Welcome Back!

Our team at Catdi Printing, home to one of the strongest marketing platforms in the Southwest, is excited to provide great resources for businesses looking to tell the world that they finally reopened! We understand the many local outfits were forced to temporarily close their in-person services to observe government regulations during the COVID-19 shutdowns. But now that everyone is getting back to work, we’re looking forward to serving all of our customer’s printing needs to get them back up and running.

 While we know that the reopening process looks different for every business, Catdi wants our returning and new customers to know that our highly skilled printing and design experts are ready to craft those beautiful marketing materials that Catdi is known for.

 The benefit of meeting with our printing consultants is that you tell us what you have in mind, and we take care of the rest. From consultations to nailing down the specifics, our experts will guide you through the entire process. We’re living in a completely new world than we were a few months ago. The Catdi team is prepared to assist business owners in making the adjustments needed to their marketing campaigns in order to obtain optimal results from their print marketing.

 Reopening businesses have some obstacles to overcome in order to get operations back to where they were before the quarantine. The first thing that every business has to do is let their customers know that they are reopened and ready to serve their community. Here at Catdi, we are offering our very own reopening toolkit to help get your brand back out there:

Signage

We decided to create a ton of free signage for businesses that looking to create social distance signage for their customers. As consumers, we have all gotten out of the habit of going to physical store locations for our shopping needs. Now that your business has reopened, it is absolutely essential that all of your past customers know that you are ready to serve them. While it’s always a good idea to announce your reopening on your website and other online channels, business owners underestimate how much of their business comes from foot traffic and word of mouth.

Placing large signage in your store windows and in front of your business is going to play an important role in helping you achieve a successful reopening. As you explore how to safely reopen, we have ideas & designs that make planning ahead easier. These designs are sized from 18” x 24” to 24” x 36” and will suit a range of products, including Gator Board, Yard Signs, Posters, Styrene and Sidewalk Signs.

Whatever kind of signage you want to use to let the world know that you have reopened, Catdi is here and ready to help.

Promotional Products and Swag

Our promo products and swag printing services are a great way to reintroduce your brand to the post-shutdown world. Branded merch is an awesome way to enhance brand recognition and spread the word about your business’s reopening . No matter how great of a business you’re running, you have to make sure that consumers know you exist. Branded products are a great way to help make your business a household name in your community.

 Once you have them in the door, customer retention becomes crucial in ensuring long-term success. The key factor is keeping your customers engaged with your business and making sure your brand is the first thing they think of when they need your product or service. Even if you provided them with an awesome experience their first time around, people are busier than ever these days, and it’s all too easy to forget about the great experience you offer. This is where branded merchandise can save the day.

 Thanks to the fact that branded merch helps with memory recall, it will cement your brand’s name in the minds of your customers so they will automatically know where to go next time they need your type of services. The more exposure you can drive and retention you can attain, the more longevity you’ll find in your industry.

 How much do you enjoy free swag? We know we do. And the more you can have your brand name floating around your area, the bigger opportunity for acquiring new customers and retaining current ones.

 Whether you’re selling tangible items or a skilled service, professionally branding your merchandise with Catdi Printing is a great way to spread the word.

Business Card Printing

There are few things more important in business than networking, especially now that you need to reignite the excitement in your local community about your business after the quarantine. . Shaking hands, kissing babies, and handing out professional business cards; is there any better way of getting new clients? People value the human connections that are made either in the community or inside your store, so by having professionally designed and printed business cards ready to go, you can give your new customers a piece of your business to carry with them.

We offer a wide variety of coating and stocks, print different shapes and sizes, and provide speedy delivery of your desired cards. We print quantities ranging from 25 to 100,000 pieces in an efficient and budget friendly manner.

But Catdi, why can’t we just print our cards ourselves? While this is technically always an option, there is simply no comparison between the look of a professionally polished and design Catdi Business Card and that of a flat-looking index card you print and cut from home.

While printing business cards may seem like a minor footnote to the more complex and high-visibility activities of a marketing campaign, the importance of a business card cannot be emphasized enough. Although small in size, the business card is the one thing in your marketing portfolio that a potential client is most likely to keep for future reference.The process of  printing business cards in Houston does not have to be expensive—just thorough and calculated enough with a professional image to make that critical first impression lead to sales calls.

Flyer Printing

Flyers are a super effective method for keeping your customers in the loop with the grand reopening details for your business. Whether you’re planning on posting flyers around town on bulletin boards or passing them out at conventions or sales events, having impressively professional flyers designed and printed by Catdi is the way to go. Design them from scratch or get started with the help of our custom templates. All you need is a logo, image, and a bit of text and voila! We’ll deliver beautiful flyers to you with a fast turnaround to help you keep your marketing momentum rolling. Single or double-sided designs are available, as are matte and glossy finishes. Pick them up in-store or have them delivered today!

NCR Form Printing

With the help of Catdi printing, you will now be able to create an appealing impression of your business to your clients and prospective partners by offering full color carbonless forms that are printed on high quality NCR paper. With the NCR forms, you can easily produce multiple copies of a single document by either handwritten or typed format. They are very handy for a business when creating invoices, receipts, delivery notes, contracts or purchase orders. The NCR forms are very handy and crucial when it comes to controlling the chances of errors since the similar information is relayed in all documents, the originals and the copies.

The full color forms are available in 2-part that is in white and canary and 3-part that comes in white, yellow and pink color at two different sizes, half page 5.5”x8.5” and full page 8.5”x11”. Your desired NCR form can be printed on the front and back depending on the type of your content, as well as sequential numbering is inserted.

There are 3 simple options for working with Catdi Printing to develop your NCR forms:

1. Create your own custom form from scratch and send it our way.
2. With the help of our template selection, find the one that best aligns with your brand and fill in your desired information.
3. Partner with one of our top-tier designers and create your very own design.

We provide everything you need to design the best NCR forms in town. So what are you waiting for?

Large Format Printing

In both Houston and the Southwest overall, Catdi is known for being one of the premier large format printing producers in the area. If you’re looking to leave no doubt whether your business is open and taking new customers, working with Catdi to create a large-scale sign is a great option! It takes advanced speciality production equipment to accommodate print dimensions that are larger than average, which is why we have recently made significant investments in our large format capabilities.

We have a state of the art digital printing system that allows us to print a wide range of large-scale prints quickly and cost-effectively. Large format printing is most commonly used for printing billboard ads, and we also specialize in window decals, banners, and car magnets. But whatever your large scale printing needs may be, chances are that Catdi will be able to deliver the goods. So if you’re in need of new and improved marketing materials that most printing companies lack the technology to handle, let Catdi take care of everything for you.

Door Hangers

Unfortunately, most businesses were forced to temporarily close their doors during the pandemic shutdowns. Now that the economy is reopening, it is essential that your customers know you are back in business. Door hangers are a great way to remind the world of what makes your products and services so special.

Door hanger advertising also helps you save on postage and mailing costs. By representing your company’s message from door to door, you can use door hanger advertising to promote your business to your community without the hassle of collecting people’s personal information.

All of Catdi Printing our door hanger and rip hanger printing services come on a variety of paper stocks on a weather-resistant coating with all perforations and die cuts include

Whether you are reopening or a brand new business preparing to open your doors, door hanger advertising gives you the chance to announce to the community that you are excited to serve them. It’s also a great way to establish the quality brand image that is essential for a successful business, and the Catdi design team will be there with you every step of the way to make sure the results are even greater than you had imagined.

Notepad Printing

With Catdi Notepad Printing, we deliver high quality notepads for you and your customers to keep handy, which means that your brand is always top of mind. Brand awareness has never been more crucial than it is now. We print taglines, contact information, calls to action, logos and slogans in full-color letterhead that is easily seen and easily remembered. Our products don’t just look great, they’re extremely durable and built to last. The chipboard backing is the industry standard and allows the product to perform well over time. We provide the option to choose between 25 or 50 page notepads. Standard size is 8.5” X 11”, but Catdi will also create custom sizes that include special artwork and designs.

See You Soon!

Now that you’re back in action, the Catdi team is excited to see you soon. No matter what kind of printing needs you may have, our team of experts are excited to help bring your marketing materials to life. Check out the Printing Services tab on our website to learn more or stop by to chat with an expert 1 on 1. We’re looking forward to it. 

The post Helping Business Reopen During the Shutdown appeared first on Catdi Printing.

There are many reasons to use directmail as a marketing strategy. First, it’s a great way to reach consumers without spamming them. Second, direct mail has helped countless small companies with boosting their sales in Dallas, TX. Third, Catdi Printing’s direct mail offerings focuses on delivering a custom design and multiple advertisers to qualified leads. Fourth, direct mail offers great ROI because the customer’s name and address are obtained in one quick action–giving marketers much more information about them than other forms of advertising like social media or search engine optimization would offer. Lastly we offer two types of direct mail marketing services; list required direct mail and EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) but this article is focused on traditional list direct mail marketing.

It May Be “Old School”, But Direct Mail Still Works!  

Some people might think that direct mail is an “old school” method of marketing, but it’s still a viable and effective way to reach potential customers. In fact, direct mail can be more successful than other methods, like email or text. One reason why direct mail is so successful is because it’s a cost effective and efficient way to reach potential customers. Direct mail marketing materials are delivered or picked up by the US Postal service six days/week in Dallas, TX . Another reason why direct mail works so well is because it’s a proven channel that can be effective when used strategically. For example, you can target specific demographics with your mailing list, or you can send out special offers that are only available through direct mail.

Finally, one of the best things about using direct mail is that it can help during budget constraints. Unlike other forms of advertising, such as TV or radio commercials, direct mail doesn’t require much upfront spending. And often times, businesses see an increase in ROI due to increased brand awareness.

Use Direct Mail Advertising to Get the Right Message to the Right People  

When you’re looking for a way to reach potential customers, direct mail is a proven method that can’t be beaten. And at Catdi Printing, we have the experience and expertise to help you create an effective direct mail campaign that will get your message in front of the right people. One of the most important aspects of any direct mail campaign is the headline–it’s what grabs attention and makes people want to learn more. So make sure it’s eye-catching and intriguing, and stands out from all the other noise competing for attention. Another thing to keep in mind when planning your direct mail campaign is cost. Unlike some other forms of advertising, direct mail requires expert design, printing and mailing services–which can add up quickly if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to use direct mail as part of an overall marketing strategy, rather than trying to rely on it alone. At Catdi Printing, we offer a wide range of customization options that will help make your messages feel personal and relevant to each individual recipient. And our team of experts will help make sure your campaigns are printed perfectly and delivered on time every time.

How Catdi Printing Provides Dallas Direct Mail Advertising Services?  

Dallas businesses have a number of choices when it comes to finding someone to provide them with direct mail advertising services. However, Catdi Printing is not the best fit for companies who are only interested in lists and mailing services. Catdi Printing provides direct-mail advertising services that include designing and printing your materials, as well as targeting the right audience and getting your ad delivered to their doorsteps. We also offer a range of pricing options so you can find one that fits your budget. And our online platform makes it easy to request quotes on various products and services, so you can get all the information you need before making a decision.

