Graphic Design: Color and Font Trends for 2024 

This year, expect color and font trends in graphic design to command a wow factor. When it comes to print, embracing design trends can make your mailers and their accompanying digital pieces more effective and enticing to the consumer. For 2024, much is uncertain in the geopolitical and economic sense so expect to see art and design evoking feelings of nostalgia and hope. If anything, graphic design will shine in 2024 as it can help brands, businesses, and organizations with consumers in a soothing and humanistic way.

According to top creatives in the design world, graphics, fonts, and color schemes may take contrasting angles in their messaging. For example, some brands may choose to use freehand design over AI-generated images while other brands may focus on botanical aesthetics to offer a soothing escape from harsh realities permeating the collective consciousness. One thing that may not be much of a surprise is a continued reliance on nostalgia in brand messaging. While 2022 and 2023 focused on clean minimalism with nostalgic elements from the 1980s and 1990s, today’s nostalgic design will likely feature homages to the 1970s and early 2000s.

Following are color and font trends for 2024 that may help spark creativity for your next direct mail or digital campaign.

Color and Font Trends to Consider This Year

Sans Fonts Strike Back 

The Sans font family is making a comeback this year. Although Sans fell out of favor for several years, there is a revival in Sans-Serif fonts available to designers to keep things modern and quirky for brands. Sans fonts translate well to digital mediums but when newer Sans family fonts are selected, they look great on print, too. Working with Sans can be tricky, however, and it’s not the best choice for every brand or organization so it’s wise to collaborate with an experienced graphic designer.

Sidenote: if Sans is not your jam, Semi-Serif fonts are a great option for design because they contain traditional typeface elements with the jovial, modern appearance of Sans family fonts.

Bring on the Funky and Chunky Text

Evoking imagery from the 1970s Funk movement is a 2024 trend emphasizing rounded type. While this isn’t ideal for more serious products like home insurance or banking services, rounded, chunky type can be very appealing with consumer goods from beauty-, fashion-, home decor-based businesses.

Maximalism and Bold Colors 

Scandinavian-style minimalism is still working its way through many digital and print ads but maximalism—specifically with bolder colors (even neon)—is making a splash among top creatives in the Western Hemisphere. One newer specific trend has been dubbed “Cluttercore” and while it borrows heavily from Maximalism, it has a unique messy appearance with overlapping textures and images. When used correctly, “Cluttercore” design can be striking, impactful, and resonate with consumers—particularly younger people.

Botanical Hues  

Deep greens will likely be a popular color trend throughout 2024—specifically green hues one might see in jungle and forest settings. These colors have been popping up within a specific design trend called “Garden Cutouts”, which feature green shapes like leaves and flowers against bold backgrounds of yellow, orange, or pink.

The experts at Pel Hughes offer graphic design services in addition to direct mail, large print projects, binding and printing for books, and cross media marketing. Our team works to stay abreast of color and font trends to help your messaging embrace the latest aesthetics for optimal effectiveness. Give us a call at (504) 486-8646 to request a quote.

USPS Promotions for 2024  

The USPS is running several promotions for businesses, non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions for 2024. The printing experts at Pel Hughes have the scoop on what you need to know to enjoy significant savings from the USPS for this year’s direct mail campaigns.

2024 USPS Promotions You Need to Know About

Reply Mail IMbA 

The Reply Mail IMbA promotion encourages organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to use Intelligent Mail barcode accounting. Intelligent Mail barcode Accounting (IMbA) is a service for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) that reduces processing times and provides daily invoices to businesses and organizations. Essentially, IMbA automates the counting, rating, and invoicing of business reply mail.

Discount Amount: 3% for static IMbA and 6% for serialized IMba

Registration Date(s): May 15, 2024

Promotion Period: July 1st –December 31st, 2024

Mail Types Eligible: First-class mail, QBRM postcards and letters, High volume QRBM postcards and letters

Retargeting Mail 

Direct mail retargeting is a popular and effective new tool that can greatly increase response rates to mail campaigns. The pros at Pel Hughes have offered retargeting services for quite some time and fortunately, the USPS will reward businesses with sizeable discounts for embracing this cutting-edge technology.

