11 Tips for Making a Style Guide for Your Print Projects

Developing a comprehensive style guide for your print projects can be a game-changer, saving you precious time and avoiding unnecessary stress in the long haul. 

Applying consistency and professionalism across all designs streamlines the process for you and your team, effortlessly facilitating the creation of top-notch materials.

Create an Effective Style Guide for Your Print Projects with Our 11 Tips for Success!

Creating a style guide can feel overwhelming, particularly when unsure where to begin. 

Thankfully, with a few simple tips, you can craft an effective and efficient style guide to elevate your print projects to the next level.

1. Start with Your Brand Guidelines

Your brand guidelines are the foundation of your style guide.

They define your brand identity, including logos, colors, fonts, and messaging. Refer to your brand guidelines when creating your print project style guide.

2. Choose a Primary Font

Your primary font is the font that will be used for the majority of your text.

It plays a crucial role in shaping your brand's look and feel. It should be easy to read and carefully chosen to align with your brand's tone and personality, reflecting its unique essence and values. 

3. Select Secondary Fonts

Secondary fonts are used for headings, subheadings, and other design elements.

Choose fonts that pair well with your primary font and add visual interest to your designs. Avoid using too many different fonts, which can create a cluttered and unprofessional look.

4. Define Your Color Palette

Your color palette should include colors that reflect your brand's personality and create a unified look for all your print projects.

Specify each color's RGB, CMYK, and HEX values for accurate printing. Consider limiting the number of colors to maintain consistency.

5. Determine Your Layout

Decide on the overall layout of your print projects, including the placement of images, text, and other design elements.

Establishing a specific layout will help create a cohesive look throughout all your materials.

6. Include Branding Elements

Your style guide should include a section for branding elements such as logos, taglines, and slogans.

Specify their correct usage and placement in your designs. This will ensure that your brand's identity is always represented accurately.

7. Set Guidelines for Images and Graphics

Specify the type of images and graphics that can be used in your print projects, as well as their quality and size.

This will ensure that all visuals are on brand and maintain a professional look. 

8. Detail Typography Rules

Typography plays a significant role in design, so defining rules for font sizes, spacing, and kerning is essential.

Consistency in all your print materials is crucial for ensuring a cohesive and professional image.

9. Provide Examples

Visual examples are a great way to showcase how different elements should look in your designs.

Include examples of correct usage for fonts, colors, images, and layout to avoid confusion.

10. Define a Writing Style

If your print projects include written content, defining a writing style is crucial.

This should include spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules to ensure consistency in all your written materials. 

11. Specify Print Specifications

Specify the print specifications for your projects, such as paper type, weight, finish, and trim size.

This will help ensure your materials are printed correctly and maintain a professional look.

Don't let inconsistent and unprofessional print materials hold your brand back! Make your brand shine with a well-defined style guide.

Contact us today to start your next print marketing project!

 

The Power of Personalization in Print Marketing

 Print marketing is a popular choice for businesses of all shapes and sizes, mainly because it's more effective than ever.

An estimated 92% of people between the ages of 18-23 say that they find it easier to read print content versus its digital alternative. This is even though smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices are ever-present. 

But, of course, simply leveraging print marketing alone isn't necessarily enough to get the job done. If you genuinely want to take the format's natural benefits and elevate them to the next level, you'll want to lean into the power that personalization in print marketing brings with it.

The Major Benefits of Personalization

Keep in mind that personalization is about so much more than just using someone's name as opposed to "Dear Sir or Madame" in a greeting.

It's about tailoring every element of your content - from your language to the overall design - towards a specific audience segment.

In a larger sense, when someone gets a piece of print mail that is highly personalized and speaks to their unique interest, they feel like a brand is actually paying attention because they put in an effort.

Not only are they more likely to pay attention at all, but they're also much more likely to take action. In fact, 63% of marketers say that personalization contributes to increased conversion rates. 

Putting Together a Personalization Strategy

When creating a personalization strategy that works for your business, there are a few main avenues to explore.

Demographics

You can begin by tailoring messages based on customer demographics, for example. This is one of those areas where data analysis and market research will be essential, as the more you know about the people you're speaking to, the easier it is to appeal to them with your message.

For example, you could create one message for people who live in a specific geographic area. Other variations could be based on which age demographic they fall into or their education level. All these things should influence how you craft a marketing message before sending it to the world.

Personalized URLs

You can incorporate personalized URLs into your marketing materials and related offers. Personalized URLs can lead to surveys and other assets that can further your data collection efforts.

Variable Data Printing

Variable data printing can allow you to personalize virtually every aspect of a print run effectively, including but not limited to names, images, logos, and even entire messages.

