BUSINESS CARDS - HOW TO MAKE A HARD IMPACT WITH YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION

Despite the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover," the fact is that business card will create the first impression that you make. Research has shown that people make a judgment about others in just a few seconds of meeting them. This isn't much time, so you need to make the most of the small attention window you have.

As a business owner, your appearance and business card plays a major role in the first impression you make. When you smile at someone, shake their hand, and then hand them your business card, the judgment they make about you is going to be affected by the business card you hand them. If the business card you put in their hand has a great look and feel, you're going to make a positive first impression. However, if your card feels cheap and looks tacky, you're probably not going to be viewed as a professional.

So, the big question is how do you avoid looking like your not ready for prime time, and instead impress the person you meet and cause their interest in your business to be piqued? You need a business card that is well thought-out, designed with a powerful visual. A black and white business card isn't going to grab anyone's attention, a full color business card will. With a full color business card, you can convey your strength to every person who looks at your card. A strong visual will get you card noticed and remembered.

You only have a little space to send a big message so it's important to put thought into what you want your card to say. The best business cards are able to say what's important without cramming too much in one space. Your logo and essentials should be easily read on the front and you can use the back for a call to action or other important information. Keep it meaningful, short and to the point.

Because people touch business cards in addition to seeing them, it's important that they are printed on high quality stock and have unique distinguished visual effect. Depending on your business, good stock choices for business cards are heavy 14 or extra heavy 16 point card, 20 point plastic, 16 point silk laminated or Endurace waterproof card stock. All of these stocks are durable and feel great when they are held. When it comes to finishes, one choice that will set you apart is spot UV coating. This is like a standard gloss UV coating finish, except that instead of covering your entire card, it works as a WOW FACTOR effect by highlighting the area of your business card that you want to standout. Other eye candy WOW FACTOR effects such as metallic silver ink, colored metallic effects, gold or silver foil on silk laminated cards or 20 Pt plastic card available in clear, frosted or white.
While you may agree that this type of business card sounds great, you may be concerned that it's going to cost a fortune. In reality, this isn't the case. When you order business cards online from one the the few online printing company's that offer these custom services for gang run prices you can cheaply get full color business cards that are printed on quality stock and feature a special custom finish.


By  putting real thought into its design, you will be able to create a great business card that ensures the people you hand it to will always remember who  you are.

BRANDING WITH WOW FACTOR EFFECTS

When someone looks at one of your marketing materials, they are not only reading what is printed. They are also looking at the design of your marketing material as a whole. One way to capitalize on this is to use a WOW factor coating for your business card, brochure, flyer or other marketing material. If you want to highlight a specific area of text, you can use spot UV coating. This works great to highlight a special offer or discount that you include on your marketing material. If you want to give your marketing material a cohesive but unique look, you can use a matte/dull finish. This is an excellent choice for any business that is branding itself as a luxury option.

Because people will hold your printed marketing material as they look at its design and read what it says, their sense of touch also plays a role in how they perceive your company. To stand out from other "flimsy" businesses, you can use a WOW factor stock of 14PT or free upgrade 16PT. By using a heavy stock, people will perceive your business as a strong and robust authority. This will also make people more likely to hold on to your marketing material when they throw other businesses' materials away.

Print stunning gold and silver foil business cards without expensive dies and hot stamping. Color Printing Pros prints top quality foil business cards inline as a 5^th color.  This new cold foil process is easy to make with just a simple black mask were you want the foil. Your business card is printed on a luxurious extra heavy smooth silk laminated cards stock that will create an impressive first impression.

In addition to coatings and stock, when you order your marketing materials from an online printing company, you will be able to take advantage of additional WOW factor options like gold or silver foiled business cards. Ordering online also makes it easy to secure high quality marketing materials that are sold at low wholesale prices.

