Case Studies

The world of packaging is a busy one as there are multiple types of flexible packaging and the creative possibilities are unlimited. Flexible packaging printing is a hot market at the moment thanks to its versatile design options and cost-effectiveness.   Our online research about printed flexible packaging shows a disconnect between what customers are looking for and what they can easily find. In order to make the packaging process easier for you, we created this article to show the different types of available flexible packaging, the options you have for different packaging choices, and some necessary context to help you make the best packaging decision for your product. What is Flexible Packaging? When researching flexible packaging online, you will find a variety of answers that don’t always tell what flexible packaging is and how it benefits you. They might give you information about types of flexible packaging materials and/or a few examples, but the information cannot be described as being comprehensive or definitive.  Don’t worry—We are creating a definitive source for you! In general, flexible packaging printing is the use of a non-rigid material to enclose a product.  It really is that simple. As long as the package does not have a rigid structure, it can be considered to be printed flexible packaging. What Types of Material are Used for Flexible Packaging? While you might not be concerned about the actual material used in flexible packaging, it is helpful to have a list for when you want more information. Material choices include:  Let’s move on to the primary flexible packaging  categories and share some examples of these categories. Pouches or Pouch Packaging One of the most common and popular flexible packaging options is pouches. While this type of packaging is used for different products, many people are used to seeing it in the food category. Pouch packaging can store products and also seal in the freshness of a product by using a grip seal, spout and cap fitments, or heat sealing.  Examples of Pouch Packaging Sachet Packaging Sachet packaging is a versatile option that also allows for creativity in the packaging. Sachet packaging refers to packaging that contains a small quantity of a product. The packing is often designed so it can easily be torn open as well as provide easy access to the product. Some of the industries that use this type of packaging include cosmetics, powdered drinks, vitamins & supplements, and nutraceuticals.  Sachet Package Examples: Wrappers Wrappers are one of the most common forms of packaging and they can be found everywhere. Some of the products that use wrappers for packaging include fast food restaurants, candy, protein bars, and some bottles. You can be very creative with your custom wrappers and use them as a protective cover, a decorative touch, and also showcase or advertise your brand.  Wrappers are another way to engage the public and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Film Roll Labels for Packages When it comes to film roll labels for packaging, this category also includes pressure sensitive labels. While packaging often totally covers a product, there are other packaging options that are simply adhered to the product which makes the exterior the actual packaging. Film roll labels are made to fit the contours of the product and they also make use of all of the available space on the product. Film Roll Label Examples We hope this comprehensive guide to the types of flexible packaging you can choose from provides you with the necessary information to make the best decision on how to move forward with your packaging project. If you have any questions or need help with your packaging, get in touch with us today. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

One of the main questions that we are often asked is one that does not have a concrete answer. The question is…“How much does direct mail cost?”  We are also often asked, “What is the cost of a direct mail campaign?”  Unfortunately, there is not a set cost for a direct mail campaign for every company in the United States. Let’s look at some of the factors that go into determining the total cost of planning and executing a direct mail campaign. What Factors Affect Direct Mail Costs? While there is not a “one size fits all” cost for direct mail, the prices of the individual elements of a campaign are pretty straightforward. Here are some of the main parts of a campaign you need to keep in mind when sending out direct mail: Want to know more about the elements listed above? Take a look below for more details about the direct mail costs you can expect during your upcoming campaign. Direct Mail Cost Factor #1 – Quantity The total cost of printing a direct mail piece is determined by the quantity you want to mail. For example, the smaller the total number of pieces that are mailed, the higher the per unit cost. On the other hand, mailing a higher total volume of pieces will give you a lower cost per unit but keep in mind the overall cost will be higher. Direct Mail Cost Factor #2 – Size The format and size of the item (AKA the dimension of the item) that you are printing will impact the cost. In other words, the more materials that you use when printing the mail piece, the greater the cost for both the substrate you print on and the ink that prints your message. If you want a cost-effective choice, consider postcards and flyers. If you want your mail piece to have a sophisticated and personalized touch, consider printing letters for your mail piece.  