8 Common Design Mistakes 

To Avoid in Print Marketing

There is much room for creativity in graphic design for print marketing. 

However, if you aren't a graphic designer, there are some definite no-nos you want to avoid in order to create a visually compelling design.

Here are a few to keep in mind.

8 Common Design Mistakes To Avoid in Print Marketing

1. Centering Everything 

A beginner design mistake is to center everything: Large chunks of text and more.

This approach makes it harder to read because the left and right margins are ragged.

2. Imbalanced Elements

Balance is one of the fundamental principles of design.

It refers to how elements are distributed throughout a layout, providing a sense of order and stability.But too much symmetry can get boring so try adding asymmetry to create visual interest. 

3. Not Leaving White Space 

Make sure you don't pack everything into your design.

You may have great design ideas, but you don't need to use them all in one place. Instead, save some for future projects.

4. Inconsistent Branding 

Whether it's fonts, colors, or images, make sure you're consistent. 

Keep it similar throughout the piece and with your other branded materials, whether using specific colors or designs. Don't use random fonts, thinking it will make it more interesting. This practice helps tie your design into one visually appealing look. 

5. No Repetition

If you don't repeat a few visual elements throughout your projects — for instance, specific colors, layouts, or spatial relationships — your design could lack continuity, and your reader can't "tie it all together." 

6. Improper Use of Colors 

Understanding color theory and psychology can help you use colors at their optimal best. 

Colors can set the tone, mood, and style of your design. Don't go crazy picking various colors; be consistent with them and keep the colors in the same family.

7. Not Enough Space Between Letters

You will want to ensure the spacing of your letters is just right, not too close or far away. 

This process is known as kerning to graphic designers, and it ensures each character fits well with its neighboring letters.

When you are designing marketing materials, you have so many creative options. These tips will help guide you through the process.

When it's time to print your project, please remember us. We're here to help guide you, answer your questions, and publish your project in the best light possible. Contact us today! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com

 

7 Top Tips to Get Creative 

With Offline Marketing

How do you maximize your investment in marketing? 

Utilize unique offline marketing techniques to get people's attention!

There are countless ideas for getting inspired with offline marketing, from traditional to off-the-wall. Take what you can and let it spur some creativity in your minds. 

1. Get Creative With Your Business Card 

A business card is often the first impression, and you want to make it last.

Try printing it vertically, adding rounded corners, or creating a die-cut image. Use bold colors that stand out against the competition.

2. Hold In-Person Events 

According to the Event Marketing 2018 Report, 95% of marketers agree that live events give attendees a valuable opportunity to form in-person connections in an increasingly digital world.

Give people a chance to talk to you and others from your company, and create bonds that will last a lifetime. 

Don't forget to have flyers, rack cards, brochures, and business cards ready for them to pick up.  

3. Volunteer 

Join volunteer organizations that will introduce you to other professionals who desire to help the community.

By getting out in the community, you will get your name out and help you build connections. Bring along your business cards so you can have some conversations about where you work and get information on others. 

4. Build Loyalty With Rewards

While investing in attracting new customers, don't neglect opportunities for retaining existing ones.

Give away fun gifts with your logo: magnets, flashlights, Frisbees, T-shirts, mugs, water bottles, and more. These will keep the magic going after the sales call is over. 

5. Create a Game

Use a tailor-made BINGO card that leads them around the store, then leads to a prize if they get BINGO.

Have signs to advertise your newest game. Invite everyone to play and win prizes. 

6. Go Head-To-Head With the Competition

Don't be afraid to promote your items over the competition.

If it makes sense, have a "taste test" as Coke and Pepsi did in the 1980s. Let the audience decide what items they like better. 

Be sure to have flyers made up to announce this event to let people know when it will be.

7. Take On Speaking Engagements 

Speaking at events puts you in front of your target audience and makes you an expert.

A speaking engagement puts you in front of a highly targeted and interested audience already primed and ready to pay attention to what you have to say.

It creates you as the go-to person for answers, which is a great position.

Take time to evaluate the best creative way to reach your customers. We all have an overflowing inbox. Instead, try something fresh and offline to capture your customer's attention. 

When you want to make a statement offline, try some freshly printed marketing materials. That's where we step in! 

We have what you need to make some fresh imprints on your customers. Contact us today!

Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com

7 Top Ways to Show Appreciation 

to Customers

Gratitude is a great skill to possess.

"I think gratitude is a big thing. It puts you in a place where you're humble," said Andra Day. 

