Slideshow
Start by launching your image editor. Create a portrait-oriented document sized 11 inches by 17 inches with a resolution of 300. This is a standard size for posters. However, if you need a smaller poster, you can choose 8.5 inches by 11 inches. If you need larger size, you can go with 18 inches by 24 inches. 
I want a simple background for my poster, so I selected a nice and clean blueprint paper texture. I downloaded and opened it in the image editor, and then I imported it into the newly created document. I also resized it to match the poster measurements. 
Graphics need to be distinctive and colorful enough to draw the viewer’s attention. Find something that will immediately speak of Christmas to put people in the right mood. Choosing traditional imagery, even with an original twist, is the easiest way to achieve this. For this sample poster, I picked a cartoony Santa hat. Its basic red and white colors contrast nicely with the blue background and the theme is easily recognizable. 
An exciting headline is a nice complement to the graphics on the poster. Write a short message and give it a prominent position in the document, like in this example. Don’t forget to make it big and easily noticeable and choose some nice-looking font that works with the Christmas theme and the overall style of your poster. 
Be sure to include the most essential information: where and when the party is taking place, if there are special guests, if people are required to pay an entry fee to get in and so on. Include contact details for additional information and for reservations (if applicable). 
Christmas parties are exciting once you get there, but you want to get your guests excited before they get there!
-Article Source: http://www.printaholic.com/make-christmas-party-poster/
When contemplating a design, think about your viewer – a potential customer. What information is important for them to know?
In jam, it might be something like nutritional information, packaging amounts and the story of your small business.
And never underestimate the power of good photography. When coupled with good design, it will make your product brochure pop.
Article Source: - http://www.printaholic.com/15-cool-product-brochures/
When creating a promotional flyer, a common mistake is to focus almost exclusively on photos, images and other design elements. This is understandable; one of the major perks of flyers is that they demonstrate a product, service or business visually in ways that a letter can’t. But it’s equally important to know how to write an effective flyer that persuades people to take action.
A great promotional flyer for your business communicates a message to its audience, and the best way to do that is with words. Without effective writing, someone who sees your flyer won’t know what your product is, where to get it, or why they should even buy it.
But before we get into what to write on a flyer, let’s briefly discuss what a flyer actually is.
There’s often a little confusion and vagueness when people use the terms “brochure” or “flyer.” Sometimes they’re used interchangeably, but based on the generally accepted definition, they’re actually quite different.
A brochure is a piece of printed promotional literature, usually either folded in a bi- or tri-fold arrangement or stitched into a booklet. A flyer, on the other hand, is a single-page unfolded leaflet.
Because a brochure is made up of multiple “panels,” it’s often easier to implement more text in a brochure and still have it look spatially comfortable. This is why copywriting is especially important to consider when creating a flyer. To write a flyer that’s effective, it’s vital to make every word count.
Want to learn how to write a flyer that prospects can’t resist? Here are a few good tips to keep in mind.
There are a few different tactics you can use to write an effective flyer headline, but it’s best to play to the advantages of your business. Find your greatest benefit and place it front and center.This is even more effective if you’re able to offer something especially compelling, such as “Lose 30 Pounds in 2 Months!” or “Free PS3 When You Answer This Survey!”
Imagine for a moment that you’re not a copywriter or designer. Pretend that you’re a potential customer. Identify the problem your consumers need to solve, the benefits they’re looking for, and the reservations they might have about buying your product or service.All of these should be addressed in your flyer’s writing. Don’t simply list off the features that you find most impressive about your product or business. Deal with your prospects’ needs and objections directly.
Also remember not to write in too technical terms. Too much jargon and industry-specific language will turn layman readers off.
Overstuffing your promotional flyer with words can make it very intimidating to read, particularly if your text isn’t properly spaced with line breaks or bullet points. Keep it light and easy to digest.Remember that you’re writing a flyer, not an encyclopedia. As you improve your copywriting skills, you’ll hopefully learn how to write a flyer that says as much as possible in as few words as possible.You certainly shouldn’t neglect the overall look and design of your flyer, but the words you use and how you use them are equally important. Let your writing speak to the unique quality and benefits of your product or service.
If you can learn how to write a flyer with skill and panache, you’re practically guaranteed to see a rise in sales.
- Article source: http://www.printwand.com/blog/how-to-write-a-flyer-that-sells#sthash.feYGEj1x.dpuf
Choosing the right paper for a business card can be a challenging task, especially if you’ve only printed just a few sheets on your home printer.
Most people either go to their local supplier and end up choosing at random, hoping everything will turn out OK, or they let others make the decision for them, usually when a commercial service is involved.
However, picking the best suited card stock is the first step toward making a beautiful andprofessional business card. It’s an important step and should be something you think about seriously.
The specs of the card stock greatly depend on a mix of factors: your card’s design, colors, the kind of impression you want and your budget.
