Priced Right Print

Green Marketing: How Well Are We Really Doing?

2011-12-12T11:19:00.010-05:00

After years of being hailed as the next big trend, green marketing has moved well beyond consideration as some sort of newfangled fad and become a cornerstone in best practices for a growing number of brands.

According to Jerry Cerasale, senior vice president for government affairs for the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), "Marketers are doing a better job in reducing the number of mailings that are duplicates and/or undeliverable as addressed. In addition, an increasing number have begun to reduce the amount of paper used in packaging."

Learn more about the state of green marketing. And, see what we've done to make our business greener. Then, (and this is the important part) please tell us...what is your company doing to make its marketing activities more eco-friendly?

Why Are More of Us Saving Our Digital Memories to Print?

2011-10-24T15:56:00.006-04:00

Could it be that there's something enduring about print?

Some said the Internet would mean the death of print, so it always catches our attention when we see the different ways people preserve their digital memories and other important documents by transferring them to print!

Check out this printed poster featuring all of the Facebook user's friends...fans...subscribers or whatever they're being called today.

Where Did John Doe Go?

2011-10-11T22:36:00.007-04:00

When the U.S. Census Bureau released its 2010 results, the data validated what many of us already knew: that the notion of an “average American” is just that...a notion.

According to demographic analyst Peter Francese, key population changes are forcing marketers to re-think how they do business. In a report commissioned by Advertising Age, Francese highlighted these transformational trends:

There’s no longer an “average American.” Previously, marketers focused on what was widely accepted as an even society; one in which the majority of people had the same needs for the same consumer products and services.
We’re now a multi-segmented nation and a multi-generational society. In our 10 largest cities and four states — California, Texas, New Mexico and Hawaii — no race or ethnicity is a majority anymore.
The multi-cultural shift is driven by immigration, and the fact that the non-minority part of the population — white non-Hispanics — is aging very rapidly. This is in contrast to the past decades during which well over two-thirds of U.S. births were white non-Hispanics.
More than ever before, marketers will need to treat each generation or age segment as independent entities. It will be essential to address the multi-dimensional nature of our society today, and to use greater precision in identifying customers and developing messages.
Despite the tremendous growth in digital media, tools that reach people in their homes and in their own languages will continue to produce strong results. Direct mail, especially when combined with QR (Quick Response) codes, is expected to be among the most effective in this category.

See the Advertising Age white paper for specifics on population trends, and check out our site for more information about direct mail and other targeted marketing tools. Then, let us know what you're doing (or what you've seen) that responds to the latest population shifts.

Amp Up Your Print Marketing Materials with Color

2011-08-31T18:24:00.003-04:00

It's out. Pantone's award-winning catalog, featuring everything a design enthusiast needs to know about color NOW. Even if you don't spec colors, check it out anyway. It's eye-candy at its best and well worth your perusal. View it from our link at http://tinyurl.com/3b6norl, and let us know what you think!

The Experience is the Brand

2011-06-27T15:27:00.000-04:00

Check out this quick video about the importance of the brand experience. Well worth the minute and 22 seconds. Promise.

Social Media Revolution 2011

2011-06-12T15:58:00.001-04:00

Erik Qualman, the author of Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business, has done it again with his latest video about the future of social media. Be prepared to be blown away.

Here are some hightlights:

1. Over 50% of the world’s population is under 30-years-old

2. In 10 years over 40% of the Fortune 500 will no longer be here

3. Social Media has overtaken porn as the #1 activity on the Web

4. Facebook tops Google for weekly traffic in the U.S.

5. 1 in 5 couples meet online; 3 in 5 gay couples meet online

6. 1 in 5 divorces are blamed on Facebook

7. What happens in Vegas stays on YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook…

8. 2009 US Department of Education study revealed that on average, online students out performed those receiving face-to-face instruction

9. If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 3rd largest and 2x the size of the U.S. population

10. 80% of companies use social media for recruitment

How do you use social media for your business, school or personal communications?

Social Media Set to Transform Our Lives

2011-03-17T21:14:00.000-04:00

Erik Qualman, the author of Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business, compiled these astounding statistics. Watch the video for his complete list and tell us what you think the future holds.

