How We Make Print

At its essence, printing is a manufacturing process. It requires a plan, raw materials, and processing to deliver a finished product to the intended recipient. That plan starts with the purpose of the print job. Defining the purpose will inform decisions about the final size, the design, and the type of paper or other substrates. The purpose of the finished product also determines the print technologies to consider.

With the basic framework for the print job in hand, it continues along a path that includes designing and creating print files, delivering them to the printer, preparing the files for print and print execution, finishing, customer acceptance, and then moving the finished work into use. Build these steps into your conversations with clients to create the best experience for them and you.

The Plan

A plan is more than a simple checklist of things to do to get ready to send a print job. It begins with a conversation with the client covering the print work they want to buy, how they will use it, when they need it, and their thoughts on the creative design. Some clients will bring their design files to you, but they must be reviewed to ensure they can be executed as the customer intends. Others will want help getting their vision defined, designed, and prepared.

For those that need some help, spend some time understanding their vision. Is the customer buying wedding announcements, or do they need business wayfinding signs? Are they looking for signage or brochures? What is their color scheme? Are they bringing images and graphics to the table or asking for your design help to select them? It pays to have a set of starter templates for the work you sell to guide the conversation because many who come to you will not understand things like how text and color work together or how different types of paper or sign stock can change the project’s appearance. Your expertise is the value you bring to the conversation!

For those that bring a completed design, the conversation needs to be a frank assessment of how the design will work on the selected substrates and formats. A common mistake in design files is the lack of a bleed when images extend to the edge of the page or sign. Extending the graphics beyond the edge of the page, typically 3mm or 1/8”, prevents unwanted white areas that detract from the design.

Create a checklist that helps you walk through the plan so that you know:

• What the customer wants: brochure, poster, invitation, sign, or other print product.
• The specifications: How big, how wide, how many, and what substrate.
• When they need it: today, tomorrow, next week, for a specific event date.
• Who is creating the design files, and who is empowered to approve them?
• If they bring design files to the table, what tool was used to create them and what type of digital file is being delivered?

That is the starting point. The next step is to verify the creative files as suitable for their intended purpose.

The Production

Once a plan is agreed upon with a client, there is more work to do. The files used for printing are usually PDF or PostScript files. Those files need to be reviewed and preflighted. That means ensuring that the files have the appropriate fonts embedded, that graphics are the correct resolution, and that the formatting is appropriate for the intended finishing. The file should be a high-resolution file – screen scraping images from the internet won’t result in the print quality most customers expect.

Reviewing the files against the intended finishing may result in design changes. Make sure clients are prepared if they ask for specific cuts, folds, or binding. No one wants their business logo or a picture stuck in a fold or text stuck in the binding because the pages weren’t prepared properly.

Once the file is printed and finished, the next step is to accomplish delivery. Verify the delivery information each time you talk to the client. For More Help with Your Print Project you can reach us at (516) 561-1468 or Visit Our Customer Support Page at:https://www.printcafeli.com/help/index.html

Glossary of Print Terms

Now You’re Speaking Our Language!

Whether it’s lawn care, insurance, auto, or medical — there is a special “language” that those who work within each industry understand. With our many terms from offset to bleed, we have a unique language all our own. Whether you’re new to print or a seasoned veteran, we thought we’d share a glossary of common terms so that when the time comes to order, ask or answer a question, everyone is on the same page. 

Knowing and understanding our unique printing language helps us share our thoughts, ideas, needs, and aspirations through words. Not only that, it adds value to your business and gives you an edge over competitors.

Aqueous Coating

A fast-drying, water-based coating that is applied after printing, giving a glossy finish that protects the print’s surface

Artwork

The original digital copy which includes all text, graphics, photos, and illustrations, which is used as a print design file 

Batch

Multiple projects printed at a time on a defined set of data

Bleed/Cut Lines

Limits to where your image can be placed

CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black)

Color space that uses ink to display colors during the printing process. Standard for offset and digital printing

Coating

Texture or coating on paper

Die Cut 

In the printing world, a die refers to a precise, razor-sharp blade that allows multiple cuts of the same shape. A die cut is a process where the die cuts through the material, paper, cardstock, etc., on a die press. This process allows identical cuts to be made for a uniform look

Digital Printing

Also known as four-color process printing, digital printing is the ideal process for small-volume print jobs ranging from 1 to 5,000 sheets of paper. It is the most cost-effective print process, is designed for use with CMYK color, and requires less setup work for the print technician

Direct Mail

Traditional direct mail targets a specific demographic. You can use it to send postcards, flyers, and brochures to a mailing list that consists of people that fit your target age, gender, income, and other variables

Dye-Sublimation

Digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate. Also referred to as digital sublimation, the process is commonly used for decorating apparel, signs, and banners as well as other items with sublimation-friendly surfaces.

EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)

Using mailing routes from the United States Postal Service (USPS), you can choose a specific area that you want to cover with your direct mail, EDDM targets a specific geographic area. No mailing list is necessary

Foil

A thin metal applied to paper used in foil stamping and foil embossing (typically gold or silver)

Four Color Process

The process of printing using the combination of four basic color inks: CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to produce a range of colors and create a color image

Four Over Four (4/4)

A print job with four, full-color printing on both sides of the paper

Four Over One (4/1)

A print job with four, full-color printing on the front side and one color (usually black) on the back side

Four Over Zero (4/0)

A print job with four-color printing on the front side and no printing on the back side

Gang Run

A printing method where multiple printing projects are placed on a common paper sheet in an effort to reduce printing costs

Gloss

A shiny coating applied to paper

Group Sets 

The shipping option that allows the customer to ship the exact same product, but to various locations. This option is intended to save the customer time from repeating the same ordering process

Group Shipping 

A shipping option that allows customers to combine multiple sets that will be shipped in one package to save costs in shipping

Indicia

Preprinted postal information that takes the place of a stamp on a mailing envelope, postcard, etc.

Lamination

The process of applying a thin layer of plastic to paper or card sheets to enhance and protect the printed material. Common types of laminate are gloss, matte, and silk

Large Format

A broad print category of printed material that is too big for most commercial printing presses

Lithographic Printing 

Also known as litho printing (for short), and offset printing, is where the image of the desired content to be produced is placed on a plate which is then covered in ink and used for printing. This process can be used to print on paper, cardboard, and many other materials

Majestic

Majestic products are the Print Cafe's signature line of premium finishes including luxury stocks, laminates, and treatments. Majestic upgrades allow you to offer your customers a unique visual and tactile marketing experience by adding unconventional color, texture, and sheen to business cards, postcards, and other printed materials

Matte

Dull, non-glossy finish

Offset Printing

Commonly used for high-volume print jobs of 1,000 pieces and more, this process requires the setup of a different printing plate for each color and runs every print through each color printing plate to create the finished product

Pantone Color

A universal color language that designers, printing companies, and brand owners use

Perfect Bind

A binding technique in which pages are collated into a single sheet, glued together, and attached to the cover with an adhesive

Perforation

The process of making holes or a series of cuts to make tearing or folding easier

Plating

Chemically edging the full batch onto steel plates

Process Colors (use this definition below on CMYK)

The four basic colors used in printing to simulate full spectrum color – Cyan (blue), magenta (process red), yellow (process yellow), black (process black)

Proof

A sample of your final design — available in either digital or hard form. This is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes in printing, and it’s important to pay close attention to the proofs you receive to make sure the design, copy, and color are free from errors

RGB (Red Green Blue)

Color space that uses light to display images onscreen. Commonly used for TV, websites, and other digital advertising that will be displayed on a monitor

Run Size

Number of copies printed at one time

Saddle Stitch

A method of binding using staples in the spine or seam of a booklet or book where it folds

Set

Classifies how many units of a particular print product are printed at the same time

Spot UV

Refers to the application of the UV coating to a specific area(s) of a printed piece to add interest or texture, rather than coating the entire surface. It’s a creative way to add depth and contrast through varying levels of sheen and texture

Substrate

The base material onto which printing will be applied, typically used when referring to the materials used for large format products 

UV Coating

Liquid, glossy coating applied to the paper’s surface and cured with UV light

Vector Images

Images made up of solids, lines, and curves that can be scaled or edited without affecting the image’s resolution

As always, we're here to help you with whatever print needs come your way, including print campaigns that help boost your social media! Call Us Today for More Information at: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com

 

6 Automation Tips for 

Your Small Business

Automation has helped many small businesses become much more fluid and, in turn, succeed.

