5 Tips for Incorporating Storytelling into Print Marketing

Everyone resonates with a good story. Whether funny, sad, or utterly ridiculous, stories have a unique power to stick with us forever.

Your company's story is no exception. It has the potential to captivate, inspire, and drive action. Research shows that people remember stories 22 times better than facts. So, why not leverage the power of storytelling in your business marketing? 

5 Strategies for Integrating Storytelling into Your Print Marketing

Sharing your company's story has the power to build, grow, restore, empower, and connect. Here are five ways to start incorporating storytelling into your print marketing. 

1. Company Origin

Share the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your company's beginnings.

Add a unique twist or perspective to make your story stand out. Include images to bring your story to life and connect with your audience visually.

2. Testimonials

Let your satisfied customers speak for you to gain buy-in and credibility!

By using testimonials of happy customers, you gain the trust of the skeptical future customer by not seeming as pushy or direct in your marketing tactic but more conversational and casual, much like a word-of-mouth referral.

When collecting the testimonials, ask if you can include a picture. Putting a real face to your reviews makes them even more reliable and authentic.

3. Case Studies

Case studies are not just for peer-reviewed journals. 

They are excellent for gaining customer trust and credibility when showcasing your expertise and success. Use visuals like graphs and charts to support your claims. Keep it simple and focused to avoid overwhelming your audience with information. 

4. Be Authentic

"No legacy is so rich as honesty," a poignant quote by Shakespeare, is an excellent reminder that you must be true to your story and avoid exaggeration or fabrication.

Authenticity builds trust, and over 85% of people are more likely to support honest brands.

5. End with a Call to Action

End your story with a clear call to action.

Whether it's a QR code for more information or a coupon code for a discount, give your audience a reason to take the next step.

Storytelling within your marketing is a potent tool that can be used to connect and grow relationships with customers, build trust, and increase sales. In the words of Seth Godin, American author and marketing strategist, Remember, "Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell." 

Contact our print marketing professionals to begin creating compelling and memorable marketing campaigns that leverage the power of storytelling. 864-882-3609 www.PrintitinColor.com

Top 10 Reasons Why Packaging Is Important in Brand Building

Packaging is like the silent hero of brand building, quietly shaping perceptions.

While companies hustle with advertising and promos, packaging silently weaves brand identities. In today's competitive market, packaging reigns supreme. It shields the product and wields marketing magic. 

Discover the Top 10 Reasons Why Packaging Rules in Brand Building

First Impression

Packaging is often the first touchpoint that consumers have with a brand.

It is your chance to make a positive and memorable first impression on potential customers. A well-designed and attractive package can grab their attention and entice them to learn more about your product.

Differentiation

Packaging can be the differentiating factor for your brand in a sea of similar products.

A unique and eye-catching package design can make your product stand out on store shelves and create a lasting impression on consumers.

Brand Identity

Packaging is an excellent way to express your brand's identity and values to consumers.

The colors, fonts, and imagery used on the package convey the brand's personality and help customers connect with it on a deeper level.

Brand Recognition

Consistent packaging design across all products can help create brand recognition.

When consumers see your distinctive packaging, they will immediately associate it with your brand and products, making it easier for them to identify and choose your products in the future.

Consumer Trust

Packaging can also build consumer trust in your brand.

A well-designed package that displays essential information such as ingredients, nutrition facts, and certifications can instill confidence in consumers about your product's quality and safety.

Shelf Appeal

In a crowded retail environment, the packaging is your product's best chance to stand out and grab consumers' attention.

Good packaging can create shelf appeal and entice customers to pick up and examine your product.

Marketing Tool

Packaging has now become an effective marketing tool for brands.

It can serve as a mini billboard that showcases your brand's message, values, and unique selling points. It can also include promotional offers or call-to-actions to encourage customers to try your product.

Brand Extension

Packaging plays a crucial role in brand extension strategies.

With the right packaging design, a brand can introduce new products under the same umbrella and leverage its existing brand equity to generate sales.

Protection

Besides its marketing benefits, packaging also serves a practical purpose: protecting the product during storage and transportation.

A sturdy and well-designed package can prevent damage and ensure the product reaches consumers in good condition.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Packaging is not just about aesthetics; it can also create a positive customer experience.

