Print Materials

Why use printed materials?

Why are print materials important in this era of the internet? Because, quite frankly, we are physical beings in a physical world. We gather information about products and services by using our senses. The more we see, touch, smell, hear and interact with something the more likely we are to remember what we've learned.

Online media (websites, phones, social media) works with three of our senses beautifully; we see, interact, and hear about things there. But that world is virtual, and flat. It cannot be touched and manipulated in real space. It is not tactile, it does not feel "real," and it does not have a persistent presence or "staying power."

Printed media (brochures, postcards, business cards, posters, books, promotional literature, etc.) should never be underrated, especially in a "paperless" environment. For one thing, the exposure of brochure or postcard is substantial and repetitive. You reach more than one consumer if your material is sitting on a desk or countertop, and you have multiple exposures with your target consumer if they need to touch and move your materials over time. And, for people who are not on the computer for their day job, paper may still be one of the best ways to reach them.

Because we are a full-service marketing firm, Act One Creative has been creating dynamic printed work for many years. We are familiar with using PMS colors, 4-color process, direct digital printing, special varnishes and coatings, many different papers, various inks, specialty treatments (embossing, diecutting, pop-ups, foil stamping), unique folds and structures, dielines for product labels and containers, how to adapt ads for newspapers and magazines, and much more. If you are considering adding print to your marketing campaign, please contact us to learn more about how we can help.

What are the benefits of using print?

When trying to determine if your marketing campaign would benefit from printed materials, ask yourself the following questions:

Would a dramatic size or presence help drive home your message? If so, a large format poster or tradeshow booth may be in order.

Would repeated exposure help build momentum? Try a postcard series or advertising that reinforces your core product messages in a clever way.

Would you like to provide a convenient way for people to have your contact information? Consider a business card or a product tag which provides basic details and drives business to your website or social media pages for more information or special incentives.

Are you trying to set yourself apart from the competition? In recent years many businesses have turned to the internet for much of their advertising and neglected their printed materials. A way you can stand out from your competition is by providing print in addition to your online endeavors.

What style appeals to your target consumer? If you are targeting a high-tech consumer, glossy printed materials with unique varnishes, transparent papers or other contemporary printing can work well to reinforce your overall impression and messaging, even while much of your advertising is delivered online. Conversely, if you want to target a consumer in the natural food industry who is not regularly on the computer, you may want to provide unique, hands-on, natural print materials, using paper from sustainable forests, that can be handed out at farmer's markets, CSA's or cooperative markets.

Would creative delivery and/or packaging help your product? What impression does your packaging leave with the consumer? Are your labels, containers, and packing slips reflecting the character of your business?

If you are a creative industry, are your materials unique, playful, or interactive? Would special folds, popups, enclosures, bindings, etc. leave a strong lasting impression and help convey the unique culture surrounding your product or service?

Would your consumers respond well to print? This depends on the demographic you are targeting. What is the age of your consumer? How do they gather information about products and services? Are they physically active at work, or are they using a computer? Do they use smart phones, or social media regularly? Are they more likely to get their knowledge about your products/services through friends or through other means? 

How you answer these