Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

What’s COVID-19’s Long-Term Impact on Mail?

Published April 1, 2020

What will be the long-term impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the printing industry? There are three possibilities: It will shift even more communications to digital channels as marketers reduce their direct mail spend during the lockdown and keep it that way; direct mail volume will remain unchanged; or direct mail could see a resurgence as marketers and their customers develop a newfound appreciation for the channel they’ve been missing.

Got a 3D Printer? Save a Life

Published March 25, 2020

As the world reels from the impact of the coronavirus and the increasing scarcity of critical medical equipment like masks, gloves, and ventilators, the 3D maker community is stepping in to do its part. Do you have a 3D printer? Join the movement.

Marketers Aren’t Always Using the Most Effective Channels, Even When They Know What They Are

Published March 18, 2020

According to new research from Printing for Less (PFL) and Demand Metric, marketers are not always using the most effective channels, even when they know what they are. Instead, they use the channels they know and are most familiar with. A look at some intriguing data on channel use and channel effectiveness, including types of direct mail.

Which to Choose: Natural Language or PR Speak?

Published March 11, 2020

How we speak to our customers matters. Are you using natural language or that “PR speak” that investors love but that causes the average person to tune out?

The Impersonal Personalized Letter

Published March 4, 2020

Today I received a marketing letter that was an interesting twist on the use of faux handwriting to make a communication feel more personal. But instead of the handwriting being on the front, it peeked through a window on the back.

Neiman Marcus Shines a Spotlight on OptiChannel Marketing (Yes, Opti, not Omni)

Published February 26, 2020

A short case study from Neiman Marcus that includes direct mail shines a spotlight on the importance of a term we don’t hear much anymore, but maybe we should revive—optichannel marketing.

We Know Martech Works—Here’s Proof

Published February 19, 2020

According to new research, marketing technology does more than make marketing automation easier. It results in higher response rates and higher ROI. A look at a study from Printing for Less (PFL) and Demand Metric.

Lessons from Resonate’s “State of the Consumer” Report

Published February 12, 2020

Reports like Resonate’s “State of the Consumer Report” provide valuable insight into buyer types and how to understand and segment them in ways that help you develop great targeted copy. But before you can develop personalized or targeted content, there is a more fundamental question to ask. Once this question is answered, your targeting and personalization efforts will have maximum success.

Marketers Are Starting to “Get” the Real Benefits of Personalization

Published February 5, 2020

According to data from Evergage/Research International, marketers are starting to “get” one of the most fundamental values of personalized experiences. Yes, personalization drives immediate sales, but more importantly, it creates better customer experiences and higher customer loyalty, which drive better ROI over time. The shift from a short-term to a long-term perspective is great news for everyone producing personalized campaigns, whether they are doing online personalization or not.

New Insight into Why Targeting Works

Published January 29, 2020

When we think about creating relevance in marketing communications, we think about personalizing based on traditional factors such as demographics and past purchases. But the principle of “liking” adds another useful dimension to the equation.

Want More Donor Revenue? Write a Better Thank You Letter

Published January 22, 2020

Data insights and expert testimony tell a powerful tale: a nonprofit’s “thank you” letter matters more than many people might think. Get it right and donors feel great and are motivated to keep giving. Get it wrong and they disconnect. So get it right!

Creative Ways to Market in Print You Probably Haven’t Considered

Published January 15, 2020

Collection of print case studies showcasing how print can be used in ways that most of us have never considered. While many case studies showcase the high-end “most clients can’t afford this” kind of possibilities, these show the use of simple, traditional techniques in ways that make you stop and say, “I wish I’d thought of that!”

CMO Council Survey: Channel Choice Matters

Published January 8, 2020

To find out what consumers really think about channel preferences, the CMO Council surveyed 2,000 consumers in English-speaking countries across the world. The takeaway? Understanding, tracking, and responding to consumers’ channel preferences has never been more important.

