Posts

Increase Conversions with 3 Headline Hooks

Image
Do you ever wander through a library aisle you would normally avoid? Perhaps you're a fiction reader who ambles into the autobiography section. Surprisingly, a cover grabs your attention and you check out a book you've never heard of. What was it that caused you to act? Just one short glimpse at the title. That's telling. Fool-Proof Headline Formulas Headlines matter. A lot. Researchers estimate that in today's content-saturated culture, only 8 out of 10 readers make it past the headline of most pieces. In 2016, an academic study of bit.ly links to BBC, CNN, Fox News, New York Times, and Huffington Post articles found that 59 percent of the links were never clicked. And even if you do get readers past the front door, you still need to bring them to a point of purchase. Which headlines best engage readers and maximize response? Here are three headline formulas to increase your conversions: "The Best" List Headlines ...

7 Greetings to Use in Corporate Thanksgiving Cards

Image
Want to make the holidays happier this year? Showing gratitude through your year-end greetings takes some creativity and planning. Maybe this would be a good time for your business to break the mold when it comes to year-end tidings! In 2016, Mayville Engineering Company, Inc (MEC) decided to amplify appreciation through an employee-empowered kindness campaign. In lieu of traditional greeting cards, MEC created a series of fun in-house GIFs for their employees to get them smiling. In tandem, MEC sent "acts of kindness" prompts to spur a contagious rash of goodwill. These 25 acts of kindness included both personal and professional ideas, such as, "compliment someone to their boss," or "donate a piece of clothing for every present you receive." Employees were encouraged to share the love in and beyond the company and to share photos on its social channels using the hashtag #MECKindness. Share a Simple Thank You While you may not start a...

5 Ways to Make Your Newsletters Shine

Image
What's so great about vacation? It's a chance to cut loose and take a break from the ordinary! But vacation just wouldn't be as fun if it wasn't anchored to the sense of consistent routine in our lives. In order to vacate, you have to have a place or a routine to break AWAY from. A Foundation to Build From The same is true in design. To have the freedom to challenge the norm, some type of coherent foundation must first be established. This is particularly true in multi-page publications like newsletters. One of the most important features of multi-page publications is consistency. So, before you go rogue in design, first you need to ensure each page looks like it belongs to the whole. How can you create this sense of cohesion? With repeating colors, icons, fonts, bulleted lists that repeat a formatting style, matching pull-out quotes, and more. Here are five strategies for organizing your next newsletter so you compel viewers to read and respon...

Inspire Imagination with 4 Creative Design Catalysts

Image
Do you enjoy creating? Are you an illustrator, a graphic design specialist, or a photographer who loves to see ideas come to life? If so, you've probably experienced a few slumps. Even the most innovative people need new inspiration from time to time. Ready to ignite a fresh perspective for your projects? Here are some creative exercises that may spark your next fantastic idea. 4 Design Catalysts to Inspire Your Imagination Loosen your turtleneck pullover and host an art night with friends. If you create for a living, what better way to connect with your inner muse than to host a no-holds-barred, imaginative free-for-all with your best pals? Tell guests to dress for a mess and drag out your paints, beads, clay, stamps, ink, and more. Remind people to leave the perfectionist self at home and have fun with the process. After all, some of the best art is spontaneous. Takeaway: Creating things with friends reminds us that art is fun, and beauty can aris...

3 Ways to Help Your Team Love Mondays

Image
In 1966, an American band called the "The Mamas and the Papas" released a song about Monday that captured the mood of millions of people regarding that dreaded first day of the workweek: "Monday, Monday, can't trust that day. Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way . . Every other day, every other day, every other day of the week is fine, yeah . . . B ut whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes . . . you can find me cryin' all of the time." How to Kick Those Monday Blues It's true. Not many of us look forward to the start of the week. Half of all workers will be late to their jobs on Monday mornings. The abrupt transition from a free weekend to the grind makes many people miserable. But Mondays don't have to be a drag. While you can't magically get your team excited to head back to work on Mondays, there are a few things you can do to make Mondays a bit better. Ax Monday Meetings How of...

5 Simple and Impressive Print Techniques to Strengthen Your Marketing Materials

Image
Individual design elements are the building blocks of today's best marketing pieces, and with today's technology, almost anything is possible when it comes to print. Print products can vary in texture, color, shape, and finish, bringing a staying power that allows your company to shine strong among competitors. Step Up Your Game with Memorable, Inspiring Print Promos Here are five simple and impressive print techniques that can drastically improve the appearance of your materials. 1. Cut it Out Whether it's brochures, business cards, or door hangers, printed pieces aren't limited to square or rectangular shapes. Consider reshaping your invitation to match your logo, or creating a custom label in the shape of your most popular product. For brochures or folders, you can add custom-shaped pockets, a peek-through window, or die cuts that accentuate the featured product. 2. Add Texture While embossing was originally known for its use in person...

5 Simple and Impressive Print Techniques to Strengthen Your Marketing Materials

Image
Individual design elements are the building blocks of today's best marketing pieces, and with today's technology, almost anything is possible when it comes to print. Print products can vary in texture, color, shape, and finish, bringing a staying power that allows your company to shine strong among competitors. Step Up Your Game with Memorable, Inspiring Print Promos Here are five simple and impressive print techniques that can drastically improve the appearance of your materials. 1. Cut it Out Whether it's brochures, business cards, or door hangers, printed pieces aren't limited to square or rectangular shapes. Consider reshaping your invitation to match your logo, or creating a custom label in the shape of your most popular product. For brochures or folders, you can add custom-shaped pockets, a peek-through window, or die cuts that accentuate the featured product. 2. Add Texture While embossing was originally known for its use in person...