Attendance at National Parks has increased significantly since 2020, so even more people are seeing the health benefits associated with these natural wonders.
What if we told you that it’s possible to improve your overall wellness simply by viewing nature photography and images. Crazy, right?! Well, if you’re like us, you’re probably filling your walls and space with Mother Nature’s artwork as we speak! And if you live in the Midwest, heading into the cold winter months, this is an easy way to bring the outdoors in.
In fact, according to a study featured in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, just staring at natural scenery for 40 seconds is enough to trigger your brain into a more relaxed state. Who knew something so simple could have such a beneficial effect?
So, if you’re looking for a little more Zen in your life, we’ve created some awe-inspiring National Park posters that will bring nature back to your office, home, or wherever you need a little calm.
Download all four of the FREE National Park posters created just for you!
Download 11×17 Poster Here
Looking for an alternative poster size? Email us at info@econoprint.com and we’ll be happy to send it to you. Want to see more of our creative team’s work? Click here to see some of our favorites!
Wake up, work, repeat. Ah … the daily grind. These days we’re so busy (or so we think) that we often forget to just sit and breathe, even when that’s just what we need. And for many of us, sitting behind a computer all day staring at the endless tabs and folders, you start to feel like your desktop has taken over.
What if you could achieve that Zen you’ve been searching for simply by looking at a beautiful image on your desktop? Yes, please! And what if you could achieve an even larger sense of calm just by looking at an image and breathing? Yes, again. We’re all about finding simple solutions for the stresses of daily life and have come up with just the thing to bring some chill to your screen.
We’ve assembled a collection of images and colors that are known to create a calming effect. Read more here to learn how pictures actually relieve stress. And we’ve even included a little reminder to just … breathe. The Square (box) breathing technique is easy to follow and remember – especially when it’s right in front of you. Read more about box breathing and how it can help you destress. Fun fact: This breathing technique is used by the Navy Seals!
Take a scroll. Your mind will thank you.
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At Econoprint, our creative team’s philosophy is centered on creative collaboration, consistency, and connection. This is the focus you’ll see for every creative project our designers take on. Our team is composed of individuals who love all things branding, print, signage, and … the written word. Each team member has their own unique love for design and style, but ultimately works toward one common goal – creating something that meets (or exceeds) the clients’ needs.
This “meet-the-team” blog post will give you a glimpse into the creatives who jump at the chance to bring a brand to life, and let’s be honest, create some really cool design with a meaningful message that is clear and on point.
So, take a minute to look behind the scenes and see what motivates the Econoprint design team as they approach design projects, and the creativity they tap into every day to give their clients designs that wow!
“People don’t use a product because of the great design; great design helps them use the product.” -Author Unknown
ROXANNE KAZMIERSKI
Senior Creative Designer, 11 Years
What’s your favorite part about working in graphic design?
Variety! In a typical day I work on jobs with strict brand standards, and then I’m simultaneously given full creative freedom on others. I truly enjoy both!
How do you approach design?
Brainstorming is my golden ticket. I am constantly hand-sketching quick thumbnail layouts and brainstorming – all day long. This initial step gives me direction before I even touch the computer. Once it’s on screen, I’m able to experiment and elaborate on those ideas, refine them, add in the details, and look forward to feedback!
What’s your greatest inspiration for what you do?
3 websites I love:
How do you keep the creative juices flowing?
I keep an inspiration “dump box.” If I see an idea or design that inspires me, I save it. Later on, I’ll pull elements from those ideas and find ways to elevate them and make them my own. I do not always use this approach, but if I ever hit a creative block, this is one more tool in the toolbox!
What is the best design advice you have ever received?
Do not let yourself become stale! Do your research, stay current, watch trends evolve, and continue to learn.
What helps you stay creative each day?
Music! You’ll catch me hard rockin’, country twangin’, reggae jammin’, and everything in- between. My music taste is about as eclectic as my designs … and the genre I choose to listen to often depends on what type of design I’m working on.
What’s your favorite design trend?
I really like simple data visualization. Being able to highlight statistics and lengthy data by creating a simple infographic can really help an audience retain the information.
If you could design any type of project, what would it be?
I would love to design a branded exterior mural for someone – mixed with photography and typography. Any takers?!
ANDY RIEL
Brand Identity Specialist, 16 Years
I get to create! I have always loved art and visual communication. Being able to bring a new idea to life with color, texture, photography, and typography is a gratifying feeling.
What’s your greatest inspiration for creative design?
My top 3 favorite websites:
I like to move my body. Getting away from the computer and going for a walk, hike, or run, allows me to boost my creative thinking.
White space is not your enemy.
To stay creative, I need my morning cup of coffee and my afternoon Spotify jams. Also, my snack drawer. When hunger strikes, I have nut butter, crackers, granola bars, mixed nuts, and … chocolate. It’s always better to have more snacks than not enough!
I like nature-inspired design. It uses natural light, earthy colors and tones, and illustrative elements of nature. The trend has been around for some time, but the pandemic has enhanced the appeal of nature even more.