ATTRACT ATTENTION WITH POSTCARD PRINTING

Postcard promotions fill mailboxes every day and a majority of households don’t read them and instead put them directly into the trash. The average 1 to 3% conversion rate can be greatly improved by adding a secret sauce.  To improve your odds, you need Wow Factor that captures eyes like a magnet. Color Printing Pros supplies Wowfactor options.

 

The reason most postcards go unnoticed is they are not interesting and don’t grab the eye. It takes just a millisecond to either lose attention or capture it. The secret to attracting instant attention is to capture the eye with something unique, unexpected and interesting so that the offer is seen.

To grab attention, you should use an eye candy wow factor that grabs attention. By using this secret, you can turn a simple cheap postcard into an affordable, powerful mailbox billboard that attracts immediate attention. Using any one of the following high tech printing effects will increase attention.   

Spot UV Coated Postcards
Spot UV coating is a high gloss laminate coating that can be placed on selected areas of a postcard. It can be used to highlight photos, illustrations, copy or backgrounds. Spot UV coating adds a modern distinguished elegance that is sure to stand out and be noticed.
By placing spot UV selectively on a solid color background you can print copy, patterns and textures. It works best with darker backgrounds because you will get a high/low contrast finish the eye can’t resist.
 

Silk Laminated Postcards

Silk laminated postcard offers a smooth silky feels that implies expensive, elegance and luxury. Silk laminated cards are very affordable. They are printed on heavy 16 pt card stock that is water and tear resistant and make a very professional strong statement of quality. The immediate reaction to a postcard is the feel. This is very important because feel is the first sense that decides quality and a positive or negative impression. If your postcard is unique and different, it will create immediate curiosity, which is the first step that takes the targeted receiver to the next step and and forces the important second look. Spot UV coating can be applied to silk laminated cards for an extra sensory pop.

Gold or Silver Foil Postcards

Gold and silver are precious metals that have been strongly desired before recorded history. They are recognized as the standard for the highest quality. Some online printing services offer a high tech process that’s less expensive than the traditional hot foil stamping process, which requires expensive stamping dies and a hot foil-stamping machine. The new cold foil process prints on silk laminated card stock. Printed foil postcards are very elegant and will create a lot of buzz. Foil is actually printed on the card inline with or without the standard CYMK color process. Costly dies and specialized hot foil machines are not needed.  The power of bright gold or silver foil printed on a postcard is irresistible and very impressive.

EveryColor Foil Postcards

EveryColor foil postcards are a designers dream. This new inexpensive process can make every CMYK color in foil. You can even make gradations and color blends never available before. It’s very simple to make as many colors as you want into foil using an easy-to-make foil mask that is a second layer under the areas you select to be foiled. Foil can be used as spot color on both sides of the card. EveryColor Wow Factor effect is spectacular and will hold attention for a long time. By using this effect, you will extend your brand awareness because these cards are kept and shown around as well as gets a lot of attention. It is so unique that it will be passed around and shown to others. These foil cards are a perfect solution to getting your promotion noticed and remembered. They are also effective as handout at trade shows, networking functions and any place people gather.

4D Lenticular Postcards

Lenticular postcards are the newest, most sophisticated extreme eye candy Wow Factor illusion you can use for a postcard campaign. Lenticular cards have 2 or 3 flips that animate your message and tell a story. Lenticular postcards always attract excitement because they are fun to play with. They make an unforgettable positive statement to reinforce your branding. They are the most powerful direct mail marketing strategy to build customer retention and branding. With a strong call to action, you will capture new buyers and attract repeat customers. Lenticular cards will attract more attention than any other postcard. 

The truth is, the first mailing of a postcard marketing campaign, probably will not produce the high return you may expect. Don’t waste your time and money unless you plan to use these strategies for at least 3 monthly mailings to the same people. The more you mail over a period of time, the stronger your branding, the higher the retention and the better your ROI.  Every Door Direct Mail Retail is a USPS cheap and effective direct mail marketing solution for targeting political campaigns, nonprofit organizations and businesses with affordable direct mail services. It's simple and easy to take advantage of this cheap direct mail service offered by your local post office. Every Door Direct Mail Retail is easily the best inexpensive marketing value for many small businesses, political campaigns and nonprofit organization.

