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Author: Chris Nee

University Marketing Strategy: Print Campaign Schedule

University Marketing Strategy: Print Campaign Schedule

University Marketing Strategy: Print Campaign Schedule

In addition to targeting different university audiences, you can plan your university marketing strategy around the different seasons throughout the year. Here are some ideas from the print and mailing experts at Preferred Direct to help organize your campus marketing.

 

Year-Round University Print Campaigns

Acceptance letters: Acceptance letters can be sent throughout the year for the different semesters students apply to. Include campus life materials and make incoming students feel welcomed and excited about joining your institution.

Housing information: For those planning to live on campus, a printed packet of housing options and deadlines can be helpful when sent at key times throughout the year. Send after or with your acceptance letters so students have all they need to know about campus housing.

Financial aid information: Brochures or mailers can educate students and families about financial aid options (such as FAFSA) and when to apply. Time of promotion will depend on FAFSA and semester deadlines.

Deadlines & Schedules: Postcards sent a few months prior to the start of each semester can remind current students about upcoming registration deadlines and class schedules for their degree programs.

Scholarship opportunities: Let students know of known scholarships at the beginning of each semester and others as they become available. Use variable data printing to change the scholarship options that apply to each student.

 

University Marketing Strategy By Season

Spring – March to May

Study abroad programs: Printed flyers and brochures can inform students about your study abroad opportunities happening throughout the summer and in the semesters to come. Send a postcard of the study abroad options and follow up with a professional booklet highlighting the details of the specific option they’re interested in. 

Graduation announcements: Professionally printed graduation postcards can be a special keepsake for students and their families. Make sure to send out letters informing students of their graduation status and include postcard “tickets” for them to keep and give to those they want to attend.

University & Booklets: A university prospectus booklet is a great way to attract students to consider and apply to your institution. Send in the early spring so highschool junior and seniors can browse the info in time for mid-summer application deadlines for your fall semester.

 

Summer – June to August

Summer Kick Off Campaign: A catalog of summer courses, programs and events can encourage students that stay on campus during break to get more involved. Engage this smaller audience with fun full-color print materials to keep their experience positive while friends are away.

Orientation Packets: Get students excited and ready for their first semester by sending out an eye-catching orientation packet, equipped with a campus map, student programs, and a printed schedule for new student orientation.

Athletic Season Tickets: Before your athletic programs start back up, send out season ticket promotions to encourage early bird ticket purchases. Use letters or postcard style and make sure to include details on the upcoming athletic schedule and season ticket holder perks!

 

 

Fall – September to December

Back To Campus Newsletter: As students head back to campus, send out a university-wide newsletter detailing all the fun events and activities for the upcoming academic year. Highlight any new programs, campus construction/renovations, athletic schedules, and important campus news so students are up-to-date and ready to take on the year.

Homecoming Promotions: Encourage attendance to your fall homecoming events with campus flyers and postcards. Be sure to send important details about special events like alumni receptions and football game logistics to ensure your homecoming week runs smoothly.

Student Groups: Promote your student groups like fraternities/sororities, volunteer groups and student associations to communicate the benefits of joining these organizations and recruiting schedules.

 

Winter – January to March

Holiday Closings and Campus Hours: Remind students and staff of holiday closures and changes in campus hours with a simple postcard or letter. Include when campus hours return to normal for the Spring semester.

Year-End Giving: Encourage end-of-year donations with a direct mail campaign that highlights the impact of giving. Showcase scholarships, community engagement and testimonials to encourage donations.

Holiday Greeting Cards: A holiday card from the university can foster a sense of community and appreciation among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.

End-Of-Year Reflections: An Annual Report Newsletter can reflect on the accomplishments and milestones of the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. This can attract both students and donors to get in on the action the next year.

For more ideas on university marketing strategy, contact the experts at Preferred Direct. We are a local, family-owned printer dedicated to helping institutions with their communication programs and marketing engagement. Visit our university page for more ideas and request a project estimate to get started.