I would love to design environmental graphics for a museum.
TODD DUANE
Senior Creative Designer, (Many Moons) 20 Years
What’s your favorite part about working in graphic design? Different types of jobs and new challenges every day.
I try to look at all parts of the project first to see how everything will work together as a whole, vs. working on all the different pieces individually and hoping it is all cohesive at the end.
I am always taking screenshots, quick iPhone photos, or bookmarking anything that piques my interest. It could be anything from other designs, the colors of a landscape, vintage photos, you never know when you might draw on those items for inspiration.
I usually have a wide variety of music playing in the background most of the day (anything from Johnny Cash to Slayer🤘) Oh, and Snapple Peach Iced Tea!
I like to be involved from the beginning, starting with the initial logo design, working that into all the stationery and collateral materials, and then envisioning how the logo/look will be incorporated into the company retail/workspace.
If you weren’t a graphic designer, what job would you like to have?
I have always been drawn to music and have a pretty extensive music library. A job I would love to try would be a movie Music Supervisor, getting to pick the songs and background music used in films and TV. You are in control, subtly setting the tone and flow of the movie or show.
Side interests?
Music of course, photography, travel (I have been to over half of the states in America, working on seeing the rest), disc golf, hiking, and fishing.
JULIE LABELLE-RIEL
Senior Creative Designer, 15 Years
I enjoy the opportunity to be creative at work. It’s fun, and it’s nice to go to work being able to do something I enjoy. We work with a variety of customers, so there’s something new every day.
What’s your creative M.O.?
I’m magic.
I like to take a walk and be in nature. I try to get up and move from my desk throughout the day.
Coffee!
What do you wish you were better at?
Calculating numbers … I’m not a math whiz!
I would love designing some sort of display at a museum – particularly something fun for kids. I also would love designing packaging or a mail piece that has many different parts.
CRYSTAL ANDRUS
Proofreader/Copywriter, 15 Years
What’s your favorite part about working as a proofreader and copywriter?
We have clients in just about every field you can imagine, so naturally there’s a lot of variety in the types of projects we work on from day to day. I get to see what it’s like to market for everything from small local businesses to large international corporations. I enjoy all the different perspectives and helping our clients reach their target audience in a way that’s approachable and consistent.
Do you have a favorite pen color you use to make edits?
Purple is my go-to color for edits. I think it’s calming, which is great when you’re telling people to correct their mistakes all day. And red … is that even really an option? I mean, who needs more elementary school flashbacks? I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen enough red ink to last me a lifetime.
What is one of the most challenging aspects of your job?
My role with the design team involves a lot of multitasking (which I actually enjoy). I frequently move between different roles – proofreading, copywriting, coordinating with sales staff, etc. There’s always something new to work on, and with the quick turnaround it’s never boring.
Your job is part technical, and part creative. What resources do you use to keep informed and inspired?
For the technical side of things, I primarily rely on the AP Stylebook. I studied journalism back in the day, so I’ve always turned to this guide to stay up to date on the latest changes in grammar, etc. Language is always changing, so you have to keep up. And for creative inspiration, I read. I see a lot on the job, but I’ve always been an avid reader of fiction. It’s a great way to find that creative spark.
Do you have any pet peeves about the things you proofread/edit?
I don’t know why exactly, but I can’t stand the word thus. So, if you ever send anything my way, be prepared … if you use thus, it might mysteriously disappear!
JESSICA HOFFMAN
Graphic Designer, On and Off Since 1993!
I love looking for fonts and graphics that give a piece personality. I’ve described the process as being like putting a puzzle together – when everything fits it’s a great feeling!
I read a lot of magazines (Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, HGTV, Real Simple). They’re great resources for fonts, color combinations, and photography.
You get such a wide variety of projects working at Econoprint, that you are always challenged in new ways. Jumping from a technical medical form to a creative postcard featuring a fun event keeps you from burning out.
Keep it simple.
Cold water. As plain as that is, it gives me a little boost with every sip.
A catalog with beautiful photos or a billboard I could drive past.
We love creative design! We’re excited and ready to talk to you about your next project. Get started here.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is the difference between a brand style guide and brand guidelines? And why does your business need one?
There are two different guides your company can use depending on the complexity of your brand strategy – a brand style guide and a brand guide. A brand style guide, which I’ll discuss in a minute, is a one-page document that shows a quick overview of your company’s logo, colors, and fonts, as well as their correct usage. Whereas brand guides are more in-depth explanations that include the company’s brand strategy along with a style guide. Often, you’ll see the two guides talked about interchangeably, but either option will help with brand consistency. The complexity of your brand will determine which type of guide is needed.
Now, you might be thinking that you don’t need a style guide, but I can tell you from experience how helpful it can be when working with a designer or agency. Many times, a style guide will suffice for what your business needs, and it’s easy enough to put together on your own.
Download InDesign template here.
Download Word doc template here.