1. Over 50% of the world’s population is under 30-years-old

2. 96% of them have joined a social network

3. Facebook tops Google for weekly traffic in the U.S.

4. Social Media has overtaken porn as the #1 activity on the Web

5. 1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. last year met via social media

6. iPhone applications hit 1 billion in 9 months

7. If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 3rd largest ahead of the United States and only behind China and India

8. The fastest growing segment on Facebook is 55-65 year-old females

9. Generation Y and Z consider e-mail passé – some universities have stopped distributing e-mail accounts

10. The ROI of social media is that your business will still exist in 5 years

Marketing Budgets Holding Ground

2010-12-10T13:59:00.006-05:00

Ready for some good news? According to a recent survey by Zoomerang and GrowBiz Media, small businesses owners are planning to maintain their marketing spending in the year ahead, with increases in a few key areas.

Within overall budgets, owners expect to put more of their resources toward website development, direct mail, email marketing and social media.

According to the survey's creators, "The results show an evolution of the technology and tools used in small business marketing. Email and social media marketing continue to grow in popularity, whereas many forms of print marketing remain strong."

Reduce Your Print Project's Envrionmental Impact: It's Easy and It Will Make You Feel Good

2010-09-23T11:34:00.005-04:00

When it comes to commercial printing, a few small steps can go a long way toward minimizing the impact your printed piece has on the environment:

1. Whenever possible, choose papers that are certified for sustainability. Your printer can help you identify options that are right for your project, right for your budget and right for the environment.
2. Go with an aqueous coating instead of one of the traditional UV coatings or laminates. Water-based aqueous coatings provide the same resistance against scratches as other coatings, but without the harmful impact on the environment.
3. Ask for a "soft proof" instead of a traditional proof. You'll save yourself time and money while reducing the use of energy and materials used to create a hard proof.
4. Recycle outdated and unused print materials, and encourage your audience and associates to do so, too.

For more about printing and the envionment, visit Priced Right Print

We Answer, Listen, Respond.

2010-08-05T14:03:00.007-04:00

It seems so simple. You call, we answer. But the truth is you have a better chance of winning the lottery than you do getting other online printers to answer your phone call. And, the odds of getting a return call--or even an email response--aren't a lot better.

We feel your pain. We know that there are times when you'll have questions. That's why we promise that when you contact Priced Right Print, a customer service rep will answer your call or email, if not immediately, within 24 hours.

At PRP, we understand that you have tight deadlines and long "to do" lists. We're committed to responding fast, giving you what you need and letting you move on to your next task.

See for yourself how responsive we are.

Call 877.747.7471
Or email customerservice@pricedrightprint.com

Learn more about our printing services at our website: http://www.pricedrightprint.com/

Hot Color Trends for 2010 -- Color Marketing Group Weighs In

2010-04-09T11:50:00.007-04:00

A color that used to be strictly for fashion is the Group's pick, set to be the year's biggest star for everything else. What is it? The leading international organization of color design professionals says its GRAPE.

Officially called "Mardi Grape," it is "a sophisticated crossover between purple, brown and gray. It comes from fashion and has European roots."

According to CMG's president, James Martin, "Purple has been with us for awhile now, but the big story is that we're seeing purple as a neutral for the very first time. The purple is browner and grayer, a neutral we can love long-term."

CMG also predicts these trends:

Red - Strong with pink intuition; bright and clean with energy and excitement -- a clean pop to go with neutrals.

Orange - A rich, sophisticated color that moves away from earth-based colors to an optimistic orange, seasoned with a touch of gray.

Yellow - A greener, more natural yellow, softened with gray.

Green - Optimistic and uplifting, a clear and bright accent green with a slight shift toward blue.

Blue - A saturated blue with gray influences; rich without being too luxe.

Beige-Brown - A true chameleon to complement darker hues, it can be either matte or metallic.

Neutral/Gray - Gray with a touch of purple, drawing inspiration from mineral, concrete and steel.

The Color Marketing Group, the leading international non-profit association of color design professionals, has been accurately predicting color trends for more than 45 years.

Learn more about our printing services at http://www.pricedrightprint.com/.

View Our Latest Newsletter

2010-02-01T13:05:00.007-05:00

Check out our latest newsletter with tips for "Getting Your Message Heard," and "How to Make Your Print Project More Environmentally Friendly."

Find it on our News and Media page.

Want newsletters, marketing tips and special offers delivered to your mailbox? Sign up on our online printing homepage.