WHOLESALE POSTCARDS – LOW COST, HIGH RETURN

Wholesale postcards are one of the most popular marketing tools because they’re cheap and create a very high return. It’s hard to find a better marketing investment than cheap wholesale postcards. Timed direct mail postcard promotions not only increase sales, but also increase brand awareness too.

Wholesale postcards are a magnet that pulls in new business for just about any product or service. It’s easy to attract more new business using a direct mail postcard campaign. Few can resist a deep discount or 2 for one offers especially in this difficult economy. Postcard deals are very popular with past customers and will attract new ones who otherwise may not be interested. Savvy business owners know when times are hard and customers are spending less, postcard-marketing promotions are a very effective way to increase sales.

Consumers get so many spam emails, most are never opened. Postcards have less competition and a high read rate. They keep your business in front of customer’s eyes like a mini 2 sides billboard. Use one side as a poster and the other for details. They can be used for timely announcements to notify existing customers it’s time to renew their contract. Use them as gift certificates, coupons, invitations or tickets. Their uses are only limited by your imagination. Tear-off postcards are perforated so it’s easy to tear off a coupon for redemption.

High quality full color postcards are available in many sizes from small 4 X 6 to jumbo 6 X 9 or larger. Consider 4 X 6 or 4.25 X 6 cards for their cheaper postal rate. Larger cards require higher postal rates. The trade off is size.

The most effective postcards have an eye candy photo or image to attract attention and simple call to action copy. Keep it short with a sweet offer. Don’t go into detail; use bullet points to get your message out. Be sure to make your offer time sensitive and have an expiration date on your offer. Your post card should have a gloss UV coating on one side and no coating on the mailing side so they can be easily addressed.

Another way to stand out and get noticed is to use a WOW Factor printing effect such as spot UV coating which can be selectively applied to both side of the card and you will still be able to address it. A few online printers offer other WOW Factor options like extra heavy 16 Pt card stock, matte finish, metallic silver ink, colored metallic effects and even waterproof postcards for outdoor use or eco-friendly 30% recycled linen postcards.

If you’re new to using direct mail postcard campaigns to increase sales, you can start
slow to test the waters and refine your message. Start with test mailing of 1,000, it doesn’t cost a lot and you will see for yourself how profitable they can be. One last though…if you think you can’t afford a test mailing, that’s the best reason to do it. Remember using cheap wholesale postcards are one of the cheapest ways to grow your business.

CHOOSING THE BEST BUSINESS CARD

There are so many ways to print business cards that it can be confusing.  Choosing the best business cards for your business requires some thought. To find out which type of card is best for you and your business,  ask yourself some questions about how you define your business.

• For businesses that are conservative professional practices, a subdued matte or silk laminate finish on a 16 pt. business card stock would be appropriate.

• The best business card for a jewelry store or luxury item business is a gold or silver foil on a silk card would be an excellent choice.

• 3.5 X 4 fold over business cards offer more information than a standard 3.5 X 2 card. They can be used as a mini brochure. Businesses wanting to provide more information than a standard business card provides will find this type helpful.

• Magnet business cards are the best cards for home service repair businesses and restaurants or take-out foods that deliver. Magnet cards with your name and emergency service phone numbers make a great promotion with a long life.

For businesses that want a unique stand out business card that will attract attention, consider a card with an eye candy Wow factor effect.

• Spot UV coating is a popular choice

• Plastic cards with your choice of clear, frosted or white will be remembered.

• EveryColor foil is a new process that lets you create blends and gradations of every     cymk color and convert it to foil.

•  Lenticular business cards tell a story.  People love them because they are fun to play with and are shown to other people.  Your name may be forgotten but your card will not.