Dallas Texas Radius Program  

The Dallas Texas Radius Program is a great way to reach new customers in the area. The Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex  has close to 8 million people.oversized postcards are delivered to qualified homeowners, and turnaround is quick and easy. Plus, we offer enhanced solo mail and a Custom Solo Mailer to really make your message stand out. Our direct mail services are designed to help you reach your target audience with stunning graphics and appealing offers. And our variable data option for the enhanced solo program ensures that each mailing is customized for maximum impact. . Precise targeting means improved results for your business–so don’t wait any longer! Try the Dallas Texas Radius Program today!

Locally Targeted Direct Mail Marketing in Dallas  

Dallas is a great place to do business, and direct mail marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers. Did you know that we specialize in helping businesses like yours reach targeted affluent homeowners? We can help you create a campaign that will reach your target market directly. In Dallas, direct mail marketing is a tried and true method for reaching households. However, it’s important to target specific groups of people with your message. Direct mail campaigns are effective when they include an enticing offer with a targeted audience. For example, if you’re a real estate agent trying to attract new clients, you might want to consider targeting neighborhoods where people are likely to move soon. Direct mail campaigns must be managed to maximize response rates and profits. That’s why our team of marketing experts work closely with clients to create direct mail pieces that perform well in the market place and are tailored to their specific needs.

New Homeowner Direct Mail Program  

If you’re looking for a way to grow your business, consider using direct mail. Catdi Printing is a Texas based commercial print and direct mail company that specializes in delivering invitations to new homeowners, and they can help you reach potential customers quickly and easily. In fact, 85% of leads are generated by the first business that contacts them during the move-in process.  This program allows companies to send cards and offers in response to  deliveries. It’s an affordable way to reach high income, upscale homeowners only four times per year. And with a lifetime value of $250 per homeowner, it’s a great investment for your business.

Another great option is the New Homeowner City Showcase Program. This program gets new homeowners within 30 days of moving in! Solo mail is a stand-alone mail piece focused solely on your business’ advertisement, and it’s perfect for reaching out to potential customers who haven’t moved into their new home yet. Our program sends personalized mailings to important neighborhoods for less than half the cost of a first-class stamp. With this porgram, you can target homeowners who are most likely to be interested in your product or service. And because each mailing is tailored to the needs of each homeowner, you can be sure that your message will be seen and appreciated.

Other Dallas Marketing Services Catdi Printing Offers  

Besides Direct Mail Catdi offers a variety of marketing services to business owners in the Dallas area. These services include traditional marketing, website design, SEO, digital marketing, and social media marketing. One popular form of marketing that is often overlooked is local SEO. This type of advertising can be very effective when done correctly and can reach a large local audience quickly. In addition, Catdi has been specializing in website design since 1999- making them one of the most experienced providers in the Dallas area.

Let’s get started with Catdi Printing

Call us today so you’ll find all the information you need on how to use our services to grow your business. We offer a variety of options for delivering growth for your small business

The USPS is not affiliated with Catdi Printing and no sponsorship or endorsement is intended or implied. However, we so work with them so that our services very cost-effective. Take a look at the table below to see which delivery method is best for you. If you are looking for an experienced provider who can offer a wide range of services, then Catdi Printing is definitely worth considering. They have over 18 years of experience in the field and are capable of handling all your design needs. In addition, they offer freedom and flexibility which makes them an attractive option for business owners in Dallas

The post How to Use Direct Mail in Dallas to Grow Your Business appeared first on Catdi Printing.

Still, there are reasons it’s important to still consider hiring printing services.

In fact, experts suggest there are plenty of ways to use printed materials in modern business. One great example that many businesses use is that of printing color flyers. These simple, but practical, promotional papers can bring in a ton of new business if you’re strategic.

The good thing is that you’ve come to the right article. Detailed below is everything you need to know about how and why businesses are still taking advantage of color flyers.

Keep reading to learn more!

The Printing Industry Is Expected to Keep Growing

It’s true that most of us tend to communicate either verbally in-person or from our smartphones.

Remember when we relied on paper mail to pay our bills or connect with cross-country loved ones, though? Even still, today’s digitization doesn’t make the printing industry completely unnecessary.

Consider the following statistic about the global commercial printing market. It’s expected to grow from being worth about $400 billion in 2019 to over $460 billion by 2025! In other words, the printing industry isn’t going anywhere even in the wake of the digital era.

Instead of going away altogether, commercial printing has adapted to modern business needs. Bulk printing has become more convenient and cost-effective than ever. That’s why color flyer printing can be such a valuable part of your organization’s marketing strategy.

Posting Flyers Is a Classic Promotional Technique

Before the internet was widely available to the modern consumer, people were posting flyers. Perhaps you had a band performance to promote or were looking for a lost dog. Even just a couple of decades ago, you would print out as many color flyers as you could and post them all around town.

The great news, though, is that this practice hasn’t gone out of style. In fact, many restaurants and community centers have designated bulletin boards for just this purpose.

Even outside of other businesses, leaving flyers on light posts or under windshield wipers is still as effective as ever. A well-designed colorful flyer can interest just about anyone in your product or service. In fact, that’s why it’s in your best interest to take the design of your flyer seriously.

Be Willing to Get Creative With Your Flyer Design

Since modern commercial printing is so convenient and almost simple, feel free to get creative with it.

Your business’s brand, after all, has a unique personality and tone of voice it presents to the everyday consumer. Take the time to play around with different color combinations for flyers that your target audience might enjoy.

For any successful flyer promotion, your flyer design needs to be strategic down to the last detail. Working with your potential printing service could be beneficial towards this goal. Their expertise could give you design insight to really capture the attention of any potential flyer viewer.

Don’t Underestimate the Convenience of Printing Flyers in Bulk

As mentioned above, perhaps one of the best perks of printed promotional materials is that of cost-effectiveness. It’s true that you can spread your brand’s promotion online by paying for ads on various sites.

The thing about flyers, though, is that they tend to offer a more personal touch. Consumers can grasp something in their hands that your organization created, and now they’re responsible for that paper. Digital promotions, on the other hand, can be scrolled through and ignored without the online user missing a beat.

You can pay for so many of these more personal promotional flyers without breaking the bank. Wouldn’t they be more valuable than the otherwise generic digital ad campaigns?

Plus, the cost-effectiveness and of bulk commercial printing will likely keep growing as commercial printers evolve in the future. The industry’s not going anywhere, and it’s time for your organization to get back into the printing game. Everyday consumers are just waiting for the next flashy colorful flyer.

Don’t Be Afraid to Hand Them Out on a Regular Basis

Perhaps you’ve decided it might be strategic for you to post your flyers at all of the cutest coffee shops. Maybe your brand’s target audience is more likely to hang out at local grocery stores.

No matter where you decide to post them, don’t be afraid to keep some on hand to hand out if need be. You might be at your kid’s basketball game or a local business networking event when the occasion arises. Since you’ve taken the time to design a colorful flyer you’re proud of, be willing to show it off and maybe get a new customer!

Invest in Top-Quality Color Flyers Today

At this point in the article, you recognize the potential value of using color flyers. Even in today’s ever-expanding digital connectivity, printed materials can be valuable.

If you’re ready to invest in flyers to catch the attention of potential consumers, look no further. We encourage you to browse through the rest of our website at your convenience. In addition to flyers, we offer a variety of other valuable printing services to boost your company profits.

First, check out the rest of our blog archives for the latest and greatest trends in the printing industry. Then, leave a comment below this article about how it inspired you to invest in printed promotional materials.

When you’re ready to move forward, check out more details about our color flyer printing services.

The post Reasons Why and How Businesses Are STILL Using Color Flyers appeared first on Catdi Printing.

Finding the right print provider is critical. AlphaGraphics is fairly well known provider, but there are so many other great options that might be right beneath the surface. You can choose from local shops, online giants, and niche print services, all competing in profile and rank worldwide. The printing world has a lot to offer in terms of providers.

Whats important to you? Do you need customization or reasonable prices? What about special techniques or easy access? These aspects are crucial when consulting with companies that rank among the best alternatives to AlphaGraphics. We will look at different choices for your printing needs. Let’s explore the best options beyond AlphaGraphics together.

History of AlphaGraphics

AlphaGraphics started in 1970 in Tucson, Arizona. Rodger Ford founded it as a tiny print shop. This company has grown into a worldwide network with offices in Denver. It helps businesses and people everywhere.

From its start, AlphaGraphics focused on creating new printing solutions. It grew by prioritizing quality and customer happiness, becoming an industry leader.

AlphaGraphics offers many printing services, including options perfect for sales materials and mobile app promotion. It makes business cards, brochures, banners, and more. With advanced technology and a skilled team, it provides excellent results.

AlphaGraphics keeps up with new printing technology and methods so clients get the best, most modern printing options available.

Its dedication to excellence and innovation has made AlphaGraphics well-known. If you’re looking for high-quality printing, consider AlphaGraphics. It’s a reliable choice for any printing need.

Understanding the Landscape of Modern Printing Services

The printing industry has changed a lot because of new technologies, significantly impacting competitors’ revenue models and service offerings. Now, we have digital printing, which makes everything easier and better. The days of printing 1K when you only need 800 are over as digital printing has created a world of print on demand. This change helps businesses and people with their printing needs.

The Evolution of Digital Printing

Many people like digital printing for its quick turnaround and mobile app compatibility, which is a well-known feature. It gives high-quality prints that look clear and sharp. You don’t need printing plates for it. This saves time and money.

You can print on different materials with digital printing. For example, you can print on paper, fabric, or ceramics. This method makes very colourful and detailed prints. That’s why so many people prefer it now.

What Defines Professional Printing Services Today?

Now, modern print providers do more than just print. They offer exceptional help for both big and small projects. Their services make sure you get great prints quickly.

They use new printing methods and technology to get excellent results. You can get many different types of printing, like offset, UV, or 3D printing. They can make things for packaging, signs, and marketing, offering comprehensive marketing services that cater to diverse business needs. In addition, they provide mailing services such as the Every Door Direct Mail.

These services also focus on making sure each print is perfect. Experts check every detail, ensuring top-notch marketing and design services are provided. They also look at colors and quality. This way, you always get the best prints.

Benefits of Using AlphaGraphics

Choosing a printing provider is vital. AlphaGraphics stands out for many reasons. They offer a wide range of services, fast service, high-quality prints, and a dedicated team. This makes AlphaGraphics a leader among its competitors in the printing industry and great for businesses needing reliable printing and graphic design services.

AlphaGraphics offers many services, including business cards, brochures, banners, and more. This means you can count on AlphaGraphics for all your printing needs, positioning it high in the profile rank among its competitors. It’s like a one-stop shop for everything.

They also understand the need for speed. Printing projects are often urgent. AlphaGraphics uses efficient processes and the latest technology, so it delivers your prints quickly without sacrificing quality.

Quality is a top priority at AlphaGraphics. The team works hard to make sure every print job is perfect. They ensure vibrant colours, sharp images, and clear text.

With its franchise model, AlphaGraphics has an excellent reputation among competitors and alternatives in the printing sector. Its years of experience and many happy customers make it a trusted name in the market. Plus, it has printing centers all over the world, including Denver, so you can easily find its services wherever you are.

The benefits of using AlphaGraphics are many. They offer many services, are quick, provide quality prints, and are well-known. With AlphaGraphics, you can trust that your printing needs will be handled well. By choosing them, you’re choosing excellence and professionalism.

Why Businesses Seek Alternatives to AlphaGraphics

Customization and Unique Print Requirements

Some businesses may look for other options besides AlphaGraphics. This is especially true for customization and unique needs. Businesses have their own memorable branding and design demands. Price is also important, and some national chains are pretty pricey. So, finding a printer that meets these needs is crucial.