So why does your business need a brand style guide? Two words – brand consistency! You want your audience to recognize your brand no matter where they’re seeing it (i.e., print, social, digital). There’s nothing worse than having inconsistent fonts, colors, or different logo versions. A brand guide is a clear and quick way to help your team stay consistent, and it’s easy to share with outside designers or agencies.
What’s in store for your 2021 direct mail marketing strategy?
For many this is the million-dollar question. 2020 was either a great time to go full speed ahead with direct mail with great success, or it was the exact opposite. It all depended on your pitch and your target audience.
As we continue into the unknown, there is one thing that people are missing more than ever –personal communication. Now’s the time to create or maybe recreate a new version of your current strategy as many businesses search for the best way to reach their consumer.
Make it personal. This is key to making your viewer feel important and connected to your message. It’s more important than ever to engage personally with customers. Make each direct mail piece look as though it was designed specifically for that person! Better yet, use your data to provide different offers or images based on the personal relevant information you have for your customers. This is a great way to test offers and designs!
Whether your company is B2B or B2C, it’s important to remember that the decision to take action is being made by a singular individual. So, whether you’re targeting households, locations, or businesses with a certain number of employees, determine your ideal persona and your end action goal ahead of time. This will help get you in front of the right audience.
Add a custom QR code to your piece. With one scan, you’ll be forwarding recipients to your website, donation page, Google Maps locations, or social media accounts. Plus, in most instances, there’s no need to download an app. Newer devices have a built-in camera that will read the code. This works for both iPhone and Android users.
Not sure what type of direct mail route to take?
By leveraging these digital, personalized, and targeted enhancements you will be better positioned to make your direct mail more successful in 2021.
Cheers to a new year everyone! One of the keys to getting the new year off to a good start is getting organized, right? So we found a way to make it fun! We created a desktop calendar and printable calendar wallpaper for you to download and update monthly! We even have all the designs in letter size in case you’d like to print and laminate them to use at your desk, or just pin on the wall.
We’ve included something for everyone, using a wide color palette and eye-catching scenery. Some of our personal favorites are July and August – the colors are just amazing! Or maybe we just wish we were the ones floating in the tube!
Here’s to a great 2021, filled with all the things that bring you joy!
Click Here for Desktop Wallpaper Calendars. Click Here for Printable 11″ x 8.5″ Calendars
Today we are celebrating two things — women who print and women in manufacturing! Connecting and empowering women in the print community.
Here at Econoprint we are proud to have many women working to move print forward. As part of our celebration we are excited to share a fun video featuring the women of Econoprint as they give you a little behind-the-scenes look at who they are. Of course, we’re hoping to bring a little fun and laughter to your day, but we really hope to connect and empower all women in the print community as well as anyone thinking about joining a strong team of women already making a difference in the industry.
The women of Econoprint are a dedicated team with a wide range of backgrounds and experience, from both our Madison, WI and Lake Delton, WI offices. They’ve been working in print anywhere from a few years to almost their entire adult lives. Yes, they love print that much! They are incredibly smart, hardworking, and excited to be able to support our female pals at work who contribute daily to the success of Econoprint.
You’ll find women from Preflight, Graphic Design, Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Management, Signage, Proofreading, and Production. And what better way to support our women than by showcasing a snippet of who they really are behind the job.
Our female friends and colleagues make us feel powerful because the more we support and amplify women, the more successful we all will be.
If you have ever done any kind of design work, you’ve most likely used the color profiles CMYK, RGB, and Pantone. But when designing for print, there are a number of things you’ll need to consider, especially when working on a branded project. The design style, paper selection, and product distribution are always top of mind; but you also need to make sure you’re designing in the correct color profile for how the finished product will be printed or viewed. All of these things must be taken into consideration to make sure your color selection is spot on.
So, let’s talk about the difference between CYMK, RGB, and Pantone colors, especially when preparing an artwork file for print.
CMYK uses a series of dots (composed of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to create the illusion of different colors. CMYK color builds won’t always be an exact match a Pantone color, but they will create more colorful photos.
When using the Pantone Matching System (PMS), your brand’s PMS color(s) are created using a precise formula, so the color always looks the same.
**** When designing for print, even though you’re designing on a screen, your color builds should all be in CMYK or Pantone. ***
RGB is the standard color profile used for on-screen design. It combines red, green, and blue light in different combinations to create the colors you see on a screen.
Knowing the difference between CYMK, RGB, and Pantone, and when to use them, will help to keep your branding consistent. Of course, the process used for each project varies, depending on the nature of your print job. Our team is here to help and answer any questions you might have to ensure a successful print project! info@econoprint.com
Now that many in our community are adjusting to the new “normal” and returning back to work, it’s important to communicate how you’d like your employees and customers to practice social distancing with clear and concise messaging.
Our awesome creative designers are here to help! To make this time of transition a little bit easier, they have created floor graphics and signage designs for you to use in your business.
