Black Friday Print Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

Along with the cooler weather and changing leaves of Autumn comes the beginning of the holiday season. In the business world, Thanksgiving also means the arrival of Black Friday. 

According to Capital One Shopping research, the average shopper spends $430 on Black Friday. This is a massive opportunity for companies within any industry to make sales! 

Although often, large, well-known corporations are the first to come to mind for Black Friday sales events, in reality, Black Friday can be an extremely lucrative time for your small business, too. Planning your marketing right will become the perfect time to spread the word about your company.

3 Creative Ideas for Small Business Marketing on Black Friday

1. Create a Holiday Gift Guide

50% of surveyed consumers responded that they would spend the most significant amount of money while Black Friday shopping on gifts for others. 

Since Black Friday falls right at the beginning of the holiday season, most customers will use it to purchase many gifts for their friends and family. Especially as a small business, paying attention to what your customers are looking for will be important in creating a gift guide for your store.

Compile some of your most gift-worthy products- such as decor, toys, electronics, clothing, and more- and organize them in categories based on price point or the type of person that might enjoy those gifts.

Then, use bold, eye-catching colors (such as red or yellow) to design an engaging handout for customers to browse. Printed versions of your company’s gift guide can be mailed or tucked into customers’ shopping bags at checkout starting a few weeks before Black Friday. 

2. Focus on Loyal Customers for Black Friday

One of the reasons why customers will choose to make purchases from a small business is because they like the more personal, local experience.

Part of building up that personalized experience, especially on Black Friday, is showing gratitude to the customers who have shopped with you during other times of the year.

Consider creating a loyalty points program if your business doesn’t already have one. Mail out ads that announce the chance for double earnings of loyalty points for each purchase made during the Black Friday sales event, specialty Black Friday coupons to existing customers, or a perforated ticket that they can drop off in-store during the Black Friday event to be entered into a raffle. 

Especially since Black Friday is such a busy time in retail stores, your customers will love to receive a handout in the mail that adds a touch of personal value. And those specialized deals might attract new customers to join your loyalty program, too!

3. Elevate Your Exterior and Interior Signage

Catch the attention of passersby with boldly printed signage in your store windows advertising the upcoming Black Friday sales event!

Don’t forget to utilize print marketing for the interior of your store, too. Two-thirds of consumers reported being more likely to impulse-buy during Black Friday than any other time of the year.

Customers will come into your small business curious and ready to purchase. Printed signage can work even better than sales flyers when drawing customers’ attention toward hot sales and guiding them around the store from section to section. 

Hang signs from the ceiling, post them on endcaps of aisles, and hang smaller signs on shelves to point visitors towards new, sale-priced, or unique products. 

Don’t forget that when creating a gift guide, direct mail coupons for your loyalty program, or signage for your store, we are the place to go for high-quality print products and additional marketing tips! Head to our website and get started today. http://www.ccpress.net