10 Industry Changes That Make Me Grateful

Published December 18, 2019

Looking back, the industry has changed considerably in 20+ years. Here is a list of 10 changes for which I am grateful. How about you?

Basic Personalization Isn’t Enough Anymore

Published December 11, 2019

Where are retailers along the curve of personalized marketing? What is the ROI? What works and what doesn’t? These were some of the questions Liveclicker wanted to answer with its report “Driving Value with Advanced Personalization.” The takeaway? Basic personalization isn’t enough anymore.

Trends in Digital Video Advertising

Published December 4, 2019

Round-up of digital video advertising trends and top-line data on the digital video advertising market.

Before-and-After Shots Show Anti-Greenwashing Efforts Are Working

Published November 27, 2019

Two Sides North America has been on a campaign to remove greenwashing. Here’s visual evidence that it’s working.

Survey: Consumers’ Willingness to Give Up Personal Data is Waning

Published November 20, 2019

In the past, surveys have shown that people are willing to provide their personal data in exchange for personalized experiences, but new research from the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) shows that this willingness is changing. What’s going on?

Do Consumers Love QR Codes and Just Don’t Know It?

Published November 13, 2019

What happens when you show people they can save time by holding their phones up to a black-and-white graphic and connecting directly to a website? I’m having the opportunity to watch it happen in real time.

3D Printing: Taking It to the People

Published November 6, 2019

A 3D print shop displaying at a local art fair? Why not? Isn’t that where many of its customers are?

Survey Looks at Adoption of Augmented Reality

Published October 30, 2019

Will augmented reality finally gain widespread adoption in print and digital marketing communications? When will it move beyond enterprise applications, gaming, and social media? To find out, ARtillry Intelligence worked with Thrive to survey 2000+ U.S. adults.

Promotional Products May Offer More Luxury Than You Think

Published October 23, 2019

When you think of promotional products, what comes to mind? Branded hats and pens? Tote bags? Many printers may not see these items going with their clients’ high-end image, so they may not give these complementary offerings a fair shot. But promotional items can also include high-end luxury items used for C-level executives, influencers, and corporate events. Some, like this company’s products, even offer the trendy element of sustainability.

What Are the Ethics Behind Direct Mail Trickery?

Published October 16, 2019

If you want to grab immediate attention with direct mail, make the mailer look like something other than a traditional letter. Mailers often use envelopes designed to look like USPS Priority Mail, Air Mail, or UPS or FedEx packages. But do some efforts cross the line?

Hey, There’s a Real Person Behind Those “Love Mail” Numbers

Published October 9, 2019

Sometimes we forget that there are real people behind the direct mail data. Last summer, I got to put a face to a data point. It made me wonder, “Now what?”

Fresh Data on the Adoption of Personalization in Direct Mail

Published October 2, 2019

NAPCO Research has released a new report on the use of personalization in direct mail. The report finds that marketers are evenly splitting their campaigns between personalized, segmented, and mass mailing approaches and that highly personalized campaigns are seeing increases in response rates up to 17% in certain market verticals.

Marketing Lessons from Top Retailers vs. Fastest Growing Ones

Published September 25, 2019

Study by Iterable looking at the marketing strategies of “top retailers” vs. “fastest growing retailers” during the two-week period between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The results? The fastest growing retailers were more focused on “near sales,” less likely to send promotional emails, more likely to re-engage abandoned cart shoppers, and less likely to use multiple channels to do it.

Gimmicks or No Gimmicks? The Challenge of Email

Published September 18, 2019

Are “magic” subject lines really magic? Or are they only magic for certain people? Are you tracking who is responding to which? If you know which customers respond to which tactics, you’re way ahead of the game.

Small Business Goals, Challenges, and Marketing Tactics

Published September 11, 2019

According to the Small Business Administration, 89.0% of all businesses in the United States have less than 20 employees. What are the primary goals, challenges, and marketing tactics of these companies? This survey from Taradel provides some insights.

Got Sustainability? PebblePost Says Print Does!

