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

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.

Printed materials offer a tangible and personal touch that digital marketing can’t always provide. For example, a well-designed orientation booklet can be held, shared, and stored as a keepsake, capturing the moment of a young entrepreneur’s first years in college.

As a trusted print & mail partner for over 35 years, Preferred Direct has some ideas for using print to connect with your college community…

Higher Ed Marketing Print Campaigns

Colleges and universities can target several key audiences through print campaigns. Here’s a few great print marketing strategies for each group. For assistance, contact Preferred Direct.

For incoming students and undergraduates

Prospectus / Admissions Booklet: Send a custom designed university booklet to prospective students and show what life at your institution could be. Include a college overview, academic programs, campus life, the admissions process and financial aid options. Attract the next class with engaging images, campus activities, student testimonials and a message from the President or Dean.

ROI tip: send a postcard first to ALL prospective students to sign up for your email newsletter. For those that sign up, follow up by sending the full University booklet. The postcard is a budget-friendly option to generate interest, allowing you to send your valuable printed materials only to those that are more likely to apply.

Program Brochures:  Informative program brochures can help attract and excite students for the degrees they’re most interested in. You can include information on pre-requisites, courses, tuition fees, program events, and semester schedules (or where to find them) for each degree program. Having a separate booklet will help students choose the right course of study and inspire confidence and independence as they navigate their academic career. 

Orientation & Campus Life: Once students are accepted, professionally printed orientation materials can help ease their transition to campus life. Booklets for student housing options, building info and campus maps, student groups and associations and more are all print pieces students need to take full advantage of all your university has to offer.

For alumni and donor relations

Alumni Newsletters: Newsletters keep alumni and donors informed about the happenings of their alma mater and how funds are impacting student life and success. Feature stories on recent accomplishments, star programs, sports tickets, upcoming events, student spotlights, and ways to get involved or give back.

Annual Report: Showcasing the impact of donations can be a powerful way to engage with donors too. Consider creating an annual report that highlights project updates, fundraising goals, and program impact that have been made possible through their contributions.

Event Invitations: Printed letters or postcards inviting alumni to events such as homecoming, reunions, seminars, or fundraising galas can help generate excitement and encourage attendance. Be sure to include all relevant event details and a call-to-action for RSVPs.

Transpromo Marketing: Incorporate transpromo marketing into your donor billing letters to maximize engagement and highlight upcoming marketing initiatives. Transpromo marketing is incorporating marketing promotions into your billing materials. Learn more here.

For athletics and Greek life

Recruiting Materials: Attract and recruit top talent to your university with rockstar printed booklets. A saddle-stitched brochure or booklet can showcase your programs, scholarships, and success stories from current student-athletes and greek life and convince top performers to pick your programs.

Athletics Schedule: Send out athletic schedules and flyers for upcoming sporting events to promote game attendance, highlight star players, and encourage fans to show their school spirit.

Fundraising Campaigns: If your sports teams are in need of additional funding, a well-designed mailer or postcard can help raise awareness and encourage donations from alumni, parents, and fans.

Your Partner for Higher Ed Marketing

When selecting a print partner for higher ed marketing, you want to choose a reputable and reliable company that has experience working with educational institutions. At Preferred Direct, we understand the unique needs and goals of colleges and universities. Our local, family-owned printer offers print solutions, direct mail services, and bindery options to meet your needs.

Preferred Direct is HITRUST-certified to ensure the security and confidentiality of your sensitive information. Request a project estimate to get started today!

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!

Infographic: University Print Ideas

for Higher Education Marketing

Here to help your higher education marketing stay organized and inspired throughout the year, we’ve put together this handy guide with university print marketing ideas for every season. Whether it’s orientation forms for incoming freshmen or event invites for homecoming, Preferred Direct is here to help you make an impact all year round. Check out our Undergraduate Print Marketing guide below and contact our team to kick-start your next print project!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD HIGHER EDUCATION MARKETING GUIDE PDF

Kickstart Your Accountant Marketing with Direct Mail

With various tax and annual report deadlines quickly approaching, it’s important to find creative ways to effectively engage your tax and finance clients. Using direct mail as part of your accountant marketing strategy can break through the e-junk clutter and increase sales! Direct mail campaigns provide a tangible and personalized approach, making them an ideal choice for promoting your tax and accounting related services.

Preferred Direct offers services that have helped Accountants nationwide with all 4 steps of their print marketing campaigns: designing, printing, finishing, and mailing. Here’s a comprehensive guide from the Accountant Marketing Experts at Preferred Direct on how to kickstart your marketing with direct mail:

 Define Your Target Tax Audience

In order to properly define your target audience, you must identify your ideal clients and tailor your direct mail campaign to address their specific tax and/or finance needs. Consider demographics, location, industry, annual income, household type, and more when creating a targeted mailing list for accountant marketing. For example, let’s say you want to reach clients within 10 miles of your office, every door direct mail (EDDM) is a great option to promote your company to every single house or business within a desired area.  Contact Preferred Direct for assistance with EDDM.