Type Design: Finding the Perfect Font for Your Brand

Fonts are an essential part of any brand’s identity.
Effective brand messaging relies on establishing an appropriate tone, whether fun, whimsical, serious, or authoritative. Since each typeface has its unique personality, selecting the right font that matches your brand’s tone of voice is essential. 
Find the Right Font to Perfectly Represent Your Brand 
Do you need a typeface that is professional and authoritative? 
Or one that is more approachable and fun-loving? 
Whatever the tone, selecting the right font will help your brand convey the message you want to send. 
Consider these factors when choosing your typeface: 
Readability: Is it legible on both digital and print mediums? 
Brand Personality: Does the font feel like an extension of your brand’s spirit? 
Relevance: Consider how contemporary the typeface is and if it will appear up-to-date in a few years. 
Top Tips for Choosing the Ideal Font for Your Brand
With the right font, you’ll be well on your way to elevating your visuals and expressing yourself with clarity and personality.
Follow these tips to find the perfect typeface to represent your brand.  
Start with a small selection of typefaces so you don’t get overwhelmed. 
Look for versatile fonts with multiple weights, styles, and widths.
Preview your font choice before deciding by testing it out on different backgrounds and sizes.
Check the licensing agreement to make sure you are not violating any copyrights.
Combine two complementary fonts for a unique look. 
Matching Fonts with Businesses: A Guide
The same principles for choosing brand colors can also be applied to selecting fonts. Your font choices may vary depending on your target audience, products, and services. 
For formal and classic businesses with a subtle touch, consider using a thin script or serif font as the primary font, complemented by a sans serif font with varying line weights.
On the other hand, if your business leans towards informality with a modern and striking look, a bold display font combined with a sans-serif font would make a great pairing.
Here are examples showcasing the implementation of different font types:
Serif
It exudes a traditional and professional feel, making it suitable for dramatic and light branding.
Sans Serif
It is the most versatile and legible font type with a modern style, making it ideal for body text.
Script
Typically associated with traditional values, it can also be used for modern or luxury branding.
However, it is not recommended for small or body text.
Display
This hyper-modern font type is not well-suited for body text but shines in larger sizes.
It offers diverse styles and can evoke many emotions, making it perfect for dramatic branding.
Choosing the right font—whether serif, sans-serif, slab serif, or script—can make all the difference in setting your brand apart. 
When you are ready to print your unique font combination on marketing materials, we are here to help. Head to our website to learn more and start your next project.

7 Effective Ideas for Creating Copy for Postcard Marketing

Copywriting for postcard marketing is an essential part of any successful campaign. The right copy can capture a reader’s attention, engage their interest in your message, and compel them to take action.
Compelling postcard copy that resonates with your target audience requires creativity, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of your business objectives.
Here are seven ideas to help you create compelling copy for postcard marketing that will inspire your customers and drive results.
7 Hot Tips for Effective Postcard Marketing Copy
1. Focus on the customer
Your postcard should focus on what’s in it for the customer – not just your business.
Consider their needs, wants, and interests, and use language that speaks directly to them.
2. Keep it concise
Postcards are small, so limit your copy to the essentials.
Use short, punchy sentences that get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary words.
3. Include a call to action
Make sure your postcard includes a compelling call to action.
This could be anything from signing up for an email list, purchasing, or downloading a coupon.
After reading your postcard marketing message, customers must know precisely what you want them to do.
Some examples of solid calls to action are “Call now to get 20% off!” or “Visit our website to learn more.”
Ensure your message is targeted and relevant so that your customers know exactly how they should respond.
4. Leverage action words
Action words can be used to make your copy more inviting and persuasive.
Try using verbs like learn, discover, explore, save, and enjoy to engage customers and motivate them to take action.
5. Use humor if appropriate
Humor is an effective way to connect with customers, especially if it’s used in the right way.
Just be sure to avoid anything controversial or offensive.
6. Personalize the content
Personalize your message to the individual customer.
Customizing postcards with personalized messages, such as names or special offers, can make them feel special and more likely to take the desired action.
Using mail merge software or variable printing can help you quickly customize each postcard so that it is targeted for the recipient.
7. Test different variations of copy and offers
It’s important to know what works best regarding postcard marketing.
Try testing different versions of the copy or offers to see which ones perform the best. This can help refine your message and ensure you are targeting the right audience with the right offer.
By using these tips for creating effective copy for postcard marketing, you can ensure that your message stands out and resonates with potential customers while increasing response rates.
Need help crafting just the attention-grabbing phrase for your postcards? We’re the team you need! Contact Patti now to get started.