Online Printing Estimated to Grow 24% This Year

2010-01-06T15:52:00.008-05:00

"Online print is a trend that will only continue to expand," said Barb Pellow, group director at InfoTrends. In 2007, print jobs that moved through the Internet made up 14 percent of the total U.S. printing market; since then online printing has grown at an average rate of 24 percent per year.

According to InfoTrends, the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the document technology industry, the surging interest in online print is dramatically changing the relationship between print buyers and print service providers.

"Consumers understand the benefits associated with online printing, including lower printing costs, shorter turnaround times, better tracking, less unnecessary printing, and better brand management," Pellow added.

New Newsletter: Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Your Print Materials

2010-01-05T11:00:00.002-05:00

Sign up to receive the first in our newsletter series, this one featuring copywriting tips and ideas to help make your print projects greener. Also, learn how to save big on the print projects you need to produce the results you want.

Put me on the list now.

How to Decide Which Press is Right for Your Printing Project

2009-11-21T10:27:00.007-05:00

Get straight answers -- once and for all -- about the advantages, economics and drawbacks of the three major commercial printing processes, sheetfed, web and digital.

NewPage's great printing site sheds light on this and other topics that will help you successfully manage your print projects.

Posters, Door Hangers and Booklets... Now Available

2009-10-22T09:46:00.008-04:00

Poster Printing Puts Your Message Front and Center

Use A four color poster as a highly visible marketing tool that gets your message out to many people -- with a single piece and at a cost that is far less than many other marketing mediums. In fact, in high-traffic areas, there's no better, more affordable way to promote, advertise or inspire.

Door Hanger Printing Services Make It Easy for You to Target Your Prospects and Customers

Whether you're introducing a product, announcing a grand opening or just reminding your audience that you're eager to have their business, there's no more direct way than with a door hanger. And, you can easily target neighborhoods and geographic areas without having to buy lists or collect names. For business to business marketing, you can distribute door hangers to office buildings and even in hotels.

Outclass Your Competition and Make Your Products Shine with a Custom Booklet

Imagine your customer with two items in-hand. One is a full color booklet, printed on glossy, bright white paper and peppered with photos that practically pop off the page. The other is flimsy, dull, and utterly forgettable.

Which booklet do you want associated with your company? Let us show you how our color booklet printing services can energize this major promotional piece.

What You Need to Know About Commercial Printing Inks

2009-08-10T13:22:00.001-04:00

Priced Right Print uses state-of-the-art Heidelberg presses to produce vibrant, four-color (a.k.a. full-color) pieces, with or without aqueous coating.* Choose from the following options:

4 over 4 color -- Full-color printing on both sides of the sheet of paper

4 over 4 color with aqueous*-- Same as "4 over 4 color" with a protective, water-based coating

4 color over black -- Full-color printing on the front of a sheet with black ink only on the back

4 color over black with aqueous*--Same as "4 color over black" with a protective, water-based coating

4 color over none -- Full color printing on the front of a sheet with no printing on the back

4 color over none with aqueous*-- Same as "4 color over none" with a protective, water-based coating

*About Aqueous Coating

Aqueous is a clear, fast-drying, water-based (and environmentally friendly) coating that is used in offset printing to protect finished pieces. It provides a high-gloss surface that helps prevent fingerprinting and scuffs, and improves the durability of pieces that go through the mail or are subjected to other types of wear and tear. In addition to protection, aqueous gives extra "pop" to color and imagery, and makes any piece look more impressive.

Commercial Printing: How to Reduce Your Print Project's Environmental Impact

2009-07-15T16:45:00.000-04:00

When it comes to commercial printing, a few small steps can go a long way toward minimizing the impact your printed piece has on the environment:

Whenever possible, choose papers that are certified for sustainability. Your printer can help you identify options that are right for your project, right for your budget and right for the environment.

Go with an aqueous coating instead of one of the traditional UV coatings or laminates. Water-based aqueous coatings provide the same resistance against scratches as other coatings, but without the harmful impact on the environment.

Ask for a "soft proof" instead of a traditional proof. You'll save yourself time and money while reducing the use of energy and materials used to create a hard proof.

Recycle outdated and unused print materials, and encourage your audience and associates to do so, too.

Buy 1,000 Brochures...Get 500 Free

2009-06-09T09:03:00.004-04:00

Get this and other email-only special offers. Limited time only. Sign up now.

