Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Unique Fold Options for Your Marketing Masterpiece

At Duplicates INK - marketSMART we have folded literally millions sheets of paper over the past 30 years.  When designing your marketing pieces taking in consideration the fold and implementing it to be a dynamic part of the piece is "marketSMART"


So if you're looking to add some finishing flair to your next marketing piece.....


Unique, eye-catching folds offer so much room to flex your creativity! When creating your next masterpiece, here are some fun print folds to consider:


Sliding Message Sleeve Mailers


To fuel engagement with your prospects, try a die-cut envelope that peaks through to a sleeve mailer inside.


Upon first glance, readers see one message or image. But when they slip the inner card out of the envelope, a brilliant reveal appears from the back panel.  


Accordion Folds


Accordion folds are great because they fold down small but hold a great deal of information.


Accordion folds resemble the letter “Z” and zig-zag back and forth, dividing a page into thirds (or even sixths!). Use them for brochures, mini-booklets, or sticker-sealed mailers. The average accordion-folded sheet includes two folds and six panels of design space (front and back). Make the most of your real estate with this flexible, engaging design.


Poster Folds with a Zip Strip


Looking to send something large in a pocket-sized package?


Try a zip strip opener with an inner package that unfolds to a unique shape or size. Whether the folded section is wide and narrow or opens as an iron-cross brochure, this small package blooms bright for a big, memorable impact.


Roll Folds


Rolls folds consist of four or more panels that roll into each other.


Also known as a barrel fold, this option is perfect when you have a considerable amount of content but you need to keep the finished product as compact as possible. Roll folds also spark curiosity and depth as you reveal a new message or theme with each opening panel.


Exotic Folds


Like intricate origami, exotic folds are non-standard, completely unique folds created to a designer’s specifications.


Though they can be expensive, exotic folds allow you to stretch the limits in unforgettable ways. From a flower-petaled postcard to a custom-printed folding box, these highly tailored pieces will give your media a fancy, luxurious edge.


Pop-up Folds


When you want to add extra dimension to your booklet or brochure, go 3D with a die-cut and fold technique that creates a pop-up feature from within.


Pop-up pieces should instantly pique customer interest with a direct focus on the product or service you are promoting. Examples might include:



  • A performing arts invitation that reveals a pop-out “stage” once the card is unfolded

  • A fold-over mailer or brochure designed to look like a briefcase, which springs open to deliver your unforgettable offer

  • An architect’s brochure that brings to life a 3D city skyline, with revitalized storefronts in the center

A Shape That Tells Your Story


No matter what fold or design you choose, remember your story should play the starring role.


Choose a focused narrative and weave it through your imagery, tabs, pullouts, pop-up text, or brochure copy. From fun folds to creative exterior packaging, great designs will blend all these elements to share your clever, cohesive story. 


Want to go a cut above the competition? Leverage your printed piece’s shape to add character or dimension people just won’t forget!


If you would like to speak with one of our team members about your current marketing efforts or upcoming marketing campaigns feel free to give us a call at 843-248-2574 or email us at info@duplicatesink.com.


 


 

Friday, September 18, 2020

Share Your Brand Story to Create Distinct, Authentic Connections

At Duplicates INK - marketSMART we have learned that in a noisy marketplace, businesses must work smarter to grab prospects and lock in loyalty.  Hence our name Duplicates INK - marketSMART.


But the desire for relationship is mutual. According to Cheetah Mobile marketing director Josh Ong, customers don’t just want to buy, they want to buy into something:


“Millennials are more likely than any other demographic to be brand loyal. But millennials don’t choose which brand to be loyal to at random, instead, they are highly attuned to the story that a brand tells, as well as the values that brand exhibits.”


No one can resist a good story! Need proof? Here’s a fun brand story from eyewear retailer Warby Parker:


Warby was founded as a rebellious upstart to tackle the problem of expensive eyewear because of a frustrating personal experience. During a backpacking trip, one of Warby’s founders lost his glasses. Since he was a broke grad student, he couldn’t afford to replace them, and he spent the rest of the semester squinting.


By circumventing traditional channels, designing glasses in-house, and engaging with customers directly, Warby now provides higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. The company believes buying glasses should be easy, fun, and should leave money in your pocket. Warby also believes everyone has a right to see, and they partner with nonprofits like VisionSpring to ensure that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.


Warby sums up its brand story in this simple phrase: good eyewear, good outcome.  


4 Traits of Captivating Brand Stories


A brand story is a valuable marketing asset.


It sharpens your values, shapes your message, and guides your sales. Here are common traits of brands with especially effective stories:


1. Start with Problems


From the beginning, successful brands have identified market needs or specific injustices.


Sharing their journey in confronting or solving these issues builds a very compelling narrative. The founder often retains an active role and holds a starring role in the company’s ever-evolving story.


2. Embrace Underdog Status


Everyone loves an underdog.


Brands that are (or were) on the outsider are considered disruptors. Their adventures in confronting the establishment make them easy to love and fun to listen to.


3. Foster Niche Lifestyle Communities


Brands that have a clear identity and purpose can to form more meaningful connections that result in truly devoted fans.


Make your brand integral to the lifestyle your prospects covet. When emotional attachments to brands are built, this connection often starts with a shared conviction or a particular life vision.


4. Stand for Something Specific


Most people aren’t particularly loyal to a company; instead, they are loyal to what that company stands for.


A recent study published by the Harvard Business Review showed that, of those consumers that had a strong relationship with a brand or business, 64 percent cited “shared values” as the primary reason. Companies that stand for more than just dollar signs will forge emotional connections with their customers.


Whether its fostering sustainability or giving back to specific communities, a commitment to social good can make your brand story more authentic and memorable.


Share Your Story Today


What is your brand story?


You may believe you don’t have a story to tell, but that’s just not true! Every firm can share a portrait of who they are and why they exist. This may include your mission, inspiration, or goals and it can be shared through direct mail, photography, banners, blogs, and any medium that authentically touches people.


Stories create something your clients want to be part of, building confidence and receptivity. People buy into what they trust, so find your story and share it today!


If you would like help exploring, developing and polishing your story give one of our expert marketing minds a call and lets explore together.


Duplicates INK - marketSMART
843-248-2574
www.duplicatesink.com
info@duplicatesink.com