They might need unique papers, finishes, or printing methods. Therefore, companies often search for print shops that offer personalized services. This helps them with their printing projects.

Comparing Cost and Value Among Competitors

Cost and getting good value for money are crucial factors for businesses when choosing printers. Even though AlphaGraphics offers quality prints, it’s wise to compare prices. This helps ensure enterprises get the most for their budget.

Businesses can check prices and what’s offered by looking at other options. This way, they can choose the best choice for their printing needs.

Geographical Constraints and Online Alternatives

Location can make businesses seek other choices than AlphaGraphics. Not every company is close to their shops. This is tough when jobs need quick completion, a common challenge addressed in the annual meetings of leading companies.

That’s where online printers come in handy. They let companies order prints from anywhere, avoiding distance issues. This way, businesses can find the best print services online to meet their unique needs.

Discovering Local Print Shops Offering Premium Services

Local print shops are beneficial for printing needs. They provide top-notch services for both businesses and individuals. Choosing them means getting a personal service, blending bespoke design services with the effectiveness of a well-established franchise.

Benefits of Partnering with Small Local Printing Providers

These small shops are great because they listen. They want to understand what you need, including anything from business cards to brochures. They benefit from exceptional design services to maximize marketing impact.

They also work fast. Compared to big companies, they can get your projects done quicker. This means you won’t have to wait long, making it a top choice for m&ajournalists who often face tight deadlines.

Besides, working with them helps your community grow. It’s a way to support local businesses and boost community spirit.

Sourcing Specialty Printing Materials and Techniques

Local shops have access to unique materials and techniques. They offer a variety of paper types and finishes, including eco-friendly options and unique textures.

They also know special printing techniques. Things like letterpress, embossing, and foiling can be done. They bring a special touch to your prints.

Working with local print shops brings many benefits. You get personal service, quick jobs, and access to unique printing options, all manageable through our mobile app. It’s a rewarding choice for your printing needs.

Catdi Printing is the best of both options.

Catdi Printing is a top choice in the printing world. They perfectly blend quality with customization. Whether your business is big or small, they have offset printing that fits just right.

Catering to Small and Large Companies with Offset Printing Solutions

Every business is unique, and Catdi Printing understands that. They offer offset printing for any size business, and their advanced tech means you get prints that impress with high graphic quality.

Small businesses love Catdi Printing for affordable yet high-quality options and speedy shipping. We offer a huge selection of commercial and digital print services and many ways to customize your prints to stand out. We can make your piece stand out from various substrates, coatings, embellishments, mates,

Big companies with many printing needs find a friend in Catdi Printing, too. They manage big jobs well, and their team ensures your prints are top-notch.

Specializing in Direct Mail and EDDM Solutions

Catdi Printing is also great at direct mail, including EDDM services. Direct mail is still a strong marketing method. They can help you hit your target audience well and get more responses.

With Catdi Printing, your direct mail will catch your eye. They help with design, printing, and sending. Your campaign will reach the right folks on time and boost your sales.

A Robust Print Network for Fast Turnaround

Quick service is vital at Catdi Printing. They have an extensive network across the US for fast delivery. This means you get dependable printing services quickly.

Exploring Retail Giants: Office Depot, Walmart, Minuteman Press, Staples & Others

Retail giants like Office Depot, Walmart, Minuteman Press, and Staples offer many services, including printing services. This is great for customers who need to print and shop simultaneously.

Convenience and Accessibility of Retail Printing Services

The convenience of retail printing services stands out. Stores like Office Depot and Walmart are everywhere. This means it’s easy for customers to find a store and get printing done fast.

Comparing the Quality and Turnaround of Large Retailers

When looking at retailers, it’s vital to consider your print project’s needs. Retailers offer a wide range of printing options, making them strong competitors in the annual evaluation of services. You can get everything from simple black-and-white prints to high-quality color jobs.

While these retailers may not match specialized printers, they are convenient and fast. They’re set up to handle lots of orders quickly. This is great for anyone needing fast printing and high-quality graphic design services.

Ultimately, choosing between retail services and specialized printers depends on your project. It’s about what quality and customization level you need. People often decide between AlphaGraphics and competitors based on the robustness of the design and marketing services offered.

Exploring Online Print Giants: Vistaprint, GotPrint, ZooPrinting

When discussing online printing, Vistaprint, GotPrint, and ZooPrinting stand out. They make printing easy and efficient for all your needs, which is necessary for high-profile projects and m&ajournalists.

Pros of Printing Your Items through Online Platforms

Using online platforms for printing has many benefits. It’s easy and convenient. With just a few clicks on our mobile app, you can upload your design from home or office.

You can also customize your prints in many ways. Online companies have many templates and designs, so you can make prints that really match your style or brand.

Online printing can also save you money. These companies work on a big scale, which makes printing more affordable. You get quality prints without spending a lot. It’s great for businesses that want to cut costs but keep looking professional, a strategy often discussed in the 2022 annual reports of leading companies.

Downsides to Using Online-Only Printers

However, online printing has some drawbacks, too. One issue is quality control. Without seeing the process, you might not get what you expected. This could be a color, quality, or finish problem, affecting your overall score.

Getting help might also be strict with online printers. Solving problems can be more complex and take longer without a physical place to visit, highlighting the advantage of AlphaGraphics’ extensive franchise network for in-person support. It’s critical to pick an online printer with good customer support, often highlighted in the 2022 profile of top-performing companies.

Despite these issues, online printing is convenient and budget-friendly for most needs. Think about what you need and the pros and cons before deciding.

Niche Providers: Catering to Specific Printing Demands

In addition to well-known printing companies, niche providers specialize in specific printing needs, including bespoke graphic design and targeted marketing services. They focus on unique requirements like large-format printing, packaging, or promotional items.

Working with niche providers means your specific printing needs are met with precision. Their deep knowledge of specialized printing helps them deliver top-quality results that align with your vision and goals.

Do you need custom packaging for your products or banners for an event? Niche services provide tailored solutions for your specific needs. Working with them gives you access to a wide range of print options, some of which might not be available through standard printing companies.

By using niche providers for design services, your print materials will stand out and convey your brand message well, offering a competitive edge vs. standard solutions. These providers excel in specialized printing and guide you from concept to production, ensuring your project scores high in 2024. They provide every perfect detail.

Niche printing services deliver customization and detail beyond standard companies, and they are often sought after by those evaluating alpha graphics alternatives. They accommodate specific design needs, niche materials, or complex printing well. These providers have the know-how to realize your vision.

Custom Printing Services: Beyond Standard Solutions

Many businesses find the usual printing solutions good enough. But some need more, something special. Custom printing services offer just that. They give you unique designs and options that make your prints stand out.

With custom printing, you pick the materials and finishes you like. You can choose unique papers, embossing, or even foil stamps. These services make your ideas come to life uniquely.

Do you need unique business cards or invites? How about promotional stuff or packaging designed to boost your influencer status? Custom printing services can handle all your unique needs, serving as an excellent alpha graphics alternative. They focus on details that everyday printing doesn’t. Working with experts, you make prints that genuinely impress.

Conclusion

AlphaGraphics stands out in printing services, but remember, there are many other choices. They offer different, unique printing services.

Choosing the right printer means considering your needs, budget, and how fast you need it. Every business is different, so looking at other options can help you find what works best for you.

You could go with local shops for fast and personal service. Or, try online services for good deals and easy use, where design services can also be seamlessly integrated for a comprehensive solution. Don’t forget about niche providers for special printing needs. There’s a lot to choose from besides AlphaGraphics.

Take your time to look at the choices. Pick a provider that fits your needs well, offering a reliable mobile app for easy access. This way, your printing work will be top-notch and on time, and it will make you happy, especially with our expedited shipping options worldwide

The post Top Alternatives to AlphaGraphics for Printing Needs appeared first on Catdi Printing.

With such a large part of your business’s first impression relying on visually satisfying business cards and flyers, the importance of nailing this marketing element is higher than ever.

Unfortunately, many businesses are missing the mark when it comes to the design and portrayal of their printed marketing materials. From poorly arranged graphics to cheap materials, these common mistakes could be costing you valuable customers and sales.

So how can you ensure you don’t fall down the poorly designed business cards and flyers track? Follow along to learn the design mistakes that hurt business growth and how you can avoid them.

1. Doing It Yourself

If you are a small business, or in the beginning stages of development, it can be tempting to try to cut any possible costs by doing as much as possible on your own.

The problem with this approach is that wearing too many hats can often burn business owners out and land them in positions where they aren’t qualified or experienced in the intricacies of the task. You’ve already got enough on your plate and the cost of printing business cards and advertising flyers will make up for itself in the long run.

Skip printing on your own and send your designs to a reputable company printing company. They’ll ensure your business cards and flyers come out looking professional instead of cheap and help you make that valuable first impression.

2. Forgetting Digital Components

Custom made business cards and flyers serve as a great way to take your marketing offline, however, it’s never a bad idea to tie the online and offline approach together for maximum impact.

The easiest way to do this is to include a digital connection component on your printed materials. With all smartphones now including QR scanner right in the camera, you can use these fun features to drive more traffic to your online space.

Create a QR code for your event or promotion, or even direct people to your contact page, either way, including an avenue to connect with you digitally will go a long way. If QR codes aren’t your thing, be sure to at least include your social media handles with the familiar logos.

3. Boring Stock Photos

The images you use to design your own flyers and business cards work to direct your customer’s eye through the content and draw them in. Unfortunately, creating custom images can be costly and unreasonable for every event. Because of this, many businesses turn to stock image sites and source cheap or free photos for their design.

If you decide to use these stock images, be mindful of the selections you make and strive for relevant, interesting pieces. Many businesses before you will have used these images already and their impact is much lower when customers are seeing them for the tenth time on different brand’s cards.

Keep your images interesting and on-brand and try to customize images wherever possible.

4. Overstuffing

We know you have lots to say but stuffing your business cards and flyers with overwhelming amounts of information will actually deter your customers from reading through it.

Instead, aim for a simplistic look touching on the most important aspects and utilizing bullet points and bold or italics print to lead readers through your flyer. They’ll gather the gist of your content with a quick glance and have a better idea of what your brand can do for them.

5. Skipping Proofreading

There is nothing worse than ordering 2000 business cards and opening them up to discover you’ve mistyped your contact number or spelled your service type wrong.

Take away this money-wasting error by always proofreading your design before submitting it. Whether you take a break and come back with fresh eyes for a final look through or ask an employee or partner to comb through your lines, this final step is absolutely vital.

It’s not only embarrassing to explain to potential customers that the number is wrong or cross out the mistake with a pen. This mistake is unprofessional and sends the message that you aren’t a reliable business to work with.

6. Being Bland

The best part of custom-made business cards and flyers are the designer’s ability to get creative and think outside of the box. Instead of printing off the same old generic designs, take your flyers and cards up a notch and introduce innovative and fun elements.

Hire a design consultant for your next project and try out different shapes with your cards. You can even double up the efficiency of your flyers and business cards by building them into usable formats like menus or loyalty cards.

7. Color and Font

When choosing the color and font for your promotional materials, be sure to stay on-brand and relevant.

Take note of what fonts give a professional impression and use colors that reflect your services. Your favorite color may not be the best representative of your industry or offerings so be sure to stick with your already established brand colors and fonts for the most impactful design.