Direct Mail Cost Factor #3 – Type of Finish The choice of print finish you decide on for your direct mail can make a big impact on the final price of your direct mail campaign due to the weight of the piece. In general, the heavier a direct mail piece, the more you will have to pay for postage. In addition, a complex or lavish finish can cause the cost of the piece to increase. For example, the use of a simple satin coat for the finish will cost less than a mail piece that uses stamped foil, spot UV, or a textured finish. Direct Mail Cost Factor #4 – Cost of Postage One aspect of the direct mail process that you cannot control is the postage cost of the campaign. Postage is determined by the USPS and they have listed the rates for the various types of direct mail you can send. If you are looking to save money on postage, you might be able to qualify for bulk mailing discount rates if you use first class mail, standard mail/marketing mail, or Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). Direct Mail Cost Factor #5 – Design If you have access to professional design services at your company, the decision to design your direct mailers in-house is definitely a cheaper option. You likely pay your design team a salary which means the design process will not cost you any extra money. If your in-house design team doesn’t have the necessary experience to design a compelling direct mail piece., you can hire a design agency but this will increase the total price of the project. Direct Mail Cost Factor #6 – Personalization In order to get the attention of your target audience, it is important to personalize the message that you send to their address. Personalized direct mail is more expensive than direct mail that includes a generic message that does not address the individual needs of the person. Variable Data Printing (VDP) gives you the ability to personalize the marketing message included with the mail piece. If you need each mail item to be personalized with details about the customer and the offer included with the direct mail piece, you will need to use VDP which increases your direct mail cost.  Direct Mail Cost Factor #7 – Tracking Once the mail piece has been sent to your mailing list, you will want to track the effectiveness of your direct mail campaign. You also need to know that there are additional costs associated with this task. Even though QR codes and pURLs are usually free, you need to have a way to track your website traffic. Be prepared to include the expense of using a web analytics provider to determine the effectiveness of the campaign. Direct Mail Cost Factor #8 – Mailing Lists If you don’t have your own mailing list, or if the list you have contains outdated information, you will need to procure a current mailing list. This expense is a good investment in making sure you get the information you need to reach your audience. Some of the items that go into the final cost include the quality of the list (making sure you reach the right audience and the right demographics), the size of the list, and who provides you the list.  Direct Mail Cost Factor #9 – Integration The act of integrating your direct mail with your marketing automation or CRM platform will need to be included in your budget. Once the mailing list information is integrated, you will be able to send your customers direct mail materials the same way you send them emails. In addition, you can also set up a series of “triggers” that will automatically send a direct mail message based on a previous action performed by the direct mail recipient. The direct mail costs listed here cover over ninety percent of the costs you will encounter. Of course, there might be some unexpected tasks that can add to your costs or you might discover some efficiencies that reduce

Cannabis packaging design is a topic of great interest as the marijuana industry continues to grow across the globe. Because of the increased interest in the industry, the number of marijuana companies, as well as consumers who want to know more about the product, is going to rise. The future of custom cannabis packaging is wide open as companies look for ways to get the attention of consumers and get them to choose their product.  In this informative article, we will share cannabis package design trends to keep in mind when planning your packaging in the future. Use Images Representing Cannabis Leaves Even though this might seem like an obvious idea, there is a reason to use images that remind the public of cannabis leaves. These leaves are instantly recognizable and also an iconic part of the industry.  Many brands already use this imagery in their cannabis packaging design while also including their own unique twist. You can take this leafy image and make it fit the style of your brand by using your branding colors along with additional design elements that help your packaging stand out from the competition.  Customizable Packaging The rise of custom cannabis packaging is something we see more of as the industry continues to grow. Customized packaging stands out to the public and also increases sales thanks to its elevated look that advertises your brand. While consumers are shopping, a plain label for jars or pre-rolls is not as enticing as jars or containers that are designed to spotlight your brand and provide your products an elite look. Don’t forget that design elements such as the color, typography, and texture should work together to create an attractive package that follows the latest design trends.  