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Thursday, March 7, 2024

Measuring Success: 11 Metrics for 

Print Marketing Campaigns

With so much emphasis on online advertising and social media, it's easy to overlook the impact of well-executed print materials on your target audience.

But how do you measure the success of your print marketing campaigns?

While tracking the effectiveness of physical marketing materials may seem complicated, a few key metrics can help you evaluate your efforts.

Consider These 11 Metrics for Evaluating the Success of Your Print Campaigns

Response Rate

The response rate is perhaps one of the most critical metrics for measuring the success of any marketing campaign, including print.

This metric assesses the percentage of people who responded to your call-to-action (CTA) after receiving your print materials. This could include visiting your website, purchasing, or completing a form.

Conversion Rate

Similar to the response rate, the conversion rate measures the percentage of people who not only respond to your CTA but also complete the desired action.

For example, if your CTA is to make a purchase, the conversion rate would track the percentage of people who purchased after receiving your print materials.

Cost Per Response

The cost per response is calculated by dividing the total price of your print marketing campaign by the number of responses you received.

This metric can help you determine your campaign's ROI (return on investment) and compare it to other forms of advertising.

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

While not specific to print marketing campaigns, CLV is an essential metric for any business.

It calculates the total revenue a customer will generate over their lifetime. By tracking this metric, you can determine how effectively your print materials attract and retain valuable customers.

Brand Recognition

Print marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and business cards can contribute to building brand recognition.

Utilizing these materials consistently and effectively increases your brand's visibility and improves customer recall.

Call Tracking

Implementing call tracking for your print marketing campaigns allows you to track the number of calls your materials generate.

This can help you assess the success of specific ads or campaigns and make adjustments as needed.

Coupon Redemption

If your print materials include coupons or special offers, tracking the redemption rate can give you insight into their effectiveness.

This metric can also help you determine which offers appeal to your target audience and adjust accordingly.

Social Media Engagement

Even though print materials may not be directly connected to social media, they can still drive engagement on your social media platforms.

You can track the number of shares, likes, and comments generated by your campaign by including social media handles or hashtags on your materials.

Website Traffic

Print marketing campaigns can also drive traffic to your website.

By monitoring the increase in website traffic after distributing print materials, you can measure their impact and adjust future campaigns.

Customer Feedback

Asking for feedback from customers who received your print materials can provide valuable insights into the success of your campaign.

This could include surveys or reviews about the customer's experience and whether the print materials influenced them.

Sales Revenue

Last but certainly not least, sales revenue is a critical metric for evaluating the overall success of your print marketing campaign.

By tracking the increase in sales during and after the campaign, you can determine whether it effectively drove revenue and met your business goals.

While digital marketing may seem to dominate the advertising landscape, print materials have maintained a valuable place in any successful marketing strategy. By utilizing these key metrics, you can measure the effectiveness of your print campaigns and make informed decisions for future marketing efforts.

Don't overlook the power of print - with the right metrics, you can ensure its success in your overall marketing plan. Contact us today to start your next campaign at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli


 

Monday, March 4, 2024

Choosing the Right Paper for 

Your Print Project: A 7-Step Guide

Print projects are crucial for businesses and organizations, whether for marketing, packaging, or brochures.

A critical aspect of every print project is selecting the right paper. The type and quality of paper you choose can greatly impact your printed materials and their results. 

But with so many available options, how do you know which paper suits your project?

7 Steps to Choose the Perfect Paper for Your Next Print Project

Step 1: Identify the Purpose

Is your project intended for promotional materials at a trade show or a product catalog for potential customers?

The purpose will determine the type of paper you need. For example, for luxury brochures, opt for thicker, glossier paper. For eco-friendly projects, choose recycled paper.

Step 2: Consider Your Audience

Who will receive your printed materials?

Understanding your target audience is crucial. Different demographics may prefer different paper types and quality.

For a younger audience, choose vibrant and colorful paper. For a more traditional appeal, go for something classic and elegant. 

Step 3: Determine the Look and Feel

Aesthetics matter.

Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Do you prefer a modern, sleek look or a traditional, rustic feel?