Stand Here – 24″ Circle Download: Print | Web
Keep 6-Foot Distance in Every Direction – 24″ Circle Download: Print | Web
Friends Don’t Let Friends Stand Close – 30″x12″ Download: Print | Web
Stand Here – 24″x4″ Download: Print | Web
Wash Your Hands – 4″ Circle Download: Print | Web
Masks Required Beyond This Point – 8.5″x11″ Download: Print | Web
Open for Delivery & Takeout – 8.5″x11″ Download: Print | Web
Now Open for Delivery & Takeout – 8.5″x11″ Download: Print | Web
Reduce the Spread – 11″x17″ Download: Print | Web
Contactless Greetings Are Best – 22″x28″ Download: Print |Web
Welcome – 31″ Retractable Banner Stand Download: Print | Web
Do you need any of the above signs printed, or maybe a custom design? Please call 608-845-2800 (Verona), 608-254-4202 (Lake Delton) or click here to get a quote. Our team is ready to help!
Contrary to the name Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) it does not involve mother nature or require the use of natural elements to create a design! It’s a combination of interior design, the architecture of the building, and graphic design. Environmental graphic design’s goal is to use its surrounding environment and work to communicate a branded story or message for the viewer to see and resonate with.
Now more than ever, companies are looking to integrate signage with their interior space to make it more visually appealing,not just their customers, but also to their employees. Along with the much talked about culture aspect, environmental graphic design is becoming a great space for companies to grow and tell their story while reinforcing their overall message.
There are many ways to creatively display environmental graphics in your space. Environmental graphics are versatile, cost effective, and bring a ton of personality to any space! Here are a few ideas of ways you can create a uniquely branded space.
The front lobby is the place where a customers first make their impression of you. Adding, something visual like a wall graphic will be sure to create impact and will carry branding throughout your space to reflect your brands story.
Give your conference room a larger than life makeover. Creating a space that engages your team and customer will set the tone for the meeting.
Displaying your company’s mission and values within your building is a great way to implement a piece of the company culture.
Now’s the time to make that connection and set yourself apart from competition, and engage your audience and employees. Environmental graphics are meant to enhance your space especially when combined with a creative approach and concept. So, what are you waiting for, get creative and tell your brand’s story on the four walls around you!
No one can deny the importance of digital marketing in today’s world. We see approximately 4,000 ads a day according to Biz Journals, and many times we don’t notice the subtle marketing techniques at play. Digital marketing is definitely leading the reins in a fierce marketplace competition, but print collateral, like brochures still have an important role to play in a balanced marketing strategy.
When considering the variety of print collateral available, developing a professionally produced brochure suggests a higher budget and an established reputation and brand. The tangible interaction a brochure creates has the power to develop a strong connection with clients and potential clients alike.
So, what makes a brochure worth looking at? How will your message fight through the sea of marketing we’re bombarded with every day? The following 5 Tips will help you create the perfect brochure to connect with and inspire your target audience.
Your “salesperson” should attract attention, generate excitement, and establish trust. It can make a great first impression and intrigue you to ask more questions, or maybe call to learn more about the products or services being offered.
When you organize your content in a way that increases visual flow and appeal, your important information is more likely to be read. A professional designer will make sure your brochure has a theme that highlights your message, while remaining consistent with your brand.
Choose photos or graphics that will complement your message and define the focus of the brochure. Either the images will engage the reader, or they won’t. The key is to guide your readers to the ever-important call to action that is the true gauge of your brochure’s effectiveness.
If you can, provide value by including a handy reference of some kind (e.g., a map of town attractions, a chart, or guide) in the brochure. This will help to dissuade readers from throwing it away.
What action do you want your reader to take? The call to action is usually found on the last panel of a brochure, along with contact information. This is where you can offer an incentive to get them to take the next step.
Calls to action can be:
As you can see, brochures can be a great way to solidify a relationship with your readers. Give them something memorable that they can touch and relate to. Maybe, if they’re like the rest of us, they get a little tired of all the ads flashing across their screens. So, isn’t it time to give them something different?
Giving your brand a visual boost doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Whether you’re hosting an event, promoting a product in a retail space, or dressing up the office walls, branding with signage is a must when creating a visual presence for your business.
When it comes to marketing your brand with custom signage, there are several substrate options to consider. What kind of signage material do you want to use (there are many)? What size signage will be most effective in the space you have to work with? Will your sign be mounted or displayed in a stand? And, is your signage for indoor or outdoor use? How do you choose?
To make the decision a little bit easier, we’ve included a breakdown of some of the most common signage materials (substrates) used in today’s business marketing signage.
Perfect for: A great way to convey messages, promote an event, or educate your audience.
Details: A wide range of stocks, semi-gloss to gloss along with many weights depending on use.
Perfect for: A economical way to showcase your conference or promote a product.
Details: Is lightweight, and great option for a one-time use. Can dent easily.
Perfect for: Use in your sidewalk signs or for outdoor events/ directional messages.
Details: Corrugated plastic is a weather-resistant board making it a great material for outside use.
Perfect for: Excellent for retail signage, menu boards, and conferences.