8. No CTA

Including a CTA or call to action is one of the most commonly forgotten steps for business creating content.

The reason this step is so important is that it lets customers know what to do next. Believe it or not, your leads aren’t mind readers and they need your guidance to arrive at your intended result.

Don’t be shy. Wrap your business cards and flyers up with a simple ‘call today’ or ‘visit our website’ CTA and watch your promo materials take flight.

Create Business Cards and Flyers

Now that you know the dos and don’ts of designing your own business cards and flyers, you can create impactful promotional materials. From choosing the right colors and fonts to sourcing help from the best printers and designers, we’re confident you’ll be drawing customers in with your professional-looking prints.

Ready to get started on your custom business cards and flyers? Get in touch with us today to ensure the best print results for your growing business.

The post Avoid These Mistakes When Designing Your Business Cards and Flyers appeared first on Catdi Printing.

Why Real Estate Direct Mail Works

Direct mail primarily targets specific geographical areas and demographic groups. So all you need to do is define your audience and destination points for your mail delivery. Real estate direct mail is super specific, enabling you to market only to the right buyer persona. In this case, you can also tailor your message to these people for maximum conversion effect.

Meanwhile, it is also easy to track your direct mail campaign and see how effective it is. In addition, tracking enables you to work with client feedback. For example, are they happy with the product? If not, what improvement can you factor in to attract and even expand your client base?

A trackable marketing tool as direct mail permits you to know the exact product that got higher listings. It also provides info with which you can bait in as many buyers as you can.

But how do you track in the first place? There are various ways. For example, do you send reply cards or provide coupons? You can know from the responses if you are making headway. Highly functional landing pages can also give you a quick glimpse of how you are doing with your direct mail campaign efforts.

Real Estate Direct Mail Tips

Real estate is one of the most crowded marketplaces I have ever seen.  The only way you can make it with direct mail campaign effort is to stand out by making things classier.  You might also have to engage more appealing strategies and tactics in the direct mail to get proper responses. Here are some real estate direct mail tips to help propel your business to even higher echelons.

1. Find the Right Audience for Your Message

Do you know, if you do not have a target audience, then your direct mail efforts could be in vain? This advert tool works best with messages that target only people who can convert. And so, the first thing would be to find who your real estate direct mail recipients are. If  I  were you, I  would start with any available house sellers/ buyers in a specific geographical area.

You can also decide to go by economic status, say, high or low-income housing, determining the exact problem you want to solve. It could be vacant housing,  and hence, your message should state so. Tax default and pre-foreclosure issues should also have their proper messages.

2. Create a Mail Inventory Highlighting Target Properties

A mail inventory is a written mailing list that has prospective buyers/sellers’ contacts. This method helps you to create a zip code inventory, too. You can also know the exact neighborhoods your mail adverts are headed.

A mail list also helps gather additional info concerning any of the properties on which you have your sights. For example, you can get details on foreclosure or high equity status. If there are any deceased property owners, you can also use this info to customize any of the messages in your direct mail. 

3. Get Hold of the Correct Addresses

I often insist your real estate direct mail list has to have only people who are likely to convert, not just anyone out there. Once you target the right people, you can expect rapid responses within the shortest time possible, which is good for your ROI.

But where can you get these addresses, especially if you are new in the business? Some of the places you can peruse are public records. You can also search from the list of brokers and other available resources both in/offline.

4. Time Your Message for Effectiveness

Like most businesses, real estate also has its high and low seasons. If you have been in business for a while, you already know how predictable the seasons are. For example, records of annual housing sales show November through January of every year to be slow. But starting March onwards, sales soar, reaching their peak around June. I would urge you to use this particular curve to your most significant advantage by using lots of real estate direct mail to reach your target audience. 

5. Adapt the Right Frequency

Only the right frequency of sending your real estate direct mail can draw the proper response. Remember, too many messages can be both distracting and annoying. People might think you are bugging them too much. On the other hand, too little direct mail might not produce the desired impact.

So how can you skillfully navigate this course? I suggest you send it monthly during the inactive seasons. On the other hand, the high season can also be your game-changer, and it would be wise to enhance the mail sending frequency. A weekly to bi-weekly mail can suffice. As you move onto the winter months’ low selling season, you can tactfully make your messages scarcer.

6. Compose Unique and Eye-Catching Messages

More than any other marketplace, real estate is busy and flooded. Your voice can quickly get muffled if you use that standard, boring and predictable messages. You now have to stand out by how you design your postcard, flyer, or brochure.

Let the message be memorable, making people glance at your advert a second and even a third time. But standing out should not stop here. If you are erecting a poster, do so strategically for your clients to immediately see. Generally, the geographical area you target should also be a high-traffic area for this particular purpose.

7. Provide Custom Solutions for Your Clients

Each homeowner disposing of their property often has a unique need, separate from the next property owner. Their problems are different, and so should be the solutions. Hence, your real estate direct mail should reflect this, such that a brochure or postcard explicitly addresses your client’s needs. A customized mail piece coupled with a compelling CTA (Call-to-Action) can instantly prompt your prospective buyer into making a decision.

8. Do a Trial Run for Your Direct Mail Campaign

Never assume that your advert can suddenly attract the attention it needs. So, the first thing after that printout is to test the waters to see if it works. In this case, you can start with priority mail. I suggest you only proceed with the entire campaign once you get, say, a 5 % response. Anything below this figure should take you back to the drawing board for a few consultations and improvements.

9. Do Not Wait to Kickstart a Full Real Estate Direct Mail Campaign

Running the whole campaign immediately after a test campaign would be the way to go. At this point, you would have gained the confidence and reassurance that people are positively receptive to the advert. At the same time, you now have a clue about the number of emails you can send each week or month.

The info you keep gathering also helps in both the financial and logistics planning of your campaign. Any volume you keep from now onwards corresponds with the correct numbers of your prospects such that you are neither under/overwhelmed at any given time.

10. Evaluate All Campaign Outcomes

The only way you can know is if your real estate direct mail campaign successfully analyzes the results. Questions include if the results have met your initial expectations. You should also find out which demographic group or geographical area gave the best response and which segment did badly.

Again, see if your campaign has led to any sales or any positive trends towards sales. See if you also got more lead generation due to the postcard campaigns. These are just a few critical examinations, yet it is indicative about how effective the advert was. With the same analysis, you can decide on what improvement you can factor in the next design.

11. Promptly Respond to Customer Queries

An effective real estate direct mail will often have customers knocking and making inquiries. It is also something you have worked tirelessly for,  and so you can never take chances with customer responses and questions. Yet again, your credibility is highly dependent on how fast you respond to all inquiries.

It is why you have to be on standby to provide valuable feedback to your prospective clients. While a standard CTA will often have complete contacts, you might still have to create a customer support system to receive and keep track of all incoming calls. Also, establish lead follow-up mechanisms to keep each potential client in the loop and close ready deals.

12. Pay Close Attention to Your Budget

As much as real estate direct mail ranks among the most affordable ways to advertise, you should still track your budget. For example, how much money can you spend before you find a client to close a deal?  Also, determine the number of leads you need to have before the ultimate sale. Once you have facts and figures, you can know the approximate amounts to shelve for this type of marketing, and if it all, it is suitable for ROI.

13. Utilize Correct Spacing Techniques

Have you ever seen those postcards that seem overcrowded with messages, with no breathing space? Your real estate direct mail can be overwhelming to the reader. Of course, a typical postcard has limited space, and so the best thing would be to focus only on essential details. I suggest sticking to who you are, what you do and the CTA, or what the client can do about the message.

14. Provide Incentives to Your Clients

Even when times are tough, and all you could be hoping for is to close that single deal, a few enticements could draw the attention you need. Hence, don’t hold onto those coupons and discounts. Instead, dish them out. As for those postcards, design them to comprise freebies, and soon you could find that elusive client.

15. Remain Honest and Consistent at All Times

Most people are hesitant at the mention of real estate. Maybe they got scammed. Perhaps they got a raw deal or didn’t get the best customer support.  But you can do things differently. It all starts by setting high standards and a good reputation for your brand by being reliable and honest. It would be best if you also were consistent in dealing with both existing and potential clients. By keeping your word and the lines of communication open, you become valuable.

Who Are the Perfect Candidates for Real Estate Direct Mail?

Real estate direct mail targets specific demographic groups who can boost your efforts via their responses and conversion. I would recommend you send your mail to the following recipients:

Landlords and investors 

Most landlords are also absentee homeowners, ready to sell off their property. Assuming this land is an inheritance, maintaining the same can be challenging, so that the owner might want to sell it off.

Property under foreclosure

Foreclosure remains one of the most lucrative aspects of real estate.  It is also easy to get info about any homes facing foreclosure. Most homeowners affected by foreclosure would do anything, including selling to avoid poor credit.

Empty rental properties

One of the reasons a rental property remains empty is because of evictions. The more they are unoccupied, the more maintenance becomes an issue, and it is why owners might want to sell.

Properties under probate

Real estate direct mail could also identify probate leads in a situation where a property owner has since died. Perhaps the family is motivated to sell it off fast to avoid repair and general maintenance issues.

Homeowners with tax issues

Local governments have been known to place a lien on properties due to nonpayment of taxes. It is why we have plenty of tax sales to settle all government back taxes. But often, a more brilliant property owner would want to sell even before a tax sale. Direct mail can be the push they need to sell. It is also easy to get hold of addresses for such properties, including a circulation newspaper or local publications.

Listings that have expired

Sometimes, properties on the market do not sell as fast, and the listing expires. You can use direct mail to relist the same property.

Final Remarks

Real estate direct mail campaigns play a huge role in lead generation and conversions. You can also use direct mail to track results and make the necessary improvements. As one of the most affordable marketing tools, you can also save significant amounts of money and keep boosting other business areas.

However, real estate is one of those congested markets. And so, whichever marketing strategy you use, you must be innovative and miles ahead of your competitors. A great tip I often use is the lead-generating companies. They can track public records and give me the full details I need for direct mail. They will scour and provide info on probate and divorce court filings, foreclosure, and even tax delinquency for me to have the report.

The post The Best 15 Real Estate Direct Mail Tips from Experts appeared first on Catdi Printing.

So if you have already tried direct mailing and it failed, the problem isn’t the mail marketing system; it’s your campaign. Creating an excellent mail marketing campaign can take a long time if you aren’t sure what you are doing.

There is no need to fret, though; in this brief article, we will cover how to gain the customers you need through a powerful direct mail marketing campaign. Oh, and you won’t have to do it alone; there is a team of people waiting below to hear about how they can properly market your business through mail marketing.

What Is Direct Mail Marketing?

Direct mail marketing, also known as mail marketing, is any type of physical correspondence you send to your customers via mail to gain their attention and business. When you send direct mail marketing documents, you will want to be sure to include your business name and logo. 

Other things to include on your direct mail marketing:

• A call to action
• A way for your customer to reach out to you

Of course, that is the bare minimum that you will put in your mail marketing. You will want to appeal to your customer’s needs, so they reach out to you. 

Is Direct Mail Marketing Useful?

Although it may sound outdated to send things via mail, direct mail marketing is still an excellent way to reach your target audience. There are several reasons why this strategy still works.

It Is Interactive

One major reason why direct mail still performs so well is that it is a very interactive experience. Customers receive a physical item in the mail. When you include a promotional offer that requires your customer to do something with the mail, such as bringing the flyer into your store, it makes your client more likely to keep it and look at it. 

