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Thursday, February 16, 2023

How SEO and Print Work Together 

(Plus 3 Ways to Improve Your Site's Ranking)

The purpose of search engine optimization (SEO) is to get your website to the top of Google’s search engine. 

The higher up your business is, the easier it will be for potential clients to find you. This is especially beneficial given that 68% of online experiences start with search engines. 

Many factors impact SEO ranking, such as

  • Bounce rate is when visitors leave a webpage without taking any action—the lower the bounce rate, the better.
  • Dwell time is how long visitors stay on the page. The longer, the better.
  • Traffic is how much activity the page has. The more steady traffic, the better. 

Knowing what impacts your website’s SEO rankings can help boost your website. 

How SEO and Print Work Together

Print marketing can help improve your website’s SEO ranking by driving people to your website. 

One convenient, powerful way to accomplish this is through QR codes. QR codes provide an easy way to drive people from paper to online. QR codes can be added to… 

  • Business cards. Drive people to your website to direct them to information that couldn’t fit on the card.
  • Catalogs. Next to the advertised, popular product, put a QR code. This will make it easy for customers to buy the product.
  • Posters. Bring people from the physical world to the online world by including QR codes on posters. 

QR codes increase your website’s traffic, and they will likely improve dwell times and bounce rates because the people visiting your website are actively seeking it for a purpose. Compare this to someone who stumbles across your website on Google but realizes it’s not quite what they’re looking for. 

3 Ways to Improve Your Site’s Ranking

1. Improve your website

Making your website easier to use will improve its SEO ranking.

Some areas to look at include: 

  • Page load speeds. A website’s conversion rate drops by about 4.42% for every second of load time. The faster your website, the better it’ll do. People don’t like waiting.
  • Mobile-friendliness. A user-friendly mobile phone website is essential, given that 64% of searches are on mobile phones compared to 35% on computers.
  • Navigation. Improve website navigation using clear, everyday language and easy-to-find links to the most important pages. Use design techniques to separate parts of the page and stick to already established website structures. 

A faster, user-friendly website will get people to stay, boosting SEO. 

2. Improve your backlinks

Backlinks (also known as inbound links) are hyperlinks to your website from an external website.

As a business, you want other websites to link to your website. Sometimes this happens naturally. However, you can improve your backlinks by reaching out to editors of other websites and suggesting they link to your page, explaining why doing so would benefit them. You can also create internal links by linking pages within your website. 

3. Create quality content

Having quality content will naturally drive people to your website. 

A catchy headline can get people to click, but quality content keeps them. Make relevant, well-formatted, easy-to-read, and engaging content. Be sure to use everyday language throughout. Include a skim layer with headers, sections, pictures, and infographics. 

Using print and other SEO optimization techniques can help you improve your website’s ranking, making it easier for potential clients to find your business through Google. 

Are you ready to optimize your SEO with print? Reach out to our team now! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our website at: www.printcafeli.com


 

3 Winning Direct Mail Campaign 

Ideas You Can Start Using Today

We're proud to inform you that the reports of the supposed death of direct mail have been, as Mark Twain once said, "greatly exaggerated."

Not only is direct mail just as effective as it ever was - it's positively thriving. According to one recent study, the market for direct mail advertising is anticipated to grow from $71.57 billion in 2021 to a massive $72.67 billion by the end of 2022. Much of this has to do with the average return on investment for direct mail collateral is $4.09 for every $1.27 you spend getting those marketing materials out into the world.

But it can be challenging to know where to begin if you've been out of the direct mail world for a while or are wading into these proverbial waters for the first time. With that in mind, here are three winning direct mail campaign ideas that you can start using immediately.

3 Winning Direct Mail Campaign Ideas You Can Start Using Today

Taking Advantage of the Holidays

One of the best direct mail marketing campaign ideas you can start using immediately involves taking advantage of the holiday season - a time of year that is already upon us again.

Remember that while part of the goal of any marketing campaign is always to raise awareness for your brand and get the word out about your products and services, this is just one small portion of a much larger story.