Get Innovative With Your Packaging Packaging design trends are evolving from a simple package to more innovative designs that give customers the opportunity to inspect flowers through a window located in the package. The window allows the public to inspect the product which makes buying it an easier choice for consumers. With the increasing popularity of edibles, a growing design trend is making sure they keep both their shape and their potency. New design concepts increase the shelf life of edibles while retaining  their shape and strength. Minimalist Packaging Continues to Dominate The popularity of a minimalist cannabis package design has come into favor over the last few months. This packaging choice is helpful for anyone who might not have used cannabis in the past or they are only using it for medicinal purposes. For example, minimalist packaging for gummies usually has a bright and inviting look. However, the package label ensures consumers know exactly what the gummy will taste like and how to properly consume the product to enjoy a consistent experience each time. Sustainable Packaging Is Popular and Good for the Environment There has been a lot of talk in recent years about reducing your carbon footprint to be more environmentally friendly. Sustainable cannabis package design practices can include implementing biodegradable packaging for your brand or dispensary. In addition, you can make creative use of your logo to indicate that you practice “recycling” which helps consumers recognize the packaging is both free of harmful chemicals and can easily and safely be recycled. Your cannabis packaging design is an extension of your branding. If you want to incorporate the latest packaging trends in your next design, we are ready to help.   Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

Each season of the year brings new opportunities for marketing and direct mail campaigns are always in style (no matter the season). When it comes to summer, there are many creative ways to tie into the season to get the attention of customers and engage with them. When it comes to summer direct mail marketing campaigns, it is one of the extreme weather seasons, so you can leverage the sunshine and the heat that is always around during the summer months. Whether you use compelling imagery or creative copy for your summer theme, customers will not ignore your message. In this article, we are sharing a handful of ideas for successful direct mail campaigns guaranteed to get the attention you want to gain from consumers. Direct Mail Cutouts Direct mail pieces can be die-cut into designs specific to summer such as sunglasses, sandals, and beach towels. Besides being eye-catching, they also allow your customers to indulge their more playful side that wants to experience summer fun. Be sure and use the summer theme to stand out from your competitors as a summer cut-out shape direct mail piece will get the attention of the public while going through their mail. Eye Catching Colors The summer months mean you need to be done with grays, blacks, and browns. Instead, embrace the idea of bright colors including orange, yellow, and red! Summer direct mail campaigns should take advantage of being able to use bright colors and lighter paper for promotions and event reminders that make sure your customers don’t forget to attend. Fan Away the Winter Blues The public always appreciates a direct mail piece that includes an item that can be used in daily life.  During the summer months, your direct mail campaign can cool off the hottest day with small fans featuring your logo or latest promotion. Besides getting attention to your business, the fan also builds your brand recognition as consumers use this item on the warmest summer days. Leverage the Heat Want to know what is “cool” about direct mail marketing campaigns in the summer? You have the chance to focus your creativity on having fun with the heat. For example, using images and text that focus on relief from the warm days, or taking part in activities that only happen during the summer months such as time at the beach or swimming, help to ensure it gets the attention of the public and makes them examine the mail piece in-depth.  Successful direct mail campaigns get you noticed when they are relevant to the current season. If you want to plan a summer marketing campaign using direct mail, we can help.  Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

In order to maintain their certification status, union certified printers must initially meet a series of high standards and then continue to follow rigorous control measures to keep their union printing certification. Many union printers have evolved their businesses to keep pace with the rapid changes in the printing industry. This means their staff has the long-term experience and high-quality equipment necessary to produce projects for their clients.  In addition, union printers can meet your turnaround time and this includes direct mail services that have been around since the introduction of unionized printing companies back in the 19th century. In general, most union printers are proud of their printed materials which means they ensure their name is spotlighted in the form of a union bug or union label to assure customers they are receiving a quality product. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of making the decision to outsource printing needs to a printer that has a union bug. Cost-Benefit of Outsourcing Union Printing The main reason most companies outsource their print or mail processing duties is to reduce their total project expenses as performing these tasks in-house can be costly when it comes to equipment and personnel needs.  A lower-end commercial laser printer can cost around $50,000 while a higher-end continuous digital color press can cost close to 5-million dollars. In order to achieve the lowest possible per-page print cost, the production level of print jobs for a company has to justify the total price of the equipment. This rationale also applies to mailing equipment. A new, non-intelligent mail inserter can cost $50,000 and a fully automated intelligent machine, with tracking, can cost in the neighborhood of 1-million dollars. That is a big commitment of cash for equipment that often has a five year life expectancy. In addition, equipment expenses continue as you will need to regularly maintain your print and mail equipment, provide a dedicated space in the office to house the equipment, and properly train operators to run them. For many companies, it simply makes more financial and personnel sense to let outsource printing companies handle the risk of investment when it comes to equipment and staffing. Outsourcing Union Printing Leads to Higher Quality Printed Products Many businesses find a big improvement in their print quality thanks to the machine quality provided by print service providers. Union certified printers are known for producing high-quality work since they must maintain the high standards set forth in the certification process. To successfully meet these standards, these professional printers have strict quality control measures in place. Plus, union printing companies often utilize the latest print industry technology and equipment to ensure their printed results are produced accurately and on time. You can be assured that reliability and a quality reputation can be found when you partner with Advertisers Printing, a union certified printer.  