Details: Is lightweight and has a smooth surface. It is also a rigid foam. comes in a couple thicknesses.
Perfect for: Great for getting your message across in a big way. Incorporate bold and colorful image for a grand opening, promotion, special events, or even warehouses or lobbies.
Details: Can be used indoor and Outdoor. Durable weather-resistant vinyl.
Perfect for: Great when used for outdoor parking signs or building signs.
Details: Are half the weight of solid aluminum and have excellent durability in outdoor applications.
Perfect for: The perfect fit for any lobby and/or interior building signage.
Details: Many sizes and options for printing i.e. white, transparent, frosted or in color.
It’s good to learn and know the basic qualities of popular materials before you have your sign made. The signage material you choose could determine how long your sign will last and look in your space, so choose wisely. Material matters!
Direct mail is a great marketing tool to utilize within your marketing strategy, but when it comes to printing a postcard, size does matter!
When you’re looking to utilize direct mail in a marketing campaign or promotion, one of the first things you’ll need to know are the size options for your postcard. The images below will give you the dimensions that are the most common, and that will still allow you to meet all the mailing requirements and get the best USPS rate.
Postcard Sizes
True postcard sizes (3.5×5 to 4.25×6) are eligible to mail at the USPS First-Class postcard rate.
Oversized postcards (3.5×5 to 6.125×11) qualify for Market Mail (Standard), the Market Mail Nonprofit Rate, or First-Class.
EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) Sizes
EDDM postcards must exceed one of the following:
10.5″ in length
6.125″ in height
.75″ in thickness
How Can You Mail Your Postcard?
There are three main ways you can mail a postcard: First-Class Mail, Market Mail (standard and nonprofit), and EDDM.
Giving direct mail its moment to shine in a marketing campaign gives you the opportunity to make a powerful first impression with a new or existing target market audience. There are many cost-efficient ways to reach potential customers, but you’ll want to make sure you’ve checked all the boxes. The size and professional design of the postcard are essential in making it stand out. So get those creative juices flowing and make your direct mail piece one to remember!
The best way to ensure a smooth transfer of your print files to a quality finished product is to make sure your files are print ready. As we always say, prepress is the gateway to printing success!
Here are a few of the things you’ll want to do before sending your design file to your printer for your next print project.
The Checklist:
1. Check your size and image resolution You’ll want to make sure your images meet a minimum image resolution of 300dpi. We get many questions about the quality of images and whether they’ll look good in print. It’s better to start out big when producing a digital image, as you can scale down if necessary. If you need your photo at a higher resolution, it’s best to just rescan or reshoot the image. If you start with a vector image or graphic for logos and line art, these will retain a high resolution at any size.
2. Choose the correct color mode Talk with your print representative first to make sure you know how your job will be printing. Will it print on a full-color press or a traditional press? Knowing this will help you decide what color mode to use–Process (CMYK) or Spot (Pantone) colors. These colors may look the same on screen, but the print process will affect the look of the color. When printing in full color always convert from RGB (what your monitor uses) to CMYK, since there is a color shift when changing modes.
3. Crops and bleeds Crops and bleeds can be turned on when exporting to a PDF. These marks indicate the edges of your design and where it needs to be cut once printed. Crops indicate where the printed area is and the bleeds are the extended area beyond the actual size. Having the appropriate marks will make sure your print piece is trimmed correctly.
4. Proper PDF settings No matter what program you’re using you will most likely create a PDF to send to your printer. It is important to use the correct settings when making the PDF to get the best end result. For our presses we like to use the Press Quality settings as this will embed all fonts and keep the image resolution as is. Adobe Acrobat defaults to Standard settings that will change all images to 150dpi and will not embed the fonts.
5. Contact our Prepress Department Any time you have a question it is easier and more time efficient to answer questions as they arise. Fixes and changes after the file is received can cause additional charges and delays that can be avoided by simply talking to one of our technicians. If you’re in Madison, WI or the Dane county area please feel free to contact our Prepress Coordinator at lisak@econoprint.com or (608) 845-2855.
These 5 tips will hopefully set you up for prepress success! Once you’ve completed each step a few times they will become part of your prepress routine.
We all know the importance of a well-planned marketing strategy. But does your strategy include a mix of formats like print, social, and digital? Everyone should be taking full advantage of the many opportunities available to help expand your reach and engage your audience. Marketing is changing–your strategy should too. It’s time to actively seek out your audience and start a conversation! It all starts with recognizing the importance of integrating print, social, and digital platforms in your marketing. When you utilize a mix of channels, it increases your visibility and elevates your brand and message. Who doesn’t want that??!!!
Whether your organization is a nonprofit running a campaign or a business looking to engage a new audience, you will find the 18 tips below helpful as you begin the process to elevate your digital, social, and print strategies.
Click Here to view a PDF of the tips!
Your work and message are important. Use the tips above as a guide to supplement your marketing plan and get the conversation rolling.