5 Ways to Outshine the Competition with Die-Cut Signs

Die-cut signs offer a great way to elevate your business’s visibility and make a lasting impression. Whether promoting products or services, announcing events, or enhancing your brand’s presence, die-cut signs leave a lasting impression.
Die-cutting is a broad term that refers to a process in which you use a machine to mass-produce cut-out shapes. This saves time and guarantees professional, consistent results every time without using scissors, stencils, or a craft knife. 
The five tips below will help you use die-cut signs to stand out and leave a lasting impression. 
5 Ways to Outshine the Competition with Die-Cut Signs
1. Material Matters
Die-cut signs can be made from various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood.
The material you choose will depend on the look you’re going for and the environment your signs will be displayed in.
2. Select an Eye-Catching Die-Cut
The die-cut shape of your sign offers boundless creative opportunities.
You can choose a simple shape, such as a rectangle or a circle, or get more elaborate with a custom die-cut. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Your logo or other iconic images, e.g., A cut-out of a mermaid in a Starbucks
Silhouettes of your products or services, e.g., a cupcake for a bakery or an airplane for a travel agency.
A shape that evokes your values, e.g., a leaf-shaped sign for an eco-friendly product.
A company that does this well is Starbucks. Their stores often have signage replicating the green and white round mermaid logo on their cups and packaging. 
3. Find the Perfect Printing Method
Die-cut signs can be printed in various ways, including offset, digital, and screen printing.
The printing method you choose will depend on your budget and the look you’re going for.
4. Keep Your Text Clear and Concise
Brevity will ensure that your message on your die-cut is easy to read and understand.
Grab the attention of prospective customers quickly with strong words that prompt a call to action.
5. Use High-Quality Materials
Investing in durable materials ensures that your die-cut signs withstand the test of time, making a lasting impression for years to come.
Following these tips, you can create die-cut signs to help your business stand out and attract new customers.
Ready to make your business shine? Visit us online http://www.ccpress.net to try this creative marketing method!

Boost Your Online Presence with Print Marketing: 5 Effective Strategies

When you’re looking to drive more traffic to your business, there are many ways to choose from. However, one approach stands out as practical and simple: print marketing.
Print possesses a unique power to capture audiences that online cannot. 65% of consumers are influenced to purchase after receiving a direct mail piece. Print offers longevity that online mediums lack, and it enjoys a higher level of trust from people.
Nevertheless, print and online platforms can work hand in hand to maximize results. Here are five ways print marketing can increase online traffic and sales.
5 Ways Print Marketing Can Increase Online Sales
1. Utilize QR Codes on Your Print Materials
Incorporating QR codes in your print advertising makes it effortless for people to find you.
By simply scanning the code on the print marketing piece, users are directed straight to your webpage. You can use this to drive traffic to your online presence.
2. Highlight Your Website Address
You want to ensure your website URL is front and center in everything you print.
This way, individuals seeking additional information or wanting to learn more about your business can easily find their way to your website.
3. Include Direct Calls to Action
Ensure that you include the next step in all your print materials.
What would you have the potential customer do next? Should they call, visit your website, or email you? Then make sure you ask for that!
Be sure to consider your demographic when naming the next step. Some generations prefer phone calls, while others may opt for digital communication.
4. Harness the Power of Hashtags
When using hashtags in your print marketing, conduct some research to ensure uniqueness.
Once you create a hashtag, it becomes a direct gateway to your website. Include it on posters, signs, brochures, and direct mail pieces to encourage customers to use it.
5. Create a Newsletter
Complement your print newsletters with supplementary online content.
When you write a newsletter and have more information on your website, it will drive people to your online presence. Include pertinent information, graphics, and charts online to supplement your newsletter. Include the domain where they can find more information.
One study found that seven out of 10 Americans find print direct mail more personal than online ads. People appreciate the printed piece much more than online information, but the two work well together. When you take the above steps, you can maximize your marketing efforts.
When you need more ideas on using print to further your online presence, go to our website. We can help you produce creative ideas and exciting opportunities.

7 Top Tips to Create Customer Loyalty Through the Mailbox

You need to build loyalty and trust with your clients when bringing in business. This will keep them coming back. Doing so isn’t hard, especially when you use direct mail.