It Has a Wider Demographic

Direct mail can have a more extensive reach than digital marketing, depending on your target audience. If your audience does not have an email or doesn’t frequent social media, direct mail marketing can reach those customers you would have missed with digital marketing. 

It Is Creative

Using direct mail marketing does not mean that you are stuck with analog advertising; there are so many different ways that you can combine direct mail with digital marketing. Physical mail marketing allows you to engage your customers in more ways than you could with only digital marketing. 

There Is Less Competition

Many companies are switching to mainly focus on their digital marketing campaigns instead of using direct mailers. This opens an excellent opportunity to stand out to your target audience. People nowadays are surprised by physical mail, so an eye-catching mailer can go a long way when advertising your business. 

How Much Does Direct Mailing Cost?

The price of your direct mailing campaign will depend on several different factors, including the kind of mail you send and how many pieces you wish to send. If you plan to send oversized mailers or catalogs, you can expect to pay around $10 or more per piece because of their weight. Standard postcards cost between $0.10 to $0.30 per card. 

In addition to the mailer’s cost, you can also expect to pay for the design of your mail piece. You can always create something for free in Microsoft word, but you are limited to their templates in the Microsoft suite.

Instead, it may be best to employ a professional to design your mailer. The price for a professional varies based on the own rates they set. 

Printing Costs

The cost for printing can vary based on if you need color ink or if you are okay with black and white. Color mailers are best to use if you want to catch the attention of your target audience. 

Other printing costs:

• Paper quality
• Paper size
• One-sided pieces
• Two-sided pieces
• Number of prints

In general, printing costs vary between $0.03 to $2.00 per piece, depending on the level of detail needed for your mailer. 

Distribution Costs

Lastly, a final cost you will need to consider is the distribution cost which is what you pay to have your mailers mailed out. Distribution costs vary based on current postage rates and how much mail you send out. In general, it is best to expect to pay between $0.25 to $2.00 to mail out your mailers. 

How Does Direct Mail Marketing Work?

Mail marketing campaigns are similar to the digital marketing process. The main difference between the two is the way the information gets distributed. In order to have a successful direct mail marketing campaign, there are a few steps you will need to follow. 

Establish Goals and Objectives

Before you send out your direct mail campaign, you must first identify what you would like to accomplish with your campaign. That step can be challenging if you have never had a direct mail marketing campaign. If this is you, there are a few questions you must ask yourself. 

What Do You Wish to Achieve?

What is it that you want your campaign to do for you? Do you want it to generate sales? Some companies who answer this question say that they want their campaign to build awareness among their target audience. Others wish to supplement a digital marketing campaign to help get the message into the hands of their audience. 

What Do You Wish to Accomplish in Six Months?

How about one year? Your long-term goals for your direct mailing campaign may differ from the goals of your first campaign. Still, it is best to know which direction you want to go so you can move in the right direction with each of your direct mailing campaigns. 

What Skills May Be Transferable to Direct Mailing?

The foundations for a digital marketing campaign aren’t much different than those in a direct mail campaign. Audiences, copy, and design assets may be repurposed and used in a different marketing channel. 

More questions may arise as you continue to build on your campaign, but as you answer these basic ones, your objectives and goals may start to become more apparent. Be sure to be very specific in your goal-setting. When creating and sending out your campaigns, it may be best to attack your goals to data to optimize your processes and messaging as you become more familiar with direct mail campaigns. 

Understand Your Target Audience

With those questions out of the way, you need to define your target audience for the campaign. The more you clarify and define your audience, the better your mail marketing campaign will deliver the results you want. 

For example, when looking at your target audience, ask yourself, “what are their problems?” and “What are their needs?”. You will also want to answer how your offer solves their problems.

Your target audience probably has a lot of different solutions available for their problems. Still, the goal is to make you go from being a possible solution to the only logical solution. 

If you are mailing to your current leads or customers, there is a good chance you already have detailed information about your clients. If you have new prospects, you may not know much about them. So before you send out your campaign, be sure to dive into audience research so you can create an offer that is sure to resonate with them. 

Audience Data

When defining your target audience, there are three main categories you should focus on: behavioral, demographic, and psychographic. Behavioral data includes email engagement, website activity, sales engagement, and purchase history.

Your demographic data includes details such as your clients’ income, age, marital status, and gender. It can also include the industry they work for, the size of their company, and more. Psychographic data dives deep into your customer’s opinions, hobbies, attitudes, and values. 

Buyer Personas

Buyer personas are crucial because they help identify common problems, traits, and needs among the ideal buyers of a specific service or product. Buyer personas are a great starting point to help you and your team understand your audience. 

Create Your Mailing List

With your audience deciphered and your campaign goals set, it is time to create your mailing list. In general, there are two different types of direct mail lists that you can use, purchased lists and house lists.

House lists are the addresses and names of clients you already collected data from. If you have a marketing automation tool or a CRM, you can use it to store information from your customers. 

Your house list is valuable because these customers are already familiar with your product and your company. Some of these clients may have already purchased something from you, so they won’t need too much awareness building or nurturing content as your other prospects may. 

Purchased lists are a bit tricker than your house lists. High-quality purchased direct mail lists enable you to select a specific group of people with a high degree of deliverability. It is crucial that you work with a reputable company, such as Catdi, to ensure that you send your mail to excellent and active addresses. 

Develop a Call to Action

If you want your direct mail process to be as successful as possible, you will want to create a good offer and a call to action. If you do not put effort into those two things, your campaign will blend into the background, and you won’t reap the results you want.

Unless you have an on-staff copywriter or a copywriter yourself, you may want to invest in a copywriter. They have the ability to convey the message you want to your audience in a way that they can best understand. 

How to Write a CTA

Your CTA, or call to action for long, should be short, quick, and to the point. When creating your CTA, there are three factors you must focus on. 

Three main factors in your call to action:

• What you’re selling
• Why this product or service will help them
• How to get said service or product

It doesn’t matter if your direct mail campaign is selling a product to Gen Zs or if you’re offering an educational piece to CEOs; you will want to make sure that your call to action is clear and to the point. You want your offer to be very compelling and attractive to your target audience so they will say “yes” and will seek your service. 

Make Your Offer Beneficial

So you have an excellent product that fixes a considerable problem amongst your target demographics, right? Your target audience doesn’t know that, so you need to figure out a way to communicate a strong benefit.

Your mailer will go into the trash as quickly as possible if you don’t. When explaining the benefit of your product, be sure to appeal to emotions first and logic second.

Let’s be honest, we all do things we need to do, but we procrastinate and do them when we have time. When we are presented with something that we think we need or want, we’re more willing to act. 

Start Your Mail Marketing Campaign!

We all know that in order for a marketing campaign to be successful, you need to make sure you reach your target audience in a way that they best understand. You want to ensure that your message conveys emotions that make them want to reach out to you.

Direct mail marketing is an excellent way to reach your target audience in a way that digital marketing may not. If you are ready to start seeing a massive return on investment, contact us now! 

The post Direct Mail Marketing: How Does It Work? appeared first on Catdi Printing.

Who Are Millennials, and What Makes Them Tick?

Millennials are often characterized as digital natives, but that only tells half the story. They’re also highly nostalgic, value authenticity, and appreciate experiences that feel genuine and thoughtful. For marketers, this means combining the best of both worlds—using digital channels for engagement while offering physical touchpoints, like direct mail, to create deeper connections.

Some key traits to consider when marketing to Millennials:

• Tech-Savvy: They’re comfortable with technology but not limited to it. They seamlessly navigate both digital and physical worlds.
• Experience-Oriented: Millennials value experiences over material things, so campaigns that evoke emotion or tell a story are more likely to resonate.
• Authenticity Matters: They’re skeptical of overly promotional or impersonal ads. Personalized, thoughtful content is a must.

Why Direct Mail Works for Millennials

Despite being the “online generation,” Millennials are surprisingly receptive to direct mail. Here’s why this traditional marketing method works so well:

• Tangible and Memorable: Unlike digital ads that can be scrolled past or blocked, direct mail is something they can touch, hold, and remember. The physicality of a well-designed postcard or flyer creates a lasting impression.
• Breaks Through Digital Noise: Millennials are constantly bombarded with digital content—emails, social media posts, and notifications. Direct mail stands out as a refreshing change, offering a more personalized and less overwhelming experience.
• Nostalgia Factor: Remember getting letters or postcards in the mail as a kid? Millennials do, and receiving something tangible taps into that sense of nostalgia, making them more likely to engage.
• Trust and Authenticity: Direct mail feels more intentional and trustworthy compared to pop-up ads or unsolicited emails. It shows effort and care, which resonates with Millennials who value authenticity.

Best Practices for Direct Mail Marketing to Millennials

To effectively use direct mail for Millennials, keep these tips in mind:

1. Personalization is Key
Millennials appreciate personalized experiences. Use data to tailor your direct mail campaigns with names, relevant offers, or customized messages. A postcard addressed “Dear Jane” is far more engaging than one addressed to “Dear Customer.”

2. Blend Digital and Physical Experiences
Combine the tactile nature of direct mail with digital technology. QR codes on digital business cards, augmented reality features, or personalized URLs can bridge the gap between offline and online, enhancing engagement.

3. Eco-Friendly Materials Matter
Millennials care about sustainability. Use recycled paper and eco-friendly inks to show your commitment to the environment. Mention your green practices in your mailers to align with their values.

4. Make It Eye-Catching
Your direct mail piece should stand out. Use bold colors, creative designs, and unique formats like oversized postcards or die-cut shapes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures or finishes like embossing to make your mail feel premium.

5. Offer Value
Millennials respond well to campaigns that offer clear benefits—discounts, freebies, or exclusive experiences. Ensure your mailer has a compelling call to action that provides immediate value.

Examples of Effective Direct Mail Campaigns for Millennials

• Personalized Subscription Offers: A subscription service sent customized postcards highlighting how their product fits the recipient’s preferences, driving both engagement and conversions.
• Event Invitations: A concert venue used creatively designed postcards with QR codes linking to ticket sales, blending nostalgia with digital convenience.
• Cause-Based Campaigns: A nonprofit organization mailed eco-friendly brochures showcasing their mission and inviting recipients to donate through a personalized URL.

Measuring Success: Tracking ROI with Millennials

Direct mail isn’t just about sending—it’s about measuring. Use unique tracking methods to evaluate the success of your campaigns, such as:

• Custom QR codes or personalized URLs to track online engagement.
• Coupon codes tied to specific mailers to measure conversions.
• Surveys or feedback forms included in the mail to understand what resonated.

Conclusion: Does Direct Mail Marketing Work for Millennials?

The answer is a resounding yes! Millennials, despite being digital natives, value the tangible and personal touch of direct mail. By combining thoughtful design, personalization, and digital integration, you can craft campaigns that resonate deeply with this experience-driven generation.

Whether you’re launching a direct mail campaign or need help designing materials that stand out, Catdi Printing is here to help. With our expertise in blending traditional and modern marketing techniques, we’ll ensure your next campaign connects with Millennials in a meaningful way. Ready to get started? Let’s create something unforgettable!

Explore our direct mail services and see how we can help you reach the audience you want to connect with.

The post Using Direct Mail Marketing to Millennials – Will It Work? appeared first on Catdi Printing.