Is your card heavy on graphics, or does it feature just a basic design and a few textual elements? Does the design include one or two sides? What kind of business do you need to promote with it? What about the expected life span of the card?
As a general rule, you should pick thick stock, but since thickness will not make a big difference in some instances, you should consider your actual needs before making your choice to keep your costs low.
If your business card is double-sided, you must make sureeach side will hold the ink well. Even if your card is just one-sided, you don’t really want to pick anything too light or flimsy.
Light card stock breaks down easily and usually has a less professional feel about it. A thickness of about 300 gsm/12 point and above will do. Sturdy card stock is usually better suited for business cards, but it will be pricey.
Card stock is categorized by its coating, which directly influences its degree of reflectivity. Glossy paper is highly reflective and is excellent to retain detail and saturation. This type of finish is great for high definition printing, but it is not that great for materials intended for handling and reading.
Matte paper, on the contrary, is not very reflective and isn’t shiny, but it is easy to view in all lighting conditions and it is ideal for anything where readability is essential.
Luster paper (also known as Satin or Silk) is something of a middle ground. Luster is still shiny enough, so it is good for color rendition. It is also quite practical to handle and read.
Other than normal plain stock, there is a variety of textured papers available that you might want to consider, especially if your card’s design calls for some textural detail.
If you want to have embossed or letterpress effects in your card, make sure you choose the appropriate type of stock for the purpose.
If you are printing at home, the most important requirement is to check that the paper you get will be compatible with your printer.
Inkjet printers perform well with most papers, glossy and textured varieties included. Laser printers, on the other hand, may produce very nice results on matte paper, but they are not suited for glossier papers.
If you choose to use a professional printer, make sure to ask what kind of papers and finishes they offer.
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Even when it comes to choosing card stock, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try out a few different types before making your final choice.
If you are still undecided and want to make sure you will make no mistakes, the best idea is to rely on a professional printing service and ask them for samples before going through the actual printing of your business cards.
- Article Source: http://www.printaholic.com/how-to-choose-the-right-paper-for-your-business-card/
Last week we told you 5 stats that proved leaflets aren’t dead, so this week we will explain which types of events do particularly well through leaflet advertising, and tell you everything you need to do to make sure you get the maximum responses possible from your leaflet campaign.
If you are advertising local events, such as shop openings, special offers or special events, then leaflets are particularly effective. They perform well when they are targeted, which you can do by using your contacts database to offer exclusive deals, or you could target a geographical area. Leaflets are also perfect for using alongside other media channels, as you can simply add a QR code that sends customers straight to your website or social media sites.
The effectiveness of leaflets is also measurable, as long as you ask customers where they learned about you, or keep track of the vouchers used, you can find out exactly how many people the leaflets are driving to your business.
There are a few things you need to include on your leaflets to get the best results:
When it comes to the copy, make sure you:
The leaflet design and delivery is also crucial to the likelihood of it being read:
To help your leaflet get shared, which is especially important if you’re targeting existing customers, why not create detachable offer coupons that recipients can hand round to their friends.
- Article Source: http://www.pitneybowes.co.uk/pbse/blog/How-to-Get-the-Most-Out-of-Your-Leaflet-Campaign.shtml#sthash.xlnCxqHZ.dpuf
Traditional marketing has its time and place, and if you use an eye-catching, powerful design, there’s a high likelihood your target audience will take more than a second look at your piece of promotional material. The key is creativity and balance. Good luck!
- Article Source: http://www.printaholic.com/8-great-postcard-marketing-ideas/
In the internet age, you have lots of options when seeking a printer for your business or personal needs. A quick Google search for “printing company” will return more than 12 million results. In those results you’ll find both local printing companies, and printers who work regionally or nationally. Yes indeed, you have a lot of choices in printing companies but, when it comes right down to it – there are 9 very good reasons why you should consider working with a local printer.
When you work with a local printer you can almost always expect a quicker turn around time. National and regional printers handles thousands of orders a day. Yours will just be one drop in their printing queue ocean and they’ll get to your job when they can. Local printing companies like Heritage Printing and Quick Copy live and breath customer service and a quick turn around time is always part of that equation.
Have you every tried talking over printing options with a national printer? Well, it’s darn near impossible. Sure, they’ll have a slick website which offers you lots of options but if you aren’t sure what each option means – there’s no one readily available to answer your questions. Local printers will take the time to answer your questions, fully explain your paper and coating options, heck you can even feel the weight of the paper before you give the green light on your project. And, if you have a problem you’ll probably find your local printer is easier to reach and is more than willing to help resolve your concerns.
National printing companies do offer low prices – when you work in the volumes they do, discounts are easier to provide. But, where they get you is on the shipping. When you work with a local printer you’ll save those shipping fees if you pick up your order. If you need delivery because the distance is much shorter your fees will almost always be much, much less if there even is a fee.