And humility is a wonderful attribute, primarily when serving the public. When you meet up with prospective clients, gratitude is vital. We receive a much better welcome when people see how thankful we are to meet with them and to have their continued support. 

Research has proven that returning customers spend 67% more than new customers, and 82% of customers are brand loyal. 

So, what else can you do to show appreciation besides saying thank you?  

Here are some ideas to show your gratitude.

 7 Top Ways to Show Appreciation to Customers

1. Send a Thank-You Note

Send a thank-you note in a letter, hand-written and signed by you.

Sure, it takes a little time, but keeping current customers happy is worth it—especially the ones you genuinely want to maintain a relationship with.

2. Make a Donation

Donate to something close to your customers' hearts.

If they support a worthy cause you can get behind, consider donating something to these causes in their name. 

3. Offer a Discount

Offer a discount just for them.

One of the easiest ways to build customer loyalty is by rewarding your customers for their business with loyalty cards and retail rewards.

4. Do a Giveaway

Offer a giveaway prize package.

Want to share the love and give out prizes to your fans? Running a giveaway is a great way to show your appreciation. This will excite customers, and they might even tell their friends and colleagues. 

5. Offer Free Services

Offer more free services if possible.

When people began to feel the impact of the coronavirus and social distancing, some companies went above and beyond to help people adjust to a challenging new reality.

Some companies offered free services or better deals on their products. When there is a stressor in your customers' lives, help out a little more. People notice it and will appreciate your help.

6. Talk Face-To-Face

Engage in face-to-face conversations with your clients.

Ultimately, people want to be seen and heard. Engaging with them in a conversation over video chat or, better yet, in person is a perfect way to thank them for supporting your company daily.

Listen to them rather than just pitching your ideas. Ask about their business and learn how you can genuinely help each other.

7. Acknowledge Them on Social Media

Feature customers on your blog or social media.

If they had a big event that you were able to be a part of, or help with in some way, show it. Portray pictures of the big day with words from them as to how the day went.

This is great to help celebrate their day. It's also great to get the word out about how you help people.

Whatever you choose to show appreciation will elevate your customer relationship and nurture long-lasting bonds. If you need help printing stationary or customized packaging, let us know. We would love to help! Call us At 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 

7 Special Day-Themed Direct Mail 

Campaign Ideas 

for Winter and Spring

Research shows customers are more likely to buy when you get creative with ‘special’ day-themed promotions.

Winter and spring are full of international and national holidays, like the seven detailed below, providing plenty of room and creativity for direct mail campaigns. 

7 Special Day-Themed Direct Mail Campaign Ideas for Winter and Spring

1. Black History Month: February 

Black History Month is intended to celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the history of the United States. 

Do some research to find influential Black figures who shaped your business. Share their hard work and contributions in a flier or brochure. 

2. Valentine’s Day: February 14

A day meant for romance, with romantic partners sharing their appreciation for each other with gifts.

Many also use this day to share their love and appreciation for their friends. 

Remind your customers about the upcoming holiday and suggest gifts to make a partner’s day. Recipients will be grateful you reminded them and provided them with a quick, easy gift idea.  

3. Pi Day: March 14

3.14 are the first digits of Pi, which is why it is celebrated on March 14. 

A day for both mathematicians and pie lovers, Pi Day is the time for mathematicians to recite the endless digits of Pi, which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

Show your business’s appreciation for Pi and pie by sending direct mail to customers on this special day. If your company sells pie, even better. If not, perhaps share products or services your business provides that could make Pi Day all the more special. 

4. Saint Patrick’s Day:  March 17

This day originally commemorated St. Patrick with religious services and feasts; today, it is mainly a secular holiday meant to celebrate all things Irish. 

Get ready to send out lots of green: green paper that advertises everything you sell that is green. If your business has any Irish roots, now’s the time to share that information. 

5. Easter: April 9

Easter was initially meant for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Today, many traditions surround the holiday, and religious and non-religious people celebrate it. 

Try sending out mail with easter eggs and bunny imagery. On the back of easter egg-shaped cutouts, provide coupons or vouchers for free samples. If you have easter themed products, be sure to advertise them. 

6. Star Wars Day: May 4

Star Wars lovers can be pretty enthusiastic. The day comes from a play on words: “May the fourth be with you.” 

Celebrate Star Wars Day with your customers by sending Star Wars-themed direct mail and sharing any Star Wars-related products or services. 

7. Mother’s Day: May 14

Mother’s day is a lovely holiday meant to celebrate and show appreciation for mothers. 

Have your business show its appreciation for mothers by sending out a mother’s day card with free samples and coupons. Help make mothers feel special. 

