7 Tips to Refresh Your Direct Mail Strategy

 

Effectively Engaging With Customers Using Direct Mail

In today’s tech-savvy world, it might be easy to assume that the best way to catch the attention of your potential customers is through digital ads. In reality, according to Marketing Sherpa, 76% of consumers said they would trust printed ads they received in the mail when making a purchase, while only 25% said they would trust online pop-ups. 
 
The advertisements you’re sending out through the mail can significantly impact customers. Here are seven ways to design direct mail to make your company stand out! 

1. For direct mail, BIGGER IS BETTER!

Research has found that using a larger envelope increases the response rate from customers by 53% when compared with the same content being sent in a standard-sized envelope. 
 
Try something new by sending out your mail in larger, oversized envelopes to intrigue your recipients to read what’s inside! 

2. Use POSTCARDS instead of letters for your direct mail.

In addition to being a cost-effective choice for your company (no envelopes necessary!), using postcards can be a unique way to switch up your mailing strategy. 
 
Postcards are eye-catching, concisely deliver your message, and are often more interesting for readers than a traditional letter. 

3. Make your direct mail SEASONAL.

Putting extra effort into the visual appeal of your direct mail could have a significant impact. 
 
The Data & Marketing Association found that 27% of direct mail is still present within the household after 28 days. Incorporate a seasonally festive design into your mail- it’ll give your recipients a reason to keep it around, making them more likely to take a second look at it. 

4. Include COUPONS in your direct mail!

People love getting discounts! 
 
Include a sale code or a coupon brochure along with your company’s information to give your recipients a reason to purchase immediately. They won’t be able to resist checking out your website so they can score that deal! 

5. Make your direct mail PERSONAL.

Personalization in your communication is key to keeping customers interested in your brand. 
 
For life milestones like birthdays, send out cards! When your company has an anniversary, let your customers know. If you have a loyal, high-value customer, send them a thank-you! This practice will keep your customers feeling valued and connected to your company. 

6. Combine your direct mail with DIGITAL TOOLS.

While direct mail can significantly impact your customers, it’s no secret that sometimes online options are more attractive for today’s customers. 
 
Include the information on your printed mail for your company’s website or social media accounts. Allow customers to redeem coupons online rather than filling them out by hand and mailing them back. 

7. Re-evaluate your company’s MAILING LIST.

If your current direct mail strategy is falling short, try shifting some things around with who is receiving your mail. 
 
Instead of using a mass-marketing tactic, try a targeted mailing list to focus your efforts on your best leads. To get the most responses, you’ll need to ensure you send your information out to your target customers. 
 
Direct mail can be a great way to create interest in your company among a vast pool of recipients. That said, the printing quality for your company’s mail matters and our printing firm has got you covered with high-quality printing for any of your direct mailing needs. For more information, visit our website! 

5 Graphic Design Trends to Look Out for in 2023

 

2023 is just around the corner, and a new year comes with new graphic design trends. 

Graphic design matters because it captures the attention of your audience, aids in memory, and influences the consumer's first impressions. This is why the global graphic design industry was worth $45.8 billion in 2021.

Make sure your business stays up-to-date with the latest graphic design trends. 

5 Graphic Design Trends to Look Out for in 2023

  

1. Science Fiction-Inspired Designs

Many businesses are aiming to look futuristic with science fiction-inspired graphic designs. 

Certain elements are common within science fiction designs.

• Color. Shades of blue- like cyan- and neon colors are prevalent. There's often a contrast between light and dark.
• Shapes. Sharp lines, circles, and geometric shapes give off science-fiction vibes.
• Fonts. Science fiction fonts are an entire genre, often showing distorted letters that look stretched, chopped, or duplicated with inconsistent lettering size.
• 3-D images. Although graphic design usually cannot physically be 3-D, many science fiction designs give off the illusion of 3-D. 

If you want your business to appear modern, go with a science-fiction-inspired design. 

2. Font Trends

There are four main 2023 font trends for which to look out. 

• Distorted fonts twist, stretch, and fade. For example, refer to the Cobya font, inspired by the ocean's waves.
• Condensed fonts are great at packing a lot of words into a small space. However, they can sometimes appear aggressive.
• Sans-serif fonts consist of neat, clean lines. Serif fonts, or those with decorative lines or tapers, have saturated the graphic design industry over the years. However, sans-serif fonts are expected to make a comeback due to their minimalistic nature and reader accessibility.
• Flared fonts are a combination of serif and sans-serif fonts. They appear friendly and optimistic, making them great for family or children-oriented materials. 