The Ultimate Business Tune-up for Times Like These

2009-05-29T13:45:00.007-04:00

Want insight from some of the nation's leading entrepreneurs?

See Inc. Magazine's list of "23 things you can do right now" to energize your employees, wow your customers, and get your business back on track."

Simple Steps for Good Graphic Design

2009-05-18T13:39:00.004-04:00

Professional design strikes a delicate balance between text, artwork and white space. Without that balance, you can confuse your reader and turn out a marketing piece that fails to do its job.
Whether you design your marketing collateral yourself, or hire someone to do it for you, keep in mind these simple guidelines:

The typography you select helps set the tone for your piece, and its size and color create an information hierarchy that lets the reader know what's most and least important.

Imagery, whether it's photos or illustrations, should do more than decorate; it should pull the reader into the piece and convey information that supports your copy.

White space is a good thing; use it generously. Let your printed materials breathe, so as to not suffocate the recipient with information overload.

Never compromise on photo quality. A picture is only worth 1,000 words if it’s a good one. Quality printing helps your photos look great and lets you stay true to that premise. For more about images and resolution, see Design Tips.

May We Share Some Good News?

2009-05-13T14:20:00.009-04:00

We're not usually ones to brag, but we got this unsolicited email that simply made our day.

The brochures are beautifully done. I’ve had the same brochures done using another online printer and you blew them away with higher quality, excellent service and better pricing. I’ve already recommended you to three of my friends. Thanks again!

Robin Santos, Vice President

Rick's Music World

Raynham, MA

P.S. Feel free to use my comments.

How to Create Copy That Sells

2009-05-07T10:22:00.004-04:00

All great marketing materials start with a sound editorial concept and well-written copy. Make your printed pieces as effective as possible by following these basic copywriting guidelines:

Consider the audience you are trying to attract; "get inside their heads"

Focus on benefits, not features; show why whatever you are promoting is the right choice for your reader

Write headlines that command attention

Use strong leads that will “hook” the reader

Keep it short; be sensitive to the fact that people are busy

Write in an active voice. Correct: The man called the dog. Incorrect: The dog was called by the man.

Use a conversational tone with simple language anybody can understand

Stay away from industry jargon and too many “buzz” words

Include a call to action, such as “buy now,” “visit our website to order,” “get a free sample”

Make sure your marketing piece is “skim-able,” meaning there should be plenty of white space, brief-yet-informative headlines and subheads, bullet points, etc. People are looking for "nuggets" of information, not the great American novel.

If you've got tips of your own, please comment and I'll include them in future entries.

Purple is Hot and Blue is the New Green

2009-03-30T16:26:00.005-04:00

Graphic designers, fashionistas and design gurus in every field already know that The Color Marketing Group has picked purple as the must-have color of the year. For those of us to whom the news trickles more slowly, check this out http://www.colormarketing.org/Media.aspx?id=1095 and find out which colors lead the pack in "challenging economic times," and which ones convey the optimism we all crave.

Recycling Quiz: How Much?

2009-03-17T11:33:00.005-04:00

Despite all of the talk about recycling, a relatively small percentage of all catalogs, direct mail, magazines, envelopes and copy/printer paper are being recycled.

What's your best guess? 50 percent? 40 percent?

According to the Direct Marketing Association, only 30 percent of the most common printed pieces are being recycled. And, these materials could be used to make new newspapers, notebook paper, tissue paper, grocery bags and other paper products.

We think there's room for improvement...don't you?

Uncertain Times Demand Embrace of Social Media

2009-02-26T10:20:00.004-05:00

Want to learn more about social media's role in business communications? See what PR Week has to say in this new article: http://www.prweekus.com/Uncertain-times-demand-embrace-of-social-media/article/127718/

Green Printing: The Graphic Designers Field Guide to Sustainability

2009-02-11T09:59:00.004-05:00

Check out this green design resource from Lunar for information that will help graphic designers produce projects that are as environmentally friendly as possible. Designers are encouraged to consider these questions: 1) What is it the piece trying to accomplish? 2) How is it brought to life? 3) How is it used? 4) Where does it end up?

(Also, see PRP's green printing initiatives for paper, proofing, coating and other green options we can all feel good about.)

Which Printed Piece is Best for Your Marketing Goals?