Retargeting utilizes ultra-secure software that triggers automated direct mail sent to internet users who interact with your brand, its products, or services. For example, if a customer places items in a shopping cart on your website but doesn’t complete their purchase, a mail piece can be generated to send them targeted mail to incentivize a purchase. Common tactics involve using BOGO offers or coupon codes to entice customers to do business with your brand.

Discount Amount: 6%

Registration Date(s): July 15, 2024

Promotion Period: September 1st – November 30th, 2024

Mail Types: Postcards, First-Class Mail

Emerging and Advanced Technology Promotion 

Direct mail continues to be an effective marketing tool—particularly when direct mail campaigns utilize digital-friendly and sensory technology. For this promotion, businesses and organizations are eligible for discounts when they implement technology such as video in print (ViP), enhanced augmented or virtual reality, voice assistant integration, and near field communication (NFC) technology. Developing direct mail campaigns that embrace technology drives engagement, boosts your ROI, and helps foster digital connections to consumers.

Discount Amount: 3% for emerging technology and 4% for enhanced emerging technology

Registration Date & Promotion Period: Custom Date

Mail Types: First-class presort and automation; discounts are also available for Business Reply Mail and Courtesy Reply Mail

Informed Delivery Promotion 

Informed Delivery (ID) is wildly popular among consumers and businesses/organizations alike. Digital copies of mailers can be uploaded to ID so that consumers can not only preview what’s coming in the mail but interact with it. The digital copies of mailers can include clickable links, custom URLs, QR Codes, and so much more. This year, the USPS’ ID Promotion offers additional discounts when businesses/organizations use the eDoc submitter.

Discount Amount: 4% on mailers and 0.6% for eDoc submitter

Registration Date(s): June 15, 2024

Promotion Period: August 1st – December 31st, 2024

Mail Types: Marketing mail, Non-Profit mail, First-Class automation mail for letters, flats, and postcards

USPS promotions are a great opportunity to improve your direct mail campaigns with emerging technology while enjoying some sizable savings on postage. The friendly experts at Pel Hughes can help you navigate which promotions have the most potential to benefit your bottom line. Our full-service printing company offers a suite of services such as graphic design, campaign automation, database services, and direct mail retargeting to enhance your next print marketing initiative. Give us a call at (504) 486-8646 to request a quote.

Transitioning to Direct Mail 

Are you thinking of transitioning to direct mail for your business, non-profit organization, or educational institution? According to Forbes, many other news sources, and consumer data, direct mail is in the midst of a revival that most businesses and organizations can capitalize on.  

Direct mail is a wonderful tool for consumer, donor, and student outreach. More large brands and organizations are transitioning to direct mail for their most important communication because it resonates with all demographics, provides a more personal connection to recipients, and produces higher ROIs and engagement than digital advertising alone.  

Tips for Transitioning to Direct Mail 

#1 Consult with a Respected Printing Company 

Marketing budgets may be tight, but it is important to resist the urge to DIY your first direct mail campaign. Producing effective direct mail takes experience as there are many variables that contribute to a well-received campaign including stock selection, graphic design, the marketing copy itself, and several other factors. Online-only printers are often not a great option either. These businesses rely heavily on templates, which may lead to issues with photographs and copy looking sloppy and unprofessional.  

At best, the DIY or online-only approach can be underwhelming and forgettable to consumers. At worst, this approach could turn away customers altogether.  

#2 Start with a Small Campaign 

If you’ve never sent a direct mail campaign before, it’s best to start with a small sample of recipients to test the waters. We recommend sending a small campaign to your most longstanding customers/clients. A campaign that incentivizes a customer to make a purchase with your businesses is a great way to encourage engagement. Promotional offers, BOGO deals, and coupons on popular items are a great way to incentivize recipients. We encourage our clients to use QR codes, digital-only coupons, and PURLs (personalized URLs) to help track your campaign’s ROI. The metrics provided by these tools will make it easier to determine future approaches with upcoming direct mail campaigns.  