Customers who receive a well-packaged product are likelier to share their experience, which can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing for your brand.

Packaging is not just about protecting the product; it is a powerful marketing tool that can create a lasting impression on consumers and drive sales. Brands that understand the importance of packaging and invest in it can reap the benefits of increased brand recognition, consumer trust, and loyalty. 

Don't overlook the power of packaging in your brand-building strategy. Contact us to learn how we can help create a distinctive and effective packaging design for your products. Let us help you make a lasting impression on consumers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. 

Add Some Sizzle with 4 Unique May Marketing Promos

If you’ve ever thrown yourself headlong into a spring-cleaning overhaul, you know the explosive power a little added sunshine can bring.

As April showers bring May flowers, people are ready to move, make decisions, and yes . . . to SPEND. According to the Forbes 2023 Spending Breakdown, people were especially excited to spend money on vehicles and parts, building materials and gardening supplies, food and beverages, and all kinds of Do-It-Yourself projects last May.

If you’re looking to boost business and energize your spring marketing, consider these themes.

Small Business Week (April 28-May 4, 2024)

Did you know National Small Business Week happens annually in the first week of May?

Raise awareness about your small business and celebrate the hard-working team behind you. Consider running a deal-a-day for the week, printing coupons that can only be redeemed May 2-8, or offering onsite contests, classes, or special events.

Increase exposure with advanced postcards, spring sale QR code mailers, or other relevant hashtags (like #nationalsmallbusinessweek) to spread your message.

Kentucky Derby Day (May 4, 2024)

The Derby is a wonderful way to energize your May kickoff if you love color.

From big heels to floppy hats, harness the horsepower to do something fun with your spring marketing. Consider horse-themed decorations, “sprint to the savings” sales, and derby-themed promotions, decorations, and giveaways.

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2024)

Everyone loves to be noticed, and teachers are no exception.

When Target launched its exclusive offer giving teachers a 15% discount on select supplies, the three-day promotion garnered national media attention and hype on many teacher advocacy websites.

As many brands have discovered, creating exclusive promotions for teachers (or selling teacher appreciation items to people who love educators) can boost brand loyalty. Send a goodie bag from your business to a neighborhood school, offer teacher-specific savings, or create special “thank a teacher” gifts. Drum up sales with postcards, posters, and social media posts.

Mother’s Day (May 12, 2024)

Mother’s Day is a big day for US consumers.

According to the National Retail Foundation, consumers planned to spend $35.7 billion to celebrate it in 2023 (that’s around $274 per person!). 

How can you help your customers celebrate? Popular themes include self-care, pampering, a “well-deserved break,” a technology upgrade, or treating mothers to something they might not splurge for alone.

Slogans might include:

• An extra surprise for mom


• Give your mother something MORE


• BOGO: Treat your mom, treat yourself!


• Time Together: The Best Gift of All


• Mother’s Day Plans? DONE.


• Or (for procrastinators): CRISIS AVERTED (we’ve got last-minute gifts for mom)

From May Day baskets to Memorial Day BBQs, May is just FUN. Start planning now to create some May buzz around your business! Contact us today at 864-882-3609 or www.PrintitinColor.com to kickstart your marketing efforts and elevate your business presence.

Unfold New Possibilities with Gatefold Designs

According to International News Media Association research, print readers devote 20 minutes or more to a publication, while digital readers spend less than five minutes. If you're aiming to capture your audience's attention, print materials, like brochures, are the way to go. 

The standard tri-fold brochure does the job well, but if you want to elevate its effectiveness, maybe it's time for something different. Enter the gatefold!

A gatefold is a document folding method that creates curiosity or increases impact. Like elegant double French doors opening into a spacious room, the left and right panels of a gatefold brochure open and close toward each other, touching at the center instead of folding on top of each other as standard tri-folds do.

Why Consider a Gatefold?

Not sure how or why to experiment with this design? Here are several reasons, including practical examples.

Visually Striking Design

Gatefolds offer an effective way to create a visually striking design, as the "gates" can reveal different sections of the content when opened and closed.

