Printing is still a core part of business communication, marketing, and branding. But before you approve a project with your printer, one critical decision can impact your budget, quality, and timeline: should you use digital or offset printing? Both methods have unique strengths and ideal use cases.

When building a print budget, think beyond pieces with your logo on them. Include operational materials, signage updates, events, mailings, and internal documents. A realistic budget reflects the full lifecycle of how print supports your organization — not just the most visible pieces.

Printing can be expensive, but most organizations don’t realize how much of that expense is tied to choices made before the press ever starts. From design decisions to post-mailing savings, every stage of the process offers opportunities to trim costs while maintaining — or even improving — the effectiveness of your printed materials.

Adding texture and shine to your printed pieces can elevate your materials and create a memorable impression. Embossing and foil stamping are two techniques that enhance tactile and visual appeal, but they require careful planning to achieve the best results while managing costs. Understanding the process, materials, and design considerations is essential for a professional finish.

Printing is more than putting ink on paper — it’s about reproducing images accurately and making colors pop in a way that reflects your brand. To get the best results, it’s essential to understand how images are processed, how inks behave, and how the paper and viewing environment affect the final printed piece. Paying attention to these factors ensures consistent, high-quality results every time.

In direct mail marketing, who you send to can matter even more than what you send. Conventional wisdom says that 40% of a campaign’s success comes from the quality of the mailing list.

When it comes to print projects, packaging runs, or promotional mailers, how you ship is just as important as what you ship. Smart planning at the start of a project can save money, prevent delays, and keep your client (or your boss) happy. Shipping isn’t just about boxes and labels—it’s about strategy, timing, and clear communication.

Students seem to live on their phones these days. They've grown up with TikTok, Instagram, and endless digital notifications. Parents go online for school information and get news and updates via school emails. Teachers teach with digital tools.

Marketing may look different today with emails, social media, and digital ads complementing the use of direct mail – but it is still about solid messaging delivered where your readers with a solid call to action.

Postcards remain one of the most efficient and effective forms of direct mail. They’re quick to create, inexpensive to mail, and easy for your audience to absorb at a glance.

Even consumers who say that they detest mail advertising will open and study direct mailings that promise interesting benefits

In a world flooded with digital noise, the most effective fundraising messages are often the ones people can hold in their hands.

Once a curious little square tucked onto packaging and posters, QR codes gained traction during COVID and have become one of the most versatile tools in marketing today.

While marketing methods have evolved, many time-tested truths still guide what works best. The insights below, drawn from years of proven experience, show that understanding how people read, react, and respond remains just as important as ever. Whether it’s a simple format tweak or a stronger offer, these details can make a measurable difference.

Trade shows are a major investment of time, money, and effort. Between booth space, travel, lodging, design, production, and staffing, the costs can add up quickly.

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Years ago, marketing consultants Brad and Alan Antin distilled decades of selling experience into their book, Secrets from the Lost Art of Common Sense Marketing. Their insights focus on clarity, customer focus, and actionable results. Rather than chasing flashy campaigns, they emphasized practical strategies that get measurable results.

Marketers are often tempted to use unusual, novelty creative content, but when it comes to advertising copywriting, the basics usually outperform flashy or clever ideas. The fundamentals—clear messaging, strong offers, and easy calls to action—are what engage and entice people to respond. As the saying goes, tried and true ideas are often the best ideas.

For growing businesses, postcards have long been a reliable and cost-effective marketing tool. They offer the promotional punch of direct mail without the expense of envelope packages, making them especially appealing for companies that want measurable results with a graphic edge while on a budget.

Trade shows can be one of the most powerful opportunities for businesses to generate leads, build relationships, and showcase their offerings. Yet, despite the thousands of dollars companies invest—between booth rental, design, staffing, travel, hotels, and meals—much of that investment often goes to waste.

A well-crafted printed newsletter is more than just a communication tool—it is a strategic way to stay visible, build trust, and strengthen relationships with your customers in a digitally exhaustive world.