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Whether you’re looking to recruit new students, engage alumni, or share important updates with faculty and staff, print campaigns are a highly effective medium for higher ed marketing.

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

When it comes to elections, every detail matters. This is especially true for local downticket elections — those that involve smaller, local offices like city council members, school boards and more.

About the authors

Read More
Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print!

When it comes to elections, every detail matters. This is especially true for local downticket elections — those that involve smaller, local offices like city council members, school boards and more. These elections may not get the same attention as national campaigns, but they are just as important in shaping our communities. Printed political marketing materials can be powerful tools for getting your message across to these local voters.

Whether you’re an average citizen ready to make a difference or a seasoned campaign manager looking for a new print partner, Preferred Direct has you covered. We offer a wide range of political marketing materials to spread the word.

Download our eBook “Winning Hearts and Votes: A Guide to Effective Political Print & Digital Marketing” for more ideas on effective political marketing campaigns.

What are downticket elections?

Downticket elections refer to local elections that take place below the national or statewide level. For example, city council members are responsible for making decisions about local laws, while school board representatives have a say in education and school funding. County commissioners oversee matters such as infrastructure and public services.

Unlike national campaigns, downticket elections typically have smaller budgets and rely heavily on grassroots efforts to get the message out. This means candidates and their teams need to make the most of their resources. Printed political marketing materials can be an impactful way to reach potential voters in your locale.

Campaign Personalization Matters

Now that you know your target audience, you need to capture their attention on a personal level. Customizing your accountant marketing pieces to resonate with individual recipients will make them feel seen and understood, instilling trust in your business. By using variable data printing (VDP) technology, your print partner can incorporate personalized elements such as customer names, specific financial concerns, location landmarks, and other unique information based on the recipient’s profile. Learn more about Preferred Direct’s variable data printing services, here.

Key voting dates

Most Americans go to the polls in November, but downticket elections can happen at any time throughout the year. City council or school board elections, for instance, may take place in the spring or summer months. Candidates should research and plan ahead so their printed materials are ready in time for key dates such as:

  • Voter registration deadline
  • Early voting period
  • Last day to request an absentee ballot
  • Election day

Political Marketing Print Campaigns

With Preferred Direct, you can create high-quality printed materials to raise awareness of your campaign. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

 

Mailers & Postcards

Mailers and postcards can communicate your key messages in a concise yet impactful way. Postcards offer vibrant, full color printing and come in a variety of sizes, to help you stand out in the mailbox. Use these key print materials to inform your constituents of your stances, upcoming campaign events, important election deadlines and more.

EDDM is an effective tactic to get your audience informed and involved in your campaign. Local politicians can benefit from every-door-direct-mail (EDDM) to reach every household in a specific area, zip code, or neighborhood. You don’t need to know the names or addresses of potential voters with EDDM. Simply choose your targeted location and your political marketing materials will be delivered to every resident.

 

Flyers

Flyers are versatile and can be used for everything from door-to-door canvassing to handing out at campaign events. Consider creating different versions of your political marketing flyers to target specific demographics or neighborhoods within your district. Use bold, attention-grabbing colors, photos and fonts and a clear campaign message for maximum impact.

 

Booklets

A professionally binded booklet can showcase your campaign message and key points in a visually appealing format. Insert charts and graphs to highlight supporting statistics or data; publish stories from your top supporters; highlight endorsements from key community figures and organizations. Binded booklets are an investment that can add new levels of  professionalism and credibility to your campaign. Rather than handing out to ALL potential voters, use these special materials for affluent community members, key donors, and top supporters.

 

Campaign and donor letters

Campaign letters are a great way to connect with voters on a personal level. Use these letters to share your story, present your qualifications, and ask for their continued financial support. Don’t forget to include a donation return envelope and offer online giving options for those who want to contribute. When handling financial and other sensitive information, it’s important to partner with a HITRUST certified print partnerv to safeguard your data.