Automation has become one of the keys to success: nearly 80% of top-performing companies have used marketing automation for more than two years.

Although they might not have the resources of their counterparts, small companies can and should incorporate automation in every aspect of business: From capturing leads to closing sales and serving customers to checking routine office tasks off the to-do list.

Research has shown that while small businesses are less likely to invest in automation than large ones, they have more success when they do.

Here are a few common areas of automation where small businesses can get big results.

6 Automation Tips for Your Small Business

1. Lead and Contact Management

Dealing with leads and contacts manually can be a hassle.

Consider replacing that complicated spreadsheet with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) automation.

A CRM platform can automate lead scoring and take action when a score changes. For example, it can notify you when a deal is heating up or trigger an email when a contact hits a particular score.

2. List Segmentation

Segmentation of your contact list is key to sending personalized content, which has an average 34% open/click rate.

You can do this automatically based on actions that a person takes. 

3. Email Marketing

Email marketing has an incredible return on investment (ROI).

Businesses earn an average of $35 for every $1 spent. Email gives you a direct line to your audience and helps you build brand awareness.

But regularly sending professional, personalized emails to your contacts can be time-consuming for small businesses. Email marketing automation software makes it easier. Examples include welcome emails, abandoned cart emails, and birthday and anniversary emails.

4. Social Media

Social media automation includes automating your content to post on a social media platform at certain times.

All major social networks allow paid advertising, and you can reach a targeted audience when and where they are already spending time.

5. Notifications

Notifications are a type of automation with significant benefits, like increased efficiency and speed.

Automatic notifications give you updates on critical events so you can take action immediately. 

6. Customer Support

Small businesses care about their customers and are committed to offering the best support possible. Automation can help. 

For example, chatbots have become increasingly popular in customer support and have been shown to increase sales by an average of 67%.

Ultimately, automation streamlines your processes and makes you more competitive — especially if you’re a small business. 

When it comes to printing, we, too, want to make you more efficient so you can make the most of your time and budget and focus on what matters most. Contact us today at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 

4 Things Your Direct Mail 

Piece Needs to Convert

Direct mail is a simple, cost-efficient way to reach your target market. 

The response rates for direct mail are about five to nine times higher than other advertising channels. However, five to nine times is quite a range. Getting your direct mail to reach the nine times higher statistic requires certain elements. 

Here are four things your direct mail piece needs to convert direct mail into sales. 

1. Personalization

Recipients respond well to personalized advertisements. 

The more personalization, the better your target market can say, "Wow! This is for me!" One study showed that 93% of businesses that incorporated an advanced personalization strategy experienced revenue growth.

Personalization starts with data. The more customer data you have, the more personalized your direct mail can be. Gather data regarding geographic, demographic, and behavioral characteristics so you can… 

• Include the recipient's name in all outgoing marketing materials.
• Reference the client's past buying history.
• Suggest products the customer might be interested in. 

To simplify your marketing, try to divide your overall target market into niche audiences with specific pain points. This will allow the mail to be more personalized while still being manageable for your business to execute. 

2. Special offers

Tell the recipient what's in it for them. 

By including special offers in your direct mail, people will be more likely to act. Make your direct mail more effective by triggering fear of missing out by making the offer for a limited time only or while supplies last. 

If your company struggles to acquire data from your customers, you could have customers fill out a form before they can access the special offer. 

Examples of special offers include:

• Discounts
• Exclusive events
• Free samples

Example: "Scan this QR code, tell us about yourself, and get 25% off your next purchase! For a limited time only." 

3. Strong writing

The content within direct mail heavily influences readers. 

Create a confident, friendly, accessible piece with direct mail by focusing on the writing. Tips to achieve this include: 

• Make it accessible to all by using simple language and short sentences.
• Make it easy to skim by adding headings and bullet points.
• Tell readers what's important by making certain words and phrases pop.
• Include stories readers will enjoy and connect with.
• Make your first and last sentences count because they are the most frequently read. 

By making the content of your direct mail enjoyable to read, recipients will be more likely to act. 

4. Follow up after sending direct mail

People are busy, and they need reminders. 

Therefore, follow up with your customers after sending direct mail. You can follow up with another direct mail piece, email, or phone call. When doing so, remind the customer about the special deals and your previous point of contact. 