Published September 4, 2019

Usually, when a printer has a sustainability page on its website, the page talks about things like carbon emissions, tree planting, or use of environmentally certified papers. But PebblePost has a sustainability page, too—but it is talking not about consumables and energy use, but how its trigger-based direct mail programs, in themselves, are environmentally friendly. This is a great model for presenting direct mail as an environmentally friendly option that can help marketers meet their sustainability goals.

How Are Consumers Engaging with Digital Content?

Published August 28, 2019

Highlights from 2019 Adobe’s Brand Content Survey, including consumers’ daily digital content usage, usage of multiple devices, and some head-scratching data on their attitudes toward personalization.

Transpromo Messaging: More Likely to Be Seen in Print

Published August 21, 2019

Are your clients buying into the paperless billing trend? If so, this survey from Consumer Action shows that they might want to think twice, especially if they are doing transpromo messaging.

Takeaways on Triggered and Automated Direct Mail

Published August 14, 2019

Takeaways from a recent webinar on triggered and automated direct marketing, both from a high-level technology perspective and from the perspective of a mid-sized printer producing real programs every day.

What Neuroscience Can Tell Us About Why Magazine Ads (and All Good Print Marketing) Work

Published August 8, 2019

Highlights from the white paper “What Can Neuroscience Tell Us About Why Magazine Advertising Works?” Published by the Magazine Publishers Association, the white paper synthesizes years of neuroscience studies on why people understand, recall, and are better motivated by information provided in print rather than digital.

Areas Where Only Print Can Reach (Still)

Published July 31, 2019

We have been hearing for a while that 24% of Americans in rural areas still have no access to broadband, making print critical for marketers looking to reach those areas. This isn’t just a small pocket here and there. There are entire communities, even cities, without broadband access, where only traditional channels like print can reach.

Are You Walking the Customer Retention Walk with Your Customers?

Published July 24, 2019

Whether it’s a print business or any other type of business (such as your customers’ businesses), retaining customers is critical. But knowing how important it is and being able to develop and execute an effective strategy are two different things. Here are five tips you can use to guide your customer retention strategy, as well as your customers’.

Is Heavier Weight Paper Worth It? This Study Says Yes

Published July 17, 2019

Last week, I posted a list of links to neuroscience studies showing the power of print over digital in many areas, including content retention, recall, and willingness to buy. One of those resources contains a reference to a 2015 study that is often overlooked. The study looks not just at print vs. digital, but the weight of the paper, as well. If you are not familiar with this study, you should be.

Neuroscience and Print: Compiled List of Links

Published July 10, 2019

Print and digital communications both have their strengths, but when it comes to comprehension and recall, studies consistently show that information communicated in print is more deeply embedded, recalled with more detail, and creates a more powerful emotional engagement than digital. Here is a compiled list of links on studies on the neuroscience of print, or how our brains respond to print vs. digital communications, listed in chronological order of publication.

Survey: Multichannel Marketing from a Small Business Perspective

Published June 26, 2019

How are small businesses implementing multichannel marketing? What role does direct mail play in those strategies? Taradel decided to find out. This article takes a look at some key findings and takeaways.

Study: Direct Mail Shoppers Are More Engaged, Spend More

Published June 19, 2019

Research from Pebble Post/Murphy Research finds that direct mail shoppers are highly engaged and spend, research, and evangelize more than non-direct mail shoppers. What’s behind this behavior? A look at the data from Pebble Post, as well as others.

Putting Numbers to Direct Mail’s Ability to Drive Purchases

Published June 12, 2019

In concert with Pebble Post, Murphy Research released a study that puts data to what we intuitively know but can’t always document: that direct mail drives purchase consideration and plays a central role in the path to purchase. These are good numbers to have!

Looking to Combine Print with Social? Check Out These Data

Published June 5, 2019

This article looks at the data from Merkle’s “Digital Marketing Report” (Q1 2019). Specifically, it looks at growth (or lack thereof) in ad spending and impressions for the top social media channels.

