the PDF settings. Anything over and above, for example, working on billboard projects, you may need to consider working at a much lower dpi since bigger projects won’t be affected by its lack of close-up quality.

Additionally, make sure your images are saved in the correct file format. JPEGs are the most widely used file type thanks to their small file size and medium quality. However, TIFFs can hold more information at a higher file size leading to better quality.

When saving a PDF, you will have total control of the image compressions, allowing you to independently alter compression for Color Bitmap Images, Grayscale Bitmap Images, and Monochrome Bitmap Images. Getting the balance right will ensure that all of the graphics and images in your document are sharp and clear when printed out.

Preventing Illustrator editing capabilities

This is entirely optional. Preserving Illustrator editing capabilities will mean that recipients will be able to open and modify your artwork. Of course, this is welcome in some cases. However, to keep 3rd parties from altering artwork, it is advised to untick this option in the general PDF settings.

The last step before sending your design off to the printer is to run a test print. This will allow you to check for any color defects, errors, or issues that might have been missed during the design process. This is highly emphasized when printing off multiple copies or a batch. Once you’re confident that everything looks good, then go ahead and hit that print button!

Sending your print file to a 3rd party

Once you’ve got your design ready to go, it’s time to send it off to a third-party printer. Often the file will be too big to send as a standard email. However, these days, there are many different methods of sending files, such as:

• Email (files under 20mb)
• FTP servers
• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• iCloud
• WeTransfer

Depending on the printing service you’re working with, they may have their own preferred method of sending files. It’s always best to check with them beforehand to reassure that your file is promptly received and processed.

Many printers will require you to compress or zip up your print file before sending it off. This helps keep the file size down for easier transfer and also helps protect against any corruption during transit. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully when doing this.

When providing any fonts or other assets with your print file, make sure to include them in the zipped folder when sending it off. This helps keep everything organized and ensures that the printer has access to everything they need for successful printing.

Once all of the files have been sent, check in with the printing service to finalize the order on their end. This will ensure that they have everything they need and provide you the opportunity to address any last-minute changes and clear any questions before they begin printing.

Why it is important to count on a reliable printing company

It’s important to make sure that you’re entrusting your design with a reliable printing company. This will ensure that the quality of the final prints are up to standard and that there aren’t any unexpected delays or errors in the process. Taking the time to do your research on different printing companies can go a long way toward guaranteeing your design looks great once printed out.

One way to help make sure your design looks perfect when printed is to use a printing file review service. Professionals will check your files for any potential issues before they’re sent off to the printer. The reviewers will also provide helpful feedback and advice on how to improve the overall quality of your print files.

Sending your design to print can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps and using a reliable printing company, you can ensure that your design looks perfect when printed out. So take the time to do your research and make sure your file is properly prepared before sending it off. The results will speak for themselves! If you need more information or help setting up your files call today at: 516-561-1468

 

Myth or Legend: Understanding 

the Power of Direct Mail

In a world where everyone is glued to the screens of their smartphones and tablets all day long, it can be easy to underestimate the power of something like direct mail marketing.

It would also be a mistake!

Direct mail isn't just as effective as ever; it's arguably more popular, despite what certain myths would have you believe.

People Pay Attention to Direct Mail

One idea that has cropped up about direct mail over the years is that it is easily ignorable. Thankfully, this is false.

According to one recent study, about 42.2% of the people who receive direct mail regularly say that they read it entirely or at least scan it to get the gist. 

Now, think about that in the context of an email. Emails can wind up in a "spam" folder or be ignored entirely. If you catch someone at the wrong time of day, they may even hit "delete" and never think of it again without even considering what the message may have contained.

People Prefer Direct Mail

Another common misconception about direct mail is that it is somehow "less desirable" than email.

Some are operating under the incorrect assumption that just because digital technology is available, we want to use it 100% of the time. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would tell you this is the case.

But those supposed "downsides" work to direct mail's advantage. In 2021, the Direct Marketing Association conducted a study revealing that 73% of consumers prefer direct mail for brand communication. That's because it's tangible - they can hold it, feel it, and it's far easier to engage with than something like a digital ad. 

Shattering the Myths of Direct Mail Marketing

Especially given the fast-paced digital world we're now living in, two of the biggest myths surrounding direct mail over the years have to do with the idea that it is somehow A) labor-intensive and B) cannot be reliably measured the same way something like an email could be.

Again: both of these things are myths, plain and simple!

With the right partner by your side, direct mail isn't labor-intensive at all. The same types of automation tools that can send emails can also be used in the print realm. You're just getting all the added benefits of print that you don't get from its digital counterpart, like that it is unique, tangible, and much harder to ignore than something that can be permanently deleted in seconds.

