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 to explore all the options and find the perfect fold option for your next project. 

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.

 

 

Effective Sales Collateral: Creating Print Materials That Close Deals

 

Many may overlook the power of printed sales collateral in today's digital world. However, print materials remain crucial in closing deals and converting leads into customers. 

In fact, according to a study by MarketingSherpa, 82% of consumers trust print collateral more than digital advertisements when purchasing.

So, how can you create effective sales collateral to help close deals? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Understanding Your Audience

To create effective marketing materials, it's crucial to understand your target audience so that you can customize your messaging and design to better connect with them.

Identify Your Audience

The first step in creating any marketing material is understanding your target audience. 

Who are you trying to reach with your print materials? What are their pain points, needs, and preferences? 

By understanding your audience, you can tailor your messaging and design to resonate with them and increase the chances of converting them into customers.

Focus on Advantages over Features

While listing all the features of your product or service may be tempting, this approach can be overwhelming for potential customers.

Instead, highlight the benefits of what you offer and how it can solve their problems or make their lives easier. This will help them see the value in your offer and increase the likelihood of closing a deal.

Incorporate Personalization

Personalized content can be more impactful and memorable for potential customers.

Consider including personalized messages, such as their name or specific pain points, in your print materials to make a stronger connection with your audience.

Creating Compelling Content

Compelling content that is visually appealing, easy to understand, and relevant to the audience's needs and preferences increases the chances of engaging potential customers.

Keep It Simple

When it comes to print materials, less is often more.

You want your collateral to be visually appealing and easy to understand at a glance. Avoid overcrowding the page with too much text or images that may distract from your main message.

Stick to a clean and simple design that will make it easy for your audience to focus on the key points.

Use High-Quality Images

Visuals can be powerful tools in sales collateral.

Use high-quality images relevant to your message and resonate with your target audience. These images can help break up text and add visual interest, making your collateral more engaging and memorable.

Stay Consistent with Branding

Your sales collateral should align with your brand's overall messaging, design, and tone.

This consistency will promote brand recognition and trust with potential customers. 

Stay Up to Date

Updating your sales collateral is essential as your products, services, or target audience changes.

This will ensure that your materials remain relevant and effective in closing deals.

Effective Implementation

Implementing your sales collateral effectively is crucial for achieving your marketing goals.

Include a Call to Action

Don't forget to include a clear call to action in your sales collateral.

This could be anything from "Contact us for a free consultation" to "Visit our website for more information." Whatever it may be, make sure it is clear and compelling so potential customers know exactly what you want them to do next.

Utilize Different Kinds of Print Materials

When it comes to sales collateral, there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Consider using various print materials, such as brochures, flyers, and business cards, to reach different audiences and convey your message differently.

Don't Forget About Distribution

Creating effective sales collateral is essential, but so is getting it into the hands of your target audience.

Ensure a strategic plan for distributing your materials and reaching potential customers.

Keep Track of Results

Don't forget to track and measure the success of your print materials.

This will help you understand what is working and what may need to be improved in future campaigns.

Print is still a powerful marketing tool, so don't underestimate its potential for helping you reach and convert customers. Contact us today to see how our print materials can help you close more deals. 

Effective Copywriting for Print Marketing

 

Print marketing offers a tangible experience that digital advertising can't replicate. By combining eye-catching design and compelling copy, print ads can create a lasting impression on potential customers.

But how do you ensure that your print ad stands out amongst the noise of other ads?

The answer lies in effective copywriting techniques.

Know Your Audience

As with any form of marketing, understanding your audience is crucial for effective copywriting for print.

Before you start crafting your message, take some time to research and define your target audience. Consider their demographics, interests, pain points, and values. This information will guide the tone, language, and messaging of your print marketing materials.

By tailoring your copy to resonate with your audience, you'll be more likely to capture their attention and encourage them to take action.

Highlight Benefits, Not Features

When selling a product or service, many marketers make the mistake of focusing on features rather than benefits. While features may be important, the benefits speak to customers and drive conversions.

Show your audience how your offering will solve their problems or make their lives easier. This approach is much more persuasive and can lead to a higher conversion rate.