Include the Union Bug On Printed Materials One of the most important aspects of supporting a labor union is the incorporation of the union bug, AKA a union label, which is the tiny emblem placed at the bottom or side of a product. Union bug printing is a symbol that the product is viewed as being a representation of the work of a labor union. This symbol makes it easy for those who want to buy products made by labor unions to identify the products. Union bug printing informs your customers that you support labor unions as well as the average worker.  Just remember that the only way to get a union bug on your print products is by outsourcing your print projects to a union printer.   Ready to start working with a union certified printer? If so, contact the Advertisers Printing team today. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

Marketers know that it is not always an easy task to acquire customers. You have to get their attention through compelling content marketing and then nurture their level of interest through email cycles. These tasks are performed in the hope they will make a commitment to buying the product. It can be even harder when you are trying to market a product to different demographics because a 50-something unfamiliar with digital marketing is going to react in a different way to a Facebook ad than a 20-something who is knowledgeable in digital marketing tactics. When it comes to direct mail marketing, how can you capture multiple generations in your future direct mail campaigns? In this article, we share how direct mail targeting can successfully reach each generation. Targeting Gen Z With Direct Mail Marketing Gen Z adults spend more per year on expensive products in stores than any other generation. They enjoy the speed of the purchase and the immediate satisfaction of having the product in their hands. They enjoy personal experiences which is why personalized direct mail campaigns are ideal for this generation.   Gen Z relies on the opinions and insights of celebrities and influencers so you may want to incorporate their reviews into your campaign. In addition, Gen Z has their own level of influence with their parents and grandparents. Marketing to Gen Z means the information will extend into their personal circle. Gen Z is an ethnically diverse, open-minded generation so keep this in mind when crafting your direct mail marketing message. Since the younger age group wants an extremely personalized experience, you should use variable data printing to customize individual mail pieces at scale to make their experience personalized and special. Not sure how to accomplish this? The next section will show you! Tips For Targeting Millennials With Direct Mail Marketing A common belief is that millennials are glued to their smartphone screens at all times. However, this generation looks for opportunities to engage with others which makes direct mail a way for them to view, and hold, something tangible. It has been shown that almost 90-percent of millennials are likely to pick up their mail at the first opportunity while almost 95-percent personally sort their mail because receiving mail makes them feel special.  Direct mail targeting strategies can combine multimedia and digital messages with print by utilizing QR codes to transition from the mail piece to a specific website. The key is to keep your messaging authentic along with short and easy to read. Too much slang can be seen as trying too hard to appeal to a certain age group. In addition, millennials connect with campaigns that donate some of their profits to a certain cause.  Tips For Targeting Gen X With Direct Mail Marketing Gen X is often ignored by marketers which can be a missed opportunity as they spend the next highest amount after boomers. About 60-percent of Gen X picks up their mail at least six days a week to read or sort through it.  This age group is currently making the highest income they will make while also balancing this with having children and caring for their families. They are busy so keep your message short and to the point by sending coupons that will get them excited (with a clear CTA). When marketing to Gen X, remember they are redefining age with healthier lifestyles and staying active. Your images and messaging need to reflect this fact. This age bracket has lived through multiple recessions so they are quite skeptical and cautious about making a purchase or investment. You have to earn their trust by being transparent and authentic. While some of your focus might be on the above generations, don’t forget that boomers still play a part in your marketing strategy. Tips For Targeting Boomers With Direct Mail Marketing Direct mail has always been part of the baby boomer purchasing experience as they are used to receiving trusted information about bills, credit cards, and insurance through the mail. They browse catalogs to find the perfect furniture for their home, and look at  brochures to discover the latest fashion trends.  Baby boomers view purchases as investments so build brand loyalty by sharing the long-term value your brand offers them while including personalized elements in your message. Deliver your message in clear, easy-to-read language and include a call to action (CTA) that is easy to identify and execute. They want to know how a service will benefit their lives without feeling pressured. Also, they don’t want to feel old so keep the design crisp and clean and include images of age-appropriate models enjoying time with friends and family.  Targeting each generation with your direct mail campaign is easy to do using the tactics we’ve shared in this article. If you are ready to design your next direct mail marketing effort with a certain audience in mind, call our experienced team today. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