Additional Marketing for Politicians

Printed materials are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a winning political campaign. In-person events, such as campaign rallies, debates, town hall meetings etc., are also crucial. Make sure to have printed materials on hand at these events for attendees to take home and share with others.

Additionally, digital marketing tools such as social media, SMS, and email campaigns can complement your campaign materials and reach a wider audience. Use these platforms to share quick updates, behind-the-scenes content, and key endorsements!

Download our eBook “Winning Hearts and Votes: A Guide to Effective Political Print & Digital Marketing” for more ideas on effective political marketing campaigns.

 

Your Preferred Partner in Political Marketing Print Campaigns

Every vote counts. Get your downticket election campaign to stand out with quality print materials from Preferred Direct. As a family-owned commercial printer, we have a long history of helping small businesses and non-profit organizations around the country make a lasting impression.

From design and print-to-mail services to bindery and finishing, Preferred Direct is happy to help local politicians make a difference in their communities, on time and on budget.  Contact our team to request an estimate for your next political print campaign and discover the power of print in your campaign!

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Whether you’re looking to recruit new students, engage alumni, or share important updates with faculty and staff, print campaigns are a highly effective medium for higher ed marketing.

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

When it comes to elections, every detail matters. This is especially true for local downticket elections — those that involve smaller, local offices like city council members, school boards and more.

About the authors

Read More
5 Pro Tips for Your Annual Company Newsletter

5 Pro Tips for Your Annual Company Newsletter

5 Pro Tips for Your Annual Company Newsletter

In the world of business, annual company newsletters are the best source of distributing a company’s journey over the past year. These annual reports have become far more than just a measure of successes in numbers. Companies have used these newsletters to showcase achievements and company growth, highlight employees, share customer stories and testimonies, as well as future company goals and aspirations.

Are you new to the world of business marketing? Here’s a few tips from the Print & Mail Pros at Preferred Direct to ensure your next company newsletter captivates your shareholders, customers, employees and beyond.

#1 Use Engaging Visuals! saddle stitch printing booklet

Nothing will lose a team’s attention faster than looking at a company report of words and bullet points. Incorporating strong visuals such as photos, charts, graphs, and infographics make data and content more digestible. If possible, try to use real photos of your headquarters, team members and customers. A stock photo can be easy to spot and makes it less relatable. It’s important to incorporate your company colors throughout your report to always reinforce your brand message and look. Annual reports don’t need to be boring! Contact Preferred Direct for a design consultation and we’ll help you ideate your next  company newsletter for top ROI.

#2 Make Your Company Newsletter Personal

An important aspect when it comes to your company newsletter is to be open and honest about your company health. Take this as an opportunity to showcase your successes and achievements, environmental/social initiatives, key milestones, and noteworthy events. This is also a good place to provide an overview of financial achievements such as profits and revenue. Alternatively, incorporating lessons learned and other shortcomings can show company transparency, inspiring loyalty and helping prevent larger loss in the future. By sharing future plans and strategies, along with potential challenges, you can add a personal touch to your company newsletter that help empower and inform your greatest assets – your employees and supporters.

#3 Keep it Clean & Organized

To ensure your message is received accurately, the content must be clean and structured to be easy to read. Not everyone reading your company newsletter is an executive or even a tenured team member, make sure to use easy-to

Company newsletter pagination services-understand verbiage and visuals so readers of all professional levels can follow along.  Using easy-to-read typography, incorporating sections and titles, and having a clear strategy to your newsletter is imperative. Contact the Preferred Direct team for pagination services.

#4 Make it Professional

We’ve all gone to events where you end up with a handful of brochures you never even look at. Make your annual reports stand out with professional bindery and finishing options from Preferred Direct! We offer spiral bound, perfect bound, and saddle stitch binding, along with the printing and mailing of your newsletter. Your board members, shareholders, employees, customers, and donors deserve a professional polished print they can take pride in.