The paper's texture, weight, and finish contribute to the look and feel. Textured paper adds depth, while a glossy finish gives a polished appearance.

Step 4: Understand Paper Types

Know the different paper types available:

  • Coated Paper: Smooth and glossy with a coating
  • Uncoated Paper: Natural and textured
  • Recycled Paper: Made from recycled materials with various textures and finishes
  • Specialty Paper: Metallic or textured paper for a unique touch

Step 5: Consider the Printing Process

Different printing processes may require specific paper types.

For digital printing, choose paper designed for that process. Embossing or foiling requires paper that can withstand those techniques.

Step 6: Test and Compare

Narrow down your options and test each paper.

Printing companies offer sample packs for comparison. Print your design on each piece of paper and compare it.

Step 7: Consider the Cost

Higher quality and specialty papers may be pricier, so check if they fit your budget.

Using high-quality paper can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your project, creating a lasting impression.

Choosing the right paper for your print project may seem daunting, but these seven steps will help you make an informed decision. Take the time to choose wisely, and you'll see its impact!

Need help selecting the perfect paper? Let us assist you! Contact us today to create the ideal print product to promote your brand. 

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


 

Thursday, February 29, 2024

4 Hallmarks of a Great Advertising 

Message (Examples Included!)

There is power in good copy, but there’s MAGIC in great advertising.

Want proof? Enjoy this trip down memory lane!


  • When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best (Hallmark, 1934)
  • Breakfast of Champions (Wheaties, 1935)
  • Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand (M&Ms, 1954)
  • Betcha Can’t Eat Just One (Lay’s, 1963)
  • The Few, The Proud, The Marines (US Marine Corps, 1977)
  • Just Do It (Nike, 1987)

A strong slogan is a snapshot of what the best ads embody.

Their idea is short, captures attention, and leaves a lasting impression on consumers long after the message fades.

Drafting Short Soundbites with Big Ideas

Writing convincing copy is both a skill and an art form.

Advertisements should be unique, timely, persuasive, memorable, and concise. Easy, right? If only it were that simple.

Whole books are devoted to helping you write 30-second promos, but if you’re looking for the very basics, here are four tips to get you started.

1. Know Your Audience

You can only hit a bulls-eye if you have a tangible target in mind.

To shape the perfect message, you’ll need to review exactly who your target prospect is and the advertising medium where your ad will appear. Alert writers won’t pen a word before nailing down these details.

2. Highlight Your Unique Selling Proposition

Today’s buyers are overwhelmed with options, so they must quickly understand what makes you different from your competitors, or they’ll disengage altogether.

When you want to stand tall in your industry, a unique selling proposition (USP) sets you apart. USPs clarify the reason customers should buy from you and you alone.

What makes your product or company different? Brainstorm ways you can say this in one punchy phrase.

For example: 

  • Saddleback Leather: They’ll fight over it when you are gone (because our products will outlive you!)
  • Geico: 15 minutes could save you 15 percent more on your car insurance

3. Use Offers that Sell

Add a natural conclusion – like an exceptional deal, a date-sensitive timeline, or a risk-free option – combined with a clear next step that prompts people to act.

For example: 

  • No charge for the first two months. Email ___ for your subscription.
  • Free returns, no questions asked. Take your ___ home today!
  • Only ___ tickets remain! Reserve your spot HERE.

4. Unleash Your Inner Poet with Active, Emotional Language

Only have a minute or less?

Maximize your mic time with bold headlines, flavorful adjectives, and poetic flair. Need inspiration? Here are 120 clear examples of words and phrases for marketing with emotion.

Brief and Brilliant

Ready to rock it? In closing, remember this advice, often credited to President Woodrow Wilson: “Be brief, be brilliant, and be gone.”

Contact us today to help get your great advertising messages out in print! Call 516-561-1468 or

Visit our Website:www.printcafeli.com


 

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Sustainable Printing: 

4 Eco-conscious Printing Practices

In the last few years, consumers have been increasingly emphasizing the sustainability and eco-friendliness of their favorite brands.

A study done by the Harvard Business Review showed that when Gen Z and Millennial customers believe a brand cares about its impact on people and the planet, they are 27% more likely to purchase from it than older generations. 