In the past, conventional wisdom has shown that a majority of the success generated by a direct mail campaign can be traced back to the quality of the mailing list. The offer or information needs to be sent to consumers who want your product or who seek more information so they can learn how it benefits them when they purchase the product. Having clean direct mail lists is an important way to improve your overall marketing ROI. Targeted mailing lists improve your response rates because you are mailing to members of the public who have the funds to buy your product. Plus, your costs are lower because the marketing piece is being delivered by the USPS. In order to get the most from your mailing list, let us show you the benefits of direct mail list hygiene such as creating, editing, and maintaining the consumer information and preferences on the list.  Benefits of Sending a Clean Direct Mail List to Your Printer Some of the benefits of sending a clean list that is properly prepared and formatted to a printer include higher success rates, reduced production errors, quicker turnaround time when it comes to printing, and overall cost savings. A clean list ensures all of your contacts are valid and have the correct information needed to make sure your message reaches the right audience. A clean list also requires less back and forth with the printer which saves both time and money. An accurate and valid list increases the chances of your message being received and acted upon by consumers. Correct contact information also reduces production errors and makes it easier for the printer to produce your materials while staying within your budget and on schedule. If you don’t need to check each address or correct mistakes, the entire printing process is faster. In turn, you get your project to your customers in a timely and quick manner.   A clean direct mail list is essential to getting the best results from your direct mail campaign. Now that we have shared the benefits of a clean direct mail list, see how this improves the quality of your marketing materials.  Get the Best Outcome With Direct Mail List Hygiene In order to ensure the best outcome from your campaign, take the necessary preparation steps such as verifying files before sending them to the printer. In addition, make sure the correct data has been stored and this includes ALL of the following fields listed below: Before sending, please be sure to remove any and all columns/fields that are not needed for the mail piece. Once you are ready to send your file, make sure it is in one of the following formats: Make sure the information on your targeted mailing lists is up-to-date, as duplicate and incorrect addresses can result in a lower quality printout and a reduced ROI. Consider including a unique ID field to help you easily find any changed records in your database during the update process. Verifying that these elements are all included improves the quality of your direct mail campaign and helps you enjoy higher returns. Finalize Your Direct Mail List Before Sending Once your data and design files are created, finalize your list before sending it to a print partner. Make sure to include pertinent information such as: Direct mail list hygiene saves you time and money. Call today about properly cleaning and preparing your direct mail lists. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

In the New Year, consumers are still likely to buy a product or take advantage of a special thanks to a strategized and targeted direct mail marketing campaign. Direct mail strategies are used by every type of business from supermarkets to restaurants, car dealerships, and pay-per-click advertisers that send coupons to clients. Businesses can use their direct mail campaign to announce the opening of a new store or upcoming sale while also providing discounts for a particular service to a targeted group of consumers. The growth in foot traffic or sales can highlight the direct mail ROI of the campaign. Keep in mind that a direct mail marketing campaign is able to target a narrow or large group while still being cost-effective if executed properly.   In this article, we will answer the question, “How effective is direct mail marketing?” and discuss the right direct mail marketing strategy for your business. Direct Mail ROI Is Better Than Many Digital Mediums Even in the world of digital marketing, direct mail remains highly effective. The ROI (return on investment) of the campaign measures its success and it is calculated by dividing the total amount spent on the campaign by the total profit that was earned by the campaign. In order to see the most success from a direct mail campaign, it is important to understand how to calculate the ROI while also knowing the desired return you hope to gain from an investment.   In order to improve the effectiveness of your direct mail campaigns, you need to track the results on a regular basis using qualitative and quantitative metrics. In addition, you should experiment with different offers, messaging, and creative materials to determine the marketing message that works best with your customers. Plus, you should segment target audiences in order to maximize their response rates and sales conversions. Effective direct mail strategies include sending personalized messages to specific customers, making the CTA (call to action) easy to execute, and offering some form of incentive to consumers.  