Take Print Further with Personalization 

In the end, print marketing is just as effective as ever - but that's not to say you cannot extend those inherent benefits even further. Not only will leaning into personalization help you expand your reach, but it will also increase conversions and build a tremendous amount of trust in your audience.

If you'd like to learn more about harnessing the power of print marketing to your advantage, or if you have any additional questions you'd like to go over with someone in more detail, please feel free to contact us.

4 Business Card Concepts That Make a Big First Impression

A striking, professional image flows from your primary point of contact – that classic, irresistible, one-of-a-kind business card.

Like a handshake or a personal introduction, your business card leaves a lasting first impression. It's more than contact information; it reflects your brand's personality.

Your brand is unique, and your business card should be too. Perhaps it's time to go big and bold – or simple and sharp – as you refresh your business card.

Four Fresh Business Card Examples

Check out these four innovative business card concepts that break free from convention, leaving a lasting impact on those who receive them.

1. Unexpected Contrasts

While many traditional cards are flat and formal, modern cards keep bending the rules.

Like a dry joke with a witty punchline, some business cards use stark contrast to surprise and entice:

Examples:

• Handwritten script alongside bold fonts
• Playful quotes next to minimalist contact details
• Lively neon stripes juxtaposed with black and white grids
• Vibrant borders adorning a substantial, neutral-hued foundation
• A jagged, tear-away strip across a meticulously symmetrical card

2. Tangible Textures

Like an unboxing experience, tactile textures are very satisfying. 

Printed pieces carry significant weight, and you can amplify this impact with foils, recycled materials, or debossing and embossing to raise or depress your favorite design elements.

Texture Examples:

• Custom seals
• Textured logos
• Corrugated cardboard overlays
• Raised geometric patterns
• Iridescent stripes
• Gel-style fonts on transparent plastic cards

3. Product-First Promos

Have you ever rummaged through stacks of paper, looking for a contact buried in the chaos?

Make it easier for people to connect with you! Hospitable marketing puts the customer first, so why not lead with the product or promo they want most? Product-first business cards can feature the deal of the month, a photo of your most popular product, or an embossed caricature of your café's favorite menu item. Let the graphics do the talking while making your contact secondary.

Product Examples:

• A calculator for an accounting firm
• A dog for a groomer
• A barbell for a personal trainer
• A vacuum for a cleaning business
• A charcuterie board for a caterer
• An arrow between points A and B for couriers

4. Memorable Shapes

Did you know our brains process images 60,000 times faster than text?

Accelerate your message and provide a powerful memory aid using a themed business card with a clever die-cut shape.

Die Cut Examples:

• A camera-shaped photography card
• A mug-shaped coffee card
• A key-shaped locksmith card
• A hammer-shaped handyman card
• A daisy-shaped florist card

You Dream It, We'll Print It

Why settle for boring when business cards offer such unbeatable curb appeal?

Exude confidence with captivating, unforgettable pieces that mirror the distinctive essence of your brand.

Wondering what's possible? Head to our website and request a quote today!

 

3 Marketing Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read

In the world of marketing, it's essential to capture your audience's attention and convey your message effectively.

These books serve as valuable resources, helping to craft compelling narratives, integrate powerful strategies, and create remarkable content that resonates with your customers.

Essential Marketing Books for Small Business Owners

Want to recharge creativity or get an inexpensive education from some of the best marketers around? Here are three resources to consider.

"Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message so Customers Will Listen" by Donald Miller

Everyone loves a story . . . but what is a Storybrand?

The framework in "Building a StoryBrand" applies the universal elements of storytelling to brand messaging. While prospective buyers think primarily about themselves, marketers often start by blasting people with unhelpful or (seemingly) irrelevant information.

Here's one example from Miller's book: “Imagine your customer is a hitchhiker. You pull over to give him a ride, and the one burning question on his mind is simply Where are you going? But as he approaches, you roll down the window and start talking about your mission statement, or how your grandfather built this car with his bare hands, or how your road-trip playlist is all 1980s alternative. This person doesn’t care.”

The goal of StoryBrand is to create clear, compelling narratives where the customer is the "hero," and the brand serves as a "guide" to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Let's personalize this:

Who is the specific hero (your buyer)?

What is the problem they face?

What would it look like for your hero to hit a grand slam this season?

How can the guide (your company!) provide actionable steps to give them this victory?

Whether you're promoting a garage band or a presidential candidate, "Building a StoryBrand" will transform how you talk about who you are, what you do, and the unique value you offer.

"Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini 

In “Influence,” Robert Cialdini explores the psychology behind why people say 'yes' and offers ethical strategies for applying these insights in business and everyday interactions.

Cialdini introduces six principles essential for creating persuasive marketing materials. Through relatable examples and engaging stories, he makes these complex concepts accessible and easy to understand.

By incorporating these principles into print campaigns, you can craft content that resonates with the target audience and encourages them to take action.

"Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable" by Seth Godin

To compete in a crowded market, every brand must differentiate itself in ways that resonate with core customers.

Today's consumers are too flooded with stimuli to listen to the typical pitch. If you want to turn heads and get people talking, Seth Goodin has the secret recipe.

"Purple Cow" explains (and demonstrates) what it means to find and feature a wow factor for your business as you connect with the right audience, feature your unique selling proposition, and embrace remarkability.

Want to transform your products or your pitch so they stand out like a purple cow in a herd of Holsteins?

As your dedicated "quality connoisseur," we're here to consult, create, and help you bring immaculate ideas to life! Head to our website to get started on your next print project today.

 

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.

5 Techniques for Transforming Packaging into Brand Loyalty

 When it comes to catching customers' attention and keeping them loyal to your brand, the look of your product can be powerful! 72% of Americans say a product's packaging often influences purchases. 

Creating brand-consistent packaging for your products is a simple way to increase brand recall, develop a recognizable aesthetic for your company, and increase customer loyalty.

5 Strategies for Engaging Customer Packaging

Read on to learn different ways to bring fresh creativity to your packaging and use it as a tool for customer engagement! 

1. Keep Packaging Consistent 

Maintaining a uniform brand presentation can lead to a revenue increase of up to 33%.

So, when designing your product packaging and labels, stay consistent with your branding. Use the same font style on all your print materials and packaging, lean into your signature brand colors, and include your company logo.

The more often consumers see that color, font, and logo, the more recognition they'll have for your brand.

2. Packaging Gone Green

In recent years, customers have been increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, and your brand's sustainability can definitely influence its popularity.

71% of consumers say they are more likely to buy brands with paper or cardboard packaging that's sustainable, reusable, or recyclable. Switching up the material for your packaging can have a big payoff for customer loyalty.

3. Try Sensory Packaging 

By engaging their senses, draw in customers and get them curious about your company's products.

Use a printed tissue paper insert to add a scented feature to your packaging or create a cutout window so customers can touch or see the product inside. 

You could even incorporate 3D features into your packing with embossing or debossing words or your company's logo. 

Sensory options like these can create a more tangible, exciting experience for the customer while building trustworthiness and transparency, which is essential for brand loyalty.

4. It’s Not Just What’s on the Outside

Don't underestimate the inside of your packaging design!

Customers love the excitement and engagement of opening a product up, only to find another surprising detail inside. Don't shy away from bright colors and playfulness in your design, and think outside the box (or, rather, inside the box!) regarding how to utilize every inch of your package space.

For example, a package insert with a coupon for their next purchase or stickers with your logo or slogan can turn customers into loyal fans.

Customers remember brands that display unique characteristics the best- so allow your brand's personality to shine through by including a bold pattern, quirky message, or 3D detail inside your package.

5. Embrace the Product Itself 

If you're selling meat, incorporate the animal into the package's design- if your product is headphones, use music notes on your packaging.

Cookies could come in a box designed to look like an oven, or a cleaning product could come in a package with bubbles. 

Simple and effective aesthetic references to the product on your packaging will help customers instantly connect with your brand! They'll know from just a glance at the container that your company will deliver a product that meets their needs.

Using these ideas to create new, innovative packaging for your company is made easy by collaborating with our team, where we deliver high-quality print solutions for all your business's needs! Reach out to us on our website today!

Print Marketing Design: Using Color to Stand Out

 “Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” - Pablo Picasso

Using color is as important as the words in your print marketing, if not more important. Color can not only attract customers to read and engage with your marketing, but it can also enhance or connect a certain mood or emotion to your business.

There have been many studies throughout the years about the power of color choice and the psychology behind it all. Stand out with your printed marketing and make a splash with thoughtful color choices that promote your business in its best light. 

The Psychology of Colors

Choosing the right color for the emotion or mood you want to convey is essential to every business. Consider the following colors and moods or emotions they enhance and whether or not they would compliment your business or detract from its core.

Red: Excitement, Passion, Anger

Did you know that hunger is enhanced at the sight of red? 

Many popular restaurants capitalize on branding and decorating with red to encourage customers to eat more.

Blue: Calm, Peaceful, Trust

Banks often use the color blue in their logo to assure customers they are trustworthy and have a calming presence.

Green: Nature, Growth, Optimistic 

Many technology companies use the color green to invoke feelings of optimistic growth and change.

This connection of green with growth parallels green pastures and fields in nature, how people typically connect green with the natural world’s growing plants.

Attract and retain attention with your customized print marketing designs and embrace the power of color! Connect with one of our local experts today to collaborate on color choices for your print marketing design to best promote your business! 