Equally important is your ability to get in touch with people occasionally and simply remind them that you're out there. Because of that, don't hesitate to send out a simple postcard for Christmas or the New Year to wish people well. It doesn't have to be overly "salesy" at all - it can be a simple message that illustrates that you care about your consumers, even when you're not coming right out and asking them to buy something.

When executed correctly, you'd be surprised by the difference this can make in generating repeat sales from existing, satisfied customers.

The Benefit of Unusually Sized Mail

Another technique that you can use with direct mail, in particular, has to do with sending out unusually sized mail.

Think about it - part of why messages like emails are so easy to ignore is that they all blend together in someone's mind. They all look the same, and they're far too easy to archive when someone is wading through their email inbox in the morning.

But if you send out a piece of direct mail collateral that is slightly larger or shaped differently than every other piece of mail that someone receives that day, they're going to notice. You immediately stand out, and at that point, you can use someone's curiosity to your advantage.

Bridging the Gap Between Direct Mail and the Digital World

Finally, don't be afraid to bring the benefits of both direct mail collateral and digital marketing together in innovative ways.

Always include information about the various social media channels you use, like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, which are great for allowing someone to get in touch with you in other ways quickly. This way, you can begin an experience with them through physical mail but give them the option to continue it over the Internet if that is their preference. 

If you'd like to find out more information about getting started today with any of these direct mail campaigns, or if you have any additional questions you'd like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don't delay - contact our team today! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com


5 Ways to Use Personalization 

in Print Marketing to Get Noticed 

by Your Customers

Using print marketing is a great way to get your company’s name out there and let customers know what services you offer.

But what if there was a way to increase the effectiveness of your printed ads, creating a better experience for your existing customers and drawing in new ones?

According to a study by Accenture, 91% of customers are more likely to purchase from companies who recognize and remember them, providing them with relevant offers or recommendations. 

Here are five easy ways to add personalization to your print marketing plan!

5 Ways to Personalize Your Company’s Print Marketing

1. Use Variable Data Printing

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases are an easy way for your company to accumulate and sort information about your customers.

Then, to use the data that your CRM has gathered and incorporate it into your print marketing, use Variable Data Printing (VDP) to create a variety of personalized print ads that will better suit the customers to whom you’re sending them. VDP uses more than just the customer’s name: it can also alter your ad’s layout, images, and promotions shown.

Using VDP for print ads results in 3-10 times higher response rates than non-personalized direct mail.

2. Use QR Codes on Your Print Marketing

QR codes are a modern and easy way to quickly send interested customers from your printed materials to your company’s website or social media accounts.

QR codes have many different capabilities, but one of the best ways you can use them to create personalized experiences for your customers is by tracking the links they clicked after the QR code has been scanned. Then you can use that information to determine which services or products are most attractive to your customers and personalize your advertising.

3. Respond to Constructive Feedback

Some customers can find some targeted marketing methods to be invasive or unhelpful.

However, research has shown that 45% of customers appreciate one kind of personalization: personal apologies from companies after negative experiences in-store or online.

So if customers leave a dissatisfied review or experience difficulties while shopping in your store, take note of their information and send them a letter apologizing for the inconvenience. They will appreciate your efforts to make things right with them and will be more likely to purchase from your company again!

4. Personalized Print Inserts

Although completely customized catalogs might be the most personalized route you can take with your direct mail, compiling a unique catalog for each customer would be quite cost prohibitive.

An alternative is to use VDP or another method to create customized inserts for your mail.

You could also consider including customized coupons to draw customers to your store by offering discounts on the products they’d likely be interested in.

5. Choose Personalized Images

Visuals are essential- they catch your customers’ attention and can determine whether or not they open your mail.

Focusing your personalization on the images in your print marketing could have a significant impact. Using the data you’ve gathered about a customer’s demographic, include images that cater to their preferences and interests.

Personalization is the strategy to push your company’s print marketing the extra mile- engaging your customers and standing out from others in your field. Contact us today to get personal on your next print marketing campaign! Call Now at: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com


 

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

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




 

Thursday, February 9, 2023

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


Tuesday, February 7, 2023

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


 


Friday, February 3, 2023

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