Direct mail can also be tested and measured to prove how effectively your tactics work. You can still find metrics like your response rate and platforms that integrate print and digital campaigns, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds regarding insight. All of this is highly actionable information that you can use to improve the performance of your campaigns further moving forward. 

If you're interested in discovering more about how direct mail marketing is more powerful and effective than ever, or if you want to improve your printing and marketing efforts but aren't sure where to begin, please don't delay - contact us today. Call 516-561-1468

 

Need to Outshine Your Competition? 

Here Are 3 Ways to Do It With Print!

Your company's success depends on many different factors, each playing a vital role. While there are many things to consider when budgeting and creating marketing, it's important not to put too much emphasis on digital campaigns and overlook the power of print materials. 

According to a national survey, 82% of Americans find printed advertisements more credible than online ads! Print marketing can be incredibly beneficial for your company to increase brand awareness, engage existing customers, and boost sales. 

Here are some tips on using print marketing to give your company a competitive edge in your field! 

3 Ideas for Creative Print Marketing

1. Get Original with Shapes

Many companies will get creative with the graphic design and typography components of their print marketing, but one aspect that could help you rise above the competition is unique shapes and sizes! 

Consider putting a unique twist on the shapes and sizes expected for certain print materials. For instance, rather than a traditional rectangular business card, consider using a round, square, or other-shaped card (such as a leaf for a landscaping business) to stand out! 

Similarly, sending out larger-than-average postcards or using oversized envelopes might gain your recipients' interest. Even something as simple as using a different fold pattern for your brochures could help your brand stick in a consumer's mind!

Use various sizes and shapes in your coupons, mail pieces, signage, and more to distinguish your company!

2. Infuse Local Flavor 

One thing that most companies might not have considered is the value of connecting with your customers on a specific personal level- their location!

Data shows that 74% of consumers will respond to location-specific messaging.

Try this method by incorporating specific local landmarks, similar scenery, or references to the community and its values in your next print design. You could even team up with one of the local businesses to offer a discount or small freebie!

This will undoubtedly make your customers feel more valued and personally connected with your message. 

3. Add Some Life To Your Signage

Your company's signage is a powerful part of engaging and communicating with your customers.

Creating unique designs for the signs at your in-store location can make a difference in your customers' experience, setting you ahead of your competitors.

Remember that signs can serve two primary purposes- to inform your customers or to engage your customers. Great signage will accomplish both by including a visually appealing design and a clear call to action. Get creative with your signage's colors, designs, shapes, and sizes to be eye-catching.

One idea might be adding a sign advertising a sale or a new specialty item on the sidewalk or posted outside your store to draw customers inside. You could even print your company's name or add the company logo to the awning across your storefront if your location has one.

Now armed with these insights, it's time to differentiate and captivate with print! Reach out to us for personalized guidance, and let's amplify your brand's impact together. Give Us a Call at 516-561-1468

 

7 Effective Ideas for Creating 

Copy for Postcard Marketing

Copywriting for postcard marketing is an essential part of any successful campaign. The right copy can capture a reader's attention, engage their interest in your message, and compel them to take action.

Compelling postcard copy that resonates with your target audience requires creativity, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of your business objectives.

Here are seven ideas to help you create compelling copy for postcard marketing that will inspire your customers and drive results.

7 Hot Tips for Effective Postcard Marketing Copy

1. Focus on the customer

Your postcard should focus on what's in it for the customer – not just your business.

Consider their needs, wants, and interests, and use language that speaks directly to them.

2. Keep it concise

Postcards are small, so limit your copy to the essentials.

Use short, punchy sentences that get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary words.

3. Include a call to action

Make sure your postcard includes a compelling call to action.

This could be anything from signing up for an email list, purchasing, or downloading a coupon.

After reading your postcard marketing message, customers must know precisely what you want them to do.

Some examples of solid calls to action are "Call now to get 20% off!" or "Visit our website to learn more."

Ensure your message is targeted and relevant so that your customers know exactly how they should respond.

4. Leverage action words

Action words can be used to make your copy more inviting and persuasive.

Try using verbs like learn, discover, explore, save, and enjoy to engage customers and motivate them to take action.

5. Use humor if appropriate

Humor is an effective way to connect with customers, especially if it's used in the right way.

Just be sure to avoid anything controversial or offensive.

6. Personalize the content

Personalize your message to the individual customer.

Customizing postcards with personalized messages, such as names or special offers, can make them feel special and more likely to take the desired action.

Using mail merge software or variable printing can help you quickly customize each postcard so that it is targeted for the recipient.