Use Attention-Grabbing Headlines

In a world where people are bombarded with information and advertisements, it's essential to have a headline that stands out and grabs attention.

A strong headline is your audience's first impression of your print marketing material, so it needs to be compelling. To create an attention-grabbing headline, use powerful language, ask a thought-provoking question, or make a bold statement. Just be sure to keep it relevant to your audience and the message you want to convey.

Create Clear and Concise Copy

In print marketing, you have limited space to work with, so making every word count is crucial. Cluttered or confusing copy can be a major turn-off for readers and may cause them to lose interest in your message.

To avoid this, aim for clear and concise copy. Use short sentences and paragraphs, and get straight to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language that may be difficult for your target audience to understand.

Include a Strong Call to Action

Your print marketing materials should always include a clear and compelling call to action (CTA).

The CTA is the step you want your audience to take after reading your copy, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a service, or visiting your website.

To make your CTA effective, be specific about what you want your audience to do and why they should do it. Use action-oriented language and create a sense of urgency to encourage immediate action.

Test and Refine Your Copy

As with any marketing strategy, testing and refining your print marketing copy is essential to ensure its effectiveness.

A/B testing can be a valuable tool in this process, allowing you to compare different versions of your copy with a target audience and see which performs better.

Effective copywriting is a crucial aspect of any successful print marketing campaign. With the right approach, print marketing can be a highly effective tool for reaching and converting your target audience.

Are you looking for more from your print marketing efforts? Let us help you create impactful, persuasive messaging that will make a lasting impression on your audience.

 

Get Business Blooming with 4 Spring Print Marketing Themes

 

Birds chirp louder, the sun lingers longer, and colors shine brighter.

Ahhhh . . . spring. There’s nothing like spring to bring pep in the step and joy to the heart. Capitalize on this natural momentum with fun and energetic designs!

Use these ideas to put some color in your next print marketing campaign!

1. St. Patrick’s Day: March 17

If you ever needed an excuse to be silly, St. Patrick’s Day is it.

Make your customers smile by using phrases like these in your sales promos, posters, and more:

“Save some GREEN at our 20% off sale!”

“There’s gold at the end of this rainbow. Subscribe by March 17 to receive a free month of _____.”

“Today is your LUCKY DAY to book!”

“Feeling lucky? Check out our Sham-ROCKIN rewards.”

2. Tax Day or Earth Day: April 15 & 22

Everyone can get on board with saving cash or saving the planet!

Have fun with these holidays by building promotions that help people conserve or celebrate. Playful retailers might pitch a “Use Your Refund” sale, while planet-loving entrepreneurs might try a cause-marketing “give back” strategy.

Here are several phrases to jumpstart your creativity:

“Tax Day got you stressed? We’ve got relief! Enjoy one free _____ on April 15.”

“Taxes done? You deserve a treat! Check out our BOGO ____ from April 15-20.”

“Celebrate Earth Day with naturally effective ______ care.”

“Go GREEN with our eco-friendly _______.”

“LOVE THE PLANET Earth Day Incentive: For every ______ purchased, we’re partnering with _____ to plant one tree.”

3. Spring Sales Events

After a gray or cold winter, people are ready for rejuvenation.

Work this reality into your sales strategies as you accentuate themes like spring cleaning, fresh ideas, warm weather, new opportunities, or new life.

Offer spring sales events and pair them with engaging content like spring-themed quizzes, vibrant visuals, green or floral motifs, or DIY projects linked to your business. Help customers shake the blues with experiential opportunities like workshops, sidewalk displays, contests, and taste-testing opportunities. Find inspiration from the National Days 2024 calendar, then grab a wacky spring theme and run with it!

4. Spring-ify Your Brand

As you sweep out cobwebs from your inventory, add vibrancy to your print marketing.

Brand consistency is essential, but don’t be afraid to color outside the lines sometimes. Swap out a company color, add a flower to the brand logo, or contrast muted backdrops with vibrant spring fonts.

Spring is a season of rejuvenation, renewal, and growth. Position your brand and its offerings as a breath of fresh air in the coming months!

Contact us today to get one or more of these ideas in the hopper for more spring sales!