2009-01-20T16:47:00.009-05:00

Whether you're a corporate marketing manager, agency staffer, small business owner or real estate agent, these economic times demand that you get the most impact for you marketing dollars. That's why, when print materials are part of the mix, choosing the right piece for the right audience is key.

Brochure

The beauty of a brochure is that it can be read on the spot or taken along for perusal at a later time. And, that it can be mailed, handed out, left in a visible spot, and passed along from person to person.

Use a brochure when you want to:

Provide an overview and/or highlight crucial information about your organization, product or brand
Attract new customers
Drive people to your website

Business Card

No single item says more about your business than your card. Include your business card in marketing mailings, letters, bills and leave-behinds. Have plenty in-hand whenever you attend meetings, trade shows, conferences and social gatherings.

Make sure your business card includes all of the information a recipient might need:

Your name and title
Company name, logo and tagline, if you have one
Complete address, office phone, fax, cell phone
Email address

Catalog/Booklet

When you need to showcase multiple products -- or if you have a lot of information to convey -- a product catalog or booklet is your best choice. Printed in vivid full color on your choice of premium papers, your catalog or booklet:

Offers plenty of space for imagery and text
Provides a user-friendly format
Helps differentiate your offerings from your competitors

Mail your piece to current and prospective customers, distribute it at trade shows or meetings and make it part of your media packet or sales kit.

Flyer

A flyer is a simple, economical marketing tool that's perfect for advertising your event, promoting a sale, or raising awareness of an issue. Because it typically isn't intended to have a long life span, its one-time impact should be powerful. To get your audience's attention, use a strong headline, and a compelling design that makes the most of four color printing.

Create flyers to:

Hand out at conventions, trade shows or promotional events
Post in businesses or community “hot spots"
Deliver door-to-door or include with mailings

Newsletter

Your company's or organization's newsletter is a valuable tool for conveying timely information, creating a "community" or enhancing your credibility. But with so much media competing for your audience's attention, your newsletter has to work hard to get noticed.

Be sure your content is current and relevant, and that your design makes it easy to read. Pull readers in with well written headlines, blurbs and sidebars, and with professionally printed color graphics and photos that complement your most important articles.

Use a newsletter to:

Communicate with your organization's employees
Create confidence among investors, clients and prospects
Garner attention from the media

Press Kit/Presentation Folder (Pocket Folder)

A press kit or presentation folder is an all-purpose “shell," which you can use anytime you need to present materials in an organized, attractive, efficient manner. Its versatility makes it a marketing collateral mainstay; simply include different materials for different audiences for a targeted, customized approach.

Create a pocket folder, printed with your organization's identity, for:

Press kits
Meetings and trade shows
Sales call leave-behind
Promotional events
New employee orientations

Postcard

A postcard is the print marketing equivalent of a tap on the shoulder. They're both targeted, direct and hard to ignore. And, like a tap on the shoulder, a postcard produces an immediate response and a great return on investment.

Send a postcard to homes or offices whenever you want to:

Inform customers about sales and special offers
Invite guests to presentations or openings
Announce staff changes within your organization
Convey routine information, like an address or phone number change

Sell Sheet/Product Sheet

Whether you call it a sell sheet or a product sheet, this key sales tool is basically a one-page catalog. It's the perfect marketing piece to introduce or promote new products or services, or to highlight the strengths of your company and its offerings. Print it in color on both sides for a cost-effective, compelling way to communicate detailed information.

You can use sell sheets in several ways:

As a stand-alone mailing or as support to a marketing letter
To make price or product updates to your company's existing catalog
As part of a sales presentation or as a presentation leave-behind

Rack Card

A rack card is a two-sided printed piece that is defined by the fact that it is almost always distributed via a rack or display. And, by the fact that it sits alongside scores (maybe even hundreds) of competing pieces that are all vying for your audiences' attention.

To make sure your card "jumps off the rack," write powerful headline copy, incorporate quality photos or illustrations, and choose quality, four color printing.

Place your rack cards in:

Designated, high-traffic spots at hotels, airports and car rental agencies
Tourist information booths and chambers of commerce
The lobby of your own office or store

To learn more about each product, check out What We Print.

Thinking About Cutting Back On Your Marketing Spend?