Example: A gatefold brochure featuring two beach chairs in white sand invites readers to "dive in," exploring a travel brochure to find the best getaway destinations or detailed reservation information.

Interactive Experiences

Gatefolds create interactive experiences for readers because the journey into the multi-fold brochure makes each step more dramatic.

Example: Two grandiose colonial brochure doors are opened to reveal a "proven process" illustration with the step-by-step consulting journey for the customer's next major home renovation project.

Ideal for Promotional Materials

Gatefolds are ideal for promotional materials because marketers can include a lot of information in a small, single publication.

Double gatefolds add even more panels, operating as a book that opens with another interior section unfolded on both halves of the brochure (resulting in eight panels total).

Example: Like a magazine featuring a giant foldout of your favorite perfume (samples included!), this poster within a booklet format creates a spacious insert that tucks away nicely for mailers, displays, or as a compact handout for trade shows and events.

Cost-Effective Method to Increase Print Space

Gatefolds increase print space while saving money on mailers.

Because of the condensed format, gatefolds are a smart option for your next newsletter, party invitation, menu, or brochure.

Example: A booklet-style mailer unfolds into a six-step interactive map (QR codes included!) of a featured college campus or a financial planning checklist.

Customizable

Gatefolds can be customized in various ways, such as adding die-cut shapes, including interior coupons or tearaways, or using different paper stocks and finishes to make the piece stand out.

Example: Front brochure panels for a pet adoption service could include peek-a-boo cutouts revealing the deep brown eyes of a puppy inside – one waiting for his forever home.

Because gatefolds encourage readers to explore inside, these designs create perfect places to tuck away important information, beautiful artwork, or detailed product information.

Bring a touch of elegance and sophistication by adding a gatefold to your next print publication! Contact us today at 864-882-3609 or www.PrintitinColor.com to explore all the options and find the perfect fold option for your next project. 

What's the Difference Between Glossy and Matte Finishing?

When it comes to marketing for your company, direct mail can be a powerful tool. It helps you to increase brand awareness, connect with potential customers, advertise new products or special promotions, and stay in touch with existing customers.

73% of American consumers say they prefer brands to contact them via direct mail rather than online advertisements. Clearly, direct mail can be a useful channel, and it’s important that you learn more about how to make the most of your direct mail campaigns.

Incorporating various finishing techniques can be pivotal to ensure your mail grabs attention. Among the most common are glossy and matte finishes, each possessing distinct attributes that warrant consideration before determining the ideal choice for your next endeavor.

The Basics of Glossy vs. Matte Finishing

Glossy Finish

A glossy finish is your best option if your vision for the piece is vivid colors and sharply defined images.

The smooth, shiny finish will give the product a characteristic shine, creating a polished and modern look. A glossy finish also has the added benefit of durability since the coating prevents scratches or scuffs in transit.

The physical texture of a print with a glossy finish will be smooth and slick to the touch. A glossy finish works well for any materials that include photos or important graphics, magazines, brochures, postcards, and most other marketing pieces.

Although it varies depending on the specific product, a glossy finish will typically have a higher cost than a matte finish since more coating is used to achieve the high-gloss effect.

Overall, a glossy finish is typically more popular for promotional pieces or marketing materials due to the eye-catching effect of the vivid colors and high-shine finish.

Matte Finish

A matte finish is the right option for you if you’re looking for a soft, muted, elegant, or classic feel for your piece. A product with a matte finish will have a physical texture that is almost velvety and more natural.

It is important to note that matte finishing typically has less durability than glossy finish. However, two benefits of using a matte finish are that products with matte finishes have reduced glare and are less prone to being smudged by fingerprints. Also, matte finishing will typically be a more affordable alternative than glossy finishing for most print projects.

Matte finishing is popular for high-end catalogs, more elegant or formal-looking marketing pieces (such as invitations), posters or art prints, business cards, and more.

Keep these things in mind when deciding which finish to use for your next printing project. Visit www.PrintitinColor.com today for high-quality printing services to help you achieve your printing goals!

Brand Consistency Across Print and Digital Channels: Best Practices

59% of global shoppers prefer buying new products from brands that are familiar to them. But how do shoppers become familiar with certain brands in the first place? The key is consistency. 

