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How to Choose the Right Envelope for Every Print Project

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Choosing the right envelope isn’t just about fit and function; it’s about designing a print piece that works as hard on the outside as it does inside. If you’re creating a printed marketing envelope, you’re not just buying office supplies. You’re shaping the first impression of your entire campaign. And the decisions you make about format, finish, and message can dramatically affect how your mail is received (or whether it gets opened at all). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you design an envelope that does more than carry your message; it amplifies it. Step 1: Know Your Purpose Start by answering this: What action do you want the recipient to take after opening this envelope? Are you driving traffic to an event or offer? Choose a layout that gives you room for teaser text or a QR code. Are you sharing information with a high-value client or donor? Opt for a thicker stock and custom printing options that show attention to detail. Whe...

Do People Still Read Print? And 4 Other Questions You've Probably Wondered But Never Asked

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Let’s be honest, print marketing has a bit of a reputation. Not bad. Just... old-school. Or at least that’s what some people think. But here’s the thing: while marketing trends come and go, print is still here. And if you’ve ever quietly wondered, “Do people even read this stuff anymore?”—you wouldn't be the first. We hear these questions all the time. From savvy marketers. From nonprofit directors. From small business owners who don’t want to waste a single dollar. So we thought we’d answer them. Honestly. Without the jargon or pressure. Just real answers to real questions—maybe even one or two you’ve been hesitant to say out loud. 1. Do people still read printed brochures and mailers? Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: They read them when they’re done well. Here’s what we know: when a piece of print marketing is designed to be helpful, visual, and easy to absorb, it gets attention. Especially in...

7 Ways Custom Envelopes Boost Response Rates

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In direct mail, first impressions happen fast, sometimes in the few seconds it takes someone to sort their stack of mail. The envelope is your campaign’s opening act. If it falls flat, everything inside may never get seen. That’s why a strategic envelope isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s a lead actor in your campaign’s success. Here are seven ways custom envelopes help your mailings get noticed, opened, and acted on. 7 Ways Custom Envelopes Boost Response Rates 1. They Help You Stand Out in the Mailbox. Plain envelopes blend in. Custom envelopes stand out. A splash of color, a unique size, or even a bold teaser line can make your envelope impossible to ignore. The right design piques curiosity and makes the recipient pause. That pause is the first step toward engagement. 2. They Establish Immediate Brand Credibility. Your envelope says a lot before it’s even opened. A polished design, logo placement, or consistent brand colors bui...

Pages, Sides, and Leaves, Oh My! A Quick Guide to Print Terminology

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Printing terminology can be confusing. Leaves? Pages? Sides? It sounds less like printing and more like assembling a dining room table. But if you’re getting ready to place an order for a booklet, brochure, or multipage project, understanding these terms can save you time and ensure your job is printed just the way you expect. So, here’s a quick, no-jargon-needed guide to help you count it all correctly. What’s a “Leaf”? Think of a leaf as one sheet of paper in your printed piece. If you pick up a book or catalog and flip through it, each “flip” is one leaf. But because it’s printed on both sides, one leaf equals two pages. 1 leaf = 2 pages What’s a “Page”? A page is what you read on one side of a leaf. So, the front side of a flyer? That’s one page. The back? That’s another page. This is why an 8-leaf booklet has 16 pages—it’s all about the number of printed sides. What...

Want More Impact from Your Print? Start With the Finish

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You’ve got the vision. The campaign. The space. Now you need the signage and displays to match. But here’s what most businesses overlook: It’s not just what you print. It’s how you print it. Because large format print isn’t just about filling space. It’s about making an impression that lasts both visually and physically. That’s where technology comes in. Not digital marketing tech, but smart, behind-the-scenes print tech that brings your brand to life in ways you may not even know are possible. Let’s walk through a few of the ways you can elevate the impact of your print, without making it overly complicated. Want to Break Out of the Box? Try Custom Die-Cuts Anyone can hang a rectangular banner. But if you want your display to stand out at an event, in a window, or along a wall, shape matters. Consider precision die-cutting to create custom contours and edges that: Echo your logo or product shape Add depth and movemen...

Is Your Trade Show Team as Ready as Your Booth?

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You've got your booth space locked in. Your banners are designed, printed, and packed. Your table throws and floor graphics are on brand and on point. But here’s the real question: Is your team as ready as your signage? The best trade show displays don’t just look good. They work because the people behind them are prepared to use them. Here’s a quick-read checklist to make sure your team and your visuals are aligned for your next event. 1. Do They Know What the Signage Is Saying? Your banners, posters, and backdrops carry your core message. But does your team understand what that message is and how to build on it? Pro tip: Print out a “Booth Talking Points” sheet. Connect each visual to a key benefit or product. When your visuals and team speak the same language, you create clarity, not confusion. 2. Can Someone Set Everything Up Without Guesswork? Large format signage looks amazing when it’s set up correctly. Retractable banner...

Print That Drives Clicks: Connecting Displays to Digital

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When marketers talk about multichannel strategy, they often mean email, social, web, and maybe a little video. But there’s a big piece missing from that list: a literal, large one. Printed signage, displays, and banners aren't just for brand awareness anymore. When used intentionally, they become launchpads for digital engagement. Let’s clear up some of the most common questions people have when trying to connect their offline visuals with their online goals. “Isn’t print totally separate from digital?” Not anymore. A banner isn’t just a display. It’s a bridge. Window graphics, posters, sidewalk signs, these are real-world media placements that drive people to scan, search, follow, or buy. What matters is the intention behind the design. Are you putting your social handle on that window graphic? Is your QR code trackable? Does your signage reinforce what someone just saw in a digital ad? When your message is consistent online a...