As we have all heard over and over again, the communication channels available to us today are widespread and diverse. Using all of them effectively, in the right place at the right time, will determine the success of a product, service or company. The big takeaway from research done at InfoTrends, in an article from Print in the Mix, is that print continues to be integrated with digital content, thus adding to its relevance and continued use. We have seen this integration in brochures, direct mail, transpromotional marketing, and in packaging.

At CPC Solutions, we have been using the tools to integrate print with digital content for the past five years. By no means is it a silver bullet for your marketing campaigns, but it does, without a doubt, provide the metrics companies need. Through personalized URLs, personalized QR Codes, generic QR Codes and coming soon, augmented reality; we have significantly enhanced the user experience as they respond to surveys and marketing campaigns initiated by print.

The Super-cool Fold Factory Video:
Source - foldfactory.com

Featured: #186 Asymmetrical Accordion with Swinging Letters  

Tips From the Trenches

Using the wrong software for design or need an upgrade? The Creative Suite Cloud by Adobe is one solution, which will greatly enhance your creativity. The Cloud includes many of the Adobe programs needed for print design; gives you the opportunity to explore new programs; and much more. The Cloud is a great way to get instant access to the top programs offered by Adobe. The low upfront cost, instant updates, and the variety of programs available may make this a good deal for those looking to upgrade from older programs or to retire programs that are not designed for design.
Learn more here: http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud.html?promoid=JQPEQ

Awesome App:

The Animoto app is a fun slideshow app for your phone or tablet. Turn your photos into share-worthy professional quality videos. Add music and text to your images using several templates.

Interesting Integers:
Source: Print In The Mix

The top three types of digitally linked print marketing media: brochures (56.1%), direct mail (52.1%), and bills/statements (41.5%). Websites, social media, and mobile apps are the top digital content customers are directed to.

Almost Famous Quote:

The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. - Jim Rohn

Click the link below for an in-depth look at a successful cross media campaign utilizing direct mail, email, QR Codes and personalized URLs.

Wishing you a fabulous Fourth!

Production Notes - how to see your name in lights:  These images were created with a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera in bulb mode, a tripod and a sparkler.  Bulb mode allows you to keep the shutter on a camera open for an endless amount of time.  Once the sparkler* was lit, each letter was drawn in the air and captured in a photograph.  Those photographs were then placed in an image of fireworks and merged with our database using sophisticated personalization software.  This same level of personalization can be done on any printed piece, making your direct mail stand out from the crowd. 

*If you try this at home, the same effect can be created using a flashlight or glow stick.

One of the publications we follow is a clearinghouse of research on print media effectiveness called Print in the Mix, which is published by the Rochester Institute of Technology. There is a plethora of unbiased facts and information on their site, including a post from April, 2012, titled Direct Mail Still Works and Consumers Still Want It.

The article is based on ExactTarget’s 2012 Channel Preference Survey, which found that:

• Two-thirds (66%) of online Americans have made a purchase because of an email marketing message -- and nearly just as many (65%) purchased a product or service thanks to a direct mailing.  
• Marketing messages delivered via social media and mobile did not fare as well; One in five (20%) have made a purchase thanks to an ad viewed while on Facebook, while 16% have bought based on prompting from a mobile marketing messaging (16%).
• The study also finds that direct mail is the only channel where an unsolicited message isn't viewed as inappropriate by consumers.