#3 Personalize Your Direct Mail 

Consumers crave a personalized experience. Personalization can mean a few things but at the very least, personalized direct mail should be addressed to a recipient by their full name instead of “current resident”, for example. With technology like variable data printing (VDP) personalization is attainable—even for first-time campaigns. 

 Personalization can go a step further, too thanks to technology like database management software and campaign automation. Mailers can be sent to celebrate a valued customer’s birthday or recipients can be divided into specific groups based on their purchase history or consumer data so that your campaigns recommend specific services or products most likely to meet their needs.  

Pel Hughes can make transitioning to direct mail easy and accessible for your business or organization. We offer a suite of services to help make the most of your print campaigns including graphic design, campaign automation, and database management. We also provide cross media marketing and direct mail retargeting to help integrate your print and digital marketing. Call our team today at (504) 486-8646 to learn more.  

 

Reach More Customers with Direct Mail 

Are pop-up blockers, digital unsubscribes, and unopened e-mails affecting your consumer outreach? Fortunately, traditional marketing channels are a solution. You can reach more customers with direct mail. Pel Hughes explains how direct mail can drive engagement without overwhelming your customer base.  

3 Ways You Can Reach More Customers with Direct Mail 

#1 Defeat Digital Fatigue Among Consumers 

You may have noticed an influx of news articles about digital fatigue and consumer overwhelm. You may have also heard buzzwords like “digital clutter”. This a new but clear phenomenon. The concept of people feeling inundated and burdened by the torrent of digital communication they receive is actually changing consumer behavior. Consumers are taking a proactive approach to reducing digital fatigue by unsubscribing from e-mails and social media notifications, dedicating e-mail accounts specifically for brand communication and e-commerce, installing pop-up blockers, and taking a regimented approach to monitoring their screentime.  

Fortuitously, direct mail makes a great workaround for digital fatigue experienced by consumers. Moreover, there exist no pop-up blockers where physical mail pieces are concerned. Direct mail is far more likely to be read by consumers because it is viewed as trustworthy and helpful.  

#2 Harness the Power of an Emerging Trend 

While traditional forms of marketing and advertising waned during the rise of digital communication, there has been a significant revival where direct mail is concerned in the last few years. More brands, non-profits, and educational institutions are turning to direct mail to communicate with their customers, donors, and students. Direct mail resonates across numerous demographic groups, receives higher engagement, and stimulates the senses in ways that digital messaging cannot.  

Harnessing the power of direct mail at this time is smart because you can capitalize on an emerging trend while setting up your company or organization for advanced technology like direct mail retargeting and campaign automation, which makes your print campaigns less labor intensive, more effective, and budget friendly.  

#3 Establish a More Personal Connection with Your Customers 

Simply put, direct mail is more personal. It resonates with people because it reminds them of a time of more authentic communication that wasn’t as overwhelming. Moreover, modern technology makes it possible to print mail to a recipient’s legal name and tailor specific products or services to the needs of specific customers based on their consumer activity and past purchase history. Direct mail is most powerful when it’s helpful to its recipient. Pel Hughes has access to reliable consumer data and database sorting software to help you create campaigns with higher engagement.  

Pel Hughes is a one-stop shop for all your direct mail needs. We offer graphic design, campaign automation, easy online ordering, advanced printing technology and so much more to help you reach more customers with direct mail. Call us today (504) 486-8646 to get started.  

Non-Profit Direct Mail: A Success Story 

More cause-based organizations are turning to traditional forms of marketing and advertising. One method, non-profit direct mail has showed great promise in increasing donations, connecting with an organization’s supporters, and raising awareness for your organization’s work and impact. In today’s blog, we are going to discuss the Arbor Day Foundation’s success story with direct mail and why this organization chooses this fundraising medium. 

Non-Profit Direct Mail is a Resurging Marketing Method 

Digital clutter is overwhelming and exhausting to consumers. Non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses alike have become acutely aware of digital fatigue among their donors and clients. Digital advertising, while helpful at times, does present serious challenges to organizations.  