In general, advertising through direct mail can provide a great return on investment if you experiment with different strategies. Your business can increase your sales and profits and grow your customer numbers.  Now that you know about direct mail ROI, let’s discuss the costs of direct mail.  What Are The Costs of Direct Mail Strategies Direct mail marketing is a popular way to reach potential clients, customers or donors as long as you consider the costs associated with it.  Design costs are an important expense since the materials need to be attractive and easy to understand. Hiring a professional graphic designer or copywriter helps to create an engaging message. You can also use stock photos or illustrations to add some professional appeal to your design (if you don’t mind purchasing them at an additional cost).  Some of your additional costs will include marketing copywriting services and mailing lists. When it comes to mailing list costs, It is also important to decide whether to buy or rent a list and the decision depends on the size and scope of your campaign. Renting a list means you need to factor data appending costs into your budget. Printing costs include the type of printing material used and the postage cost per piece for the campaign. The number of pieces printed impacts the cost per piece while distribution costs include postage rates and delivery fees that vary by the size and weight of the mail pieces. Consider all of your expenses when planning a campaign to ensure you maximize your budget for success. Below, we cover five direct mail strategies that maximize your direct mail ROI. 5 Direct Mail Strategies That Maximize ROI To reach potential customers and influence their purchases, an effective direct mail strategy combined with tracking and analytics to measure performance help inform your strategy.  Now that you know the answer to “How effective is direct marketing?”, call us about planning your next campaign. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

Print marketing is alive and well as thousands of companies send printed mailers each week. Print advertising can help businesses like yours bring in more customers and grow both your foot traffic and sales. You have the ability to use marketing methods such as direct mail marketing on the same playing field as bigger companies through the power of print marketing. There are multiple print marketing options available to you such as postcards, booklets, business cards and posters. While much of the focus in the marketing world has been on digital marketing and social media for the past few years, print marketing campaigns are still important but you need to make sure and avoid mistakes that can prove to be both costly and time-consuming for your business.  Take a look below to discover the three most common print marketing mistakes and how you can learn from them. Don’t Make These Direct Mail Marketing Mistakes When it comes to direct mail marketing, avoid these mistakes that can have a negative impact on your campaign: Direct Mail With No Defined Goals When planning your campaign, set your marketing goals and be clear about how you are going to measure the success of your marketing strategy. Once you have identified your goals, you can accurately measure your level of success in reaching them. Don’t Pick the Wrong Audience for Your Campaign You need to perform proper market research, dive deep when analyzing the data, and build segments that work together to highlight your target audience. In order to make direct mail work for you, tailor your message correctly as the right audience can quickly become the wrong audience if you try to reach them at the wrong time. Make sure the timing for your message is correct. Know when the mailer will land and make sure it complements other events, matches the mood of the season and is also in tune with where the customer is at in the buying decision. No Clear Call to Action A muddled or unclear call to action (CTA) can spell the end of your direct mail campaign. Your direct mail piece needs to contain one call to action that will not be confused by other requests or calls to action. Keep in mind that an easy to remember call to action makes it more likely that your audience will perform the desired action.  The problems that hamper a direct mail marketing strategy are not all that different from the ones that cause other campaigns to fail. Study the mistakes of others so you produce a direct mail piece that delivers the desired results. Print Advertising Design Mistakes A simple and clear design makes it easy for consumers to understand your message. Avoid the print advertising design mistakes described below: A Design That Is Too Busy Just because you have a lot of extra space in your design does not mean you have to use every inch of the space. Providing too much text and graphics can backfire and cause your design to suffer from information overload. White space can draw the eye and serves as a powerful print marketing tool. Your design needs to be eye-catching as well as clear and concise. The information in the design should be organized and follow a clear logic. Work with a professional designer to get it right the first time and avoid having to spend money on revisions in the future. Not Clearly Understanding Technical Elements Depending on the print marketing materials you want to create, you will need to keep various technical considerations in mind. While your images will need clear formatting, printed materials come in different sizes and the final size depends on the type of printed material you want to produce. Please remember that the printed material choice will also have an impact on your formatting and the durability of the product. No Clear Call to Action As mentioned before, this is very important and if you don’t include a clear CTA, you are wasting time and money.  