Consistency can be challenging when working with multiple marketing channels. Still, despite the challenge, investing resources into print and digital channels is essential. Almost 80% of consumers act on print advertisements immediately, compared to 45% for digital ads. 

So, to maximize your marketing, you'll need to focus on creating a consistent, powerful brand image in both print and online materials. 

3 Tips for Creating Consistency in Print and Digital Marketing

1. Create and Utilize a Style Guide

Creating a style guide is essential when maintaining consistency across all your marketing channels. 

A brand guide outlines the specific details of every aspect of your brand's image. It should include which fonts are acceptable, which language and wording (formal, casual, enthusiastic) are standard for the brand's "voice," which variations of the company logo are acceptable, the exact wording of the company mission statement, and more. 

Once you've created your style guide, share it with every employee in every department. This is the first big step toward ensuring consistency since they will all have access to the same unified source of information when creating new marketing materials.

2. Lean into Consistent Colors

Color is one of the most recognizable parts of any brand and can increase brand recognition by up to 80%.

It helps consumers connect your products or marketing materials with your brand when they see them. Start by choosing one to three signature colors to commit to and connect with your brand. Then, integrate those colors consistently throughout your materials! Use those same colors for the background of your flyers or mail pieces, the text on your social media posts, the signage outside your storefront, and the headers and footers on your company website. 

To create true consistency with color, focus on matching the exact shade of your brand colors throughout your materials. For example, if you choose red as your brand color, ensure that the same shade of red is used for every material. The best way to ensure an exact match in the shade is to include the hex color codes (CMYK or RGB) in your company's style guide so that team members across different departments can easily access the right color. 

3. Focus on a Unified Team

One of the last things to keep in mind that might usually be overlooked is focusing on the team members creating your marketing content and watching how that will result in a more consistent image for the content itself. 

When hiring team members, look for individuals who understand and fit in with your brand's identity. Educate your employees across ALL departments about your company values, mission, and image, including sharing your style guide. 

Starting with the employees rather than with the content will create consistency between print and digital marketing, customer service, and every aspect of your brand. 

Use these tips to start building a foundation of consistency in your marketing today! Visit us at www.PrintitinColor.com for more ideas on elevating your marketing materials.

How Print Marketing Enhances Customer Engagement

Print marketing plays a crucial role in effectively communicating with your current and potential customers. Author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, "If you just communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles," highlighting the importance of connecting well with your customers.

Every business aims to enhance customer service and engagement, but where do you start? What's the secret to success? Print marketing is a critical factor in improving customer service and engagement. From door hangers, brochures, and catalogs to business cards, direct mail, and postcards, print marketing offers a versatile and effective way to communicate with your customers, fostering a personal connection and building trust.  

Print Marketing: A Trusted Choice

Printed materials are increasingly seen as trustworthy and reliable in an era of digital overload.

82% of consumers trust print advertisements the most when making purchase decisions, with 56% considering print the most trustworthy form of marketing. Building trust is essential for growing a business; investing in quality print marketing can help establish that trust. 

Tell Your Story

Print marketing is also an excellent method of telling your company's story.

Whether sharing your origin story, highlighting team members, or showcasing leadership bios, print materials offer a tangible and engaging way to connect with your audience. In a 2018 survey of consumer preferences, 65% of respondents believe they understand a story more deeply when reading in print. Engage with customers by sharing your story on quality print marketing materials.

Increase Engagement

Reading printed materials has also been shown to boost customer attention and retention of information. 

Studies show that people scan a website for about 15 seconds on average. This small window of time is crucial in making a great impression. But you have people's attention for longer when they're reading print. People read slower when reading text on paper than when reading a web page, leading to increased recall and retention rates. This improved memory of what they read about your business transfers to brand recognition, interest, and potential sales.

When customers interact with print marketing materials, they engage their senses, including sight, touch, sound, and smell. This multi-sensory experience creates a lasting impression and enhances brand recognition and recall. By investing in quality print marketing materials, you can create a memorable and engaging experience for your customers, helping your business stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Connect with our print marketing experts today to improve your engagement and customer satisfaction through printed marketing materials. Our team is committed to helping your business grow and succeed through effective and efficient print marketing strategies.