Pitfalls of Digital Outreach 

  • Nearly 70% of consumers feel overwhelmed by their e-mail inboxes and social media feeds 
  • Almost 50% of people are nervous about sharing financial information like checking account and credit card numbers online 
  • Most office workers receive over 120 e-mails a day 
  • About 40% of millennials and Gen Z consumers have an e-mail address dedicated exclusively for promotional correspondence and spam  

These figures easily make the case for the need for non-profits to generate more thoughtful messaging beyond the digital world. By focusing on quality direct mail, the Arbor Day Foundation found that they could connect with their donors and volunteers through direct mail better than they could with social media and e-mail marketing.  

Direct Mail: A Traditional Solution in Modern Times  

According to a report from The Modern Marketers, about 50% of consumers prefer direct mail to other forms of outreach from organizations and businesses. Moreover, using direct mail is a great workaround for spam filters and ad blockers. When it comes to non-profit marketing, direct mail wins over donors because it is considered one of their more respectable forms of communication.  

Benefits of Direct Mail for Caused-Based Organizations: 

  • People from all demographics view direct mail as more trustworthy than digital channels 
  • Direct mail campaigns evoke the sense of touch—one of the senses most tied to memory and action 
  • Print can easily be integrated to digital modes of communication through PURLs (personalized URLs) and QR codes 
  • Modern printing techniques and advanced technology can make direct mail campaigns more sophisticated and engaging to consumers 

Pel Hughes is a full-service printing enterprise that works with businesses and non-profits throughout the United States. We specialize in direct mail, offer advanced technology like campaign automation and database services, and provide graphic design. Give our friendly experts a call at (504) 486-8646 to request a quote.  

Creative Direct Mail: 7 Solutions to Inspire Your Campaigns

Creative direct mail drives new business, deepens connections with existing customers/clients, and helps your organization build lasting brand power.  

When we think of direct mail, we commonly think of common angles marketers take to reach consumers. Simple mail pieces may send a condensed menu to a local take-out operation or offer a small coupon to welcome new customers. Creative direct mail, however, can help your business or organization level-up revenue without overwhelming consumers.  

Below are seven solutions to make your next direct mail campaigns more creative and effective.  

7 Strategies for Creative Direct Mail 

#1 Soliciting Donations 

Using direct mail for fundraising is a wonderful avenue for non-profits. In fact, direct mail is seen as one of the most trustworthy forms of advertising among most generations and demographics. When you’re asking for money, it’s wise to use the most reputable medium possible. Another compelling reason to choose direct mail for soliciting donations is because people are overwhelmed by digital media. For instance, billions of e-mails are filtered out of inboxes or moved in bulk to trash folders daily. The bottom line: You’re more likely to connect with a potential donor when you send direct mail.  

#2 Welcoming New Employees or Clients 

Direct mail is a great way to welcome new clients or employees to your organization. Especially useful for onboarding, consider these direct mail campaigns as an easy way to give your recipients a simple-to-use jumping off point. This can involve printing personalized URLs or QR codes on your mail pieces to guide clients or employees to custom landing pages. This strategy is also helpful for providing important contact information such as e-mail addresses and phone numbers.  

#3 Marketing Medical/Dental Treatments & Procedures 

When marketing higher value medical or dental treatments, direct mail campaigns are a great way to educate patients on symptoms, conditions, and treatment options. A great example of these very specific forms of print campaigns are targeting older patients for dentures and dental restorations. Direct mail is a great method for outreach because it provides a sensory experience while building trust with potential patients.  

#4 Inviting Recipients to Events & Conferences 

If you’re in an industry that holds frequent conferences and seminars, using direct mail to fill seats is a helpful tool. Direct mail campaigns can also be used to invite people to digital conferences and webinars. The pros at Pel Hughes recommend including links or QR codes to guide recipients to landing pages where they can learn more about your events and register easily.  

#5 Connecting with People Who Don’t Use Social Media 

More people than you might think are abandoning social media and countless folks are relying on it a lot less for socializing. Likely attributed to feeling overwhelmed by life in the Digital Age as well as some of the more negative effects associated with an online presence, people have grown tired of being so accessible. A great workaround for digital fatigue is a direct mail campaign.  