2008-12-01T15:16:00.001-05:00

It's official. The recession, that is. Check out why putting the brakes on during this recession may be the worst marketing strategy for you business.
The ‘R’ Word | Deliver Magazine

Good Ideas for a Bad Economy

2008-11-13T13:32:00.007-05:00

Personally, I'm tired of all the predictions of economic gloom and doom...especially the ones that we hear over and over on the network evening news. You can practically hear the snapping shut of business' and consumers' wallets as the broadcasts lead off with yet another horror story -- all of which only fuel the flames of hysteria that, ultimately, will prolong the downturn.

So let's share some good news and good ideas! We'd like to hear some positive stories from businesses that are thriving despite the turbulence in our economy.

Priced Right Print Receives "Best Printer" Award

2008-10-31T18:51:00.016-04:00

PRP Recognized for Marketing Success

WASHINGTON D.C., October 29, 2008 -- PricedRightPrint.com has been selected for the 2008 Best of Royal Oak (Michigan) Award in the "Printers" category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses throughout the U.S.

Commercial Printing News & Marketing Tips Delivered to Your Mailbox

2008-10-14T09:59:00.001-04:00

Get special offers, commercial printing information and marketing tips by signing up at the Priced Right Print homepage. There you'll also find instant quotes on the marketing materials you need to create the results you want.

Commercial Printing: How to Reduce Your Print Project's Environmental Impact

2008-09-24T13:31:00.001-04:00

When it comes to commercial printing, a few small steps can go a long way toward minimizing the impact your printed piece has on the environment:

Whenever possible, choose papers that are certified for sustainability. Your printer can help you identify options that are right for your project, right for your budget and right for the environment.

Go with an aqueous coating instead of one of the traditional UV coatings or laminates. Water-based aqueous coatings provide the same resistance against scratches as other coatings, but without the harmful impact on the environment.

Ask for a "soft proof" instead of a traditional proof. You'll save yourself time and money while reducing the use of energy and materials used to create a hard proof.

Recycle outdated and unused print materials, and encourage your audience and associates to do so, too.

Looking for Marketing and Printing Blogs?

2008-09-22T14:56:00.000-04:00

If you'd like more opportunities to blog about printing, marketing, graphic design and other related topics, check out http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/business/marketing. There you'll find a complete directory of blogs on nearly every subject imaginable.

Print Marketing Materials Musts: Identify Your Goal, Audience & Desired Outcome

2008-08-17T16:04:00.002-04:00

Don't write...don't design...and definitely don't print your marketing materials until you carefully consider who you want to reach, what message you want to deliver and what action you want the recipient to take. Do this work upfront -- even if it takes extra time -- and you will have taken the first steps toward ensuring your printed piece's success.

Know Your Audience and Set a Goal
Whether you’re introducing a new product, promoting an idea or simply creating awareness of your organization, start with a thorough understanding of your target audience, and a clear picture of what you want that audience to do.

For example, do you want recipients to:

Visit your store?
Order a promotional item?
Sign up for your mailing list?
Refer your company to a friend?

Ask Your Readers to Take Action
Be sure that your message is clear and that it is written with your readers’ interests and needs in mind. When appropriate, include a clear “call to action.” This is a simple statement that tells readers exactly what you’d like them to do, and how they will benefit from performing the desired action.

For example:

“Call now and get a free....”
“Attend the conference to learn strategies for....”
"Order now and become eligible to win...”

Use Good Design to Promote Readability & Reinforce Your Message
Once you’ve developed a strong message, one with a benefit and a call to action, use well-thought-out graphic design to help set the tone for your message, and make it easy to understand.

Professional design strikes a delicate balance between text, artwork and white space. Without that balance, you can confuse your reader and turn out a marketing piece that fails to do its job. Whether you design your marketing collateral yourself, or hire someone to do it for you, keep in mind these simple guidelines:

The typography you select helps set the tone for your piece, and its size and color create an information hierarchy that lets the reader know what's most and least important.
Imagery, whether it's photos or illustrations, should do more than decorate; it should pull the reader into the piece and convey information that supports your copy.
White space is a good thing; use it generously. Let your printed materials breathe, so as to not suffocate the recipient with information overload.
Never compromise on photo quality. A picture is only worth 1,000 words if it’s a good one. Quality, commercial printing helps your photos look great and lets you stay true to that premise. For more about images and resolution, see PRP's Design Tips.

To learn more about how to create successful print marketing materials, or to get instant quotes on commercial, offset printing, check out pricedrightprint.com.