Your local printer is always going to be easier to communicate with than a national printer. Sure you can email or call – but you can also stop by their shop and see them face to face. Whether you have questions or need to make a change to your order – you’ll find communicating with your local printer so much easier.
In business you need vendors you can trust and those kind of relationships take time to develop. Working with a local printer over a course of years can provide you with much more than just good printing results. As a trusted friend, your local printer can be a source of referral for your business and can provide you access to their own network of contacts to help grow and expand your business. You won’t find that kind of ‘added value’ from a national printer.
Many business will turn to a national printer because they can offer such low prices. But, you’ll find that your local printer can be very competitive and better yet – their quality of work is often better.
Working with a local printer keeps your money in your community where it is spent on staff salaries, and the purchase of good and services.
If your local printing company is like us – they are fully engaged in the local community and give back to support school and nonprofit organizations. It is simply a part of being a responsible member of a community.
All of these factors combine to ensure your printing job is of superior quality. When you can access a real, live person to discuss your printing options, to help advise your decisions, and who will be on hand to resolve any issues, in the end, you’ll be happier with the quality of the work done. Working with your local printer just make sense. Of course, we may be biased so tell us what you think in the comments below.
- Article Source: http://www.heritageprintinginc.com/news/top-9-reasons-local-printing-company/
In 2013, An Post revised their standard postage rates. Now you can send a 100gm letter for the same price as a 50gm letter. That means you can get twice as much into each envelope at no extra cost.
This gives you the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the mail you already send. Boost your business by incorporating targeted promotional messages into your normal day-to-day mail.
Whatever you send quotes, invoices, account statements, or any other operational mail items, each piece of outbound mail is a chance to up-sell, cross-sell or promote your business.
Every business, regardless or size or sector, sends some day-to-day mail. Now is the perfect chance to push the envelope and make sure that every mail piece includes some form of promotional message that will boost your bottom line.
Think about it. Your invoices are generally opened by the person paying the bills. Use this as an opportunity to deliver compelling promotional communications to key decision makers.
Promote a new service that this customer doesn’t use, create special offers for increased future spend, promote premium alternatives to the product they currently buy – the possibilities are endless.
You could start simple with generic offers and messages, or you could go one step further and include communications that are tailored to specific customers or customer segments.
You are already paying for the postage and the envelope. Get more bang for your buck with transpromo communications.
- Article source: http://www.neopost.ie/push-envelope
Many business owners in the UK believe using leaflets to promote their business is a waste of time and money. The medium is often thought of as being spammy, conjuring thoughts of a pile of leaflets on the doorstep that just end up in our bins. However, there are far fewer businesses utilising leaflets today than in previous years, and leaflets have actually become a very effective way of marketing your business.
This is in large part due to the huge focus on digital channels in the last decade, with advertisers making use of every digital medium they can. Online adverts are now everywhere, sometimes subtly inserted into social media feeds, sometimes appearing as banners or pop ups. This has resulted in a high level of advert blindness, with customers overlooking the vast majority of adverts they see online.
This is far less easy to do with a leaflet, and as a result leaflet distribution is now one of the most effective marketing techniques available.
Leaflets perform well because they reach someone in their own home, and unlike an intrusive phone call or TV advert, the recipient wont look at it until they want to, so they are more likely to be in a receptive mood. A leaflet also benefits from its a physical, tactile nature, which attracts attention and is remembered for longer.
Still not convinced? Here are 5 facts that prove it:
Creating leaflets is also cost effective, with 5,000 leaflets costing as little as £195 (less than 4p per leaflet). Advertising online on the other hand can quickly become extremely expensive, costing you several pounds for a click to your website.
With leaflets performing so effectively, now is the time to see whether sending out leaflets can help your business grow.
Why not subscribe to the blog to make sure you get the next post that will be full of tips and advice on how to get the most responses from your leaflet campaign.
- Article source: http://www.pitneybowes.co.uk/pbse/blog/5-Mind-Blowing-Stats-That-Prove-Leaflets-Arent-Dead.shtml#sthash.QrW0vp8W.dpuf
After a tough battle with Farrell’s Bar (Represented by Ballyhooley Tennis Club) CB Forms emerged victorious taking the plate title by 3 matches to 1 in a gripping contest that went down to the wire. The CB Forms team were represented by Darragh Martin (Captain), Dave Clarke, Norma O’Keefe and Valerie Hunt.
Final Score:
Mens Doubles CB Forms 6 – 9 Ballyhooley
Ladies Doubles CB Forms 9 – 3 Ballyhooley
Mixed Doubles 1 D. Martin/V. Hunt CB 9 – 6 Ballyhooley Team 1
Mixed Doubles 2 D. Clarke/N. O’Keefe CB 9 – 8 Ballyhooley Team 2 (Tie Break)
