Just a heads up – we’re currently offering 5,000 business cards for $189. Before you consider printing your next batch though, think about including social media links.

Social media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) is a valuable marketing tool allowing real-time interaction with your customers. Should you include it in on your business cards though? Here are five quick questions to keep in mind before deciding:

1. Do you have a person to regularly update all social media portals? People like to see consistency, follow-through and a live debate. If updates aren’t regularly made, potential customers might mistake it for your level of service.

2. Do your updates/tweets fall in line with your company’s messaging? Friends and followers are interested in getting your insight and information on the company. So try and stick to industry and company related updates.

3. Can you commit to responding to people within a certain timeframe? Social media is a great way to interact and put a face to the brand allowing you to gain clients and connections alike.

4. Is it appropriate? Does you business necessarily call for a social media outlet? If not, maybe it simply requires one portal to get the message out.

5. Do you have a plan of response for negative feedback? Social media is known for demanding instant feedback. Be prepared for a negative comment, and have a plan in place to execute in case it should happen.

Follow us at @1800Postcards, and enter our contest too!

We see tons of flyers roll through our presses everyday.

However, to get the most out of flyers there are a few simple rules to keep in mind. We’ve compiled the checklist below to help you get the maximum results out of your campaign.

1. Content – Include a call to action, display eye catching images, have a focal point and don’t over complicate the design

2. Size – Consider a die-cut flyer. A customized cut flyer promoting your cause will stand out among the typical 8.5 X 11.

3. Get help! – In order to blanket a targeted region, and make the most of your time – hire some help. Depending on your budget, you could hire a street team that specializes in distribution, or simply go to local websites such as Craigslist.

4. Region – Where do your potential clients like to spend their time? Where will they be most likely to listen? (i.e., beach, mall, golf tournament, car wash, etc.)

5. Results – Measure how effective your outreach was by including a discount segmented by date; thus allowing you to track who, when and where a particular flyer was given.

6. Double check your grammar! The quickest way to lose credibility is to have a multiple errors on a full size flyer.

7. Limit your fonts to two. This will allow an easy read and target more attention to your content.

We’d love to hear from you! Please drop us a line so we can discuss the full possibilities of flyer marketing.

Business cards (we like to think of them as “mini billboards”) are the introduction and farewell to all interactions. They leave a lasting impression for prospective clients and future partners.

To make sure you get the most out of business cards, keep these simple tips in mind:

1. Connect with your contact. No one likes to receive junk mail, so why treat business cards as such? The key to attracting attentive eyeballs to your business cards are to connect with the receiver.

2. Have them on you at all times. Small talk can happen at anytime, any place. Leave some emergency business cards in your wallet, purse, glove compartment, etc.

3. Are most of your clients in another country? Be sure to translate your business card on the opposite side so people have your contact information.

4. When receiving a business card, make sure to look at it. Noting the person’s title navigates conversation correctly, and also shows you care about the giver’s role in the company.

5. Write notes on the back and be sure to follow up. The point of business cards are to network, be sure to follow-up the next day with a simple great to meet you. Without one line of communication, the business card is dead to the world.

Test these tips out and print using our special sale going on now – 1000 business cards for $79.

We receive hundreds of phone calls everyday at 1800 postcards. Many questions range from printing and billing inquiries to mailing and pick-up times.

The team has compiled some of our most frequently asked questions about each product to help you understand our full suite of offerings. The next series of emails will focus on answering many of the questions we encounter on a daily basis in hopes that you experience an easy and convenient printing experience from start to finish.

Below are our top five frequently asked questions:

1) What are the different types of brochure folds?

We feature 5 unique brochure folds. These folds include half fold, gate fold, z-fold, accordian fold and the traditional letter fold. Although these folds are most popular, we can accommodate most custom folds.

2.) What is bleed and trim?

Bleed describes the edges of the document. To prevent a white border from showing at the edge it is necessary to extend background color or artwork to the very edge. Trim lines are the finished size of the document, where the document is cut close or almost exactly to. Due to the mechanics of printing, the actual cut can take place anywhere between the bleed and trim lines. We suggest keep text and artwork within these areas. To ensure an exact cut, please extend all borders and artwork by an 1/8″ on all sides.

*For example, if you would like your final brochure to print 8.5 x 11 please make sure your document is 8.75 x 11.25.

3) What are the standard sizes for brochures?

Our more popular standard brochures sizes are 8.5×5.5, 8.5×11, 8.5×14, 11×17. Although we are able to accommodate most custom sizes.

4) What stocks do you offer?

We offer six different text and card stocks for brochure printing which include 80 lb. gloss text, 100 lb. gloss text, 80 lb. dull text, 100 lb. dull text, 80 lb. gloss card and 100 lb. gloss card. Please note, card stocks are slightly thicker than text weight. Take a look at our website to learn more about our stocks (under the paper tab).