#5 Embrace Digital!

Embracing the digital world allows viewers to access  your annual newsletter more readily and at their own pace.  With the increase of individuals using their phones to view professional documents, having a digital copy of your annualcompany newsletter binging and finishing report can help spread your message even further. Using Preferred Direct’s email marketing service, you can share the digital newsletter, as well as grow your direct mail newsletter list annually. You can also combine print and digital mediums by using QR codes in your printed company newsletters that link to special landing pages. Contact our team to learn more.

Now that you understand your newsletter is more than just a transfer of information down the chain of command – it’s a strategic communication tool for multiple audiences. Let’s get started!

preferred directAt Preferred Direct we offer a wide range of services that will set your annual reports apart from the rest. Our skilled designers and state-of-the-art equipment provide what you need to achieve a professional look and the consistent branding your company deserves. From pagination to distribution, we can design, print, and mail your next annual company newsletter, from start to finish. Contact us to get started today.

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Whether you’re looking to recruit new students, engage alumni, or share important updates with faculty and staff, print campaigns are a highly effective medium for higher ed marketing.

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

When it comes to elections, every detail matters. This is especially true for local downticket elections — those that involve smaller, local offices like city council members, school boards and more.

About the authors

Read More
Print-on-Demand: A Game-Changer for Economical Print

Print-on-Demand: A Game-Changer for Economical Print

Print-on-Demand: A Game-Changer for Economical Print

 

Businesses and entrepreneurs alike are constantly seeking ways to streamline their processes and reduce costs. More and more companies are moving away from traditional mass printing methods with large print runs, substantial overhead expenses, and the risk of unsold inventory. With the emergence of the Print-on-Demand (POD) through digital printing technology, customers now have a more economic and efficient solution for their mass printing needs. Preferred Direct, an industry-leading print, direct mail, and digital communications partner, is proud to offer Print on Demand services to customers throughout North America. In this blog, we will explore this lean printing technique, how it works and its advantages and applications for businesses today.

What is Print on Demand (POD)?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model and printing technology that allows companies to print products in small quantities. The key concept behind the growing success of print on demand is that products are printed or manufactured only when they are ordered, reducing the need for large, upfront inventory and associated costs. Here are some of its unique advantages:

Reduce Costs & Waste

print on demand

Traditional printing often entails substantial upfront costs for mass orders and the risk and burden of storing inventory. With Print-on-Demand, customers can eliminate these overhead costs by printing copies in smaller batches over their contract lifetime. While the per-unit cost of Print-on-Demand books may be slightly higher than bulk offset printing, the overall cost savings come from avoiding warehousing and waste costs.

Companies and entrepreneurs can maintain a manageable inventory of print collateral at a time and order more (or less) throughout their contract, reducing the financial risk of unpredictable sales or fails. Talk to your print partner to understand lead times, order minimums, payment terms and more. Preferred Direct’s digital printing and finishing services ensure your books, catalogs, documents and more remain available without the need for extensive storage space or the risk of obsolete inventory.

Economic Self-Publishing

Print-on-Demand is an economic and accessible option for independent authors and small publishers. With the rise of entrepreneurs selling print products direct on platforms like Amazon and Facebook, Print-on-Demand can help the average author get to official publisher level. While traditional offset printing may not be cost-effective for those with limited resources or those who don’t need large print runs, currently. This democratization of mass printing has expanded the range of voices and content available to consumers, and Preferred Direct is here to support entrepreneurs on this exciting journey!

Rapid Turnaround

Time is of the essence in the world of business. Print-on-Demand technology allows for quick turnaround times, enabling orders to be anticipated, printed, and shipped to customers within days. This rapid response reduces lead times and allows for faster printing and delivery. With Print-on-Demand, the printer and customer must have a relationship based on communication to strategically print as needed.

