Monthly Archives: March 2011

Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Marketing on a Shoestring

Looking to make a big impact on a small budget? Consider these ideas:

• Focus your efforts. Concentrate your marketing budget on just one or two areas. Choose methods that offer a solid return, and track results so you can adjust quickly if you feels it’s needed.

• Barter. If you offer a product or service that members of the local media might find useful, negotiate a trade for free advertising space or airtime.

• Donate to charity. Your donation of goods, services, time, or money will earn you goodwill. It may also provide a mention in the organization’s annual report or other printed literature. Many charitable groups have board members (fellow businesspeople) who may need your services.

• Give referrals. Your customers and associates will appreciate the referral business you send their way, and may even be willing to return the favor.

http://www.ParagonPress.net – 318.868.3351

 

Customized Envelopes

Customized Envelopes


You send mail on a regular basis. Are the envelopes you’re using sending the right message and strengthening your brand? Here are some tips for creating customized envelopes that get opened:

• Identity. Mail is more likely to be opened if the receiver sees your corporate identity.

• Lasting impression. Customized envelopes create memorable impressions. Think about the last truly creative envelope you received and see if you can remember where it was from.

• Variety. All envelopes are not equal. They can be ordered in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and types of paper to make your mailings unique.

• Attention-getting. Use teaser copy to create interest for the recipient, and to compel them to open the envelope immediately.

• Sneak peak. You can save money by using customized window envelopes and including the address on the letter or response device instead of printing it on the envelope.

• Graphics. Many people expect to see more than just words on paper. Spice it up with some colorful graphics to make your envelope stand out in a pile of mail.

• Another glimpse. Messages peeping through windows gain additional attention, allowing the reader a glimpse at your story before they dive inside.

• Both sides. Three out of four people who touch your envelope will flip it over before opening it … so why not use the back of your envelope, too?

• Be different. Do something unusual, such as printing your envelopes upside down, and see how many people comment.

 

http://www.ParagonPress.net, PRINT. MAIL. DESIGN. SOCIAL MEDIA. MARKETING. 318.868.3351

Ranked #1 in loyalty & satisfaction!

Catalogs & Manuals: Info at Your Fingertips

Whether you are looking for an effective way to display information about the products your company can offer or answer important questions about company policies and procedures, catalogs and manuals can do the talking for you.

By equipping your employees, prospects, and customers alike with catalogs and manuals, you empower them with the ability to easily find important information and make informed decisions. Here are a few points to consider when creating your next catalog or manual:

Think about your audience. What do they want to learn more about? Include a helpful yet concise question-and-answer section for frequently asked questions.

Be informative. Provide detailed information, product photos, policy guidelines, etc., as well as contact information or a link to your website for more information should questions arise.

Be consistent. Portray a consistent brand image through the use of your company logo and corporate colors that is visible through all print materials, website, etc.

Include an order form for convenience. Even though most actual ordering is done by phone or on the company’s website, many shoppers like to use the printed order form to list and organize their purchases before placing an order. This will also benefit your business, since orders can be placed more accurately and efficiently.

Don’t be afraid to cross-sell between products. By suggesting companion products in product copy and callouts, or by placing companion products together on the page, you can increase sales five to 15 percent.

Be clear. High-resolution images are very important when depicting products or services that customers can’t see or touch.

Simplicity is key. Use no more than two or three fonts throughout the document, and use the same style of text consistently for product names, descriptions, etc. Also, keep text spacing and placement next to images consistent.

Take it online. Consider offering your catalog or manual online so readers can encourage friends or coworkers to download a convenient PDF version. You should also provide information on how to request additional copies.

Stop by today if you’d like help developing a creative catalog or manual that does the talking for you.

http://www.ParagonPress.net – 318.868.3351 – Print. Mail. Design. Social Media. Marketing. – Ranked #1 in loyalty & satisfaction!

FLYERS – How to Make Them Successful

You want your flyer to be unique and creative. To catch the eye of its recipient and cause them to take notice of your company.

But in order to make sure your flyers accomplish your goals, you also want to adhere to the following set of guidelines, and turn an ordinary flyer into a successful part of your marketing campaign.

• A powerful headline. The purpose of a headline is twofold: to draw attention and to motivate the reader to take action. A good example of this would be, “Need More Time in the Day? Call Us!” A bad example would be, “Cheryl’s Cleaning Service.” Because you are working with a limited amount of space in which to get your message across, the headline is a crucial part of your flyer’s success.

• High-quality images and graphics. Your killer headline should be supported by high-resolution photos of things that will help you sell your products and services. Be sure the images you select are designed for crisp, four-color printing, and that they represent what your company is all about.

• Enhance your reputation. Take a moment to consider your audience, and make an effort to personalize your ad or cater it to the local crowd. For example, if you have been in business for a number of years, use a phrase like: “Proudly serving the Cumberland area for 23 years,” as opposed to “Operating since 1987.”

• Show, don’t tell. Don’t just list the products and services you provide, use your flyer to show people how your products and services solve problems or meet a need. They will be more likely to consider you if you’ve already demonstrated how you can help them.

• Use the whole page. A piece of paper has two sides—use them. Just don’t overuse them. A balance of text, images, and good branding with your full contact information on both sides will go a long way toward making a solid impression. Stay away from too much text and blurry images, and don’t forget the selling point.

• Professional printing. An experienced printer will help you create the right flyer for your company. Call us today about producing a flyer you can be proud of.

http://www.ParagonPress.net – 318.868.3351 – Ranked #1 in loyalty & satisfaction – PRINT. MAIL. DESIGN. MARKETING.