As the world gravitates towards eco-friendliness, the print industry is also evolving, embracing methods that minimize environmental impact without compromising quality or creativity. 

4 Ways to Make Your Print Marketing More Eco-Friendly

Check out these strategies for taking advantage of the effectiveness of print (80% of consumers act on direct mail print advertisements) while factoring in eco-conscious printing practices. 

1. Use Recycled Materials

One of the easier ways to create more sustainable print marketing is by choosing eco-friendly alternatives to your typical products. 

For paper, try using recycled papers or cardstocks- and make sure that your paper choices are certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Using recycled paper will also reduce your company's production costs and help limit the number of new trees that need to be cut to make paper.

2. Vegetable-based Inks

Soy-based inks are now available as a substitute for petroleum-based inks.

They are nontoxic, nonflammable, and made with renewable resources.

This easy switch will increase the sustainability of all the materials you print while still producing vibrant colors. 

3. Recycling Initiatives

After creating print materials for one of your campaigns, properly recycle the leftover materials and scraps. 

Or, even better, seek ways to reuse or repurpose those materials for future projects. Sturdier printed pieces, such as postcards or signs on thick cardstock, could be saved and reused to reduce waste. 

You can also limit the amount of leftover print materials by carefully planning before you begin a printing project. Identify your target customers using CRM or other marketing tools beforehand so that you can print only the necessary materials and prevent waste.

4. Use Proofing

Errors in your printed materials can greatly impact the eco-friendliness of your production process.

Whether it's a grammatical error or a design error, it might result in the need for materials to be reprinted or for an entire batch of prints to be discarded. 

Use proofing tools or have other team members look it over so that your print materials can be reviewed and double-checked. Ensure the message is clear, all contact details are accurate, and the design fits the campaign's needs. This will ensure a more streamlined process and eliminate opportunities for waste!

As you strive to make your printing process more environmentally friendly, our company is here for you and all your printing needs! Visit our website today to learn how we can help you create quality print materials.Go towww.printcafeli.com


 

Thursday, February 22, 2024

3 Reasons Brochures Still Have 

a Role in Modern Marketing

The classic tri-fold brochure.

These documents with information, images, contact info, and a flashy slogan are commonly seen in clinic waiting rooms, on tourist boards, or inside your local paper.

You may wonder, "In this digital age of social media, emails, and streaming services, do brochures still have a place in marketing?" 

Absolutely! 

Because of their portability, unique designs, tangible quality, and simplicity (no pop-ads interrupting your future customer), brochures offer a creative and effective marketing option to boost your exposure to current and prospective customers.

The Role of Brochures in Modern Marketing

Here are three reasons why brochures still have a role to play in modern marketing.

1. Slow Down Your Customer

Allow your potential customer the time to read about your company on their own terms, without notifications or emails interrupting them.

In our fast-paced world, sometimes a simple brochure is just the right amount of reading a person wants in an ad.

According to a recent study, over 95% of recipients of brochures read at least the main points. This study encourages brochures because it found that once individuals have a brochure, they almost always read at least the most critical information.

2. Break the Ice

Brochures are also an excellent ice breaker between you and your future client, giving you some common ground to discuss when you first meet.

When potential customers pick up and read your brochure, they begin cultivating an understanding of your company.

As you meet with these clients and begin a relationship, this inaugural impression springs into action. 

3. Share More Info

With five separate sections spread out over a traditional trifold and room for an engaging front page, there is ample room to share your business's information, values, mission, success, and contact info on a brochure. 

What to Include in an Effective Brochure

Engaging Graphics

Vivid colors, clarity, and boldness in your visual aids are essential to grab and hold your audience's attention effectively. 

Consider every detail to entice your reader or potential customer,
making the experience more engaging and compelling.

Fonts and layout, often overlooked, are key elements that play a pivotal role in delivering your message and enhancing the effectiveness of your content.

Informative Images

Using graphs or charts is a helpful method to explain the impact of your business, give an overview of results, or highlight other positive aspects of your company. 

These visual aids are effective and straightforward to comprehend, offering a clear and concise representation of complex data or achievements.