Customization and Personalization

Considering you are printing in small batches, clients can make updates and revisions to each run with Preferred Direct’s variable data and digital printing technology. This feature is particularly useful for educational materials, corporate publications, and political or niche markets, giving you the flexibility to tailor your content as things change.

Eco-Friendly

print on demand

Print-on-Demand takes a lean approach to publications and is more environmentally friendly than traditional printing. Bulk printing can result in significant paper, energy, transportation, and resource waste when books go unsold. POD reduces waste by printing only when there is a confirmed demand, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Print and Digital Integration

In this digital age, many companies now offer a combination of print and digital formats for their titles. POD can be seamlessly integrated with e-book distribution and other digital channels, providing readers with multiple options for accessing content.

Preferred Direct for POD

Preferred Direct offers Print-on-Demand solutions among our various print and finishing capabilities. We understand the quality, urgency, and logistics needed to successfully carry out a Print-on-Demand program for your print campaign. Whether you are a business, an entrepreneur, an author, or a publisher, Preferred Direct has the experience to print and deliver your products, on time and on budget. Contact Preferred Direct today to discover how our Print-on-Demand technology can transform your operations to be efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Whether you’re looking to recruit new students, engage alumni, or share important updates with faculty and staff, print campaigns are a highly effective medium for higher ed marketing.

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

When it comes to elections, every detail matters. This is especially true for local downticket elections — those that involve smaller, local offices like city council members, school boards and more.

About the authors

Read More
Winning Your Campaign with Omnichannel Political Marketing

Winning Your Campaign with Omnichannel Political Marketing

Winning Your Campaign with Omnichannel Political Marketing

Winning Your Campaign with Omnichannel Political MarketingIn the world of politics, capturing the hearts and minds of your constituents is key to success. In today’s digital age, traditional political marketing strategies alone may not suffice. Enter omnichannel marketing – a multifaceted approach that seamlessly integrates various marketing channels to create a compelling and impactful political campaign. Preferred Direct, an industry leader in print, direct mail, and digital communications, is here to guide you through your candidate journey with proven solutions for a successful political campaign.

The Power of Omnichannel Political Marketing

In the realm of political marketing, you’re not just reaching out to potential voters; you’re connecting with citizens who are deeply invested in the future of their community and country. Omnichannel marketing offers a comprehensive strategy to effectively engage with your audience across various touchpoints. By utilizing multiple marketing platforms such as social media, direct mail, grassroots campaigns and more, candidates can reach a wider and more diverse audience than ever before. Here’s a breakdown of the top channels for effective political communications and how Preferred Direct can assist you:

Local News Advertising

local newspaper political marketingIn a world saturated with digital content, local news remains a trusted source of information. Preferred Direct can help you craft compelling advertisements that resonate with your constituents through local newspapers and news websites. Whether it’s a candidate profile, a policy announcement, or an event invitation, we ensure your message reaches the right audience.

Digital Marketing

In today’s interconnected world, digital marketing via social media and email are powerful platforms for interacting with your community. From running targeted ad campaigns to creating supporter groups, weekly email newsletters to email pledge campaigns, these digital marketing platforms are effective channels that many of your supporters use each day.  Preferred Direct can assist you in crafting engaging email campaigns that complement your overall strategy. Our clean databases, appealing templates, and strategic content ensure that your campaign messages are delivered effectively to your supporters.

Direct Mail Marketing

direct mail political marketingDirect mail remains a cornerstone of political marketing campaigns. Preferred Direct specializes in direct mail printing and mailing. You can partner with us to design, print and deliver impactful mailers, flyers, newsletters, and postcards to get the word out of your campaign. As a HIPAA-certified printer, Preferred Direct will safeguard your recipient data and process all mail with the utmost care. With our Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service, you can target specific neighborhoods, zip codes, counties and more to ensure your message reaches the right households for your political campaign. Preferred Direct also offers variable data printing which allows you to personalize each direct mail print with tailored visuals such as individual’s name, local landmarks, custom slogans, languages and more.

