Direct Mail is Not Failing. Here's Why.

 

Direct mail is king in advertising.

It’s direct, in your hands, and grabs attention right away. There’s no cold calling, knocking on doors, or guessing if your direct mail made into your customers’ hands.

In a 2020 consumer survey, 71% of people reported reading the ads that come in the mail. And 54% say that direct mail ads motivated them to try a new business.

The Direct Mail Comeback

Postcards are an excellent example of direct mail that has made a comeback in the last few years due to the pandemic leaving people at home more.

Not leaving their homes meant people weren’t out searching for a better deal. Instead, they were at home, opening their mail and seeing great offers sent directly to them. Consumers learned that direct mail is a great starting point for their shopping.

The Personal Touch of Direct Mail

Direct mail has the advantage of personalization by putting the recipient’s name on it.

This connection is better than a TV commercial or online ad because readers know the offer is intended directly for them. Right now, there are programs designed to target just the right market so that your return on investment is spot on. You can pick people of the correct ages and genders for your product and tailor it to people who typically respond well to postcards and other direct mail.

During the pandemic, consumers were directed with QR codes to download menus everywhere. And when you add QR codes to direct mail, it adds a little more social interaction with the mail. It gets people to take the next step and download your information, and it works wonders.

The Rise of Digital Fatigue

Digital fatigue is real and prevalent.

In fact, 75% of consumers report being overwhelmed by the number of digital ads they see daily. This is good news for direct mail marketing because it won’t tire out the consumer with ads blinking in front of their faces. Instead, it presents a calm way to ask for their business.

Direct mail has a median ROI rate of 29%, which is only 1% behind social media. It’s proof that direct mail is still in the running, according to Neil Patel. “Like hot baths and candlelit dinners, direct mail has become romanticized in our culture,” Patel says. Direct mail campaigns let people know you want their business specifically, instead of sending out a broad email blast or digital ad.

According to the US Postal Service, 54% of people surveyed tried a new product or business in a six-month period in 2020 because they received a mail piece. That’s a great opportunity that many businesses are missing when they only focus on online ads.

Direct mail will always remain important to the business world, whether you use a postcard, brochure, or a letter directed to a specific type of person. We are here to help you in your efforts to run a direct mail campaign. Check us out today! 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

 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

 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

 

Using EDDM To Grow Your Business: 

Your Marketing Guide

When it comes to offering your products designed to reach a targeted demographic within a specific area, the Print Cafe of LI is proud to offer full-service Every Door Direct Mail. This service not only simplifies the process for you, but is significantly less expensive with more product options than traditional direct mail, but how are you marketing this great service to gain more customers? Let us offer you some EDDM marketing solutions that we covered in one of our recent webinars.

What is EDDM?

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a cost-effective alternative to traditional direct mail that allows businesses to saturate the market and promote to every household or business in a desired geographical area. It’s perfect for grand openings, special promotions, and more! 

This direct mail strategy is a great tool for local retailers and organizations that rely heavily on walk-in and local business support—like automotive dealers, dry cleaners, restaurants, real estate, and more—as they sent targeted mailing to potential customers along specific routes at discounted postage rates.

What Does The Print Cafe Offer?

With our easy-to-use website, integrative mapping tool, and full-service EDDM solution, we take the complexity out of EDDM, while our EDDM full-service solution simplifies the USPS rules and regulations associated with EDDM.

 With just 3 simple steps, EDDM saves you time:

1. Choose the product
2. Select the route
3. Upload artwork

We’ll take care of the paperwork, bundling, and delivery to the post office! 

Why EDDM?

 Check out these top 3 reasons you will want to use EDDM to boost your sales:

1. Saturate the market by mail - Because over 85% of local sales come from a 3 - 5 mile radius, EDDM is especially important for small businesses—it was built for that!
   
   
2. EDDM anywhere - With The Print Cafe, EDDM is possible anywhere across the US. You can choose a route in their own neighborhood or across the country.
   
   
3. Low postage rate - With EDDM postage currently at .198 per piece for any size and any amount, you won’t be restricted by the size, weight, or coating of the piece you're mailing. This is perfect for flyers, postcards, take-out menu's, etc.—not to mention, the postage is less expensive than traditional direct mail.
   
   For example, if your interested in mailing, we could suggest a sell sheet with EDDM. The current postage is actually less expensive than a direct mail postcard, but with much more space for them to add information, images, etc. The choice is simple!

Get An Estimate

Use the Print Cafe website https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/48-Every-Door-Direct-Mail to help you create custom estimates with designated routes and demographics designed to drive your sales.

• Gather key information to create your custom estimate.
• Area / zip code
• Budget
• Size and coating options 
• Target demographics (business and residential) - information provided by USPS
• In mailbox date - arrive in target mailboxes

• Download the template - this is required because our own indicia is on the mailing. A return address is also required. There is no difference between EDDM retail and EDDM business mail entry unit (BMEU).
  
  
• Log on to our website - 
• Choose EDDM full-service
• Choose in mailbox date. Select size and options 
• Click “map my routes.” Transferred to a new page with an interactive map where you’ll enter zip code, demographic, and budget information
• Hover over the routes, demographic information appears
  
  
• Pricing - this information, including postage, will appear on the mapping page so you will know what your cost will be and how to properly price your customers
  
  
• Download routes - available as excel or pdf (as nonbranded) to share with your customers
  
  
• Build your estimate package to see the best routes/solutions based on the information you gathered to get the best return on investment (ROI) for your business. 
• Call Today 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/48-Every-Door-Direct-Mail

 

 

 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