Study: “Nudge” Customers into Going Green

Published May 29, 2019

Printers have become accustomed to incentivizing customers to use environmentally friendly consumables by minimizing the cost difference from non-green versions. But a new research study shows that this approach may be counter-productive. Would charging more for a “green marketing package” actually increase your customers’ green purchasing intent? This study suggests that the answer is yes.

Do You Have Your “Do Good” On?

Published May 22, 2019

Doing good has become good business practice. We not only see it in action, but the research bears it out, too. Fortunately, we are seeing printers taking up the mantle and investing in various areas of social responsibility, cementing customer relationships and (hopefully) creating positive peer pressure to do the same.

Is In-App Use the Future of QR Codes?

Published May 15, 2019

Is in-app use the future of QR Codes? As in, not a QR Code app, but someone else’s app? Maybe this explains research that shows that QR Code use is increasing.

A Conversation About Web-to-Print With Slava Apel, Founder of Amazing Print

Published May 9, 2019

If today’s online storefronts and web-to-print workflows don’t look anything like they used to, there’s a reason. The software has advanced leaps and bounds from where it was even a few years ago. This interview with founder and CEO of Amazing Print Tech Slava Apel reflects how the technology is changing...and how it is changing those who use it.

Lesson from the Cracker Jack Box: Let’s Use AR Responsibly

Published May 1, 2019

Even as the technology and implementation of augmented reality races forward at blazing speed, many marketers are still stuck in the past. As a result, and as illustrated by my recent experience with the prize in a Cracker Jack box, it hurts the entire industry.

Survey: Does Color Variation Matter as Much as We Think?

Published April 24, 2019

Heidi Tolliver-Walker summarizes Eddy Hagen’s recent study on the impact of product packaging damage and color variation on consumer purchases. Hagen’s surveys always challenge our assumptions, and this one is no different. The conclusion? Color variation isn’t as important to consumers as it is to the rest of us.

Four Millennials and One Gen Z Dish on QR Codes

Published April 17, 2019

I got four Millennials and one Gen Z in a room and peppered them with questions about QR Codes. Did they use them? Why or why not? If they didn’t, what was holding them back? What I discovered is that, in the mind of these generations, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

It’s Not Just Birds That Migrate—Printers Do, Too

Published April 10, 2019

According to a new survey, printers are doing more than adding new products and services. They are migrating into fundamentally new lines of business...and doing it in large numbers.

Early Express Rocks with Direct Mail Retargeting

Published April 1, 2019

Direct mail retargeting used to be a new and untested technique. Today, an increasing number of PSPs are offering it, and the results are pouring in. Here are two terrific examples from Early Express.

Do You Practice This Art of Top Print Executives?

Published March 27, 2019

There is a trait that top executives of growing print companies share. It’s the art of being still and listening. Here are three examples of how top print executives do this in their own way...and why.

Forget Passalongs—What If Print Is “Shared” Instead?

Published March 20, 2019

Traditionally, when people share a printed piece they have received with others, we use the term “pass-along.” But what if we want to think about print in a more current context? What if we started using the term “shared” instead?” In other words, what if we started thinking about print the same way we think about digital channels?

Do You Know the Psychology of Discounts and Deals?

Published March 13, 2019

Part of being a marketing services provider is helping your clients with their marketing, and this goes beyond integrating marketing channels and improving databases. It includes selecting and tweaking the right offers, too. Studies on this topic provide fascinating insight into the psychology of discounts and deals.

Is the Offer One of Your Database Variables?

Published March 6, 2019

To move the needle on direct mail responses, your customers may change up their copy, their images, or their list. But what about their offers? A new Bed Bath & Beyond mailer raises an interesting question.

When Did High-Speed Inkjet Become Just Another Capital Investment?

Published February 26, 2019

Looking at a series of case studies on high-speed inkjet, the takeaway is how unremarkable investing in this technology has become. The decision is no longer about the readiness of the technology itself. It’s about market pressures and cost-justification...just like any other capital investment. How times change!