Grassroots Political Marketing

While digital channels are essential, nothing beats the authenticity of face-to-face interactions. Preferred Direct understands the value of grassroots marketing, where candidates can connect with voters on a personal level. Handshakes, handing out flyers, and genuine conversations leave a lasting impression. We can support your grassroots efforts by providing high-quality campaign materials, including signs, pamphlets, and flyers, to help you make a memorable impact.

SMS Text Marketing

SMS text political marketingIn the era of smartphones, Preferred Direct’s SMS text marketing is a highly effective way to engage with voters. It’s immediate, direct, and cost-efficient. Whether you need to send polling locations, promote pledging opportunities, or share important information, Preferred Direct even offers SMS text marketing to help you connect with supporters on a one-to-one basis effectively.

Preferred Direct: Your Winning Partner for Political Marketing Campaigns

With over three decades of experience assisting political candidates, Preferred Direct is your go-to partner for all your political campaign marketing needs. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality print and mail products, on time and within budget. As a HITRUST-Certified Printer, we prioritize the safety and security of your campaign information.

In 2022, Preferred Direct was honored as the Top Printer in Virginia Beach, a testament to our commitment to excellence. Winning a political campaign requires an omnichannel approach that spans over traditional and digital channels. With Preferred Direct as your political marketing partner, you’ll have the expertise and technology needed to create a winning campaign strategy that connects with your constituents on every level. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve victory this election year through the power of omnichannel marketing. Your success is our #1 priority!

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Whether you’re looking to recruit new students, engage alumni, or share important updates with faculty and staff, print campaigns are a highly effective medium for higher ed marketing.

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

Boost Your Political Marketing Campaign with Print

When it comes to elections, every detail matters. This is especially true for local downticket elections — those that involve smaller, local offices like city council members, school boards and more.

About the authors

Read More
Preferred Direct Expands Capacity With 2 New Equipment Technologies

Preferred Direct Expands Capacity With 2 New Equipment Technologies

Preferred Direct Expands Capacity With 2 New Equipment Technologies

 

Second Generation Family-Owned Printer Invests In Their Future

 

Norfolk, VA – Preferred Direct, industry-leading print, direct mail, and digital communications partner, is proud to announce the successful installation of a new Hunkeler-Horizon roll-to-fold converting machine and a new performance upgrade to their HP 250 Digital Press. These strategic investments will further increase the quality, efficiency, and lead times of the company’s printing, finishing, and mailing services nationwide.

Purchased from Standard Finishing Systems, the addition of the Hunkeler Roll to Cut to Horizon AFV-566/T564 Folder System marks a pivotal step for Preferred Direct’s production capabilities. This advanced technology streamlines the process of converting large rolls of paper into neatly folded, ready-to-mail products. The machine’s precision and speed will provide a seamless transition from printing to finishing processes, reducing turnaround times, and increasing overall efficiency.

Furthermore, Preferred Direct has invested in a performance upgrade for their existing HP 250 Digital Press. The upgrade now allows the company to achieve an impressive speed of 800 feet per minute (fpm) for monochrome print and mail jobs. This upgrade will accelerate production while maintaining exceptional print quality for Preferred Direct’s transactional and informational print clients.

“We are thrilled to add these new technologies to our equipment line up,” said Bill Nee, President at Preferred Direct. “These investments reflect our commitment to remaining a local family-owned printer with BIG print and finishing capabilities. As a technology-forward company, we are always looking for innovative solutions to automate and streamline our processes and empower our employees. Our focus will always be our clients and our employees, and these new technologies will enable us to serve them both more effectively.”


To discover the Hunkeler-Horizon roll-to-fold system from Standard Finishing Systems, visit https://www.sdmc.com/product_stand/roll-to-fold-gen8/.

To discover the HP 250 Digital Press solution, visit https://www.hp.com/us-en/commercial-industrial-printing/pagewide/t250-hd-web-presses.html.

About the authors

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