By advertising print services and brands, businesses target to attract and influence consumer buying habits.  More so, marketers use print media advertising to reach out to prospects, existing customers, businesses, and the general public.

What Is Print Media?

It is a written or pictorial form of mass communication. Print media is mechanically or electronically generated by impression or photocopying. Printers can produce multiple forms of communication using automated digital methods.

Print media is a kind of mass communication that creates and disseminates news and information through printed publications.

The general public is given access to this valuable information through data distribution and captivating visuals presented in the traditional format of printed materials, commonly called hard copy. This mode of communication involves the physical reproduction of texts, images, or graphics on tangible mediums, allowing individuals to perceive and engage with the content through the sense of touch.

These printed materials, carefully curated to effectively convey information, come in various forms such as newspapers, magazines, brochures, pamphlets, posters, or books. They serve as a reliable and tangible source of knowledge, enabling people to conveniently peruse through the content at their own pace and leisure.

One of the distinguishing features of this printed means of communication is the ability to capture and reproduce visuals with striking precision and clarity. Whether it be vibrant colors or the timeless elegance of black and white, the printed medium can faithfully replicate images or graphics, enhancing the communicated information’s overall impact and visual appeal.

Furthermore, the tangible nature of these hard copies grants individuals the freedom to interact with the materials physically. This tactile experience allows for a deeper connection and comprehension of the content, as readers can feel the texture of the paper, flip through pages, or even make annotations and notes. Such physical engagement contributes to a more immersive and memorable information consumption process.

In a world where digital media dominates, the availability of data and visuals in printed form continues to hold significant value. The dissemination of information through hard copies caters to a diverse range of readers, ensuring that those who prefer or require physical materials can access and benefit from the shared knowledge. This enduring method of communication serves as a testament to the enduring power of print, as it continues to inform, educate, and captivate the general public through its tangible and visually appealing existence.

Examples of Print Media

It is typical for printers to display print media on paper. However, printing firms may also use various substrates such as canvas, fabric, vinyl, and more. The majority of readers, advertisers, and other media users are familiar with the following examples of print media.

Newspapers and Weeklies

Newspapers are good examples of print media where advertisers have a wide variety of options available. The various types of newspapers include weekly, local, regional, evening, or Sunday editions.

Who are the top consumers of newspapers? This print media attracts a wide range of readers. They include individuals with different interests such as sports, business, entertainment, fashion, politics, local and international news.

Furthermore, newspapers sell space to advertisers who need help displaying ads in text, graphics, photographs, and other illustrations. Some advertising agencies spend a fortune to buy double-page spreads, while others pay smaller amounts for classified ads that contain text only.

Magazines

There are various types of magazines advertisers can use for publicizing services and brands. Trade magazines promote specific industries such as electronics, manufacturing finance, and more. Consumer magazines publicize numerous interests, including fashion, health, sport, hobbies, and current affairs.

Other magazines focus on publications for managers and careers such as marketing professionals, engineers, human resource executives, and more.

A majority of magazines are published weekly, monthly or quarterly. Even so, advertisers can still buy space to place adverts either in black and white or color.

Billboards

Billboards and posters are types of print media that allow promoters to reach consumers on the go. They are are typically large prints and graphics and are placed on the outdoors. Placing these banners in strategic positions such as near malls helps advertisers influence consumers close to the selling counters.

Advertising agents place billboards in public places such as airports and train stations to reach larger groups of patrons. The size of these gigantic boards makes it almost impossible for anyone to miss the advert.

Furthermore, promoters can combine digital and print to alter messages, slogans, or pictures on billboards at their set times.

Is Print Media Still Effective?

News, fashion, manufacturing, and other industries still use traditional print media despite the rise of electronic media usage in the advertising industry.  However, there is a slight reduction in advertising expenditure, but print media isn’t dead.

Promoters still use print media to influence consumer habits on selected brands and services because it offers longevity. Consumers will likely read a good brochure more than once, but readers of electronic media discard or reject ads quickly once read.

More so, print media largely contributes to shopper commitment. A majority of consumers still use this medium to search for product sales. According to NielsenIQ, almost 68% of retail stores admit that print media is their ideal strategy for advertising.

Print Versus Electronic Media – 7 Differences

1. Print media is the older channel of mass communication as compared to the electronic version, which is current and more advanced.
2. It results through publications, while electronic media produces via a computerized medium.
3. The traditional media requires the reader to be literate to read the information. However, literacy is not a priority to go through electronic media because consumers can watch the video or listen to the audio version.
4. Readers pay more for print media than for electronic media subscriptions.  With print media, you only buy what you need when you need it.  You can also refer to your print at a later time. Electronic subscriptions expire after a specific duration, and you need to renew even when you may only read it once.
5. It is easy to fully pay more attention to a print article than to an electronic medium.  Reading an online publication can be distracted by live chat pop-ups, social account messages, or even power outages.
6. Print media is not instant or available 24/7. For example, printers produce newspapers daily, weekly, or monthly. However, electronic media is readily available “live.” You can receive news or commercial updates as they happen through your smartphone, television, or news channel.
7. Unlike electronic media that offer large to limitless space, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and other print mediums have a limited area of coverage. 

What Is an Advertisement in Print Media?

It is an announcement, notice, or form of communication printed in a newspaper, magazine, billboard, flyer, or any other type of print media. Advertisements contain four elements which include headline, copy, illustrations, and signature.

Headline

A good headline draws the readers to a service or brand. It should attract readers to view the advert’s illustration and prompt them to read the copy. Effective headlines must promote a product and also remain brief.

Copy

Copy is the selling communication of a printed/written advertisement that shows how the service meets the user’s needs. The copy message must appeal to the senses, be simple, direct, friendly, and personal. A copy addresses questions about the service and calls the prospect to action, nor or soon.

Illustrations

These are photographs, drawings, or graphic designs used in an advertisement. A good illustration must be captivating, irresistible, and promote action. 

It must entice the reader to pay closer attention. This section can include clip art, photographs, images, and stock drawing.

Signature

A signature is a unique identification symbol or logo for a business. Promoters know that a perfect logo gives your business instant recognition. An effective signature uses rhyming words with more than one meaning.

Which Print Media Is Best for Advertising? 

You can decide which print media is best for promoting your brand depending on your target audience and your advertising budget. Even so, newspapers and brochures are the most preferred channels of print media. More so, these print mediums have a high rate of consumer confidence.

Newspaper

This print media is considered one of the best mediums of print advertising. Furthermore, newspaper ads are the oldest campaign tools recorded in the history of the industry. In 1704, Boston News-Letter published a newspaper advertisement selling real estate on Oyster Bay Long Island. 

Since then, advertisers have continued to use print media to promote brands and services globally. More so, print is favored across all generations by the seniors and millennials.

For example, a report by NielsenIQ shows that in the U.S, 71% of those aged 18-24 have subscribed to electronic newspaper content. However, 65% of those aged 35 and above in the same demographic read print newspapers from Sunday to Monday.

Regardless of the statistics, this type of print media is the oldest medium for advertising. The newspapers have been a means of advertising for over a century. Businesses find daily journals less costly when compared to other alternatives like billboards, magazines, and postcards.

Brochures

Some promoters prefer to use brochures as the best print media for advertising. Besides the simplicity in design, brochures are informative and tell your customers about your brand or services.

Printing brochures is less costly than other print media like magazines. More so, they cost nothing to disseminate. This print media is the best reminder you can give to your customers after a meeting. 

Brochures continue to influence your prospects long after physical contact. Some clients find it faster to read print media than it is to visit a website. 

Direct Mail

Direct mail stands out as an effective and enduring tool within the realm of print media advertising. By allowing businesses to send physical marketing materials directly to the homes or offices of targeted individuals, direct mail offers a tangible touchpoint that digital channels cannot replicate.

This form of advertising capitalizes on the personal connection and the tactile experience of receiving and interacting with a physical item. When executed with strategic precision, direct mail can yield impressive response rates and return on investment, especially when the messaging is tailored to the interests and needs of the recipient.

Advancements in printing technologies such as digital printing and data analytics have enhanced the capability of direct mail campaigns to be both creatively captivating and highly personalized, further solidifying its place as a powerful component of any comprehensive marketing strategy.

Benefits of Print Media

Before stepping out to source for the best print media, promoters and businesses must scrutinize the advantages and disadvantages of using this medium. 

Listed below are some of the benefits to consider when deciding on this medium for your advertising campaign.

Print Ads Create Credibility and Build Trust

According to research, the older generation of the U.S population has confidence in printed ads. They consider handheld advertisements more credible than their electronic counterparts.  More so, millennials also trust print media even though they frequently interact with digital advertising.

Consumer and market research indicates that 60% of interviewed respondents showed confidence in newspapers while 58% preferred magazines. Consumers trust print media more than electronic media because the internet contains high levels of misleading information. 

The public tends to believe that print media originates from a reputable source or company. More so, effective flyer print marketing can help drive traffic to your website to create conversions and brand awareness.

Findings from Nielson IQ indicate that the top 5 most trusted mediums by the public include TV ads, newspaper ads, magazine ads, billboards, and radio ads. 

High Conversion Rates

As indicated in a report by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) council, about 80% of consumers respond to direct mail ads. This rate is higher than that of shoppers who react to email ads. 

The high response rate experienced in direct mail is why print marketing is more costly than digital marketing. Other print media types such as banners, newspaper ads, brochures, and business cards trigger the same consumer response as direct mail.

Print Helps You Reach Your Ideal Audience

Marketers know that placing ads in print media such as magazines, newspapers, and brochures can help reach your target market or the general public. 

Promoters take advantage of the population tally to strategically place adverts in the right place in front of the ideal audience.

Take the example of a physical fitness service provider.  A marketer will reach out to sportspeople and individuals who need to stay physically fit by placing an advert on the sports page.

Flexibility

It is the best advertising medium to use when you need to target a specific audience. Print media allows you to choose which section of magazine or newspaper your intended group is likely to read.

This channel of mass communication is not only strategic.  But have digital copies, which give marketers more opportunity to reach a wider audience.

Establishes Your Brand

You can reach your target audience by promoting your brand in print media such as magazines, publications, newspapers, and brochures. Printed substrates allow marketers to bring the aesthetic attributes of color, font, texture, and images that help form brand recognition.

Durability

Magazines, brochures, publications, and other print mediums are tangible or hard copy. These items last longer in workplaces and residences, unlike the electronic versions that readers can delete, ignore, or skip with ease.

Readers are likely to keep magazines for a long time and possibly revisit ads more than once or twice.

Substantial Attention Span

Reading from a mobile phone screen is often distracted by pop-up messages or incoming calls. However, consumers consider magazines and newspapers a better medium to read ads because one can focus without being distracted by notifications. 

Disadvantages of Print Media

Pay for your target market

High-caliber magazines have glossy covers, top-not writers, photographers, and designers. Promoters pay high charges for quality productions and professional services. Even so, you have the assurance of reaching your high-level target market.

Timing

Print advertising is slow when compared to the digital version. Promoters need to plan ahead of time and ensure that the message remains applicable for the duration it goes to print. This organizing can take weeks or even months.

Decreased Popularity

The rise of digital media has significantly shifted consumer preferences, with many opting for electronic mailing lists to receive updates and promotions. This trend is driven by the convenience and immediacy of digital communication, accessible anytime via mobile devices. As a result, businesses are adapting, investing more in digital marketing to engage a tech-savvy audience. However, physical print media still holds value for certain demographics, highlighting the need for businesses to balance traditional and digital marketing strategies effectively.