With hundreds of holidays, some more well-known than others, your business has plenty of opportunities to create special day-themed direct mail.

Check out a more exhaustive list of holidays to find one that would be the perfect fit for your business. Contact us today to get started on your next spring or winter campaign! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com

 

9 Solid Ways to Combine Digital 

and Print to Boost Your Campaign

Contrary to popular opinion, print is not dead, and it remains an integral part of marketing and advertising. 

Today, you can't rely solely on digital ads to increase customer traffic. Likewise, you can't just rely on old-school advertising to do the job.

Writing words on paper is tactile and fun to hold. It also creates a feeling of value that a pop-up ad can't do. Paper is something that has to be reckoned with. You can't just turn a blind eye. You have to physically throw it away--after reading it. 

Once it's your customers' hands, you have the advantage of grasping their attention. Be forthcoming about what you are selling or trying to call their attention to.

Using high-quality paper and fine print can give the impression of prestige and quality, and with the physical item in your hands, it is way more engaging for readers than an email or a pop-up.

Digital helps expand on the conversation you started with the customer. It allows for more information to be shared, and it's interactive in that the customer can click for more information on your website.

So, if you take the best aspects of each marketing tool, you will see the difference compared to running a solely digital or print campaign.

9 Solid Ways to Combine Digital and Print to Boost Your Campaign

1. QR Code

Use a QR code to link to your digital platform.

This is a quick and easy way to get the most out of your advertising.

2. Include Your Web Address

Add your website to the printed pieces.

This way, the customer instantly knows how to get more information or contact you. You can even create a specific landing page for the campaign.

3. Exclusive content

Advertise exclusive content within your print pieces to gain new followers on a specific social platform.

4. Social Media

Use your social media to obtain customer information so you can send on-target materials to them.

5. Giveaway

Advertise a giveaway on your printed piece and include a QR code or URL that takes the consumer to a page where they can redeem the gift.

6. Colors

When combining print and digital efforts, give them a cohesive look by using the same colors and fonts.

7. Campaign Tracking

Add a UTM or Urchin Tracking Module to the web address or QR code that you put on your print campaign.

A UTM is a simple text code that can be added to any URL or webpage to generate Google Analytics data.

8. Hashtags

Printing specific hashtags on materials is yet another way to funnel all marketing channels toward a single campaign. 

Indiana University used this approach with newly-admitted college students by including the hashtag #IUSaidYes on their acceptance letter packages.

9. Augmented Reality

Use an augmented reality code in your print advertising to stand out more.

This high-tech tactic tracks the results through the code and can also boost your online presence. These two together are unstoppable.

When it comes to marketing, combining digital and print will help boost your campaign and reach the right audience. 

When it comes to print marketing, we are here to help your marketing dollars go further! Contact us today. Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 

7 Things You Need for 

Your Real Estate Yard Sign

Branding Technology may have given several advanced methods for marketing. However, when it comes to real estate, yard signs are the most popular and simplest choice for marketing. Real estate agents love them for the fact that they always work. Whether you want to sell a house, rent it out or organize an open house, real estate agents use yard signs for all these purposes. 

Whether you have an established business or are a new agent, it is essential to include your brand in your marketing collateral. Whether you are using decals or banners, always add the name and logo of your business.

If you are a reputed business, seeing your familiar logo will automatically attract the crowd. By implementing and using a singular logo/name for your business, buyers will know a specific property is a part of your business instead of a random landlord. Adding your logo to the yard signs is a simple yet effective way to establish yourself as a trusted real estate agent.

Experiment With Shapes

Do you want your yard signs to stand out from others in the neighborhood? Look for a shape different from the usual rectangular ones. For instance, you can get a new design by simply turning your sign by 45 degrees. You will get a diamond shape that will instantly attract the attention of the drivers passing by. If you don’t like that idea, maybe choose a circular or oval shape instead.

Remember to select a shape that can contain all the information you wish you display. You do not want to make your email id run into the following line. Ask the vendor to give you different digital options to give you an idea of how it will look. This can help you make an informed decision on how you want your sign designed.

Modern Designs

When someone thinks of a yard sign for real estate deals, the image of a smiling agent clad in a blazer comes to mind. However, you do not have to stick to this idea. You can design a graphic to go in the place of the standard agent photo. To stand out, get creative and have fun with it.

Instead of using the traditional designs, you can choose a bright or minimalistic layout. Include your logo with easy to read yet stylized text. You can easily create a template on Canva or any other similar tool. 