#6 Targeting Consumers Who Prefer Handmade or Custom Goods 

If you run a business offering custom, artisanal goods, direct mail is likely a great option for promoting your brand. Think bakeries that specialize in custom cakes, artisanal jewelers, and so much more. Direct mail forges authentic connections—particularly when you use advanced consumer data to curate mailing lists of your ideal customers. Pel Hughes has access to respected consumer databases and offers database services to help you maintain high quality mailing lists.  

#7 Announcing a New Product or Service 

Print is an effective avenue for announcing a new product or service to your existing clientele as well as potential new customers. The best way to make effective announcements is to utilize technology that fosters personalized mail like variable data printing with compelling copy highlighting the benefits and features of new offerings.  

If you’re in the market for more creative direct mail, look no further than the friendly experts at Pel Hughes. Our full-service printing company can make print advertising a breeze. We offer graphic design, campaign automation, cross media marketing, and so much more. Give our team a call at (504) 486-8646 to request a quote.  

Direct Mail Mistakes to Avoid: Planning, Data Quality, and Postal Rules 

Direct mail is powerful but improper execution of a direct mail campaign can produce disappointing results. While design and great copy has a lot to do with effective direct mail, quite a lot can go wrong with a campaign beyond the design process. As part four of our “Direct Mail Appreciation” blog series, the pros at Pel Hughes discuss common direct mail mistakes that happen outside of design and printing. 

The following top three direct mail mistakes listed below can be avoided with proper planning, accurate data, and advice from seasoned printing companies.  

Top 3 Direct Mail Mistakes 

Inadequate Planning 

Effective direct mail campaigns involve a significant amount of planning. Before you dive into making design and stock decisions, it’s important to take a measured approach to determining what you want/need from a direct mail campaign.  

Broad objectives such as “increase sales” or “boost donations” really isn’t a great starting point. Instead, define more narrow goals. For example, perhaps you have a consumer good that isn’t selling well with certain demographics. A direct mail campaign targeted to specific consumer groups with incentives to purchase a specific item could help you determine whether low sales of a particular item could be improved with targeted messaging.  

When you combine direct mail with robust cross media marketing, direct mail can be used to reach specific consumer groups, push particular goods and services, and drive recipients to your digital channels.  

The best direct mail campaigns involve proper planning with carefully selected objectives.  

Inaccurate or Poor Data 

You can have a great plan and beautifully designed direct mail campaign fall short with inaccurate data. When targeting specific demographics, having access to high quality data is a must. Relying on poor data typically yields unfavorable response rates, which wastes your already limited marketing budget.  

When it comes to quality data, it is important to work with an experienced full-service printer like Pel Hughes. Our team has access to consumer databases of the highest quality; we also utilize sophisticated software to analyze your data and ensure that your addresses and recipients are up to date.   

Postal Rule Violations 

Violating postal rules can cause excess surcharges or rejections from the USPS. In either case, violating postal regulations could cost a sizable chunk of change. For example, exceeding margins by a fraction of an inch or placing a return address in the wrong spot could translate to surcharges incurred on every mail piece you send.  

We strongly encourage our clients to carefully review the USPS’ regulations for direct mail and to pay special attention to mail classes, address placements, aspect ratios, and standard sizes. The USPS also offers Mailpiece Design Analysts who can review your mailers and provide valuable feedback on any regulatory issues.  

Don’t let common direct mail mistakes negatively affect your campaigns. Consulting with the friendly experts at Pel Hughes can ensure that you make the most of your marketing budget. We serve businesses in an array of industries along with higher education institutions and non-profit organizations. Give Pel Hughes a call at (504) 486-8646 to learn more about our direct mail services.  

Marketing to Gen Z with Print: Key Insights & Tips

,

Gen Z—or “Zoomers”—are comprised of people born after 1996. While plenty of Gen Z folks are still in high school or college, a significant portion of this generation have been in the workforce for several years. As the oldest of Zoomers are approaching their late 20s more data is coming in about consumer activity, worldview, and lifestyle and how this information relates to marketing to Gen Z. While there is still a lot to be learned about this upcoming generation, there does exist data to help marketers develop messaging that resonates with Zoomers.  

