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Is Your Trade Show Booth Doing Its Job or Just Taking Up Space?

  You’ve probably seen it or maybe lived it. You spend weeks prepping for a trade show. The team’s locked in. The products are polished. The sales strategy is tight. Then you show up and realize... your booth looks just like everyone else’s. You’ve got a table. A banner. Some printed handouts. Nothing’s wrong with it, but nothing’s making people stop either. Meanwhile, a competitor two aisles down is packed with attendees, taking selfies in front of their backdrop, posting photos, and drawing traffic. Here’s the hard truth: most booths fail before the show even begins. Not because the brand isn’t great. But because the display wasn’t built to do its job: turn heads, pull people in, and start the conversation. Let’s fix that. Most Booths Use Banners and Table Covers. The Smart Ones Use Them Strategically. Banners and table covers are the backbone of a trade show setup, and there's nothing wrong with using them. In fact, when they’re done well, they’re some of the most effect...
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Printing with Confidence: What to Expect When You Partner with TGS

If you're new to printing, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed—jargon, file formats, proofs, and paper stocks can sound like a foreign language. That’s why we do things differently at TGS. We make it simple, clear, and—dare we say— enjoyable . Here’s what you can expect when you work with us, step by step—no guesswork, no shame, just great results. Step 1: A Real Conversation We start with a friendly call or email to learn what you're trying to accomplish. Not sure what you need yet? Totally fine. We’ll ask the right questions to get clarity together. What we ask from you: Just bring your goal or idea. We'll help shape it from there. Step 2: Gathering the Details We’ll talk through your timeline, budget, quantities, and any artwork or messaging you already have. Whether it’s a polished design or a rough sketch, it’s a perfect place to start. What we’ll provide: Clear direction on what we need, plus help with file setup or design support if needed. Step 3: Building ...
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Brochure Fold Cheat Sheet: How to Pick the Right Layout for Maximum Impact

  When it comes to designing a brochure, most people focus on the words and visuals. But there’s a quiet decision that can dramatically shape how your message is experienced: Which fold should you choose? Your brochure’s fold isn’t just structural. It’s strategic. It controls the flow of your message, how your reader interacts with the piece, and whether the experience feels flat or dynamic. To help, we’ve created a quick-reference Brochure Fold Cheat Sheet to guide your next project. Whether you're launching a bold campaign or explaining a service step by step, the right fold can make all the difference. Flat Brochure (No Fold) Use this when your message is singular and powerful. Think: posters, menus, display pieces, or one-page promos. Best for: bold visuals, direct messaging, minimalism Works well for: handouts, retail settings, takeaways Not ideal for: content that needs flow or segmentation Why it works: Flat brochures are immediate. What you see is what you get. I...
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Seasonal Marketing Magic: Using Branded Apparel to Engage Customers Year-Round

At TGS Direct and Bethel Printing, we understand that seasons greatly influence the sales of promotional products. Each season brings unique needs and trends, and staying attuned to these shifts is key to effective marketing and customer satisfaction. Winter Promotions In New England, winter is synonymous with cold weather gear. As a result, winter promotional items often center around apparel. According to ASI Central, 50% of New Englanders own a piece of branded winter outerwear. We frequently recommend products such as jackets, scarves, chocolate gifts, and holiday staff giveaways. These items not only provide warmth but also keep your brand visible during the chilly months. Spring Promotions Spring is a time of renewal and various holidays. We see a surge in promotional product sales during this season. Popular spring items include event tents, table throws, pop-up podiums, tradeshow giveaways, umbrellas, and running gear. With holidays like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's D...
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Dad-Approved Print Marketing: Tough, Practical, and Built to Last

  Father’s Day may be behind us, but the dad energy lives on. You know what we’re talking about—classic dad traits: practical, no-nonsense, a little sarcastic, probably wearing cargo shorts, and definitely giving side-eye to your “modern” marketing campaign. And if we’re being honest? Your next print project could probably use a little more of that. So let’s take a moment—post-Father’s Day—to appreciate what dads (and dad-like marketing) have always done best: kept things simple, sturdy, and surprisingly effective. Here’s what your next print piece might look like if it were designed by everyone’s favorite unofficial brand strategist: Dad. 1. Paper So Thick It Could Be a Coaster If your brochure can't double as a shim for a wobbly table leg, your dad would probably question your paper choice. He doesn’t believe in flimsy print. Neither should you. Thick stock = serious message. 2. Fonts You Can Read From Across the Garage Your dad doesn’t “squint at design.” He wants to se...
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A Brochure Isn’t a Billboard. It’s a Story Waiting to Be Unfolded.

  There’s something that happens when a person opens a brochure—if you’ve done it right. They pause. Not because they were told to, but because you’ve invited them in. The paper moves. A headline appears. A photograph pulls them forward. They turn a panel. Something else is revealed. Not everything. Just enough. And for a moment, they’re curious. The Point of a Brochure Is Not to Inform Information is cheap. Google has plenty. So do your competitors. If your brochure is just a laundry list of services, what makes you different? No one wants to be “educated” by marketing. They want to feel something. To be seen. To imagine what it’s like to work with you. To belong. That’s what a story does. But This Isn’t About Telling Your Origin Story This isn’t about where you were founded or how many square feet your facility is. That’s not a story. That’s a résumé. A real story starts with the customer. With their problem. Their stuck point. Their hope for a better result. The bro...
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Why the Smartest Brochures Don’t Need a QR Code (Or a Screen)

  Walk into any marketing meeting today, and it’s easy to get caught in the digital spiral: “Add a QR code.” “Let’s layer in augmented reality.” “Can we track that in real time?” It’s not that these tools don’t have a place—they do. But somewhere along the line, we’ve started treating every printed piece like it’s incomplete unless it connects to a screen. That’s a mistake. Because the most compelling “technology” in print marketing isn’t new. And it doesn’t need batteries, bandwidth, or a backend. It just needs to be handled. The Original Interactivity Before we turned everything into a pixel, print had its own kind of magic. A gatefold that builds suspense before it opens. A clever die-cut that teases the message beneath. A soft-touch coating that makes your hand linger for just a second longer. These aren’t embellishments. They’re strategic. They’re intentional. And they work—not because they’re flashy, but because they create real-world interaction. They draw attention w...
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