Direct mail is a powerful tool in marketing. But you're going to want the most conversions for your money. Help convert by including these four strategies in your direct mail campaign. 

We're here to help you convert when you're ready to print! Reach out today! Call us at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com

 

6 Ways to Engage Your Audience 

With Interactive Print Marketing

Interactive print marketing allows more engagement from the receiver, upping retention. 

Interactive print marketing is any print that allows engagement beyond reading from the user. It can have digital or non-digital aspects. 

Non-Digital Interactive Print Marketing

Non-digital interactive print marketing uses creativity to enhance print, creating a unique experience. 

1. Scents

Sending scents through the mail is especially helpful when advertising the wonderful smell of your perfume. 

However, even if you don't sell perfumes, sending a scent through the mail can still be helpful. By associating your business with good smells, you'll intrigue and please potential clients while influencing their emotions, as 75% of emotions are due to smell.

Incorporating a particular smell could become part of your brand identity, boosting recognition. People are 100 times more likely to remember a smell than something they see, hear or touch.

2. Invisible Ink

Make your campaign fun by telling your recipients to get the paper wet or bring it outside into the sun. 

Having "hidden" messages appear after following the prompts creates a fun experience for the customer while also making your advertisement memorable. 

Entice your readers to follow the prompts by providing a discount or some benefit after following through. 

3. Origami

Send print that can be transformed into something more through origami. 

This is a fun activity for the recipients. Make sure the directions are clear and the origami doesn't get too complicated. Otherwise, the recipient will become frustrated. 

Connect the origami piece to your marketing campaign and product. Make it even better by providing the customer with something functional once they're done, like a pencil holder. 

Digital Interactive Print Marketing

It can be beneficial to change your strategy mid-campaign by including digital aspects. 

It also increases response rates; a study shows the increase in response rates could be from 2 to 35%!

4. Lights 

Did you know you could include lights in your print marketing?

Adding lights can make your direct mail shine. With the holidays just around the corner, adding lights to Christmas trees in direct mail will help you stand out. Use your imagination to find ways to enhance your package through digital lights. 

5. QR Codes 

QR codes help to create a seamless omni channel approach by creating a bridge between the print and the digital world. 

QR codes can connect consumers to…

• Social media. Social media is a wonderful way to interact with clients while showcasing your best products or services.
• Website. Your website can be used to find out more information about your company and answer any questions. To make it even more effective, you could include QR codes that bring the customer directly to the product you're advertising.
• Video. If you'd like to share more information than can be included in the print piece, then have the QR code direct users to an engaging video for more info. 

QR codes can help your print marketing deliver more than would otherwise be possible while helping people follow your calls to action more easily. 

6. Artificial Reality

Artificial reality gives your print marketing a chance to come alive. 

When the recipient scans the image with their phone or tablet, they'll be able to see images moving and making noise through their phone.

It's another element that increases the recall of the recipients while also providing them with a bit of fun in their lives. 

Print marketing is not archaic. Although it has been used for many years, it has kept up with modern technology to provide unique, memorable features to your target market. 

Let us help you engage your audience with interactive print marketing! Reach out today!

As always, we're here to help you with whatever print needs come your way, including print campaigns that help boost your social media! Call Us Today for More Information at: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 

11 Print Products That 

Make Great Holiday Gifts

The holidays are coming, and you want to reward your clients (and possibly even your staff) with fun items that will benefit them and keep your name buzzing around.

Utilizing giveaways helps people identify your brand and reminds them of your business when they’re ready to purchase.

Here are some great ideas to help do both of these things. 

11 Print Products That Make Great Holiday Gifts

1. Water bottles

These are popular because they are reusable and reduce waste in landfills.

Of course, we all want to stay hydrated, but it’s also a perfect canvas for your business logo.

2. Calendars

We all use our phones but hang up our paper calendars to remind us of important dates.

Add photos and your logos, and you’re set. Each month, there will be a different picture to admire.

3. Mugs

Who doesn’t like to curl up with a good book or Kindle and read with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Mugs are perfect for winter months to warm hands up during a chilly business meeting. And your name is front and center.

4. Keychains

Create a fun, engaging, creative keychain for your customers and employees.

Then, tie it in with a popular sporting event in town or location to bring camaraderie.

5. Bookmarks

Design some fun bookmarks for your guests.