What we Know About Gen Z (So Far) 

Unlike Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers, Gen Z has lived their lives entirely in the Digital Age. The oldest of Zoomers have very limited memories of a time before continuous Internet access and smartphones. Marketers have coined the term “Digital Natives” to illustrate this fact.  

Prior to COVID-19, Gen Z was on track to inherit a more robust economy than their millennial predecessors. They are also on track to becoming the most educated generation in our nation’s history. Unfortunately, a global pandemic has caused serious concerns about the state of Gen Z’s future. Living through the pandemic on the cusp of adulthood has rooted anxiety and uncertainty among the Zoomer general consciousness as many Gen Zers were directly affected by job loss and economic instability in the wake of COVID-19.  

Despite economic challenges, younger people intend to pursue higher education and gravitate toward employment in IT, finance, and other white-collar professions. A significant portion of Gen Z were raised by parents with college education including graduate degrees. 

Zoomers are ethnically diverse and about 22% of Zoomers have at least one parent who was an immigrant. By 2025, roughly one-quarter of Gen Z will be immersed in the workforce and as of now, Zoomers account for $300 billion in purchasing power annually.  

 Tips for Marketing to Gen Z 

Some may believe that marketing to Gen Z is a solely digital initiative, but data suggests otherwise. While Gen Z is certainly attuned to digital messaging, they are far more receptive to print advertising than many think. Gen Z responds well to direct mail—particularly when mail is personalized and contains appealing messaging. Zoomers want to be acknowledged and treated with respect. Compared to previous generations, Gen Z typically isn’t as forgiving as other consumers. One bad experience will lead them to seeking out goods and services from your competitors. Earning Gen Z consumer loyalty boils down to providing excellent customer service, personalized messaging, socially responsible business practices, and superior products.  

Like Millennials, Gen Z craves authenticity and print advertising helps satisfy that need. Zoomers are acutely aware of their need to unplug from the digital world. Holding a tangible piece of mail is a great way to reach out to consumers at times when they are tired from tech. Even though this generation is comfortable with PCs, tablets, and smartphones, their preferred reading medium is print.  

When it comes to marketing to Gen Z with direct mail, consider the following strategies: 

  • Like millennials, Gen Z appreciates personalized messaging. 
  • Zoomers respond very favorably to testimonials and reviews. Younger folks trust the opinions and experiences of other consumers more than slick sales tactics.  
  • Add value with coupons, discounts, and BOGO offers. Gen Z is quite thrifty—likely because their formative years were influenced by the Great Recession.  
  • Promote a tactile experience through direct mail. As more people engage with the world in a digital way, our sense of touch is neglected more than other senses. Adding embellishments like raised varnishes and using high quality stock on direct mail helps nurture our need for touch.  

The pros at Pel Hughes can help you take your direct mail to the next level. In addition to full-service printing and graphic design, we provide access to campaign automation software, personalization tools, database services, and so much more. Give our helpful experts a call at (504) 486-8646 to request a quote.  

PVAMU 2023 Homecoming Challenge: Empowering the Future through Alumni Generosity

Introduction:

Prairie View A&M University’s 2023 Homecoming Challenge was a resounding success, thanks to the dedicated efforts of PVAMU alumni and supporters. The campaign not only achieved its fundraising goals but also exemplified the power of community engagement and philanthropy in driving positive change. In this case study, we’ll delve into the key components and strategies that contributed to the triumph of the PVAMU 2023 Homecoming Challenge, with a particular focus on the outstanding performance of the College of Nursing.

Campaign Overview:

The PVAMU 2023 Homecoming Challenge was a comprehensive fundraising campaign that involved various elements designed to maximize engagement and contributions. The campaign featured a compelling Vision Board and Leaderboard Mockup, Homecoming Challenge Intro Email, and Social Media initiatives, creating a cohesive and visually appealing narrative for participants. Additionally, an Art Asset Folder ensured consistency in branding and messaging, reinforcing the campaign’s identity across different channels.

Data Management and Personalization:

A crucial aspect of the campaign’s success was the meticulous data management process. The team cleaned and validated data lists, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. The merging of data facilitated a seamless experience for participants, allowing for personalized communication. The integration of Personalized URLs (PURLs) added an extra layer of personalization, enhancing the connection between the university and its alumni.

