Entries by PelHughes

Postage Rate Increases: Considerations for Presorted Mail Campaigns 

Presorted mail is a popular option for direct mail campaigns because it yields great discounts from the USPS. This July, the USPS is increasing postage rates for presorted mail about 4.8%.   Presorted mail helps brands and organizations reach more recipients as cost-effectively as possible. The new postage rate increases will raise the cost of presorted letters from 65.8 cents to 69.2 cents per piece, and presorted postcards will increase […]

Phygital: The Emerging Trend Marketers Need to Know About  

Among marketers, the “phygital” concept is the talk of most industry-related conversations. If this word and concept are new to you, we have you covered. Phygital is a trending approach to marketing and advertising that seeks to merge the best elements of both digital and physical messaging. The goal is to create a customer experience that blends the benefits of digital consumership with […]

Postage Rate Increase for 2026  

The USPS filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to propose a postage rate increase that will take effect in mid-July. The rate increase would raise costs of postage by about 4.8%. Affected mail would include Forever stamps, first-class mail pieces, periodicals, USPS marketing mail, and package services.  Postage Rate Comparisons  Below is a helpful table to review proposed changes to postage rates in […]

Retailers are Using QR Codes in CTAs 

Prominent retailers like Capital One are utilizing QR codes in CTAs on both digital communications and print materials like direct mail. Embedding QR codes into the first position of CTAs helps consumers take action on marketing materials easily and efficiently. Moreover, using a QR code in a CTA makes tracking engagement and conversions with print materials much easier for businesses […]

Direct Mail Delivered Excellent Results for Marketers in 2025

 According to a recent article in Forbes, direct mail produced incredible results for marketers in 2025. In fact, direct mail delivered impeccable ROIs and record-breaking consumer engagement last year and it appears this upward trend is here to stay.  For B2C and B2B marketers, direct mail delivered a median 112% ROI and nearly 70% of marketers reported improved performance when compared to results from display advertising […]

Non-Profit Marketing Dos and Don’ts for 2026 

Non-profit organizations face unique challenges, especially during tough and uncertain economic times. Non-profit marketing is an essential component for developing the donor relationships required to keep doing the work to which communities benefit. Although non-profits operate with very constrained budgets and rely heavily on the work of volunteers, it is possible to develop an effective and robust marketing strategy.  Following are five helpful […]

Small Business Marketing: Industries that Benefit from Direct Mail 

Small business marketing can be a daunting undertaking but for many industries, combining digital marketing and print advertising is a winning strategy that can increase sales, develop a recognizable brand, and cultivate a loyal base of consumers/clients. Of all your print advertising options, direct mail offers the most bang for your buck—especially if your business operates in the following industries: […]

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Merch for Influencers & Content Creators 

Branded apparel and promotional products are invaluable to influencers and content creators. In the Digital Age, micro- and mega-influencers alike utilize merchandise as a powerful branding tool in both their content and as a source of additional income. Pel Hughes, a woman-owned full-service printing company, offers a vast assortment of branded merch for influencers, content creators, organizations, and businesses.   In the last few […]

Home Improvement Businesses Benefit from Direct Mail 

Did you know that home improvement businesses benefit from using direct mail as part of their marketing strategy? Whether your business provides professional contracting for roofing, remodeling, flooring, carpentry, or painting, direct mail could help you reach more customers in your area.   Economists are forecasting that home improvement businesses will continue to expand in the coming year. Estimates indicate about a 3.5% increase in growth […]

Do You Use Canva for Print Campaigns? 

Do you use Canva for your print campaigns such as flyers or direct mail? If so, there are some things you need to keep in mind when it comes to printing digital designs. Canva provides phenomenal templates and design possibilities—particularly for small business owners and graphic design novices. While Canva is affordable, user-friendly, and accessible, it’s important […]