When designing a printed piece, how much attention do you pay to the grain of the paper? This is particularly important for pieces that require crisp, clean folds. Aligning your design with the paper grain can make a significant difference in the final result.

Sustainability has become a core value for many consumers and businesses. However, as brands rush to position themselves as environmentally responsible, a growing challenge has emerged: greenwashing.

You've invested time, money, and effort into winning great customers. You have ongoing marketing programs to help keep those relationships strong. But what happens when customers stop buying anyway? Instead of watching them go, reignite their interest instead. Direct mail is one of your most powerful tools for doing it.

Everyone wants to nail their direct mail campaign or deliver a winning multichannel marketing strategy. But success takes more than a bold idea. It demands coordinating people, resources, and timelines, all anchored by strong project management.

How loyal are your customers? You might be surprised to learn that they may be less faithful than you think. In a study of 10 major industries, nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents indicated they were “delighted” with the products or services they purchased, yet 88% said they were willing to switch providers for any reason!

Want the perfected printed piece? Finish it with the perfect fold. But communicating about folds can be tricky when you don't know the lingo. Let's look at some of the basic terms:

Do you think all printers are the same? Not at all! Even though two print shops might have the same equipment, they might have very different philosophies, quality standards, and customer relationships. To help you find the right partner for your printing needs, here's a quick checklist of questions you'll want to ask during the vetting process.

When you create marketing campaigns, are you reflecting your value proposition in everything you do? You might think you only sell products, but it’s more than that. Think about a company like Campbell’s. Sure, the company sells soup, but its tagline is “Mmmm, Mmmm. Good.” Its ads show families around the table, enjoying a meal together. The company’s value proposition isn’t, “We sell soup.” or “We help you create healthy meals your family can enjoy together.”

Not every print piece needs a “wow” factor, but what happens when it does? Maybe you are launching a new line of high-end clothing or cosmetics or have an audience for luxury goods you want to impress. That’s where print embellishments come in. Print embellishments are visual or tactile add-ons that create a higher level of engagement than even the best 2D designs can do.

Are you looking to boost your marketing results by going multichannel? Businesses looking to amplify their direct mail efforts often pair direct mail with email. That's a great strategy. But you know what else is a great strategy? Pairing direct mail with social media.