Pictures

Most real estate yard signs only have text on them. You can go the extra mile and add pictures to yours. For example, you could have an image of one of your agents shaking hands with a client on your sign. There are no set-in-stone rules when it comes to marketing. The more unique you are, the more memorable you will be.

You can include a picture of the interior of a house to let the sign speak for itself. Potential customers can never make out how a property looks from the inside. Including a picture on the yard sign will give them a glimpse of the house and pique their interest.

Commercial Signs

If you are selling a commercial property or land, the usual yard signs may not work for your marketing. The standard size, which is about 24 inches, may look very small on a massive piece of land. Instead, try to customize the size to a much larger one to justify the size of the land.

Large signs will also have more visibility, considering the property’s sheer size may be overpowering. So consider getting a larger banner or flag to place on the property. Have it facing the road or sidewalk, that way people passing by will be more likely to read it.

Technology

Technology can be your biggest ally when used wisely. Instead of classic yard signs, try to make them high-tech for maximum ROI. The easiest thing you can do is add a QR code to access the information about the property. With these QR codes, you will also be able to maintain an automatic log of interested buyers.

Another option is to use LED lights instead of clamp-on lights, which look high-tech and welcoming. Not to mention, the lights will make the sign visible in places with low-light or at night time.

Open House Signs

When you are organizing an open house, it is essential to have a separate sign. You may think you will be inviting nosy neighbors this way, but the more the merrier. Interested buyers are uncomfortable walking into an unknown property alone. An open house allows them to walk in confidently and explore the possibility of buying the house.

You can either use banners or a classic yard sign for an open house. You can go minimalistic, have an elegant monochrome color scheme, or even use your team picture on the open house sign. Just make sure it stands out from your usual yard sign to advertise that it is an open house.

Conclusion

Even in this age of social media and television commercials, yard signs are the best choice for real estate agents. The advantage of using yard signs is that they are long-lasting and you can use them for all your deals. By incorporating these marketing methods, you can grab the attention of your potential customers while standing out from the competition.

For More Information on Any of Our Sign Products Call: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/84-Signs

Your Comprehensive Guide 

to Choosing the Right Banner Size

In the world of display advertising and print banners, the first and most important thing you need to know is standard banner sizes. It plays a vital role in attracting interest in your ads and driving customer engagement. Right size banners are also an excellent way to communicate with your clients while maintaining specific messaging and required brand standards.

Questions to Ask When Determining Right Banner Size

• What will your banner be used for?
• 
  For instance, will it be used to make your space attractive, grab people’s attention, or simply announce something important? What you will be using the banner for exactly will be the key factor in determining the right banner size.
  
  

• The area where the banner will be placed?
• 

  For instance, will it be placed indoors or outdoors? What area will be optimal enough for people to see your banner? Where and how do you want to display it for best results? 

  Answering these questions helps you determine the necessary size of your banner. If you plan to hang the banner on the front of your building, determining accurate measurements of the space will help for the best positioning.

  Most Commonly Used Banner Sizes

• 

  Banners come in a wide variety of sizes, and there is no one-size-fits-all option. The below table shows a few of the most common banner sizes to give you a sense of what dimensions you might want to go for.

  
  

                             S                                      S/M              M/L L

2 Feet	3 feet	4 feet	5 feet
2’ x 4’  (24” x 48” Inches)	3’ x 6’  (36” x 72” Inches)	4’×6′ (48” x 72” Inches)	5’×6′ (60” x 72” Inches)
2’ x 6’ (24” x 72” Inches)	3’ x 8’   (36” x 96” Inches)	4’×8′ (48” x 96”inches)	5’×8′ (60” x 96” Inches
2’ x 8’  (24” x 96” Inches)	3’ x 9’ (36” x 108” Inches)	4’×10′ (48” x 120” (Inches)	5’×10′ (60” x 120” Inches
2’ x 12’    (24” x 144” Inches)	3’ x 12’  (36” x 144” Inches)	4’×12′ (48” x 144” (Inches)	5’×12′ (60” x 144” Inches
2’ x 16’  (24” x 192” Inches)	3’ x 16’  (36” x 192” Inches)	4’×16′ (48” x 192” (Inches)	5’×16′ (60” x 192” Inches
2’ x 20’  (24” x 240” Inches)	3’ x 20’   (36” x 240” Inches	4’×20′ (48” x 240” (Inches)	5’×20′ (60” x 240” Inches

 To understand banner sizing better, let’s discuss these in more detail.

• Small size banners (2 to 3 feet)
• 

  This size is often great for either small spaces or as supporting signs due to their limited sizing and visibility. For instance, you can use them in yards, pop-up tents, in-store, or other small spaces.

