PackagingLA

high quality custom printed materials

Direct Mail Marketing

Direct Mail Marketing is an extremely effective means of advertising for your company. Word-of-mouth is key when building your brand, and getting your full color promotional products into the hands of new people can lead to an increase in customers. We found a wide variety of Direct Mail Marketing packages (including the leads to send them to) over at MIR Print, one of our favorite sites for printing!

Need Custom Printed Boxes?

Packaging Boxes are a vital part of a product’s appeal and brand image as well as a necessity for protective purposes. Packaging boxes are essential marketing tools and when combined with innovative packaging designs then these are more valuable and eye catching.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you looking at revamping your merchandise boxes and packages?

Do you have a new product that you need help in designing a quality packing box for it?

Do you have your artwork and need fully customized packaging boxes printed with number of color options in a reasonable cost?

Are you paying much to other vendors for printing on your retail boxes?

Are you looking for one stop shop for all your packaging and printing requirements?

If the answer was YES to any of these questions, then we have the solution: MIR Printing & Graphics!  Mir Print offers custom printed boxes for all businesses and purposes. They can also design custom packaging that makes you stand out from the rest! Check them out at www.MIRPRINT.com and take a look at all the services they offer as well as testimonials from past customer experiences! We know you will like what you see! Cheers!

Custom Printed Calendars Make Great Gifts

A custom printed calendar can be an excellent holiday gift! You can personalize it with photos of you, your family and friends.

Custom-printed calendars are also a very effective and useful marketing strategy. People like free stuff, and a custom-printed calendar will promote your company all year long. Full-Color Calendar printing can effectively endorse almost any product or brand, and is one of today’s most effective marketing solutions.

Many companies have become recognizable through their custom calendars utilizing unique style, content and color. A custom calendar can help boost the name-recognition of your brand, and in turn, the popularity and sale of your merchandise. Full Color Calendar Printing allows you to position yourself in the eyes of your customer for 12 months out of the year with only a one time printing expense.

Full Color Calendar printing is the easiest way to build recognition by placing your name, logo, where it will be seen for a whole year. Whether you use calendar printing services as a fundraising tool, or a marketing campaign MIR helps you to create the print look you want. We help you to achieve your promotional goals with a printed Calendar. Chose full color calendar printing for vibrant reproductions to enhance your calendars look and design.

Marketing Yourself with Booklets

Booklet printing is different from all the other marketing collateral because it contains a lot of information in a very small package. What makes print booklets especially attractive is that people actually read them and keep the print booklets for reference. They are handy, useful, and do not cost that much for the marketer.

If you are thinking of including booklet printing as part of your marketing arsenal, keep the following facts in mind: People read. In any design project, it always follows that function is ahead of form. This means that your design should work in the context of your content. This is especially true if you are working on booklet printing because it contains textual content – lots of it. If your customers cannot make heads or tails of what you have written in your content, your marketing collateral is worth nothing even with the most awe-inspiring design. Typography should then be considered a design element, and as such, your design person should strive for readability at its maximum.

There is such a thing as too much content. Although print booklets should strive to provide an optimum amount of information, too much of it can also overwhelm your readers. If you feel that your print booklet’s pages seem to have too much information, evaluate which are necessary and get rid of anything that may clutter your overall appearance. Always remember that less is more. The key to any good design is to work and stick with the grids you have set up in your booklet printing. The grids provide the balance and consistency in any design. For a standard set, start with a 3-column setup.

Also the font has a voice and it sets the tone of your overall design. Your choice of typography says a lot of what kind of voice you would want your print collateral to have. The fonts you use the most provide the means to communicate your message, so choose them wisely. Do not pick the first one you see; and do not settle for something that you think is nice but does not do justice to your message. It can take a while to get the right font, but when you do, you are most likely to achieve the goal you have set out for your marketing campaign.

As important as your content is, so too your choice of graphics. Your photos and images provide emphasis to your message and it is important to demand high quality. A good picture can lend a helping hand to increase the impact of your content, whereas bad one can ruin everything.

5 Steps for Awesome Biz Cards

Here at PackagingLA we see a wide variety of business card designs come through our printing presses. Here are some tips we think you should keep in mind when designing yours.

1. Keep it simple. A business card should include your contact information, company name and tagline. Cluttering up the card with special offers or advertising will detract from its readability.

2. Limit your color pallet. Looking at a card that has every possible color in the rainbow splashed all over it is not only confusing, but unprofessional.

3. Choose a design that compliments your business. Kittens and puppies are nice, but out of context if you own an auto shop, for example.

4. Pick a nice cardstock. Choosing a cardstock of at least medium weight is preferable. No one holds on to a business card that falls apart or bends easily and they may associate that unreliable feeling with your business. A UV coating is a nice, professional touch.

5. Update your design periodically. Each time you order a fresh batch of business cards, update your design. Business cards are cheap, and are a great way to keep your image fresh!