5) What are the finishing options?

We offer a UV high gloss finish. We can add a UV high gloss finish to one side or both sides of your brochure. The finish adds a sheen to the document giving it a laminated look and feel which accentuates colors and increases durability.

Did you know 1800 Postcards is one of the few companies offering custom digitally printed inkjet banners – cut to your exact measurements?

In fact, we offer banners starting as small as 24″ x 36″ up to a maximum width of 51″ with an infinite length. Available in vinyl banner, hi-gloss poster paper, matte poster paper and more; they provide great ways to advertise your company.

When designing banners, it is important to run through this basic design checklist:

1. Know the Call to Action – Know what you want your readers to do before you design the banner. You want to be as concise as possible.
2. Determine the Correct Letter and Image Size – How far will your audience be? This will determine how much space you can work on.
3. Use simple images – Use images that are easily identifiable, and use a solid background, especially if your banner will be for long-range viewing.
4. Climate – The type of material your banner is printed on will largely be determined on the climate.
For three additional ideas on banner designs, see our blog.

If you need help creating your banner, give Alexis a call to discuss the endless possibilities: 212-741-1070 ext. 603.

Since reducing our prices by up to 80%, a number of great brochures have passed through our graphic design department. When looking at the designs, we see some great designs which speak volumes to prospective customers. We see that aside from visually appealing art, you must also considered size, dimension, folds and paper type.

Below are our top three points to consider when constructing your next brochure.

1. Put Yourself in the Reader’s Shoes – The opening of the brochure should align with the reader’s train of thought. Prospective clients should be interested in opening each flap. Consider asking questions by including facts or appealing imagery.

2. Give It Value – Have the content, size, dimensions and gloss of the brochure worth keeping. Consider what would would make the prospect keep brochure – would it be bright colors, slick design or perhaps a die-cut pattern?

3. Easy to Read – Don’t be afraid of text! Text is good, it should aim to answer the reader’s questions. Just remember to place the text in an easily flowing structure. Readers will want to read all of the content if there is easy construction.

4. Know Your Customer – The format, text, images and colors should all speak to your target audience. As a result, don’t be afraid to create a few brochures which speak to different targets. Segmentation is always useful for tracking a brochure’s success as well as providing a tailored customer experience.

5. Keep all imagery consistent – Your brochure is an integral part of the company. As such, taking the proper amount of time to finalize it, and review each desgin should be a priority.

Don’t forget to check out our new brochure pricing – up to 80% off!

Business cards are the quintessential piece that represent you and your company once an introduction has ended. They not only depict your personality, but your company’s brand as a whole. Business cards must reflect you and your company harmoniously, while still helping you rise above the noise.

Below are some tips to keep in mind when designing your next business card. We offer plenty of business card options – complete with various colors, card stocks, glosses and die-cuts. Use the tips below, and then give us a call to see how we can help you on your next order.

1. Make them conversation starters: Consider different techniques to stand out. Use a unique die-cut pattern, consider a 200 lb. double-thick cover, include a unique image like a google barcode.
2. Include media links: This is a unique way to keep the conversation alive and display your business on a personal level. Include these links (i.e., facebook, twitter, linkedin) on the backside of the card, or in place of your fax number.
3. Customize, customize, customize: Going to a big conference and know that you’re going to hand out a lot of cards at a niche trade show? Order a small amount of 250 or 500 and include a graphic or tag-line that speaks to that audience.

Take a peek at our business card tool and design one yourself, or work with our graphic designers to customize a card that helps you stand out.

Good luck on meeting your next big lead!

Want to improve attendance at your next event? Save the date postcards are the first step. They provide the introduction, and build buzz to generate attendance. They are typically sent before the official invitation, and within 4-6 months before the actual date – providing the perfect opportunity to alert guests.

Save the date postcards can be applied to a multitude of events too, such as: family reunions, weddings, product launches, movie premiers, doctor’s appointments, birthdays,  album releases, etc.

A successful save the date postcard is designed to answer any lingering questions guests might have. The less questions, the less ambiguity, the higher the turn-out. Run through the checklist below to make sure your postcard addresses the following questions:

1. Time, Date, Location
2. Reason for attendance
3. Appropriate attire
4. Contact information

Print your save the date postcards with us and our new pricing. Also see our mailing service to make your planning easy. Simply send us the design with a list of contacts and we’ll take care of the rest.

Get creative with your card. Keep these design techniques in mind:

1. Use die-cut patterns - Stretch your mind and try to think of ways to incorporate shapes that relate to your event. Bells for wedding, wine glass for wine tasting, toothbrush for dentist appointments, etc.
2. Use imagery – Use images that relate to the event as a backdrop. For a wedding, use pictures of the couple; product launch use pictures of the product, etc.
3. Easy Flow – The easier to read the more conveniently your guests can skim the card, and add to their calendar.