Conclusion

Print media advertising is the oldest means of marketing that businesses have used to promote their brands. Newspaper ads date back to 1708 and are still here today, but better, bolder, colorful, and on point. Today, with state-of-the-art technology, the print industry is more advanced and vibrant.

More so, printers print media ads on a variety of substrates such as photo paper, fabric, canvas, vinyl, and more. Today, advertisers display adverts on numerous mediums such as billboards, flyers, brochures, business cards, postcards, door hangers, letterheads, envelopes, wrappers, and more.

Print media influences consumer habits in more ways than compared to electronic media. Finally, print is still the best way to grow your brand awareness. And you can trust that by advertising through this industry, your brand or service can move to the next level.

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Where are you putting your marketing money? Companies of all sizes know just how important it is to make sure that they have proper marketing to help brand their business, increase name recognition. Without actual marketing, it is impossible to get enough customers to thrive and grow. Word-of-mouth marketing can only do so much.

The use of digital marketing has grown significantly over the last few decades, but it is important that businesses do not forget about one of the best options for marketing that is still available

– direct mail.

That’s right.

The direct mail that comes to you straight from the post office to your mailbox is still one of the best ways to reach a large number of people affordably and in a short time.

There are ways that you can use the data you have on your customers and potential customers to ensure that you send out direct mail to those who are most interested in the types of services or products that you offer.

However, you can’t simply flood those mailboxes with junk. You need to think about the quality and design of the pieces you are sending, and you need to make sure that they can provide the recipient with some type of value.

Get Started in Direct Mail

Of course, you might not know much about direct mail at this point. You might not know what benefits it can offer or why you should use it. You may not know how to get started with this type of marketing.

This eBook will help to illuminate you. It will provide information on the benefits of direct mail, what you need to be successful, and how to do it – even when you have a small business. Let’s get a closer look at what direct mail will offer.

Chapter 1: 

DirectMail Is Still Alive and Kicking: The Biggest Benefits of DirectMail Marketing

As a business owner, you know just how important proper marketing is when it comes to the success of your business. You probably also know that over the past decade or so there seems to have been an exodus from the traditional marketing options out there. Today, people tend to talk about various ways that they can market and reach their customers digitally.

While having a good and firm grasp of digital marketing is certainly a good idea, it is also important to reconsider the benefits that using direct mail marketing can off. There might be some people out there who proclaim direct mail marketing to be dead, but the truth of the matter is that those people are dead wrong.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the biggest benefits that direct mail can provide and why you need to start incorporating it into your business sooner rather than later.

Benefit #1: Target Your Audience

This is one of the main benefits of direct mail marketing. Businesses are able to buy mailing lists of people who would be their potential customers through mailing list distributors like Dun and Bradstreet, for example. You can find a list of people in various geographical regions who buy the types of products or use the types of services they offer.

With a list of potential customers in hand, who are already known to have an interest in services and products like the ones you sell, they are considered targets. You do not have to simply send out direct mail blindly, hoping that you could find buyers.

Benefit #2: It Is Measurable

If you would like to know just how successful the direct mail marketing campaign can be, it is easy. You can put some type of coupon in the mail along with an expiration date. Deter- mine the number of direct mail pieces that were sent out with the coupon in question and then the number of times that the coupon was used during that period. This is a way that many eateries measure the success of their direct mail marketing campaigns.

Benefit #3: Very Flexible

There are many different types of direct mail options that are available to you. Some could work better for certain types of businesses than others might. For example, some companies might want to send out samples of a product they offer. This is possible with direct mail. Others might be on a tight budget, and they want to use postcards, which tend to be a very cheap option. This is possible, as well. There are ways that just about any company will be able to make use of this type of marketing effectively.

Benefit #4: Individualized Options

People do not want to feel like an afterthought, or even worse like you weren’t thinking about them at all when you sent the advertisement. Fortunately, there is technology that makes it possible to allow for more individualization with direct mail.  It is possible to address a person by name on a postcard or a sales letter, for example.

While this might seem like a simple thing, people tend to be more likely to look at mail that has their name on it rather than just “resident.”

Benefit #5: Cost Effective

One of the reasons that some companies might have shied away from using direct mail in the past is because they thought it would be prohibitively expensive for them to do so.  That’s not the case, though.  In fact, it is possible to achieve great designs and layouts in less time than it once was.  You can have professionally printed direct mail pieces for less than what would be spent with many other types of marketing.

If worrying about the cost was something that kept you from using direct mail for your business, you might want to take a closer look at today’s options and costs. It could be the perfect addition to your business’s marketing needs.

What Can Direct Mail Do for You?

You’ve seen five of the biggest benefits that direct mail can offer when you integrate it into your business. However, that’s just the start of the benefits. You will likely find plenty of other great reasons to start using and to continue using direct mail.

Use the information and the guidance presented in the rest of the book to help you make sure that you are doing it the right way, and then experience just how helpful it can be for your business

Chapter 2: DirectMail is a Great Choice for Companies Large and Small

What size company do you run? Do you have a small, local business? Are you running a business that caters to the city and the surrounding area? A region of your state? Perhaps the entire state or the entire country. Regardless of the size of your business, you will find that it is possible to benefit from the use of direct mail.

However, you need to make sure that you are doing direct mail the right way. Fortunately, it is not too difficult, but you probably will want some help from those who understand what does and does not work. We will cover this a bit further in Chapter 3.

How Can Direct Mail Help Small Companies?

Small business owners tend to work in the realm of digital marketing today because they see it as a cheap and relatively easy option. They worry that direct mail will be too complex or too cost-prohibitive for them. However, with the introduction to the USPS’s Every Door Direct Mail, businesses can pay as little as $.19 in postage to mail out a 6 X 11 Postcard! In addition, when businesses utilize our postage discounts, you’ll see that direct mail is cheaper to acquire clients at a lower cost.

Add the fact that with inflation, more and more small businesses are on a tight budget and will find that they can make good use of targeted direct mail campaigns to help them grow.

With a small business, it can be difficult to have the same advertising dollars as your larger competitors. You will, therefore, need to find ways that you can make better use of the money that you do have. Targeted direct mail can help in this area.

People have been shown to prefer getting regular, physical mail from brands than they do online junk mail. While many of your competitors are likely putting a focus on digital marketing, you can reach people in an old way that has really become new again. You can focus on customers that are right for your business, and these types of ad campaigns can allow for flexible spending, so you only have to spend as much as you can afford. It is not dissimilar to today’s online campaigns in this aspect.

You will also be able to reach customers that you might not have been able to reach through a computer. There are some people today who are not savvy when it comes to technology, and there are those who don’t care to spend much time on their computer or their phones, as hard as that might be to believe. With direct mail, you can speak directly to these people, potentially opening up an entirely new group of customers for your business.

How Can Direct Mail Help Large Companies?

You will find that the benefits that the large companies have are quite similar to those that the small companies will enjoy. However, they will generally be able to use direct mail on a much larger scale. Instead of focusing only on a city or a relatively small geographic region of the state, the direct mail ad campaign might be something that encompasses an entire region of the country or the whole country for that matter.

The companies will be able to use the same types of promotion and deals tactics in their direct mail that the smaller companies will use. With larger companies that might have multiple stores around the country, it might be a good idea to make sure that the ads for each of the various locations are targeted toward the items that are available in their area.

Consider the grocery store mailers and circulars for department stores. In some cases, these sales ads that come in the mail will be geared directly toward that particular store rather than the company as a whole. This would mean multiple and different printings for the direct mail depending on how many stores or regions will need to have individual mailers.

This might seem like a lot of work and cost. However, companies will find that the amount of money that they can gain from get- ting people to come into the store to spend money, can more than makeup for the cost of direct mail.

Local Service Companies Make Great Use of Direct Mail

If you would like to see an example of just how beneficial direct mail can be, consider some of the local service companies in your area. Chances are very good that these companies have sent you fliers or postcards in the mail before. There is a chance that you might have even used their services if you happened to need them at the time.

Service companies like plumbers, roofers, landscaping, auto mechanics, and the like provide services that people will likely need at some point in their life. They might not need it today or tomorrow, but they will eventually. By sending out direct mail to 

the local area, these companies are reaching their target customers, and those customers will likely hold onto the mail, at least so they can keep the company’s name and number handy if they ever do need the service.

When these local service companies use direct mail properly, it can help to drive their business and their brand, making them the go-to company in the area for the type of service they offer.

The local service companies, especially those who have been in the business for a few years, know what it takes to make direct mail work for them. You will find that they will often use this type of advertising as much or more than their Internet marketing.

What Makes Mailers from Local Businesses Work?

As mentioned, local businesses have spent a lot of time trying to perfect the mailers that they send out to their customers and prospective customers. Here are some takeaways that other businesses should keep in mind when they are developing their own direct mail.

• They sell the benefits of the service, not the features. They explain to customers why they can make the customer’s predicament or life better.

• They explain what they do in simple terms.

• They provide essential information that the recipient will find useful.

• They will have all of their contact information and service areas noted on the pieces of mail they send out.
  

• They make it easy. Whether it is calling a plumber during an emergency, ordering a pizza, or inquiring about a new garage door, they make getting in touch and getting what the customers need as easy as possible.
• They provide some type of actionable content. This might be a simple call to action, or it might be a coupon or discount.

Ultimately, it is about giving people what they want and what they won’t consider junk and throw away. Show them why you are essential to their life, and how you can make things better or easier, and then give them a reason to follow through and get in touch with you.

Everyone Can Benefit Greatly from Direct Mail

Data from the Direct Marketing Association has found that direct mail response rates are much higher than the response rate of email. While 0 .12% of people respond to email, 4 .4% of people respond to direct mail.  In addition, of those who respond, 62% of them become customers and actually make a purchase.

As you can see, it doesn’t matter what type of business you have. It doesn’t matter whether it is large or small. You can benefit from the use of direct mail. However, that doesn’t mean that you can just send out anything through direct mail and expect great results.

You need to do your research, you need to make sure that you are creating pieces of mail that people actually want, and you need to be sure that you consider working with professionals who can help with different aspects of your direct mail marketing campaign, including the design and printing.

Chapter 3: Ugly Postcards and Mailers Will Not Work

How important is design work in the direct mail that you send out to your prospective customers? For many, this is going to be the first thing that they see involving your company. The very first thing.

As they say, you can only make a first impression once. This is very important when you are in someone’s mailbox. They are going to be sorting through their mail, and they are going to determine, often with little more than a glance, whether they are going to keep your mailer or toss it into the recycling.

Naturally, you want to make sure that you have something that will catch their attention and make them keep your flier or postcard. Not only do you need to make sure that you provide quality information and offers on the mailer, but it also needs to look good from a design perspective.

Good design really can make quite a difference, even though many people think that they can get by without actually working with a designer. This is one of the reasons that some people who attempt direct mail marketing end up failing.

Why Do Businesses Hesitate to Spend on Design?

Even though businesses want to succeed, they are not always willing to spend on certain things that can help with their success. One of the areas that tend to get neglected is design.

While a company might realize that they need to have quality design for logos that they use, and they know that they need a good design for their website, they might not realize that they also need to have a great design for their direct mail. This leads them to send out mailers that are not going to get them the attention and the additional customers that they need.