When people get mail, they are more likely to find it a secure way to receive information. 54% of consumers worried less about direct mail privacy than digital communications privacy.

Employ the ideas below.

1. Send Exclusive Offers

Make your offers attractive so that clients will want to open your mail.

Tease them with discounts and sales on the front of the envelope or postcard.

If you have a new product that they have been waiting for, this is the time to offer a good deal on it and announce it.

2. Personalize Communication

If you send a letter, a newsletter, or even a postcard, try using their name.

This will capture their attention and make them take notice. They will know that it’s not just junk mail.

3. Consistency Counts

Ensure all the pieces work together.

Use the same tone of voice and similar graphic design so that it causes them to remember you. Don’t make each piece wildly different.

4. Use High-Quality Paper

This sends the message that you care and that you are serious about what you offer.

It shows that you don’t skimp on quality, which will increase trust with your customers.

5. Include a Call to Action

Make sure there’s a call to action so customers know what to do next.

Ask them to call, visit your website, or subscribe to a newsletter. This builds loyalty because it causes them to stay in touch with you. It also makes them feel connected regularly.

6. Send a Thank You

Deliver a note to customers personally in a nice letter on quality paper.

Use their name, their buying history, and something personal if you can. This makes people genuinely feel appreciated. When you send things like this through the mail, it’s trusted more than an email.

7. Lead with Your Logo

Send items in the mail that have your logo on them, whether it’s a pen, stationary, or a magnet.

This works to build loyalty because it reminds them daily of your business, and it creates a feel-good situation. They know you appreciate them when you give them items.

No matter your business, there are ways to keep customers coming back. Building loyalty takes time, so the key is to be consistent and not give up. Keep the content coming.

In fact, it’s five times less expensive to keep existing customers than to attract new ones.

If you have a project that requires printing, please reach out. We are here to help!

9 Color Combinations That Capture Attention in Print

When it comes to designing for print, color combinations play an essential role in drawing the eye of your consumers.
Colors should be chosen thoughtfully to create a compelling visual design that conveys your project’s specific purpose and message, ultimately helping your company make a memorable impact. 
Each color combination has unique characteristics and can evoke different emotions and responses from viewers. Here are 13 captivating color combinations to elevate your design.
9 Color Combinations That Capture Attention in Print
1. Analogous
This combination consists of three to five colors beside each other on the color wheel.
It gently transitions from one hue to another, creating an inviting atmosphere. Analogous colors are great for creating a specific mood or evoking emotion.
2. Complementary
This color combination is based on two colors found at opposite ends of the color wheel. 
These colors create a bold contrast and add excitement to your print materials. Be mindful of balancing the proportions of each color to maintain visual harmony and avoid overwhelming the viewer.
3. Triadic
This color palette uses three equally spaced colors on the color wheel.
They create a lively, vibrant color palette and appear more harmonious than complementary color combinations. It offers many possibilities for incorporating different hues and tones, enabling you to find the perfect color combination to reflect your brand’s personality.
4. Monochromatic
This combination uses various tints and shades of a single color.
Monochromatic colors are harmonious and calming, creating a unified design. By playing with light and dark within the same color family, you can add depth and dimension to your print designs. 
5. Tetradic
A pattern of four colors evenly spaced on the color wheel, the tetradic combination balances warm and cool tones to create an eye-catching look with lots of variety.
6. Split Complementary
The split complementary palette uses a base color and two colors next to its complementary color on the color wheel.
It is a modification of the complementary combination that offers greater versatility in design.
7. Pastel
This color palette uses muted versions of brighter hues or tints of pure colors.
Pale and subtle, this combination creates a soothing, peaceful atmosphere. Use them to add a subtle touch of elegance and sophistication to your print materials.
8. Rainbow
This color arrangement utilizes the full spectrum of colors from red to violet.
It can be used to create dynamic designs with high visual impact.
9. Earth Tones
This combination includes natural shades like browns, greens, yellows, and blues.
These colors evoke a sense of warmth, stability, and connection to nature and are often selected for organic, natural designs.
Can Color Combinations Help Draw Attention to My Company?
No matter what type of print project you are working on, understanding how color combinations work together can help create compelling visual designs that capture attention and convey the purpose and message of your project.
Let us help you experiment with combinations to find the perfect colors for your brand and needs. Contact Patti today by phone or email to create your next marketing masterpiece.