Everyone gets “junk” mail at home and at work. At some point, we sort through the piles and decide to keep it or toss it. Sometimes we’ll keep the direct mail piece because something has intrigued us, while a dull, uninspired design or irrelevant message will quickly land a mail piece in the toss pile.
This leads to the big question of, “How do you get your marketing mail read every time?” It’s an easy answer, but one that isn’t always easy to achieve (queue the large neon light). Print marketing should capture the attention of the consumer instantly!
Sure, it’s easy to say, but what does that look like? Maybe you feel like you’re already doing this, but not getting the response you’re hoping for. Let’s start with your audience. Consumers love when they get something that is just for them. Maybe it has their name on the piece, or maybe it’s a coupon for something they’ve been looking at. Target does this really well. Ever notice that the coupon they sent you happens to be for a product you’ll soon be needing? I’d like to say that Target just gets you, but in reality, they’re catering to you by tracking your buying habits, recent purchases, etc. Which is a whole other post, but you get the gist. So, what can we do if we don’t have all that access to data? We’re all trying to engage with our audience on a personal level, and intrigue them to engage with our brand. So, what can you do on your next direct marketing mailer to get your message read?
Impactful, large images, personalization, and minimal text are surefire ways to get your message read. We only have about three seconds to catch the reader’s attention. Intrigue them on the front to engage them to read more on the back.
Make sure your target group and the product or service you’re offering is the right match. Many times, you have a great target group, but what you’re offering is the wrong fit. Quality over quantity will get you better results in the end.
Your call to action is arguably the most important part of your mailer. This gets your audience to take the desired next step, and leads to improved conversion rates. If your ask is clear and without a lot of complicated steps, they will be more likely to take action.
We all want to see a return on the work we are putting into a marketing piece. So, now it’s time to really hit the mark on your next mailing. You need to master the three steps above to keep your piece out of the recycling bin. If you put the work in, your mailer will definitely land at the top of the keep pile.
Navigating through everyday life is a normal part of how we get from here to there. You are starting here, but how to you get over there? Your experience and perception when exploring a new building or outdoor event comes down to how easily you find your way. Imagine going into to Ikea and not having arrows on the floors or signs to show you where to go. You would be lost in a sea of many things–not always a bad thing!
So what is wayfinding signage? And is this something your need for your business or event? Let’s start with the basics.
The main goal of wayfinding signs (aka directional signage) is to inform people in a particular surrounding to help them get from point A to point B with ease! The main point is to not let anyone get lost in the process.
The basics of making effective wayfinding signage:
–Make it easy! Make the message or direction clear and consistent, so your audience knows what to look for around each corner.
–Less is more! Show them only the information needed to navigate their path to the right destination.
–Clear visual! Simple images create a clear message to the viewer.
Let’s look at a few industries where wayfinding signage is an impactful and needed element in creating a successful overall experience.
Healthcare Whether it’s hospitals, clinics, or medical centers, consistent use of language, imagery, and messaging throughout the space can do more than tell visitors where they are, it can also tell the story of who they’re a part of. Signage gives patients and workers a simple and more direct way of arriving at their destination. Wayfinding signage should enhance the patient’s experience, not create more stress! You’ll consistently see the following signage in healthcare systems: directories, room markers, floor graphics, and wall acrylics. Imagine if you didn’t have any of this, and how much more difficult it would be for the end user.
Manufacturing In manufacturing settings there can be a lot going on at one time, so clear signage for clients and employees is a must! Many facilities will offer tours of their office, so having exterior signage to let people know what door to enter, or where to park, and then signs getting from the parking lot or garage to the right location is crucial. And then there’s safety signage on a manufacturing floor that informs and guides workers. Hardhat area signs, areas of production, safety tape, floor graphics, and wall graphics are ways to direct and inform.
Retail Wayfinding signage makes for easy and fast store navigation, which is important for buyers. Signage and imagery provide the opportunity for the buyer to see the product that they want, help to navigate them to the right section, and ultimately get you closer to making a sale. You should always make it easy and enticing for someone looking at your product.
So, when you’re looking at your own business, think about how wayfinding signage could work for you. What is it that you want your customer or employee to do or go, and what’s the easiest way to accomplish that task?
It’s time to take your event signage to the next level! You know you really need to stand out at the upcoming expo, but where do you start? Should you give your tradeshow booth a complete overhaul or simply invest in one specialty item?
If you’ve been to a tradeshow or two, you’re familiar with the rows of cookie-cutter booths that are just OK. But every now and then you see that booth. The one that makes you stop and want to learn more. Think about what made that booth unique. How did it grab your attention? Was it the bright colors, the imagery, or the booth itself? If you’re not paying attention to some of these details for your booth, there’s a big chance your potential customer will walk on by.
What does it take to make your tradeshow booth stand out?
Tip 1– Invest in your booth Tradeshows are a big investment, and if you’re looking to make an impact, spend your dollars on a quality booth! You’ll want to think of this as an investment in your brand and its image. Decide on a unique display and a smart design that you’ll be able to reuse for many events down the road.