The History of Postcards in the USA

John P. Charlton of Philadelphia patented the postcard in 1861, selling the rights to H. L. Lipman, whose postcards, complete with a decorated border, were labeled “Lipman’s postal card.” Nine years later European countries were also producing postcards. The first country to actually use the post card was Turkey, in 1876.

The United States Post Office began issuing pre-stamped postal cards in 1873. The postcards were made because people were looking for an easier way to send quick notes. The Post Office was the only establishment allowed to print postcards, and it held its monopoly until May 19, 1898, when Congress passed the Private Mailing Card Act which allowed private publishers and printers to produce postcards.

Initially, the United States government prohibited private companies from calling their cards “postcards,” so they were known as “souvenir cards.” Although this prohibition was rescinded in 1901, it was not until 1908 that people were permitted to write on the address side of a postcard.

The first postcard in the United States was created in 1893 to advertise the World’s Colombian Exposition in Chicago. Shortly thereafter the United States government, via the United States Post Office Department, allowed printers to publish a 1-cent postcard (the “Penny Postcard”). A correspondent’s writing was allowed only on the front side of these cards.

Postcards, in the form of government postal cards and privately printed souvenir cards, became very popular as a result of the Colombian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, after postcards featuring buildings were distributed at the fair. In 1908, more than 677 million postcards were mailed.
Postcard with 1908 cancellation

1901 brought cards with the word “Post Card” printed on the reverse (the side without the picture). Written messages were still restricted to the front side, with the entire back dedicated to the address. This “undivided back” is what gives this postcard era its name.

The “divided back” card, with space for a message on the address side, came into use in the United States in 1907. The back is divided into two sections, the left section being used for the message and the right for the address. Thus began the Golden Age of American postcards, which lasted until about 1915, when World War I blocked the import of the fine German-printed cards.
A tinted (black and white image which has had colored tint added) souvenir card. Image of the Christopher Columbus taken circa 1896

The “white border” era, named for obvious reasons, lasted from about 1916 to 1930. The “linen card” era lasted from about 1931 to the early 1950s, when cards were primarily printed on papers with a textured surface similar to linen cloth. The last and current postcard era, which began about 1939, is the “chrome” era, however these types of cards didn’t begin to dominate until about 1950. The images on these cards are generally based on colored photographs, and are readily identified by the glossy appearance given by the paper’s coating.

In 1973 the British Post Office introduced a new type of card, PHQ Cards, these have since become a popular collecting area, especially when they have the appropriate stamp affixed and a First day of issue postmark obtained.

What is a Folder?

A file folder (US usage) or folder (British and Australian usage) is a kind of folder that holds loose papers together for organization and protection. File folders usually consist of a sheet of heavy paper stock or other thin, but stiff, material which is folded in half, and are used to keep paper documents. They are often used in conjunction with a filing cabinet for storage. File folders can easily be purchased at office supply stores. In the UK, one of the oldest and best known filing companies is Railex. The Smead Manufacturing Company holds a similar status in the United States.

File folders are usually labeled based on what is inside them. Folders can be labeled directly on the tab with a pen or pencil. Others write on adhesive labels that are placed on the tabs. There are also electronic labelmakers that can be used to make the labels.

File folders can be made from plastic or paper. When paper is used, it is preferable that it is made from paper pulp with long cellulose fiber, such as kraft paper or manila paper.

The exact way to refer to this kind of folder is somewhat unclear. There does not appear to be an internationally standard term. The term file folder seems to be one that dominates North American language, but does not seem as common in other countries. As stated, some refer to file folders simply as folders, but in North America this is confusing because folder can refer to several different things. Others use the term manila folders, but this is confusing because not all file folders are made of Manila hemp. This type of folder is sometimes incorrectly called a “vanilla folder”.

Another commonly used folder type is the hanging folder (also known by the trade name Pendaflex) which has hooks on all four corners that slide over a rail. Normally, hanging folders are used to file one or more manila folders, and it is not a common practice to put loose sheets directly into hanging folders. When some documents need to be retrieved, the corresponding manila folder(s) are removed from the hanging folder. The hanging folder itself is left in its place on the rails.

Occasionally, the term for the item changes based on its context. Some may refer to file folders as files when they are being utilized for storage.

For example, one might say, “Would you get me the file on the Paterson case?”

Or someone might say, “That information is with the files on the insurance claims.”

File folder or just folder seems to be how many refer to the item when it is being purchased or not containing any paper yet.

For instance, someone might say, “Would you give me an empty folder from the box? I need to make a file on the Thompson estate.”

Or someone might say, “When you run to the store would you get me some legal size file folders?”

Then again, office furniture that holds paper documents is invariable referred to as a Filing cabinet or simply a file cabinet, and never a folder cabinet.

The terms are even more distorted in their digital counterparts. In computing, the word “folder” (or, in some cases, “file folder”) is often used as a synonym for “directory”, while the word “file” is universally used for actual data items on a disk (sometimes called “documents,” especially on the Apple Macintosh). In Unix-like systems, this is resolved to some degree by the creed “everything is a file”; folders are themselves just a special type of file, and many commands (to copy, delete, move, or rename) can be executed without knowing whether the file identifies an entire folder or not.