9 Design Techniques You Should Know for Getting Maximum Results From Your Postcards

When it comes to marketing, print is still relevant. And a well-designed postcard is a great tool to have in your marketing toolkit.
“In today’s digital era, physical printed branding materials are often overlooked…However, print media could be the most powerful branding tool that companies are missing.” 
Before jumping into this fun little project, let’s discuss some of the critical dos and don’ts of designing an effective postcard. 
9 Design Techniques You Should Know for Getting Maximum Results From Your Postcards
1. Keep it Simple
We all have great ideas, fantastic offers, and critical information to explain to our potential (or repeat) customers.
But we recommend erring on the side of simplicity. Choose your words carefully and keep the idea straightforward and easy to follow. 
Try to stick to one offer: “Use this coupon code to save 25%.” Or, “Go to our site today to sign up for free giveaways.” Or “Claim your offer today at our website.”
2. Keep the Design Clean
Try not to clutter the postcard with images (no matter how great they are).
There are no exceptions to this rule. Use a couple of images per side.
3. Use One Headline and Make it Stand Out
It’s tempting to want to explode on the page with many exciting offers, sales, new products, and ways to contact us. 
Try to use one single headline per side, and make your offer clear so that it stands out. Use great colors and an awesome font, and make it front and center of the page.
Keep the headline the star of the page and don’t use too many techniques, e.g., don’t use italics, bold, and underline when you have a great title.
4. Try to Make It Trackable
Use a special URL or a specific phone number or email by which the postcard recipient can get a hold of your great deal. Then track it.
5. Supersize Your Postcard to Get a Better Response
Of course, you will need to weigh this cost to see if your promotion is worth promoting in this way.
But if you are taking the time and money to send something out, make it count!
6. Make White Space Your Friend
Leave some spaces blank, or just filled with a color block.
Don’t fill every square inch of the postcard with text and pictures. “White space can help organize the elements in a composition and emphasize the most important ones. It also creates an aura of luxury and minimalism.“
7. Don’t Skimp on Color
Be sure you use color to grab the readers’ attention.
This sometimes seems like an effective way to save some money, but color will increase your readership.
8. Don’t Forget Your Contact Information
People need to know who the postcard is from and how to get ahold of you to place an order!
“You want your audience to immediately recognize your branding across all of your communication, including your print marketing materials.” 
Ensure your logo and contact information is on the postcard in a prominent place so it doesn’t get lost in the offer.
9. Print With a Reputable Firm
A cheaply made postcard will detract from all your efforts and money.
You want to choose the right paper and ink to ensure readers know they can trust you to produce quality results. Your local printer is the best place to get your questions answered and get the product you deserve. 
When promoting a new product or service, use a postcard that stands out in today’s busy mail shuffle. If you have questions about doing that, check us out online or call Patti.

Combining Social Media and Print (Here’s How to Do it Right)

Figuring out which channels to use for your company’s next campaign can be tricky: sometimes, a more traditional print-ads approach seems useful, while other times, a social media campaign feels like the way to go. 

But in reality, combining these two channels can create an even more effective result for your company! 

With a few easy things to keep in mind, your company can use print ads to increase social media engagement and use social media to boost the ROI on your printed materials. 

5 Ways to Use Social Media and Print Marketing Together to Your Advantage

1. Use Social Proof from Media Accounts

Potential customers rely on other consumers’ testimonials when deciding whether to purchase from your company.