  Apart from offering precise information, small banners are perfect for adding a certain visual appeal or decorative aspect.

  • Medium size banners (3 to 4 feet)

  Medium size banners in the three- and four-feet range expand your options for use. These banner sizes are ideal for trade shows, expos, festivals, or similar events where you have an individual booth. This is simply because these banners are big enough to capture people’s attention but small enough to fit many occasions and settings.

  For instance, a medium-sized banner is a great option for the front of an audience-facing table or hanging behind/in front of a display. They allow you to easily advertise your brand, highlight an event, or simply deliver information about your product or service. 

  • Large size banners (5 feet+)
  • 

    The key advantage of a large size banner is that it ensures your display gets noticed even in busy areas with huge crowds. In sizes of five feet and up, large banners are great for advertising in front of your store, on the sides of buildings, or as a beacon drawing people to a specific event or activity.

    source

    There are endless customized options available in terms of how large your banner can get and no limit as to what they can accomplish and be used for.  

    Other Types of Banners and Common Dimensions

    Now that we know some of the most common sizes of banners let’s discuss some of the other types of banners available and their typical sizes.

    Type of Banners by Usage

    • Outdoor/Indoor Banners
    • 

      Banners can be used for both outdoor and indoor purposes interchangeably. However, for outdoor use specifically, it is best to use a slightly bigger sign, so it is visible easily by more people. In general, horizontal outdoor banners are around 3’×10′ feet, while vertical ones are closer to 6′ × 2′ feet. 

      
      
    • Retractable Banners
    • 
      A retractable banner is ideal to use if you are planning to reuse your banner many times on the ground, in different locations. These types of banners are quite easy to set up and take down. They typically measure around 7’×3′ feet for standard signage. 
    • Custom Table Top Banners

    If you are looking for an advertising banner for your event display table, custom table top banners (specially created for your table) make a perfect choice. They typically measure around 4′ x 3’, 6’ x 3’, or 8’ x 3’. The sizing of this type of cover will largely depend on the table you are using. 

    Types of Banners by Solutions

    • Promotional Banners

    Ideal for retail outlets, strip malls, and shopping malls, these large vinyl banners (such as 5’× 10′ or 5’× 12′) promote happenings such as sales, grand openings, and discounts. Using them in high-traffic locations helps attract both repeat and new customers.

    • Event Banners
    • 
      From trade shows, expos, concerts, business conferences to fairs & festivals, every big or small event require a well-planned system of signage, tents, and more. Medium or large size banners are quite effective here because of the size and visibility they offer to spread your message to attract customers. In some instances, small banners can be placed in strategic locations to guide people to your location.
    • Announcement Banners

    These banners are best to announce changes in services such as business hours, opening or reopening a location, or changes in operating procedures. They typically measure around 4′ x 3’ or 6’ x 3’.

    Types of Banners by Material

    • Vinyl Banners

    Vinyl banners are known for their durable and heat-resistant material and are perfect for both indoor and outdoor usage. Since they are quite heavy compared to their cloth counterparts, they need to be appropriately stored to avoid creasing.

    • Fabric Banners

    Made up of polyester or satin, fabric banners provide excellent full-colored graphics to entice your audience. Unlike vinyl banners, they are crease-resistant and machine washable. These displays make an ideal solution for any business needing a good-quality banner with little setup time. However, fabric banners are prone to a shortened lifespan if used outdoors, so they are best for indoor applications. 

    • Mesh Banners
    • 
      Made up of a more permeable weave, mesh banners allow wind to pass through the banner. This allows the banner to withstand harsh winds and extreme weather outside while doing the heavy branding or advertising lifting simultaneously. They make an ideal choice for large signage applications on building sides, fencing, and storefronts.

    • Importance of Text Sizing and Design in Choosing Banner Size

      
      
    • 

      Another factor that determines the size of your banner is what you want to include in the design. If you want to include more text and images, you need a bigger banner. If you are using fewer or smaller text and images, a small banner will serve the purpose, but you will have to remember that people will have to be closer to read it.

      Ideally, the banner text and image size should be based on how far away people will be viewing it from (on average).

      For instance, a 3-inch tall line of text will be legible within 100 feet of the banner, whereas 12 inches text line can be read from as far as 500 feet. Hence, it is recommended to find a size that easily fits everything you want to include in your banner design. The viewers should be able to comfortably read and see from the average distance away they are standing.

    • For More Information or Pricing on Any of Our Banner Products Call:516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/98-Outdoor-Banners

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