3 Inspiring Ways to Promote Your Offer Using Print + Digital

Reaching your ideal audience while remaining mindful of the bottom line seems like the dream in marketing. By fusing print and digital marketing to promote your offers, customers will benefit from better communication and accessibility to your business.

Working together with online platforms can be instrumental in publicizing your content in a relatable and current way.

Today’s marketplace is increasingly online, which means businesses need to think outside the box when it comes to marketing and promoting their business to potential customers.

3 Creative Ways to Showcase Your Business Utilizing Print and Digital

Branding your company to a broader audience on multiple platforms can be intimidating, but with a few simple and energizing ideas, you will surely gain traction with today’s customers.

1) Use a QR code on your posters and flyers

A QR code is a type of barcode that smartphone cameras can read easily.

Once scanned, the camera will open up the designated website. This ability to get a potential customer directly to your website without typing in the website is both simple and effective.

There are many free QR code generators available. Customers will appreciate the easy access to your website and the ease of saving it onto their phone for reference later. Additionally, QR codes simplify posters and flyers by not having extra words weighing down or busying the overall aesthetic. 

2) Connect your social media to printed materials for deals

Don’t let your social media and printed marketing be islands; make them complement each other.

One application is to include an insert in your product packaging that encourages customers to post their purchase to their social media and tag your business or use a specific hashtag. Once the customer posts with the specific hashtag, you will send them a discount code for a future purchase.

This strategy uses customers as ambassadors online for you while also drawing them into stores to purchase a product. Connect your customers to your online presence to grow your digital content and familiarize customers and future customers with your business.

3) Merge your physical mail and email customers

On your physical mailers, have an option for customers to sign up for your email list.

This will give you flexibility and another platform to showcase your materials. Additionally, having customers subscribe to your emails will increase awareness of your current and upcoming deals and more.

Today’s marketplace is ever-changing and increasingly digital, so ensure your business stands out on digital and print platforms. Digital and print marketing do not need to be mutually exclusive. Contact us today to unite your online and printed materials to meet your company’s unique needs. 

Driving Foot Traffic: 9 Offline Marketing Strategies for Brick and Mortar Stores

 As the retail landscape evolves, a well-conceived offline marketing strategy remains critical for attracting and retaining customers in brick-and-mortar stores.

To achieve this goal, a well-crafted offline marketing strategy is essential. 

Harness the Power of Offline Marketing to Improve Foot Traffic to Your Business

Here are ten strategies to help you drive foot traffic into your store.

Have a Clear Brand Voice

Your brand voice sets you apart from other businesses.

Establishing and maintaining a consistent tone of voice will help customers recognize your store.

Host Events

Promote events within your store to get people in the door.

Try hosting workshops, classes, or community-oriented activities like movie nights or local artists' exhibitions.

Join Local Organizations

Get involved in your local community by joining organizations and networking with other businesses.

This will help you drive foot traffic to your store and increase your visibility within the community.

Run Contests & Giveaways

A great way to attract people to your store is by running contests or giveaways.

Include promotional information with each prize to help spread the word about your store.

Create Loyalty Programs

Offering discounts and rewards for loyal customers is a great way to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Send Out Promotional Flyers

Reach out to customers by sending physical mailers with promotional offers or coupons.

You can also distribute flyers at local events or post them in strategic locations in the community.

Offer Discounts & Incentives

Offering discounts or incentives can effectively drive foot traffic into your store.

Consider offering student or senior citizen discounts or even a buy-one-get-one special.

Invest in Local Advertising

Invest in local advertising, such as radio spots, billboards, and signage.

This will help to increase the visibility of your store and attract customers.

Focus on Customer Service

Excellent customer service is critical to successful retail marketing.

Ensure you provide a positive experience for all your customers so they will want to return. 

Boost Your Business' Foot Traffic with Print!

Are you looking for ways to draw more customers into your brick-and-mortar store? 

Print marketing can be a powerful tool in driving foot traffic, as it's tangible, cost-effective, and can reach a broad audience. 

Consider using print to increase foot traffic into your store: 

• Place print advertisements in local newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
• Create attractive brochures or flyers that highlight your store's products and services.
• Hang posters or banners at busy intersections or high-traffic areas.
• Decorate store windows with colorful displays that draw attention to the store.
• Invest in direct mail campaigns to target local customers with promotional offers or coupons.
• Offer discounts for customers who bring in cut-out ads from magazines or newspapers.
• Place outdoor signage with your store's logo and contact information near high-traffic areas like highways, shopping malls, and airports.
• Distribute postcards to customers in the area with information about your store and promotional discounts.

Now is the time for your business to benefit from offline marketing strategies. Start by establishing a clear brand voice, getting involved in local organizations, and creating attractive print materials that promote your store.

With consistent effort and the right approach, you can build an offline marketing plan that is sure to draw customers into your store. 

Contact us today to get started!