Welcome to our Blog!

July 14, 2009

Trade shows typically produce lower-cost leads than other communications strategies. Theyâ??re the best vehicle for a new company in the Charlotte area to attract its first customers and the most cost-effective way for small manufacturers in the Caroliinas with specialized products to find prospects.

Many times, small companies lack the resources to discover which companies need their product. At a  industry trade show, hundreds, if not thousands, of people may walk by you booth.  Those interested in your company's products or services will probably stop to talk, pickup printed literature, view video clips and allow you to make a case for buying your product or service. In the Charlotte area we are blessed with an incredible facility and staff at the Charlotte Convention Center that attracts convention and trade show traffic from all over the world.   Charlotte area businesses have ready access to displaying your capabilities to people who have flown or driven thousands of miles to come to the big show. Local, company-promoted specialty shows, such as bridal fairs, equipment shows, home and garden shows, and boat shows, offer another popular option. If you're a member of the local chamber of commerce, you might even consider hosting a booth at the next business after hours event. Whatever trade shows you decide to attend, make sure you let Heritage Printing and Graphics help you develop a compelling trade show display that will attract prospects to your booth.   Then let Heritage help you design printed materials that will help you depict your product or service in a professional, attractive way.   Use these brochures and catalogs to highlight your competitive advantage, and provide a way for prospects to contact you to request more information.  So attenders of the trade show do not forget you, allow us to help you select advertising specialities that will keep you top of mind well after the trade show is over.

Joe Gass, President Heritage Printing and Graphics 5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Suite G Charlotte, North Carolina 704-551-0700 www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com

Â

Â

Â

Simplicity is often seen, but it s a concept that is not easily explained. For some graphic designers, it's second nature. For others, it involves much forethought. Today's designers are trending toward more simple, clutter-free designs, as they return to simplicity. Here are some examples of how the traditional theme of less is more is used:

• Advertising Not only can simple ads grab attention, but their short and to the point messages are also easier to comprehend. The concept of "less is more" is especially effective when writing ad copy.
• Catalogs and Brochures Catalogs and brochures are expected to be a vast source of information, yet readers appreciate when they are simplified, organized, and easy to read and comprehend. Simplicity is often its own reward since it encourages increased use.
• Packaging Like a poster, a package needs to attract the eye within seconds of its initial viewing. In recent years, shelves have been jammed with products whose designers have attempted to out-design one another. This gives simple package designs featuring primary colors, bold copy, white space, and clean design the ability to effectively break through the clutter.
• Identity Not only do logos convey the personality of a company, but they also offer a memorable impression. Simple designs that incorporate a company's complex ideas are the root of a logo's power.

One of the perks of being a designer is the ability to develop a personality or character for a company or product. For designers, simplicity means a return to basics, but not at the expense of creative design. Joe Gass, President Heritage Printing and Graphics 5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Ste G, Charlotte, North Carolina 704-910-9914 www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com

In todayâ??s hectic world of busy meetings, e-mail overload, and nonstop sales calls, it can be refreshing to browse a creatively designed direct mail marketing piece at your own leisure.   Direct mail is one of the only forms of advertising that lets you precisely pinpoint your target audience in Charlotte, NC and receive fast, measurable results. Unlike advertising in mass media such as Charlotte area radio or television, direct mail allows you to define precisely who you're speaking to and tailor your message accordingly. For example, if you own a lawm care service in Huntersville, you wouldnâ??t waste time or money targeting apartment tenants in uptown Charlotte.   Budgeting is also easier with a direct mail campaign, since you can control the number of pieces you send out on campaigns. Not only do you know who received the mailing and how much each piece of cost you, you can also track how many responses came back. This information makes it easy to calculate the return on investment for your campaigns.   There are many types of direct mailing ideas to choose from. Here are a few popular examples:

• Postcards. They are a great miniature billboard and take only seconds to read. Your message is also exposed to an exponential amount of people as it travels through the mail and around your office. Postcards are also great for perforated coupons and loyal customer cards.
• Self-mailers. Self-mailers attract attention because they are quick to open, and they are convenient from a mailing perspective because they eliminate the need for envelopes and stuffing. Strong graphics and a powerful sales message make it difficult to ignore.
• Newsletters. Many customers look forward to receiving an upbeat newsletter filled with knowledgeable tips, tricks, and other relevant industry information. Newsletter direct mail is also a great way to build relationships with your customers and prospects.
• Creative packaging. Oversized or translucent envelopes will not only attract attention and stand apart in a pile of mail, but they are more likely to get opened and create a memorable impression for your business. Create more impact with a custom designed mailing label to promote your brand image.

In addition to creating top-of-mind awareness program to your prospects in Charlotte, direct marketing is also a great way to support your outside sales staff.  Direct mail pieces are a great lead-in for many conversations that lead to sales.   If your Charlotte area business needs help creating your next direct mail campaign pieces, look no further. Our team of experts can help you along every step of the way to achieve direct marketing success in Charlotte. Turn to us for creative strategy and state-of-the-art print production. Our experienced staff is eager to exceed your expectations and provide the right solution for your direct marketing campaign. Joe Gass, President Heritage Printing and Graphics 3601 Rose Lake Drive Charlotte, North Carolina 704-910-9914 www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com