Include engaging local scenery and fun graphics. Believe it or not, people still like these types of gifts.

6. Stationery

This is a wonderful idea if you are looking to reward your employees.

Create one-of-a-kind stationery that is customized to them.

7. Caps

Whether you create winter caps or baseball caps, the message is clear.

This type of gift has your logo front and center and is something useable for months. These are great ways to get your logo noticed. 

8. Magnets

Fun, fun, fun! Magnets are great in the office or at home.

People use them all the time. So consider it a challenge to come up with something clever.

9. T-shirts

These are great giveaways because we all wear t-shirts.

They are great under sweatshirts, in the gym, or on a casual day at the office.

10. Bottle opener

No one wants to be stuck without a bottle opener at their next event.

Make sure your bottle opener flaunts your logo clearly, and pick colors that represent your business well.  

11. Notepads or notebooks

We all need more of these; they get used a lot.

Find a fun style, size, or shape of notepad to create a long-lasting appeal.

No matter what products you choose to use, it’s clear that your logo will permeate their brain, causing them to remember you when they need your services. It’s like subliminal advertising.

Giveaways and contests help you generate leads, engage your customers and increase your audience reach, all simultaneously!

So remember, when you need printing done, we are here to help your ideas become successful. Contact us today! Call 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: https://printcafe.dcpromosite.com/

 

How to Set Smart Goals for 

Your Next Social Media Campaign

SMART goals help you identify areas you'd like to improve and clarify your objectives for a successful social media campaign. They act as a guide to data collection and help your team know which tasks to prioritize. 

SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym for… 

• Specific. Use statistical values to narrow down what and how much you'd like to achieve.
• Measurable. Attribute values to non-numerical indicators of success, being precise in how you'd like to measure. 
• Achievable. Look at past campaigns and use them as a base for how much you think your business can achieve.
• Realistic. Similar to achievable. Make sure your goal is relevant.
• Timely. Set a date for when you'd like the goal to be completed. 

Setting SMART goals acts as a base for your social media campaign.

Create a Social Media Campaign With SMART Goals

SMART goals help create a stellar social media campaign that works for your company. 

Step 1: Set a goal using the SMART goal method, making sure it's specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Determine what metrics are best to measure. 

Step 2: Determine your target market. This will guide decisions, including which social media channel(s) to use and content to put out. Make sure it all ties back to support your goal. 

Step 3: Create a content calendar. Plan out your content using a calendar. Make sure everything is spaced out, and posts build off each other. 

Step 4: Manage the campaign. Actively engage with customers by replying to comments and answering questions. Adjust your strategy as needed. If you're not in line to meet your goals, then try new tactics to boost engagement.

Step 5: Analyze the results. What went well? What would you do differently? Why? Use what you learn to create a better social media campaign next time. 

Using SMART goals as a guide can help you get the results you want in your next social media campaign. 

SMART Social Media Campaign Goals

Sometimes, determining what goals to set can be challenging. Here are two ideas to get you started. 

1. Increase brand awareness 

If you're running a social media campaign, this is a great place to start because it's the top reason marketers use social media.

To set a SMART goal, answer these questions: 

• Who do you want to increase brand awareness with?
• How will you measure this? Through followers, views, likes, or shares?
• Once you've determined how you're going to measure your campaign, how many followers, views, likes, or shares do you want? Is this goal achievable and realistic? Do you have access to past campaigns to use as a benchmark?
• When do you want to reach your goal? 

By effectively increasing brand awareness, your business will increase sales and traffic. 

2. Improve customer service

More and more customers are looking to social media for customer support. 

One in five people says they use social media for customer support.

To set a SMART goal, answer these questions: 

• How many people reach out via social media for customer support?
• How fast is your current average response time through social media?
• How fast would you like your response time to be? Is this realistic?
• What is your customer satisfaction score for those who sought help via social media? Where would you want it to be? 

Your business can increase revenue, customer satisfaction score, and customer retention by having good customer service available through social media. 

Having goals, especially SMART goals, improves performance and happiness. Setting SMART goals for your social media campaigns can have a significant impact. 

Social media is one of your business's many avenues to reach customers. Effectively reaching a variety of customers requires an omni channel approach, including online and offline marketing.

As always, we're here to help you with whatever print needs come your way, including print campaigns that help boost your social media! Call Us Today for More Information at: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com