Why are they not putting in any effort on design? There are several reasons for this, as noted below.

They Believe It’s Too Costly

One of the first reasons that many businesses will cite when it comes to not getting professional design for their direct mail is the cost. They believe that it will cost them a lot of money to hire a designer who can put together quality mailers and fliers. Businesses like to cut corners on their expenses wherever they can, and design is often where they will cut corners, especially for direct mail design.

However, the truth of the matter is that design today is not as expensive as most businesses believe. It only truly becomes costly for them when they do not bother with hiring a design team and put out poor-quality mailers.

They Think They Can Do It on Their Own

One of the other reasons that companies believe they do not need to hire a designer for their direct mail is because they believe they have someone on board who will do it. The owner might even think that they will be able to do it themselves despite not having any training or experience. It’s not as easy as downloading Photoshop and creating a flier.

People need to have the knowledge and skills needed to under- stand what actually goes into proper design. They need to do more than just put your logo onto the flier or postcard along with your phone number.

People who do not have some training and experience in design are not going to do as good of a job as those who have taken the time to truly understand what does and does not work in design.

Take the time to hire a professional who can help with your design work. Make sure that they have experience creating direct mail and look at some examples of other work they have done in the past.

They Don’t Think It’s Important

Of course, there are those businesses that do not think that design is important. They think that the only thing that matters is the message and what they are offering the customer. While those things are certainly important, you aren’t going to be able to reach any of those customers with poor-quality design. Your fliers and postcards are not going to make it past the recycling bin. This is a simple truth that businesses need to admit and understand.

Something that is well-designed and that catches the attention of the recipient will stand a better chance of being kept and read, and eventually used.

The Importance of Good Design in Direct Mail

When a company allows bad design to become a part of something they do, even if it is their direct mail, it will cause more problems than they might realize. Bad design can make your brand look bad. You need to make sure that every foot that you put forward looks as good as possible and truly represents your business and what you can offer.

Bad Design Makes It Look Like You Don’t Care About Your Brand

Every part of your brand identity makes an impression. Make sure that the impression is a good one. If it isn’t, it can color how people perceive your brand. After all, why would they want to do business with a company that doesn’t even care enough to make sure their mailers look good? They might think that you are going to be cutting corners in other areas, as well.

Good Design Can Build Credibility

However, when you put in the effort to ensure that you have quality design work for all of your direct mail – and other aspects of your business – it helps to increase your credibility.

Those first impressions matter When thinking about doing business with someone. A nicely designed flier is going to be more appealing than something that looks like it was hastily scrawled and then photocopied. A nice-looking flier will help to improve that initial impression, and it will make it more likely that someone will be willing to do business with you.

It really isn’t that much different than visiting a business in person for the first time. If you were to walk into a restaurant that was dirty, disorganized and didn’t have any information on the menus, what would you do? You would turn around and walk out. People view your direct mail the same way. When you have a good design that’s well-made and well-thought-out, they are more likely to be willing to check out what you have to offer.

Good Design Helps You Stand Out

Many businesses refuse to accept that their design is important. That’s the entire reason for this chapter, after all. This is why so many companies fade to mediocrity at best and close at worst. You do not have to suffer that fate with your business when you step up the quality of the design on your direct mail.

The good design is going to stand out compared with all of the other mail that people are getting. Companies today are often sending out “adequately” designed mail. This isn’t good enough, and you do not want to be lumped into that category if you can help it. Just as the chapter title says, having ugly postcards and mailers will simply not work today.

Put in the effort to improve the look and the design of your direct mail and be sure to work with a professional designer. This means that the recipients are more likely to look at the mail, more likely to keep it, and more likely to use it when they need it, as well. You can leave your competitors in the dust with better direct mail design.

Tips for Great Direct Mail Marketing

Before closing out this chapter, let’s look at a list of some of the things that you will want to do in order to help make your direct mail marketing campaigns even more effective. These can make a difference in your level of success.

• Work with a professional for the design elements

• Make it personal

• Make it relevant

• Make the mailers useful by providing value – don’t send out junk mail to people or they will write off your brand

• Be creative

• Have a call to action

• Keep is simple
• Tailor it to the individual whenever possible

These are some simple tips that can really help you to improve the direct mail marketing materials that you are creating and sending out to your customers and those you hope will become your customers.

Your direct mail marketing campaign deserves as much care and attention as all of the other marketing that you are doing.

Chapter 4: Why Having Good Data Is Essential

Thus far, we’ve discussed the importance of quality and design when it comes to direct mail marketing. This is because they are essential in getting potential customers to take the next step and contact your company. However, you can’t overlook something that is very important – finding and targeting the customers in the first place.

What Roles Does Data Play?

Data is important for a range of reasons. With the right data, you will be able to better calculate the market potential and what share of it you might get. It can also help to make it much easier for you to segment your audience into smaller and more manageable chunks. This will make it much easier for you to target specific groups with the right types of ads at the right time.

Data will provide you with various types of demographic data that you will want and need to have on hand, as well.

Some of the types of demographic data that can be obtained include:

• Median income

• Median age

• Median home value

• % owner/renter occupied

• % of families with children

• Ethnicities
• Religion

When you know the habits of the people that would likely be your ideal customer, and you combine that information with the data from demographics, it can help you with the design of your direct marketing campaign. Knowing who you should be targeting and where they are located will provide you with the best results.

For example, if you offer services for roofing or installing solar panels, you will want to target homeowners, not renters. If you have a store that sells items geared toward the elderly, chances are good that you won’t be targeting millennials.

Even if you are working with a professional, as you should be, you will find that it can be quite helpful when you have a solid knowledge of who your customers are and where to find them.

How to Target Customers

There are a number of ways that you can obtain the data you need. One of the first things that you will want to do is set up a mailing list for your current customers. These are people who will provide you with their addresses in the expectation that you will be sending out mailers from time to time. To help get more of your current customers on a list, you might want to come up with a loyalty program for them. Of course, it will depend on the type of business you are running.

Another option is to acquire a third-party mailing list. One of the simplest and best options for sending direct mail, and which is the focus of the following chapter, is USPS Every Door Direct Mail Service.

Keep in mind that you might want to have several different mailing lists, each of which are segmented and targeted for specific types of mail and ads.

Be Sure to Collect and Analyze the Data

Data is not only used when determining who you are going to target in your first round of direct mail marketing. It is also quite useful when it comes to determining the success of the campaign. After all, you want to know whether your efforts are being spent well, or if you might need to change some of your tactics.

Keeping up with changes to the demographic data that you have collected will be important, as well.

Some of the types of data that you will want to consider measuring and recording are in the list that follows:

• Response rates for coupons

• People who have recently moved to the area

• New homeowners

• The behavior of your current customers
• Increases in social media engagement from people who have been sent mailers

The more data you have the better. Keeping up with the data will ensure that you are making the most of your direct mail campaigns. It can take some work, for sure, but having someone who can help you through it will make it far easier

Measure your success and continue to alter and improve your marketing mailers to increase the number of conversions that you get. In this respect, it is not much different from online marketing.

Keep At It

Data is essentially what is going to make your company a success and what will help you to focus your direct mail marketing efforts in the campaigns going forward. The following are some tips to remember.

You need to know your buyer, make sure that you have a strong database, and that you clean out that database occasionally from those who are simply not responding. Be sure you are building your database of customers from quality sources and try to verify the data when possible, so you are not wasting your time and energy. You could also use EDDM, which can help to simplify things greatly, as you will see in the following chapter.

Chapter 5: What Is EDDM and Why Is It a Good Option?

We’ve mentioned Every Door Direct Mail in the book already, but you might still not really know much about EDDM or why it could be useful for your business. While there are some similarities to direct mail, the goal of EDDM has always been to make things as easy as possible for the businesses that use it.

How Does EDDM Work?

The system is offered through the USPS, and it is a good choice for anyone who has a business and who wants to target customers in the local area. It makes it possible to advertise to specific residential areas, and you do not need to have contact information from each of the households to do it.

You might be wondering what other benefits it can offer. Check out the list below:

• Place your ads in the hands of all houses in an area

• Include coupons, menus, and more in the mailing – choose the format that’s right for your needs.

• Choose the size that will work right for your needs

• Cost-effective
• Easy to set up

Fortunately, it is easy to get started with this system. The following are the steps that you will need to take.

Set Up an Account

In order to get started, you will need to have a USPS account. There are a couple of options from which you can choose.

• EDDM-Retail Account: Those who have this type of account are able to have up to 5,000 pieces of mail each day per ZIP code. No postage permit is required.
• USPS Business Account: This type of account is a better option for those who have a high volume that they need to send out. It makes it easy to manage mailings online, and you can send out more than 5,000 pieces per day per ZIP code. There is a postage permit required for this type of account.

What Routes Are Right for You?

You will then use the USPS EDDM mapping tool to choose the delivery routes that you would like to use with your mailers. You can choose those routes based on different factors, such as income, age, or household size.

Get the Mail Designed and Printed

You will next need to design the mailers that you are sending out. Keep in mind the tips that were included earlier in the book and be sure that you have a professional design the mail for you. A clear, beautiful, and simple design will work wonders for you. Postcards, fliers, and leaflets can work nicely.

Once you have designed the mail, you will need to make sure that you have them printed properly. A great design can be all for naught if you have a poor-quality printer handling the printing job. Whether you use a local or online printer, you need to make sure that you are choosing a quality, affordable option.

Set Up a Date to Drop the Mailers Off and Prepare Them Properly

Once you have the mailers ready to go, you will want to set up a drop-off date to bring them to the post office. Consider how many deliveries you have, their destination, and when you are going to need to have them delivered.

You will also be responsible for preparing the mailers. They should be bundled together in stacks that are six inches high or less. They say that they prefer when the bundles contain between 50 and 100 pieces of mail.

Complete EDDM Forms

You will then complete all of the EDDM forms and facing slips needed so the post office can process the order for you. The facing slip will be attached to each of the bundles you provide and should include the number of mailers in that bundle.

Those who have used the service before and have had a customer that has told them they do not want to be included in the mailings should include that address on the facing slip in the Do Not Deliver Address column.

Pay for the Postage

Next, you will just need to pay for the postage. The USPS will take care of everything else for you.

As you can see, the use of EDDM can help make getting your direct mail out to customers in your area quick and relatively easy. It is a cost-effective option to get your brand in front of everyone in the area, and you will have to worry less about segmenting your audience at this point. This could be a good option for many businesses to consider as a major direct mail marketing plan component.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a much better understanding of what direct mail is and why it is so important for your business today. It’s not dead. It’s alive and thriving; you can make it work for your business.

However, it is not always something that you will be able to handle on your own. Instead of pushing ahead on your own and making mistakes that could damage your brand, you will want to contact someone who can help.

Time for Help from Professionals in the Field

Sure, you might be able to do some of the work and have some ideas. The direct mail pros at Catdi Printing are here to help. It takes time and effort, though, that you might want to put into other aspects of your business. Instead of trying to take care of the entire direct mail marketing campaign, you might want to get some for our direct mail professionals.

Working with direct mail professionals who know the ins and outs of direct marketing and who can ensure that you have exactly what you need to reach the right customers is essential. It can make all the difference in the world in the quality of your marketing materials.

Just make sure you are working with one of the best in the field who can impart their experience and knowledge to help make your campaign successful. They can make the process easier for you, allowing you to get back to the other aspects of running your business.

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