Study: Marketers Focusing More on Acquisition Than Retention

Published February 20, 2019

A new study from Yieldify shows that, even though it costs more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one, marketers are more focused on customer acquisition than retention. What does this mean for you?

Let’s Hear a Round of Applause for TOMS!

Published February 13, 2019

TOMS has just given us more to love. Not only is the company an outstanding example of effective branding, but now its branding efforts are driving a new high-volume direct mail campaign.

Study: Environmental Issues Matter More Than Ever

Published February 6, 2019

Consumers care about environmental issues more than ever, and they are using their spending dollars to reward companies that share their values. A new study shows just how important this trend has become.

If Price Isn’t the Real Motivator, What Is?

Published January 31, 2019

According toForrester Research, price isn’t a dealbreaker for most customers. If price isn’t the deal breaker in a purchase decision, then what is? That’s where data comes in.

What Do Printing News and an Instagram Post Have in Common?

Published January 23, 2019

What do the content of Printing News and an Instagram post have in common? They are both “print worthy.” Read on to find out more.

Consumers Are More Willing to Share Data than Ever...Under Certain Conditions

Published January 16, 2019

As you help your customers gather data to improve their targeted marketing, the good news is that consumers are more willing than ever to share it. But it’s not a given. As a recent study reminds us, trust and transparency are key to getting them to open the vault.

Inkit Changes the Way Clients Do Direct Mail

Published January 9, 2019

This Minneapolis-based startup is changing the way retailers and others are thinking about direct mail. No batches. No minimums. Just programmatic direct mail generated by a trigger determined by the customer that puts the mailer into the queue in real time.

What’s the Top Use for AR/VR for Marketers?

Published December 21, 2018

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing the way consumers interact with brands. But much of this technology is operating in the background. What is the current status of awareness and adoption of AR/VR and what does it mean for marketers? A survey from GlobalWebIndex provides some insight.

Want Higher Profits? Hire More Women

Published December 20, 2018

Research consistently shows that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams have significantly higher profits than those that don’t. The reason? Different approaches to hiring, problem-solving, and relationship-building, all of which have positive benefits on the bottom line.

Lessons from a Well-Intentioned Personalized Mailer

Published December 11, 2018

A look at a well-intentioned personalized mailing that illustrates why it’s so important to get these communications right. Not just so the client gets the best return on investment, but to preserve your own relationship with the client. Poor personalization = poor results, and poor results = disengaged clients. Nobody wants that.

Data: Wide-Format Still Front and Center

Published December 5, 2018

Wide-format is here with a vengeance. One webinar provided a great summary of data on the growth and opportunities in wide-format graphics.

Results Metrics: Why You Gotta Dig

Published November 28, 2018

When we look at case studies, we immediately scan to the bottom of the page to see what the metrics are. One case study from IMS Direct illustrates why it’s important to look deeper into the numbers to find the real story.

From Hybrid Workflow to i300 White Paper Factory: Some Numbers

Published November 21, 2018

Thanks to some internal numbers from United Mail, we get a look inside the cost savings and QC improvements of switching from a hybrid to a Canon Solutions America VarioPrint i300 workflow.

Consumers Love Packaging More Than Ever

Published November 13, 2018

As if you needed one more reason to add packaging to your product mix! A new study from WestRock, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, shows that consumers are loving packaging more than ever. The study, “2018 Packaging Matters,” outlines the key factors that influence consumer decisions.

New Services: Are You Ready for the Domino Effect?

Published November 8, 2018

As you tease out the last bits of efficiency and productivity from your operations, the primary way to continue to grow your business is to add new services. The question is, which ones? How do you make smart decisions about what is best for your business? Sometimes the considerations go deeper than you might think.

T.J. Maxx Changes Its “Go Paperless” Messaging

Published October 31, 2018

Two Sides has reported that brands are moving away from “Go Paperless—Go Green” messaging because of negative publicity around greenwashing. As consumers start to recognize these ads as dishonest and really intended to save companies money, brands are switching from environmental messaging to convenience messaging instead. T.J. Maxx is one of them.