Clearly communicate and adapt any special promotions, discounts, or unique offerings that set your business apart to the demographic you’re trying to reach. By defining your target audience properly, you can tailor your message to increase your return on investment (ROI).  For instance, for individuals with children or dependents, you can offer a discount for those filing with dependents. However, offering this family-friendly discount to the wrong audience could impact your campaign negatively and make single or childless recipients feel pushed away. That’s why personalization matters!

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.

Direct Mail Design

It is essential to invest in a professional design that captivates the attention of your accounting clients. Bold brand colors, clear typography, and high-quality images make your direct mail pieces engaging and effective. Consider your printing options; Select your paper type; Black and white or full color print; One-sided or two-sided prints etc. By ensuring that key information is easily read and your branding is prominent, potential clients will know exactly who your company is, what you do and how to contact you.  Market additional accounting services in each campaign, such as financial planning, retirement & estate planning, etc., for potential upsells/cross sells and increased campaign ROI. View our infographic on key postcard elements for design tips for your next campaign.

At Preferred Direct, our graphic designers can create captivating artwork to help bring your accountant marketing to life and maximize your return. Ask about our add-on design services for your print and mail campaigns.

Incentives and Discounts

The best way to encourage engagement and to track your ROI is by including exclusive incentives or discounts that can be redeemed. When it comes to finances, clients strongly value professional guidance.  Tax Accountants can find success when providing a limited-time promotion, a special rate for first appointments, service coupons or a referral bonus in their direct mail campaigns. Educational resources to help clients understand their finances and possible tax implications are a great giveaway for accountant marketing campaigns as well. Direct mail incentives can boost response rates and create a sense of urgency bringing in leads sooner rather than later. Browse other direct marketing ideas in this blog.

Finish off by clearly stating what action you want recipients to take. Whether it’s scheduling an appointment, visiting your website, or calling for more information, a compelling call to action (CTA) is crucial for driving response rates. Especially with a time sensitive service like filing taxes! Use unique codes, dedicated phone numbers, or specific landing pages to measure response rates. Analyzing results allows you to refine future campaigns for better effectiveness.

Strategic Campaign Timing

Plan your direct mail campaigns to coincide with key accounting milestones. Consider sending initial teasers before tax season officially starts and follow up with reminders and additional promotions as the deadline approaches. College savings planning services in the fall or summer project accounting in the spring are all great accountant marketing campaigns to highlight throughout the seasons.

By following these steps, you can kickstart your accountant marketing with direct mail, ensuring that your message resonates with potential clients, at the perfect time.

 Preferred Direct: Experts in Accountant Marketing

Preferred Direct has over 35 years of experience as a second-generation family business working closely with financial organizations throughout the US. Our goal is to help maximize your company’s exposure and engagement this tax season. By making our VDP and direct mail services a part of your tax marketing, you partner with an experienced Print Partner capable of designing, printing, finishing and mailing your best campaign yet!

Let Preferred Direct take care of all your printing and fulfilment needs.  We are a HITRUST certified partner prioritizing the security of your sensitive customer and financial data. Contact us to discuss which secure print and mail services will be best for your accountant marketing needs.

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!

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

-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 annual 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!

At 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.

Maximizing Open Enrollment Success: 6 Key Print Materials Every Insurer Needs

Open enrollment is a crucial time for insurance companies to attract new members and retain existing ones. In the competitive marketplace, print insurance marketing remains a tried-and-true strategy for communicating your benefits and value to potential policyholders. In this blog, we’ll explore six essential insurance print materials to maximize open enrollment success and elevate member experience.

Direct Mail Open Enrollment:

Direct mail marketing remains a powerful tool for reaching new members and reminding existing ones during open enrollment. Postcards, mailers, letters, and advertisements come in all shapes and sizes and can be used to send personalized messages, promotions, renewals, and important information about insurance plans. Direct mail allows potential policyholders the time to review and research your offerings, directly or online. With Preferred Direct’s experience and technology in direct mail services, we’ll help you create eye-catching designs with a strong call to action and targeted audience to increase your campaign ROI.

Printed Newsletters:

Creating a printed newsletter, with professional finishing such as saddle stitch binding, will certainly leave an impression. This print insurance marketing approach not only caters to a diverse demographic, including those who may prefer traditional communication methods but also makes it more likely to be noticed and retained. Including member benefit summaries, featured doctor and hospital news, and even a nutritional cooking recipe, can help create an engaging newsletter that establishes a tangible connection with your audience, encouraging policy enrollment and retention.

Third Party Billing:

Third-party billing can provide a seamless process for collecting premiums, deductibles, and communicating coverage details. These documents should be designed with the utmost clarity to ensure that policyholders can easily understand their financial responsibilities. Preferred Direct is a HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST-certified printer, excelling in high-quality third-party billing services. We take pride in making sure your customers have a smooth experience during open enrollment and billing because we know happy customers can equal lifetime policyholders.

Explanation of Benefits:

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements are essential for policyholders, providing a breakdown of the costs associated with their services. Just like third party billing, having a professional and concise EOB document and communication process will improve your member experience making them more likely to renew each year.