Good luck on the event!

Google banners have evolved into a pop culture phenomenon – symbolizing culture, events and historical movements. They are also a welcoming home screen to many who surf the web at home and work. Below is a timeline of google banners from around the world that we loved. They creatively express what is going on during a certain time period – while still remaining within the Google imagery. Enjoy and thank you for reading

Aug 30, 1998 – Burning Man festival

Nov 26, 1998 – Happy Thanksgiving! – (US)

Nov 30, 1999 – ‘Uncle Sam’ search – (US)

Feb 14, 2000 – On February 14th, Google showed its affection with this logo and an applet created by Ken Perlin. – (Global)

Jun 18, 2000 – Father’s Day – (Global)

Jul 01, 2000 Declaration of Independence – (US)

Sep 20, 2000 – 2000 Summer Games in Sydney – Track Field – (Global)

Oct 31, 2000 – Google’s guest illustrator for Halloween 2000 was Lorie Loeb – (US)

Jan 24, 2001 – Chinese New Year – (Global)

Dec 22, 2001 – Holiday Series 2001

Jan 01, 2002 – Happy New Year – (Global)

Apr 23, 2002 – St. George’s Day – (UK)

Mar 14, 2003 – Albert Einstein’s Birthday – (Global)

Apr 25, 2003 – 50th Anniversary of Understanding DNA – (Global)

Aug 15, 2003  Korean Liberation Day – (Korea)

Nov 15, 2003 – Shichigosan – (Japan)

Jan 15, 2004 – Spirit on Mars – (Global)

Aug 01, 2004 – Swiss National Day – (Switzerland)

Oct 04, 2004 -  SpaceShipOne wins the X Prize – (Global)

Mar 30, 2005 – Vincent Van Gogh’s Birthday – (Global)

May 03, 2005 – Teacher’s Day – (US)

Sep 17, 2005 – Mexico Independence Day – (Mexico)

Nov 01, 2005 – Melbourne Cup – (Australia)

Mar 17, 2006 – St. Patrick’s Day – (US)

Apr 22, 2006 – Earth Day – (Global)

Sep 27, 2006 – Google 8th Anniversary – (Global)

Oct 03, 2006 – Deutschland Reunification – (Germany)

Jan 16, 2007 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – (US)

Apr 23, 2007 – Turkey Children’s Day – (Turkey)

Aug 08, 2007 – Countdown to 2008 Beijing Olympic Games – (China)

Nov 11, 2007 – Veteran’s Day – (US)

Jan 28, 2008 – 50th Anniversary of the LEGO Brick – (Global)

May 29, 2008 – Anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest – (Global)

Aug 27, 2008 – Tomato Festival – (Spain)

Nov 04, 2008 – Election Day – (US)

Jan 21, 2009 – Grandparent’s Day – (Poland)

Apr 21, 2009 – Kartini Day – (Indonesia)

Jul 23, 2009 – Comic-Con® 2009 – Design and pencil Jim Lee, ink by Scott Williams, and color by Alex Sinclair, © DC Comics – (US)

Dec 08, 2009 – E.C. Segar’s Birthday – Popeye – (Global)

Feb 27, 2010 – Winter Olympics – Speed Skating – (Global)

May 29, 2010 – John Harsányi’s Birthday – (Hungary)

Door hangers , a product we can customize for you, provide a great opportunity to target a demographic within a specific region. In addition to gaining increased brand visibility, the act of going door-to-door allows you to learn about the socio-econoimcs, age range, social views, family make-up and needs of a certain group.

Aside from the knowledge gained, door hangers can be extremely helpful in attracting new customers. Just be aware that they are highly competitive in certain areas – with some houses receiving hangers on a daily basis (i.e., apartments complexes and town houses). That being said, the competition is high. In order to make your hanger stand above the rest, it is important to keep these few design principals in mind:

1. Keep the message simple. There are only a few seconds of mindshare. So limit the amount of words to 10, and use imagery to convey your message.

2. Easy Design. Use bright colors to attract eyeballs. However, keep hues within the same family. The number one problem of many hanger designs are disjointed color patterns.

3. Die-cut. Stretch your creativity with custom cutting. Use shapes relating to your business.

4. Personalize. Marketing 101, keep it personal. Include an image representative of the community (i.e., high school mascot, high school colors, etc.)

5. Contact information. Make sure you include a call to action – call, order, visit or buy. The address should be clear, concise and at the bottom.

6. Call us! We see door hanger designs pass through our offices. Work with one of our graphic designers to create a custom design that speaks to your business.

Did you know that 1800 Postcards offers printing products, such as door hangers, not listed on our site? We cater to any printing need you might have. Simply call Alexis to see how we can be of service: 212-741-1332 ext. 603