7. Test different variations of copy and offers

It's important to know what works best regarding postcard marketing.

Try testing different versions of the copy or offers to see which ones perform the best. This can help refine your message and ensure you are targeting the right audience with the right offer.

By using these tips for creating effective copy for postcard marketing, you can ensure that your message stands out and resonates with potential customers while increasing response rates.

Need help crafting just the attention-grabbing phrase for your postcards? We're the team you need! Contact us now to get started. Call 516-561-1468

 

Use Print Marketing to Stand Out 

at Your Next Event

83% of brands say that event marketing has consistently increased their sales. Bringing compelling printed materials enhances the impact and is a powerful way to promote your product or services at these events.

By using print materials like flyers, pamphlets, business cards, posters, banners, and brochures, you can create a memorable impression that will stay with prospective customers long after they’ve left the event.

According to Scientific American, research over the last two decades reveals that individuals tend to understand and remember text better when reading from paper compared to screens. So don’t forget to include print marketing in your event strategy.

Top Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials for Your Next Event

Keep It Simple

Make sure your design is simple so that the critical information can be easily read and understood at a glance.

Avoid clutter, and include only essential elements like logos, text, graphics, and colors. Remember that people will likely scan as they walk by your booth.

Get Creative

Make your materials stand out from the competition by incorporating creative elements like foil, texture, die cuts, or unique folds.

These unique touches will help draw people in and make them more likely to remember your brand.

Think Local

If participating in a local event, consider customizing some of your print materials for that specific audience.

For instance, you could include a specific offer or create visuals that feature local places and landmarks.

Make the Most of Social

Include your social media handles on all your print materials so people can follow you immediately.

Also, consider using QR codes, which make it easier for people to quickly pull up your website or social accounts on their mobile devices.

Print Products People Will Remember

In addition to flyers, brochures, and business cards, consider exploring other print products that will make a lasting impression.

Some great options include:

Stickers

Great for giveaways or simply as eye-catching additions to your booth. Consider die-cut stickers with unique shapes or foil accents for an extra “wow” factor.

Posters

Whether you’re looking for something to hang up in or around your booth, posters are a great way to make an impact. Add a frame or easel for added style points.

Magnets

Get creative with car magnets that feature your logo and contact information. This is an easy way to get your name out there when people are traveling to and from the event.

Notepads

Make sure your name stays on everyone’s desk with branded notepads that remind people of your brand every time they use them.

By making print marketing a part of your event strategy, you can create powerful impressions that will stay with prospective customers long after the event.

Not sure where to start? We can help! Contact our team today to begin creating print marketing products to get your business noticed! Call 516-561-1468

 

6 Ways to Boost Your 

Sales with Social Proof 

Did you know you can incorporate what your customers say about your business in your print and digital marketing to boost your company's sales?

When other people engage in something, it triggers the brain to reduce the perception of risk associated with an idea or activity, creating social proof. When you utilize social proof successfully, you convey to potential customers that buying your product or service is the safe thing to do.

Authenticity, transparency, and honesty are paramount to the success of social proof by building loyalty and trust with your customers.

Sound complicated? It's not.

6 Ways to Boost Your Sales with Social Proof 

1. Build Your Social Media Reach

You need to build your social media platform by asking for online reviews.

This is a trusted source for many people looking to do business.

People regularly check the reviews online to see what others have experienced and decide who to do business with. Nearly nine out of ten consumers read reviews before making a purchase. 

2. List Customer Experiences

Listing customers' experiences online will encourage people to follow the pack and try you.

Ask customers if you can get a quick testimonial from them and have them write it down or write it as they tell you what they've experienced.

3. Mix It Up

Don't just ask for one type of review.

Spread the reviews on multiple sites, such as Yelp, Facebook, Google, etc. Approximately 59% of consumers look at two to three review sites before making a purchase decision. 

4. Help Your Customer Visualize

Use staged photos and action shots of people using your product.

People trust this much more than an ad. They will see people just like them using your product or services and think they might benefit from getting a hold of you, too.

5. Use YouTube

Show your customers unboxing your products and freebies or learning about a contest they won from your business.

This is exciting and fun for people to watch, engaging them in what you're business is doing.

6. Promote Your Accomplishments

If your company won an award or received recognition in some way from a third party, capitalize on this by advertising it on your website, in your marketing materials, and online.

If you have an article written about you or your company, post it online. If any trust badges are available, place them on your website.

These are a few ways to build social proof and help people decide on their own that they want to do business with you. Seeing others trust you and use your product or service encourages them to do the same.

If you need signs to post on your company's doors to encourage people to give reviews, or you want posters or business cards to feature QR codes to link to a review site, we can help.

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