Strategic Email Sequencing:

The campaign implemented a strategic email sequence, starting with the Homecoming Challenge Intro Email to generate initial interest. The Deans Variable Email and In the Lead Email maintained momentum, keeping participants informed and engaged. The Last Chance Email served as a final call to action, creating a sense of urgency. Complementary social media posts reinforced the messaging, reaching a wider audience and driving further participation.

College of Nursing Triumph:

The standout success of the College of Nursing within the Homecoming Challenge deserves special recognition. Alumni and supporters rallied together to raise an impressive $12,076, specifically benefiting Dean Allyssa Harris’s priorities, including Student Professional Development, Career Readiness, and Faculty Professional Development.

Gratitude and Future Engagement:

A Thank You and Winner Email marked the conclusion of the campaign, expressing sincere appreciation to all donors. The message encouraged ongoing support through monthly gifts, fostering a culture of sustained philanthropy. The broader impact of the $51,292 raised across various deans’ funds highlighted the collective effort of alumni in advancing the university’s mission.

Conclusion:

The PVAMU 2023 Homecoming Challenge stands as a testament to the power of strategic planning, effective communication, and community engagement in fundraising success. The outstanding achievement of the College of Nursing exemplifies the profound impact alumni can have on their alma mater. As Prairie View A&M University looks ahead, the momentum generated by this campaign will undoubtedly fuel future initiatives and strengthen the university’s legacy of producing productive individuals.

If you’re interested in a campaign like this, please reach out to us at Pel Hughes today at info@pelhughes.com or call 504.486.8646.

Secrets to Great Automotive Direct Mail Campaigns 

In automotive marketing, direct mail is your friend. Great automotive direct mail campaigns can boost sales, increase traffic to dealerships or service centers, and help your enterprise stay afloat in tougher economic times. If you’ve ever wondered how to make great automotive direct mail campaigns, the friendly printing pros at Pel Hughes have compiled some helpful tips.  

Automotive Direct Mail Tips & Tricks 

Great direct mail is professionally designed, offers significant incentives to purchase, and makes it easy for customers to take the next step in doing business with your operation. Following are some helpful tips to make your automotive direct mail more effective.  

Offer Incentives to Purchase 

A direct mail campaign that just lets locals know you exist isn’t enough. If you want to edge above your competition and make a connection with a potential customer, offering a great incentive is the best avenue for spurning consumer action. Promotional offers, discounts, and coupons should be a noticeable feature of your campaign. We recommend using larger fonts and striking borders to attract attention to your coupon, discount, or promotional offer.  

Take Advantage of Seasonal Needs 

Changing seasons can bring many folks into an auto dealership or service center. Summer, for example, is a great time to advertise with direct mail. Many people plan extensive road trips and need their cars serviced or replaced with something more reliable. Wintertime brings challenges, too as people need new tires or brakes for harsh weather. Keeping your company’s messaging in tune with the seasons can go a long way in winning over new customers or encouraging repeat business.  

Showcase Your Certifications and Endorsements 

Building trust is key with effective direct mail campaigns. Highlighting your mechanics’ training and certifications can help consumers feel secure with your service center. Announcing results of safety ratings from trustworthy third-party organizations on specific makes and models of vehicles also builds consumer trust.  

Send Targeted and Personalized Direct Mail 

Personalization and targeted direct mail make for substantially more effective campaigns. We offer tools like VDP (variable data printing) so that your mailings are addressed to the individual receiving them. We also have access to consumer databases that make it easy to send mailers to the demographics most likely to do business with your service center or dealership. Let’s say you operate a dealership that works primarily with families needing dependable sedans and minivans. Using consumer databases can help you send mail to households with children in specific neighborhoods near your dealership. Automotive businesses serving niche consumers like classic car enthusiasts can benefit greatly from targeted, personalized direct mail.  

Pel Hughes is a full-service printer based in New Orleans, Louisiana. We work with businesses and organizations in a diverse range of industries throughout the United States. Give our knowledgeable pros a call today at (504) 486-8646 to discuss your next automotive direct mail campaign.