Four Ways to Effective Catalog Marketing

Making marketing print catalogs is not just about catalog printing. It is actually more about catalog design. You need to design a good layout for catalog printing that is effective and delivers your message quickly and in the best possible manner.

For effective catalog marketing, there are four ways that can help you make your full color catalogs more effective.

1. “Table of contents” marketing – The first way to make your catalog effective for marketing is by adjusting your table of contents. Most people miss out on designing an effective table of contents. This is usually skipped, and just glossed over before printing. However, the table of contents is actually a crucial section for color catalogs. It is the second part of the catalog that people see (the first is the cover) and also, it is the main section where people look for the product that they are interested in.

You can increase the effectiveness of your catalogs by integrating your marketing message and design into the table of content itself. Do not just list “topics” or “categories” in your table, add marketing phrases and pictures into the items themselves. For example instead of listing down “cameras” then “lenses” and “tripods” why not rewrite that as “Photography needs: great cameras!” or “the best photography accessories lenses and tripods!” By adjusting your table items to a more welcoming tone, you can engage your readers better giving you a better marketing catalog.

2. All page marketing – Also, studies have shown that not all people look at the cover and table of content first. A total of almost one third (1/3) of readers actually start somewhere at the middle of print catalogs and then just work their way to the front or back. For catalog printing layouts, this means that you must compose your catalogs with marketing messages in all pages. Treat each page like it is a cover page.

Pay good attention to the message, images and details of each page rather than focusing on the cover only. For an effective catalog, all pages must entice and engage readers. Also don’t forget to add little teasers on each page that relates to the other pages of the catalog. You can print things like “Back to great cameras!” or “on to the best lenses” to advertise the last or next page of the print catalog. This should help the reader out in browsing your catalog faster and more efficiently.

3. The more pictures the better – As a standard catalog printing tactic, the more pictures you have in your catalog the better and more effective it is. Peoples like pictures that is why they like catalogs. They can judge a product by its look, feel and size just by looking at an image. That is why most studies have shown that effective catalogs are the ones with the most images. So don’t forget to include high quality, and well composed photographs of your products and services in your color catalogs. They are one of the most crucial things to add in an effective catalog.

4. Word marketing – Finally, even though there is a focus on images in a catalog, do not forget about your words. More precisely, do not forget your “power words” for your catalogs. Besides images, people can also respond to big power words that entice people to read about a certain product or service. Words like “Free” or “Best Buy” for thrift seekers or quality words like “state of the art” or “newest model” for enthusiast all have an immediate effect for certain people. By printing choice words in big and bold fonts, you can effectively catch a reader’s eye on the type of product that they really want. So do not forget to manage your words too for effective catalog marketing.

These four items should get you within the best range to create effective and engaging marketing catalogs. Most of these things only require little adjustments to your overall layout without having to overhaul any of your other catalog printing options. All you need is a little effort in reorganization and some imagination for images and words, and you should be all set to do effective print catalogs.

Know more about print catalogs or catalog printing.

written by Katie Marcus

1000 Business Cards for $15.50

Right now you can get 1000 4/0 color business cards from Mir Print for only $15.50! For just $6.00 more, you can get 4/4 color. All of our business cards are printed on 14pt C2S heavy card stock with a UV coating on the color side(s).

In a global marketplace, local businesses are not only competing against one another, they’re challenging companies across the world. That means companies need to differentiate themselves from the outset and the best place to start is with your business card.

Your business card is your first tool of communication that enables you to SELL your company’s identity. It is also the least expensive and most cost-effective way for you to grow your business. Innovative designs that come in all shapes, textures, and sizes are a very effective way to set yourself apart in today’s crowded marketplace.

Your company deserves to have outstanding full-color business cards printed. Don’t settle for second best, let us help you become number one! We will work with you to make sure all your printing needs are met and that you are completely satisfied.

Flyposting

Flyposting is the act of placing advertising posters or flyers in illegal places. In the U.S., these posters are known as bandit signs, snipe signs, or street spam, and the process of flyposting is called wheatpasting.

In most areas, it is illegal to place such posters on private property without the consent of the property owner, or to post on public property without a sign permit from the local government. Some areas, however, have public bulletin boards where notices may be posted.

It is an advertising tactic mostly used by small businesses promoting concerts and political activist groups, but there have been occasions where international companies subcontracted local advertising agencies for flyposting jobs in order not to get caught in illegal behavior, as a form of guerrilla marketing. In 2004 Sony Music and BMG were threatened with anti-social behavior orders by Camden Borough Council for illegal flyposting.

Flyposting is commonly seen as a nuisance due to issues with property rights, visual appearance and littering and is a misdemeanor in many countries. In India, the Election Commission has banned this practice, but it continues unabated.

A particularly noteworthy incident of this type occurred in Boston, Massachusetts. In the case of the 2007 Boston Mooninite Scare, advertisers had placed electronic signboards without notifying local authorities, prompting a costly reaction by the Boston Police Bomb Squad when the signs were mistaken for bombs.

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