Member Handbooks:

Member handbooks are valuable tools for insurance companies seeking to provide their policyholders with comprehensive information about their coverage. These handbooks serve

as a go-to resource for policyholders, offering details on benefits, claims procedures, network providers, and other essential information. A well-structured member handbook can be a valuable asset for both policyholders and insurance companies during open enrollment, fostering trust and confidence in your services. With state-of-the-art printing and finishing technology, Preferred Direct can create a professionally printed and bound resource that strategically covers all your insurance offerings.

Document Printing:

During open enrollment, insurers have a multitude of documents to print, ranging from member forms, contracts, and more. Preferred Direct offers state-of-the-art document printing services that guarantee accuracy, consistency, and professionalism. Your insurance company can rely on us to produce high-quality insurance marketing print materials that reflect your commitment to providing excellent service.

Preferred Direct has over 35 years of experience as a second-generation family business working with insurance providers throughout the US. In our experience working with some of the largest insurance companies in the nation, to maximize success during open enrollment, it’s essential to invest in the right print materials. By incorporating third-party billing, direct mail marketing, advertising postcards, explanation of benefits, and document printing into your open enrollment strategy, you can create a comprehensive and compelling marketing campaign. These materials not only convey essential information but also reflect the professionalism and trustworthiness of your insurance company and its services.

For a successful open enrollment season, trust Preferred Direct as your full-service business communication partner. Contact us today to discuss our marketing and design services to help you goals this enrollment season.

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

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 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.

Winning Your Campaign with Omnichannel Political Marketing

In 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

In 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 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

In 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!

Maximizing Impact: How Direct Mail Boosts Donations for Non-profits

Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in addressing various social issues and causes. To continue their vital work, they often rely on the generosity of donors. In today’s digital age, where online fundraising platforms and social media dominate the scene, one traditional method still stands strong: direct mail. In this blog, we’ll explore how these campaigns can be a powerful tool for non-profits to boost donations and make a lasting impact.

The Power of Direct Mail in Fundraising

Direct mail is a tried-and-true method of fundraising that has stood the test of time. Its effectiveness lies in its tangible nature. Unlike digital communications that can be easily deleted or ignored, a well-crafted mail piece physically lands in the hands of your potential donors. According to the Data & Marketing Association (DMA), the response rate for direct mail to a house list was 9% in 2018, compared to just 1% for email.

Understanding Your Non-profit’s Audience

Before launching a campaign, it’s crucial to understand your audience. Non-profit organizations typically have diverse donor bases, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. Each of these groups may have different motivations for giving. Direct mail allows you to tailor your message to specific segments of your donor base, making it more likely that your message resonates with the recipient.

Crafting Compelling Campaigns

To maximize the impact of your campaigns, focus on creating materials that capture attention and evoke emotions. Start with eye-catching design and imagery that aligns with your cause. Preferred Direct can assist with design services – contact our team today for a quote. Your message should be clear, concise, and emotionally compelling. Include a strong call to action, guiding recipients on how they can make a difference by donating.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data plays a crucial role in optimizing campaigns. Segment your donor lists based on factors like giving history, demographics, and location. Personalize your messages using variable data printing to make donors feel valued and understood. Track the performance of your campaigns using analytics to refine your approach over time.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Nothing speaks more persuasively than success stories. Share real-life examples of how your organization’s work has made a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve. Highlight the impact of past campaigns, including specific results and how donations were put to use. Direct mail catalogs and newsletters are a great way to share impact stories and generate engagement through genuine connection.

Ensuring Data Security and Compliance

Non-profits often deal with sensitive donor contact and financial information. It’s crucial to ensure data security and compliance with regulations like HIPAA when handling healthcare-related data. Partnering with a HIPAA-Compliant and HITRUST-Certified Printer like Preferred Direct can provide peace of mind in this regard.

Measuring the ROI of your campaign

Calculating the return on investment (ROI) is essential to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns. By comparing the cost of the campaign to the donations received, you can determine how efficiently your efforts are driving donations.

Integrating Direct Mail with Online Fundraising

Direct mail and online fundraising can work hand in hand. Include URLs or QR codes in your materials that link recipients to online donation pages. This provides an easy and convenient way for donors to contribute, and it allows you to track the online response to your mailings.

Tips for Non-profits Getting Started with Direct Mail

For non-profits considering direct mail for the first time, it’s essential to start with a clear strategy. Define your goals, target audience, and budget. Partnering with a reliable print and mail provider like Preferred Direct can help you navigate the complexities of direct mail campaigns.

Conclusion

Direct mail continues to be a potent fundraising tool for non-profit organizations. Its ability to deliver tangible, emotionally resonant messages to potential donors sets it apart in a crowded digital landscape. By understanding your audience, crafting compelling campaigns, and leveraging data, you can maximize the impact of your direct mail efforts. Remember, it’s not just about sending mail; it’s about making a difference.

If you’re ready to explore the potential of direct mail for your non-profit organization and want to ensure the highest level of data security, consider partnering with Preferred Direct. Our expertise in commercial printing and direct mail can help you craft impactful campaigns that drive donations and support your mission. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist your non-profit in maximizing its impact.