Tip 2– Top-notch print collateral We’ve all been there, scoping out our competitor’s fancy booth and perfectly branded print brochures and flyers. You and your sales team should be proud of what you’re handing out to potential customers. This is an important piece of your brand! Most people won’t make a decision right then and there, but hopefully they’ll look at your brochure later and it will remind them of the benefits of your business. This is all the more reason to make sure your print game is strong!
Tip 3– Professional design This one speaks for itself. Always use a professional graphic designer. They are worth the investment for a great design and keeping your brand looking its best! Impactful imagery speaks volumes about your brand. Just think about the three Cs: creative design, clear message, and color.
Additional ideas to engage your audience beyond print.
The additional tips below are definitely areas that you likely already do, but if you put a little strategy behind your effort this will also help you create engagement before and after the show!
Giveaways It’s important to think strategically about what you’ll be giving away at your booth. You will have to purchase quite a few items, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your best ROI. You might consider spending a bit more on a product that will continue to promote your brand after the tradeshow. Consider a canvas tote bag that your customer might use for groceries, or maybe a water bottle with your logo. Be sure to add a creative tagline to catch people’s attention. Always look for a quality product that people will want to use over and over again, and not just push to the side.
Social media By now I’m sure you know how beneficial it can be to tie in your event with your social platforms. You have three prime opportunities to connect with your audience—before, during, and after the show. Before the show is a great time to get your existing and potential customers excited to see you, do lots of self-promotion, and let your audience know what’s in it for them! During the show, take pictures, post to social networks, and show them what they’re missing! Then after the show, share pictures and takeaways and encourage people to reach out if they weren’t able to attend. Share your experience!
We all want our brand to stand out, but if you can do just one thing, invest in your booth! This is the first glimpse of your brand that people will see. Anything you can do to make an impact and set your brand apart is totally worth it!
Social media is currently one of the most highly used and cost-efficient digital marketing methods. It can instantly increase your brand’s awareness or not increase the brand. While it’s clear that social media has its advantages and should be a part of your inbound marketing strategy, combining your social media efforts with tangible direct mail pieces will create more engagement and further connect your audience.
If you’re hesitating on the relevance of direct mail, you’re not alone. More often than not, direct mail pieces fall flat when they fail to do one simple thing—ask the customer to interact with their brand. It seems like an obvious thing to do, but in reality it’s often overlooked. With a little planning and some creativity, the ideas below will help you avoid this marketing misfire and get you moving in the right direction.
Direct mail and social media continue to be extremely effective forms of marketing. When you join these two platforms, you’ll ultimately see a larger return on your marketing investment. Social media marketing options are readily available and often complementary to the tried and true marketing techniques, like direct mail. By using multiple formats as a part of your marketing strategy, you’ll succeed in building your brand and expanding your reach into new, and profitable markets.
Econoprint is privileged to win this year’s InBusiness Executive Choice Award. This award acknowledges local businesses in the Madison area that have achieved excellence in their industry. This is the twelfth consecutive year that we have been voted a preferred business vendor for area executives, owners and decision makers.
Based in Verona, WI, we have been happily serving Dane County for the past 46 years. We offer a wide range of printing and marketing solutions, and help build brands through the power of print. We strive to provide all our customers with the highest quality of printing and top-notch customer service every day.
Thank you to all of our customers and fellow colleagues who see us as an industry leader. With your support, we look forward to serving the Madison business community in 2017 and for years to come.
It’s the international meeting place for all things dairy! You’ll find the best dairy cattle breeds in the world, cutting edge research, and modern technologies. And of course, don’t forget to check out demonstrations and seminars on trending topics at this year’s World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI.
We are always excited to be a part of such a great event and able to work with many of the respected world dairy exhibitors. We enjoy helping them with creative design, printing of tradeshow booths, to retractable banners and marketing collateral. (more…)
It’s that time of year again, and whether you’re a nonprofit, member-funded or another type of organization, you are busy putting together and executing great mailing campaigns. Developing and executing a great direct mailing campaign can be a bit overwhelming. The initial investment and time can be scary especially, if you’ve never done a campaign like this or if you’ve not had success previously.
As you’re getting ready for this years or any future campaign, be sure to look over the below 5 tips that could help your organization stand out and create more impact.
Tip #1: Tell Your Story
Instead of showing your audience a pie chart or giving them statistics, tell them a good story! Talk to one of your volunteers or someone within the organization who works for your cause everyday and get their story. Focus on telling that story and the impact or effect it has had on them. Asking your audience to feel the emotional side of what you will help to maximize your chances of gaining a donation.
Tip #2: Show Impact
You’ll want to show how their donation will be used or how it will make an impact, no matter what level of money they give. And a great way to do that is with imagery or design. A great example is the ASPCA campaign featuring Sarah McLachlan and all the animals that are in need of help. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. As hard as it is to see the imagery or hear what is happening to the animals, it’s enough for anyone (animal lover or not) to give a donation. You see firsthand the impact of what the ASCPA is working towards and the result of what your donation can do to help. So show your audience how they can help and make a lasting impact towards your cause.