Now that we have covered design and direct mail mistakes, it is time to reveal what might be the biggest print advertising mistake you can face. (Spoiler Alert: It’s You!!!! Take a look below to learn how to get out of your own way.) The Biggest Print Advertising Mistake Is Trying To Do It All Yourself Many business owners make the common mistake of trying to perform all marketing tasks on their own. There are some marketing aspects that you might be able to handle by yourself but there are other tasks (including print marketing) that require a greater level of in-depth knowledge and skills than the average business owner might possess. By investing in the services of a professional print partner or graphic designer, you will be able to produce high-quality products on the first try. Print shops can offer a wide array of services and advice. They can determine the best format for you to use, choose the ideal paper stock, and even show you samples (such as special finishes and business card slits) that elevate the look of your final product. If you are inexperienced when it comes to print marketing, a printing service can help you avoid costly mistakes that will need to be corrected. Advertisers Printing can help you with all aspects of print advertising. Contact us today! Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

With an industry-wide focus on sustainable printing solutions such as eco-friendly inks, paper that comes from sustainable sources, and energy derived from renewable sources, some printers take “green printing” to heart and execute a sustainable business model.  Environmentally friendly printing allows them to provide eco-friendly printing services that protect and benefit our shared natural environment. On the other hand, other printers do nothing more than purchase tokens in order to offset their carbon footprint through the purchase of carbon offsets. When it comes to sustainability printing, who will you decide to trust?  Let us help you make an educated and informed decision by showing you the difference between what it means to be a sustainable printer and a carbon neutral preen printer. What is Considered Green Printing? While “eco-friendly” refers to a practice that is not harmful to the environment, it is actually not a term that can be defined as “sustainable.” In general,  “sustainability” means not compromising the safety of future generations while “eco-friendly” means you are trying to not have an immediate impact on the environment. There are multiple ways to perform eco-friendly printing and they include low-energy printing presses, eco-friendly inks, carbon balanced printing, or a mixture of these print methods. When businesses claim to be sustainable, they mean their products and services, along with their working conditions, are created and designed to make the least harmful impact on the environment. This type of plan ensures their work can continue into the future as they are taking the necessary steps to ensure natural resources aren’t depleted as well as make a possible positive impact on the environment. Thanks to the focus on eco-friendly inks, paper produced from sustainable sources, and energy from renewable sources, print services can be performed without harming our shared natural environment.  Carbon balancing is when the carbon impact of a product or service is estimated. In simple terms, the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide is either absorbed into the atmosphere or it is stopped from being released. This is when no carbon is emitted from the beginning, so no carbon will have to be captured or offset. As an example, a commercial building or off-grid household that is powered completely by solar and zero fossil fuels is able to promote that it uses “zero carbon” energy. Carbon neutrality, AKA having a net zero carbon footprint, means achieving net zero carbon emissions through the act of balancing a measured amount of carbon that is released with an equivalent amount that is either offset or sequestered. This process can be achieved by buying tokens from a third party company. These purchased tokens offset the estimated carbon emissions by removing carbon from the atmosphere.  Does Your Printer Have An Eco-Friendly Print Certification? There are multiple certifications that indicate a different level or aspect of eco-consciousness. We are proud to have the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership certificate (SGP) from a non-profit organization (SGP) that certifies facilities used for printing and packaging as well as the sustainability best practices of the supplier (such as regulatory compliance). SGP promotes innovation and best practices for print community stakeholders. They also bring together the print industry and its customers in a common goal of a more accountable sustainable supply chain. The SGP certification is a multi-attribute certification that is specific to the printing industry. This certification takes the entire print facility into account and examines its processes, products, and social areas. It has only been awarded to an elite group of top sustainable printers and is a highly regarded honor among print buyers and the print industry. Advertisers Printing Remains Sustainable Advertisers Printing has embraced a level of sustainability over the past two decades that is unmatched by others in our industry thanks to our Triple Bottom Line, People/Planet/Profit, and the Sustainable Green Partnership credo:  In addition: If you want to work with a sustainable printer, Advertisers Printing is your number one choice.  Contact us today!  Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924