A recent report showed that 93.4% of consumers depend on customer reviews when investigating retailers for the first time. Use this to your company’s advantage by bringing those reviews directly to consumers through your print materials.

Include quotes of honest reviews from your company’s media accounts on your next direct mail design, and invite consumers to see what others say about your company on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram as a call to action (CTA).

2. Make it Easy with QR Codes and Short URLs

Including information about your social media accounts on your direct mail is a good start, but it won’t get you very far if it isn’t convenient and quick for people to utilize. 

Firstly, if you include a URL, ensure it isn’t too long for people to type into their search engine. You can use websites like TinyURL.com to convert a long URL into one that’s easier for consumers to search.

QR codes are the height of convenience, and they can take consumers to one of your social media pages, websites, or online resources with just a quick scan of their phone camera. 

3. Design Exclusive Media-Related Offers

An easy way to use print marketing as a bridge to your online marketing is by using a media-related CTA on your print materials.

For instance, consumers will be motivated to follow your social accounts if you use print for advertising a special offer or discount for new followers.

4. Try Out Hashtags

Include hashtags on your direct mail and encourage customers to post photos of your products or company using that hashtag!

It could become a viral social media campaign, creating something big from a simple direct mail design.

5. Gather Data for Direct Mail Using Media

Social media provides a pre-organized way to discern which pieces of your content consumers are most engaged by. 

If a photo on one of your social accounts has the most likes, use it as the cover image for your next direct mail piece. See which data your customers like, share, and comment on, and use that to your advantage. 

Are you ready to try combining social media and print for your next marketing campaign? Partner with us, and we’ll show you how! Give us a call today to get started.

15 Marketing Power Words That Pack a Punch in Print

When it comes to creating engaging and effective marketing materials, the use of powerful language is an essential part of the process.
From print media, such as brochures, flyers, and banners, to digital marketing, including website copy and emails, using words with impact can help you get your message across in a way that resonates with your target audience.
Marketing Language that Resonates and is Remembered in Print
Using the right power words when writing marketing materials for print media, you can create persuasive copy that stands out and resonates with your audience.
Here are 15 marketing words that you can use to give your print materials impact:
1. Innovative
Let your audience know if you have an innovative product or service.
Showing how you’re different from your competitors and ahead of the game will pique potential customers’ interest.
2. Revolutionary
Let people know you’re not just different. You’re revolutionary.
Show them how your product will revolutionize how people think about and use it.
3. Unparalleled
When you are unique, exceptional, or have no equal, inform your potential customers that what you offer has no competition.
4. Expert
Show your audience that you’re a thought leader in your field and have valuable knowledge to share.
5. Trusted
Display to people why they can trust you and what sets you apart from other businesses in the industry.
6. Unbeatable
Let customers know that no one can beat you when it comes to quality, cost, or service.
7. Affordable
Show people what you offer is not just a good value. It’s also affordable.
8. Cutting-edge
Describe how your product or service is unique, advanced, and ahead of the curve compared to others in the industry.
9. Transformative
Show how your product or service can help positively change people’s lives.
10. Exclusive
Give customers a reason to choose you, such as exclusive offers and discounts not available elsewhere.
11. Essential
Show people why your product or service is essential to have and use in their everyday lives.
12. Proven
Demonstrate that your product or service has been proven to work, with research and customer testimonials as evidence.
13. Unrivaled
Let customers know you have no competition regarding quality, cost, or service.
14. Guaranteed
Assure customers that what you offer is backed by a guarantee so they know they can trust you.
15. Remarkable
Show your audience why your product or service is remarkable and stands out.
These 15 marketing power words will help ensure that your print materials make a significant impact and grab the attention of your target audience. Use them to create compelling copy that resonates with readers and helps you succeed in your marketing efforts.
The result?
A stronger presence in the marketplace!
Need some inspiration for your next print project? That’s what we’re here for! Contact Patti today to get started on your next print marketing initiative.