Include Promotions or Coupons

Incorporating promotions or coupons into your brochure can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

By offering your customers actionable items, like encouraging a phone call or inviting them for a physical visit, you create a direct pathway for engagement.

Create bridges between you and future clients today with the power of a brochure. 

Contact one of our professional and personable marketing experts today to create a brochure that boosts your business! Call Today 516-561-1468


Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Spotlight on Specialty Printing: 

Foil Stamping

Step into the spotlight and discover the captivating world of foil stamping. 

Embellishments, like foil stamping, add a wow factor to your printed pieces. This extraordinary printing technique, originating in ancient China, has stood the test of time when artisans first adorned their creations with dazzling gold leaf. 

Today, foil stamping still reigns supreme, infusing a touch of luxury and sophistication into business cards, invitations, packaging, and promotional materials.

How it Works: The Artistry Unveiled

Get ready to be amazed as we reveal the magic of foil stamping.

A heated metal die meets a delicate foil sheet, and the magical transformation begins with just a touch of pressure.

The adhesive layer on the foil comes alive, gently transferring onto your chosen canvas.

The result?

A stunning raised metallic design that captures attention and radiates pure brilliance.

Types of Foil: A Kaleidoscope of Possibilities

Let your imagination run wild with an array of foil options, each possessing its charm and allure:

Metallic Foil

Embrace timeless elegance with classic gold, silver, or copper tones that exude prestige and sophistication.

Holographic Foil

Unleash a mesmerizing display of color with holographic foil, creating an enchanting rainbow effect that captivates the eye.

Matte Foil

For those seeking a subtle and refined aesthetic, matte foil offers a velvety finish that whispers of understated elegance.

Pigment Foil

Dive into a world of vibrant possibilities with pigmented foils, perfect for creating vivid designs on dark-colored materials.

Specialty Foil

Prepare to be spellbound by a menagerie of enchanting options, from dazzling glitter to captivating marble, woodgrain, and snakeskin. 

Advantages of Foil Stamping: Elevate Your Print Marketing Materials

Unlock the hidden potential of foil stamping and witness your print marketing designs come to life with these remarkable advantages.

Unparalleled Visual Allure

Infuse your creations with an irresistible allure, as the luminous metallic finish of foil stamping sets them apart from the ordinary, leaving a lasting impression.

Enduring Brilliance

Withstanding the test of time, foil-stamped prints retain their lustrous shine, undeterred by the rigors of handling and environmental conditions.

Boundless Versatility

Whether paper, cardstock, leather, or plastic, foil stamping effortlessly transforms any surface into a canvas for your imagination, making it the ultimate choice for diverse projects.

Infinite Customization

Embrace boundless creativity as you explore various foil colors and types.

Tailor each print to your heart's desire, shaping your brand or design with unmatched personalization.

Value for Investment

Witness the magic unfold as foil stamping delivers exceptional results in a single production step.

It's the perfect solution for high-end prints, a cost-effective choice that doesn't compromise quality.

Foil stamping is where brilliance meets craftsmanship, and every print becomes a work of art. 

Ready to elevate your designs and captivate your audience? Contact us today to discuss how foil stamping can play a role in your next print marketing initiative.

Call 516-561-1468


Thursday, February 8, 2024

 





All the 2024 Colors of the Year 

to Inspire Your Next Print Design

By   Anna D

Anything that involves design is heavily influenced by color. In fact, there’s a complex color psychology that proves colors even affect human moods and behaviors. When it comes to determining which colors to use, for any given project, there are many different funnels of approach. After all, inspiration can spark from anywhere at any time. With all the 2024 colors of the year finally out, let’s take a look at some of the colors that are expected to trend in interior design, graphic design, fashion, and even advertisements.

Though most of these colors are actually based on paint colors, they are bound to show up across everything from walls to digital designs. We’ve provided all the hex codes and CMYK percentages so that you can use any of these phenomenal colors for all of your design projects, from new business cards and updated brochure designs, to website revamps.