Survey Looks at Digital Print Across the Buyer Journey

Published October 23, 2018

This survey by NAPCO Research and commissioned by the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) included something rarely seen in digital printing surveys: a look at the use of digital printing across the entire buyer’s journey. It’s good news. Retailers are embracing digital printing for more than just direct mail.

Want a New Data Point? Try the Weather!

Published October 18, 2018

As marketers scramble to increase the depth of their knowledge about every aspect of their customers’ habits, preferences, and patterns, there may be a simple data point that is getting overlooked—the weather. Weather has a direct effect on the sales of 30% of all products and services and is the second biggest influence on consumer behavior. Are your customers taking advantage?

Personalized Mapping Works...but Why?

Published October 10, 2018

There are a lot of ways to personalize a document. What if something as simple as location could nearly double response rates? It can. By personalizing maps based on this single data point, response rates can be outstanding. The question is why?

When Mail Disappears (and Gets Found Again)

Published October 3, 2018

Thinking about adding mail tracking to your roster of services? It takes extra cost and effort, so how would you pitch the value to your clients? Case studies from Pitney Bowes show that mail tracking can benefit more than just high-volume mailers looking to tweak in-home delivery dates. It can solve problems and save your clients from major marketing disasters.

It’s Working! Anti-Greenwashing Education Is Making a Difference

Published September 18, 2018

It’s working! Our industry’s campaign against the false claims of greenwashing is having an impact. Consumers are starting to see claims like “Go Paperless! Go Green!” as false and misleading, and marketers are changing their tactics.

"Burning Down the House"...and What You Might Learn

Published September 12, 2018

What would happen if you took the time to imagine what your shop might look like if you could start from scratch? If there were no financial or legacy constraints? What might you do differently from what you have now? What might you learn from walking through that exercise?

Want to Keep Your Presses Busy? Market to Employees!

Published September 6, 2018

Marketing efforts are generally directed at customers and prospects, but there is another target audience that needs your clients’ attention, too—their employees. This is an area of growing attention that your presses will thank you for.

When Personalized Ads Aren’t Personal

Published August 29, 2018

Digital marketing claims to have the corner on truly personalized experiences, but does it really? How can print compete? Accuracy.

Do We Need to Be Careful About How We Discuss the Environmental Benefits of Flexible Packaging?

Published August 21, 2018

When it comes to the environmental benefits of flexible packaging, the laundry list is long. On the surface, flexible packaging offers a vast number of benefits over other forms of packaging. The challenge to these comparisons, however, is that flexible packaging isn’t doing a one-to-one replacement. How does this impact the accuracy of the discussion?

They’re Coming: Are You Ready for Psychographics?

Published August 15, 2018

Just when printers and MSPs are becoming more comfortable with more detailed demographic targeting, the use of psychographic targeting is growing. Are you ready?

How Printing Industry CX Is Like Eating at Panera’s

Published August 6, 2018

Improving customer experience (CX) is becoming an increasingly important part of any company’s marketing plan. That goes as much for the printing industry as it does for everyone else. So are you a Panera? Or [the other guy]?

Case Studies for Inspiring Direct Mail: Demand Generation Well Done

Published August 2, 2018

A look at one of the demand-generation efforts from the United States Post Office. The effort uses variety and specificity to communicate a broader message that transcends market vertical.

Is Informed Delivery Changing Consumer Behavior?

Published July 31, 2018

As the number of USPS Informed Delivery accounts continues to grow, will it change the way marketers design their mail? Will it change consumers’ behavior and how they interact with the mail? I know that it has already changed mine.

When Color Memory Fails, Do Brand Standards Matter?

Published July 18, 2018

We are in a color-obsessed industry. Brand colors, in particular, are critical. When it comes to specific shades of color, however, studies show that consumers’ color memories are really poor. Considering this, along with the inability to maintain brand color standards in a digital world, where does the value in maintaining brand standards really lie?