Color Printing Pros has free business card templates for all these business cards. They make creating your card easy and simple.

We love to help and answer questions. You can email or call Color Printing Pros at 800.598.1814. We are here for you.

BROCHURE PRINTING TIPS

Most businesses need cheap brochure printing to achieve their marketing objectives.   Color Printing Pros offers free tips on printing and designing a brochure at our Help Center.

Your brochure design determines the success of your promotion. 

Here are some design tips you should think about.

• Know your market and the competition before you design a unique brochure.

•  Don’t use more than 3 fonts, one for the heading, one for the subhead and one for the body copy. Make sure they are easily readable. Fine line serif fonts may not print well on busy or some come color backgrounds.

•  The paper stock should be at least 100 lb. book weight, 100 lb. cover weight or 14 pt. card stock. 16 pt. or heavier may crack when folded. For more information on choosing the right paper stock, read Choosing the Best Paper for Online Printing

• Avoid dark colored backgrounds on folds of heavier card stocks. They will call attention to any cracking.

•  Your design must be appropriate for the targeted market you want to reach. Ask yourself is the brochure for a handout at a trade show, to be mailed, used as a counter pickup or have some other use. Remember simple design works best.

•  Don’t try to impress the reader with fancy words or long detailed sentences.

Stay on point. Brochures should focus on the benefits to the customer. Explain how you product or service will make their life better. The reader doesn’t care about you or your company, Write as if you’re speaking with a friend.

 Remember brochures are a good way for professionals providing needed services to promote their businesses or practices.

FLYER ADVERTISING THAT WILL CATCH CUSTOMER'S EYES AND MINDS

In today's down economy, many consumers are more selective and more concerned when making
buying decisions about what products or services they want. Consumers are bombarded every day by numerous flyer offers so catching a potential client's attention is vital. You can do this by having an effective as well as unique flyer advertising and marketing plan. You need to create flyers that are interesting and eye catching and that will ensure that customers will open and read your marketing piece. Standout flyers must be impressive, ones that will either make potential customers act upon them or save them for future reference. This can only be achieved by creating quality unique advertising, sales and marketing literature. The challenge is how can you do this without going over budget and spending a lot of money. Finding a commercial color printer that offers wow factors plus value as well as low price is the answer.

There are many ways to achieve wow factors that will make your flyers standout from your competition. One way is to make sure that the paper stock you use reflects your product or service as having superior attributes above the others. The paper you have your flyer printed on creates a first impression. To create an impression of quality and superiority is by using a heavier paper stock for your flyer such as 100 Lb cover or a card stock such as 14 or 16 point. You may think these are too expensive for your budget but you are wrong. They are relatively cheap and inexpensive compared to the return you can get on your investment. And with a heavier card stock, you can add other options to your standout flyer that your competitors don't have such as spot UV.  Spot UV coating is a great option for catching a customer's attention. As the name suggests, a Spot UV is a coating applied to chosen areas of a printed card. This has the effect of highlighting and drawing attention to that part of the design where you have placed your spot UV.

Appealing design and well-written content is primary but using a special effect or heavier stock on your marketing flyer can reinforce your message and get you remembered by potential customers. Isn't that what you hope to achieve? An effective marketing flyer can only be achieved if customers are engaged. A interesting eye catching design can help make your company stand out from the clutter many customers are bombarded with. In today's business world, it is even more important than ever before to engage your customers so they understand the unique benefits only you can offer. A standout advertising flyer, or brochure can do this. Remember sales can be won or lost by the first impression you make. Adding something different in your flyer's look and feel can be cheap and inexpensive as well as eye catching and memorable. You can achieve this goal and still have a low budget. Strive for a flyer that will catch your potential customer's eyes and minds. That flyer that will get your company, service or product noticed. Then design your flyer with these goals in mind and look for a printing company that can give your flyers or brochures a "WoW factor"then check us out at http://www.colorprintingpros.com.