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 image above for an in-depth look at a successful cross-channel marketing campaign utilizing direct mail, email, and QR Codes. Source: PODi

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

The summer postage discount offered by the USPS is back.  This year they are promoting mobile commerce and personalization.  The mobile barcode (aka QR code) must lead the recipient directly to either A or B as described below:

A mobile optimized and personalized web page/URL that is tailored to an individual recipient. The web address and content of the web page must be unique to each recipient.  CPC Solutions does this practically everyday.  If you need to create thousands of personalized mobile barcodes, we can do it. 

A mobile optimized web page that allows the recipient to purchase an advertised product or service on the mobile device. The entire purchase and checkout experience must be mobile optimized.

• Registration Begins:  May 1, 2012 (Mail service providers will be able to register after the June 10, 2012 PostalOne!® Release.)
• Program Period:  July 1 - August 31, 2012*
• Discount Amount:  2% of eligible postage
• Eligible Mail Classes:  Standard Mail letters and flats, Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats, First-Class Mail Presort and Automation letters, cards, and flats
• Download Program Requirements
• Download Mobile Commerce & Personalization FAQs

We are here to help.

Neal Sceva, a 30-year veteran of the direct marketing industry and an integrated solutions specialist at CPC Solutions, is a QR Code enthusiast. We asked him to contribute a post about the benefits of this innovative technology and he was happy to oblige. Thanks Neal.

Either you’ve seen them or heard about them – those funny looking B&W squares in advertisements, on billboards and, with growing popularity, on business cards. They’re QR (Quick Response) Codes.