Does the Future of Print Start with Digital Marketing?

Published July 12, 2018

As the level of sophistication and effectiveness of digital marketing grows, and as the younger generation of marketers who natively understand and use these channels continues to overtake the traditional generation, is the future of print to understand digital marketing and fit into its world rather than the other way around?

Whose Job Is It to Create Demand for Print?

Published July 3, 2018

What do you think the role of the printing industry and printers, specifically, ought to be in demand generation for print? Do printers even have a responsibility to work together to generate demand for their own product?

Now THAT’s the Way to Get the Message Out!

Published June 26, 2018

A look at one printer’s effort to reach out to the design and marketing community to promote the value of direct mail—and not just any direct mail, but direct mail designed to drive website traffic. It’s a real eye-catcher and great inspiration.

Are You Sending Personalization that Isn’t Personal?

Published June 5, 2018

This morning, I received a personalized email that was anything but personal. While this was an email, the mistake could easily have ended up in print, and it offers object lessons for all of us. Before we send out anything data-driven, let’s make sure it reads as if it was written by a human being.

What Do These 5 “Mail Trends” Tell Us?

Published May 29, 2018

These five mail trends from DirectMail 2.0 raise interesting questions about how we are (or are not) proving the value of print and the opportunities that are lost when we don’t.

Kudos to Canon Solutions Americas on Great QR Code Implementation

Published May 25, 2018

Canon Solutions America’s use of QR Codes in a recent white paper is a great example of everything done right. This is a model of how to do QR Codes well.

Flies on the Wall: On Sale Now

Published May 16, 2018

Psychographic targeting is easier than ever. But can it be trusted? If it can, why aren’t more printers using it? A look inside psychographic targeting and its benefits.

Where Are Marketers Getting Their Data?

Published May 14, 2018

According to new research, marketers are increasingly investing in second- and third-party data to create 360-degree views of their customers. Are your customers doing the same? Are they prepared to compete? Read more.

Millennial Marketer: “I Don’t Use QR Codes”

Published April 25, 2018

If anyone is using QR codes, it’s Millennials, right? If anyone understands the value of QR codes, it’s marketers. So why doesn’t this Millennial marketer use them? Read on to find out.

How Is Your Mobile Competency?

Published April 18, 2018

Mobile Internet usage continues to grow, including the percentage of users who are mobile-only. Consequently, multichannel marketing strategies must incorporate the full mobile experience. Is your mobile competency keeping pace? Read on to see.

Rarity: Another Reason (Good) Personalization Works

Published April 13, 2018

Despite all the talk about personalized mailings, how often do any of us really receive relevant data-driven direct mail? Is the rarity of truly personalized mail part of what makes it effective?

Two Reasons This QR Code Should Work—and One That Makes It Fail

Published April 4, 2018

We love to hate QR Codes, right? But it’s not the codes themselves that are working against near unanimous consumer adoption. It’s the often rookie mistakes made by marketing departments. Are you letting your customers fail at QR Codes unnecessarily?

Go, NextPage! Congrats on a Great Self-Promo Campaign Demonstrating the Value of Combining Social Media, Video, with Direct Mail

Published April 2, 2018

If MSPs want to convince their clients of the value of multichannel marketing, they must be willing to use it to promote their own businesses. That’s why I was excited to see NextPage launching a really fun campaign combining direct mail, email, video, and social media, along with a targeted digital ad buy.

Are You Distinguishing Between Macro and Micro Conversions?

Published March 20, 2018

Are you helping your clients track both micro and macro conversions? If not, you’re losing opportunities to understand not just what works and what doesn’t, but why.

Epsilon: Personalization and the Power of Me

Published March 13, 2018

Epsilon’s study “The Power of Me” is a terrific data dump for those looking for insights to help their customers justify moving to—or increasing their use of—personalization. Here are some key takeaways.

Articles by Heidi Tolliver-Walker