Tip #3: Get Creative
This is your chance to get in front of your target audience and you only have a few seconds to grab their attention, so don’t be boring! You want them to feel your enthusiasm and passion for what you do. Your mailing should be engaging and create interest so they read your message. Unfortunately, this time of year you will not be the only one asking for a monetary gift so it’s time to make sure your cause stands out! Whether it’s the imagery, size or colors, the main goal is always to engage and not bore your viewer!
Tip #4: Have A Strong Call To Action
However you choose to send your campaign this year, don’t forget to have a strong call to action listed on your piece. Don’t assume that it is obvious that your audience, will know what you’re looking for them to do. Be clear on the action you want them to take, (i.e. give now or donate today). Keep it short and to the point!
Tip #5: Target Your Audience
Nobody knows your audience better than you do, you are the expert when it comes to your ideal prospect. So when you send out your mailing, not only should you mail to your in-house list, but also target new people who potentially value you the same thing that you’re working towards. This would require you to purchase a list, but the benefits that can come from a list that is highly targeted will potentially get you a front row seat to the the exact demographic you want to see your message.
These are just a handful of tips to help maximize your efforts this year and in the future. Make the most of your mailing campaign and don’t forget to capitalize on all the different communication channels that you have available!
Want to make an impact with your customers and get your message across? Signs can be, and should be an essential component to your organization’s overall marketing strategy. Whether you’re looking to get noticed at your next big event, conference or looking to promote your brand, signage is a great way to bring those ideas and your brand to life!
Below are a few great ways signage can be used indoors and out.
Indoor
Outdoor
The possibilities are really endless when looking at how signs can work for you and your organization.
So why should you use signage?!
1) Signs are impressive! They will attract the attention of potential and existing customers. They will also attract attention to your promotions or information you have to share.
2) Signs help to create and keep your brand image.
3) Signs are Cost Effective! You can leave signs up for a period of time, or print often whichever you prefer.
Just think of it this way, signs serve as a primary link between a business and its customers, they are always on the job! They advertise for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So it’s time to make signage work for you, think outside the box and get noticed.
Need help discovering which type of signage would best work for you and your organization, we can help you with everything from banners to creative design solutions!
If you’re like us, we’re always on the hunt for new and exciting ways that we can use print to reach our customers. Finding creative and unique ways to create a visual impact can be an ongoing search. But what if we told your search was over, and that we have an application that will knock your socks off! Okay, not literally, but it will get you excited and hopefully inspire you to think outside the box!
This exciting application is called, “white ink.” The biggest benefit of printing with white ink is that you are able to digitally print white and/or color ink on top of dark and unique papers to create a special effect that really makes your image pop!
For Example:
So when might you use white ink printing? Use it with your next high impact marketing piece, invitation, targeted direct mailing, or any special print project that you want to stand out!
The possibilities are endless with the white ink process.
If you have questions about whether or not white ink is ideal for your next printed project, contact us!
Have you ever noticed how many businesses use some type of window graphic to grab your attention? Taco Bell is a great example of how powerful that type of marketing can be. I’m sure you’ve heard of Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos, and remember the large Doritos taco graphics in their windows. Or when they started to promote serving breakfast? Using window graphics is a large part of their marketing and is for many other businesses too. (more…)
Marketing Channels. How many channels do you use on a daily basis to help you reach your customers while reaching your business goals? Spring is the perfect time to plant those seeds and try a couple new ways to market those potential customers.
Here are 5 tips on how up can “UP” your marketing channel game!
PLANT THE SEED Choose the audience you want to focus on and decide how you’re going to reach them. Use multiple Marketing Channels to get the best results. Internet marketing is effective, but response rates increase when paired with creative direct mail campaigns and signs.
DIG UP INTEREST Embrace SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS like Facebook and Twitter. This is a simple way to engage a large audience, bring more clients to your website, and GET AN INSIGHT INTO THEIR NEEDS.
GET COLORFUL Use COLORFUL CREATIVE DESIGN to gain attention and create an experience or a feeling, making your product or organization memorable. Connect with your audience on an emotional level and you’ll have their loyalty.
WEED YOUR LIST CLEAN UP YOUR MAILING LIST. Validating addresses and removing duplicate entries improves your organization’s image and saves you money.
GET MORE GROWTH Get more growth for your dollar. Signs are a time-tested, low-budget marketing strategy that gets attention quickly and reaches a wider audience. Whether you’re advertising via banner, exhibit, or point of purchase, always keep the message SHORT, MEMORABLE, AND CONSISTENT with other marketing materials.
DID YOU KNOW? Direct mail remains one of the most widely adopted and effective methods of generating new and repeat business.
There are many marketing channels that you can explore to help grow your business. The above 5 tips can hopefully help get those wheels turning.
Congratulations to our Creative and Web designers for receiving 8 ADDY Awards for 2013, on behalf on the work they have done for our clients.
The ADDY Awards truly represent “the best of the best” in advertising. (more…)