Experiment with different types of fonts, and don't be hesitant to make some unique choices. 

3. Liquid Gradients

Liquid gradients are a unique twist on the popular gradient trend. However, this one looks like glossy, colorful marble.

Add it as a background or an accent! 

4. Rich Colors

Neutral colors have been all the rage. Perhaps it was to compensate for the recent chaos.

However, bold, rich colors are expected to come back, and it's time to let a little color back into the world. 

5. Memes

Memes consist of funny pictures with witty captions. 

Although especially popular on social media, memes are expected to travel into the graphic design world. Memes are memorable because they're funny, and this comedic aspect makes them more likely to be shared among friends and colleagues. 

Graphic design trends are constantly changing. Know the projected 2023 trends so your business can remain up-to-date. 

Whether you try a trend or go with the tried and true, we are here to get your graphic designs printed! Feel free to reach out to us today!

How to Develop an Abundance Mindset (and Why You Should)

 

An abundance mindset is when you believe there are enough resources in the world for everyone and are grateful for what you have. 

This is in opposition to the scarcity mindset, which believes the earth contains limited resources. This mindset creates an overly competitive lifestyle and envy for others because the person tends to focus on what they don’t have. This mindset is damaging because it promotes unhappiness and less fulfilling relationships. 

Why You Should Develop an Abundance Mindset

Having an abundance mindset helps you create a happier, more fulfilling life for yourself. 

It comes with many benefits. An abundance mindset … 

• Promotes personal and professional success by letting you focus on the many opportunities.
• Helps you feel confident and capable.
• Generates creativity and motivation through a more proactive approach to life.
• Makes you feel better about yourself.
• Deepens your relationships. 

If you’ve been struggling with a lack of motivation, envy for others, and discontent with your present situation, try adopting an abundance mindset using the following strategies. 

Identify Your Negative Beliefs for an Abundance Mindset 

Everyone has subconscious beliefs about themselves. 

Sometimes these beliefs are negative and often untrue, limiting the person’s full potential because they’re held back by these beliefs. 

For example, someone may believe that they are destined for failure. This belief will hold you back from success, so working on changing it is important. 

• Step 1: Identify your negative belief. In this case, it’s the belief that you are destined for failure.
• Step 2: Ask yourself where this negative belief came from. Did it originate from past failures?
• Step 3: Ask yourself if this belief is true. Do past failures guarantee future disappointments? Are you focusing on past failures and ignoring all your successes to maintain this negative belief?
• Step 4: Ask yourself if this negative belief is helpful. If not, how damaging is it? How has it harmed you in the past? Where has it been influencing your behavior?
• Step 5: Change your negative belief. By this point, hopefully, you’ve discovered your negative thought isn’t true, nor is it helpful. Start by telling yourself success is possible. Notice when your negative belief appears, and challenge it. 

Identifying, challenging, and changing your negative beliefs is difficult. However, keep at it; you’ll be better off in the long run. 

Be Grateful for an Abundance Mindset

Gratitude is when you focus on the good things in your life and be grateful for them. 

Everyone is subjected to positive and negative events throughout their day, and some days the balance is quite off. However, people can choose what they focus on. If you’re struggling, start by finding three things you’re grateful for daily.  

Go With the Flow for an Abundance Mindset

Many people hate change and fight against it. 

However, change is the one constant in this unpredictable world. View change as an opportunity for new experiences. Even if the situation seems like a step down from your previous one, try viewing it with curiosity. 

Do What You Love for an Abundance Mindset

Filling your life with people and activities you love will make it much easier to feel happy and grateful, promoting an abundance mindset. 

Don’t expect to love every part of your day, but if you dislike most of your days, perhaps it’s time to brainstorm ways to fill your life with more of what you love. 

Celebrate Your Success for an Abundance Mindset

Often success is brushed off, and each new milestone begins with a focus on the next goal. 

What is a past success, big or small, that you didn’t take the time to celebrate? Write it down and make time to celebrate it. Late is better than never. 

In the future, be on the lookout for your successes and accomplishments.

Following these tips will help you on your way to fostering a more abundant mindset. We hope an abundance mindset will benefit your personal life and your business. Good luck!