The Blue Hues

For 2024, it seems like the reigning majority for the year’s color trend is blue and all its various shades. Across many different paint companies, their crowned colors of the year range from cool-toned blues, warm blues, and even bright blues to inspire every type of design project. Blue shades, even the most vibrant of blues, are known to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Inspired by Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, “Blue Nova”












Color hex code: #5B6D92
C 22%   M 15%   Y 0%   K 43%

This cool-toned blue-gray shade is reminiscent of a Nordic blue. Its inviting, nature-inspired tone reminds us of a night sky and evokes the longing for adventure. In any design, this color would be ideal both as an accent color and as a center stage color.

Inspired by C2’s Color of the Year, “Thermal”












Color hex code: #B5D5E6
C 19%   M 7%   Y 0%   K 10%

The name thermal may imply cold, but this color has a welcoming vibe to it that we think will perform well when used as a background color.

Inspired by Krylon’s Color of the Year, “Bluebird”












Color hex code: #08A8E4
C 86%   M 24%   Y 0%   K 11%

Bold, beautiful, and is sure to grab attention. This color will serve as the perfect accent color.

Inspired by Valspar’s Color of the Year, “Renew Blue”












Color hex code: #99B6B3
C 11%   M 0%   Y 1%   K 29%

A mid-tone blue-green hybrid color that reminds us of a subdued variation of a sea foam green.

Inspired by Dunn-Edwards’ Color of the Year, “Skipping Stones”












Color hex code: #70959E
C 18%   M 4%   Y 0%   K 38%

If teal and gray had a baby, this color would be it. Like blue nova, this color is versatile, in that it can either be an accent color or a main color for any type of design project. We think we’ll see this color most during the Spring season.

Inspired by Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year “Upward”












Color hex code: #BFC9D0
C 7%   M 3%   Y 0%   K 18%

A neutral-toned airy gray-blue that has enough character to elevate any design. Instead of a cool gray background color, consider this shade. Thank us later.


Moody, Dark Neutrals

Classic and modern dark tones will also be making their way into 2024. The trend of dark, moody colors is set to envelop interior design and fashion landscapes. Though it may be a bold choice for living room walls, darker colors evoke a sense of mystery and sophistication that will translate well on common marketing prints like business cards and postcards. Their rising popularity can be attributed to a collective desire to depart from previous minimalist trends. As we navigate through an increasingly digital world, these types of colors have a grounding presence that will allow us to dive into serene, intimate aesthetic designs.

Inspired by Dutch Boy’s Color of the Year, “Ironside”












Color hex code: #605E55
C 0%   M 1%   Y 4%   K 62%

Earthy tones like this cool brown have been all the rage lately and will continue to show up in 2024.

Inspired by Behr’s Color of the Year, “Cracked Pepper”












Color hex code: #4C4D4F
C 1%   M 1%   Y 0%   K 69%

A charcoal gray with some warmth and depth. Need we say more?


Warm, Light Neutrals

Shying away from the plain “beige” era, 2024 will dive into the warmer side of beige shades that still offer some neutrality. These types of shades offer much more personality and will pair well with other color schemes, such as earth-tone palettes.

Inspired by Glidden’s Color of the Year, “Limitless”












Color hex code: #F0DDB8
C 0%   M 7%   Y 22%   K 6%

This beautiful shade will pair well with both cool and warm-toned colors. If you were considering a neutral color like a cool-toned gray to balance out a design, try this warm neutral shade instead. Its creamy yellow undertone is brighter and is much more inviting than a gray.

Inspired by the Ultimate 2024 Color of the Year, “Peach Fuzz”












Color hex code: #FFBE98
C 0%   M 25%   Y 40%   K 0%

And last, but not least, the mother of all colors of the year is a pastel warm peachy beige. Looking at this color gives off feelings of nostalgia for a different time. In retrospect, this warm, inviting color will be a popular accent color to include in design concepts across fashion, interior design, and graphic design.


With the new year right around the corner, we hope these colors will light up the creative spark that you’ve been searching for, or even inspire you to take the leap and work towards the company re-branding goal you’ve been thinking about. Or, at the very least, we hope these colors have encouraged design concepts for all your upcoming digital or print marketing campaigns. For Help with your next Print or Sign Project Call: 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at: www.printcafeli.com