Valentines Day = Variable Data

By now many of you have received DeFrances Valentines Day mailing, our very first Variable Data project produced entirely in house. The concept was mine, the graphics we’re Jeanette and Troy/ Carrie handled to printing, variable data and mailing of the piece.


We have developed a monthly direct mail campaign for 2009 showcasing our capabilities. Each month we will feature a different printing process, showing how to bring in new customers and increase your sales. As I have mentioned many times before, direct mail works plain and simple, but it only works when you target your audience and create a piece that will catch their attention getting them to buy buy buy! Marketing or direct mail campaigns should be tailor made to fit your specific needs. Please call us today to set up an appointment on how this can help you.

619.474.8626

Letterpress Notes

Here are 2 of 6 designs that we recently Letterpress printed for Red Cap Cards. Hal and Carrie once again notes perfect for Letterpress Printing. Great little details, good contrast between the black and pastel accent colors all smashed into Cranes Lettra 110#. Go to http://www.redcapcards.com/ to view more designs and learn more about Red Cap.

Racing beats off the slowdown!

“It’s great to see that even in this troubling economy, people still like to race with Best in the Desert. As of today, there are more than 260 vehicles entered in this weekend’s historic race. As the first race of the 2009 season for Cars and Trucks, don’t miss out on this opportunity to view this legendary event. With the beautiful backdrop of the Colorado River, many returning favorites, the Parker Python, the incredible Blue Water Resort & Casino, Shea Road spectating area and the exciting long distance, off-road race challenge, the Blue Water Resort & Casino Parker “425” is one race not to miss. Contingency is set for Friday February 6, 2009 at the Blue Water Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona. Off-Road Racing’s Best-Run Series … Best In The Desert! " Copied from the Best in the Desert website

Most of our customers probably aren’t aware that Ron and I have been huge racing fans and even participants over the years. This past weekend (February 5-8) was the Parker 425an off road race located in Parker Arizona and I was fortunate enough to attend and help pit for some friends. Each year I have been getting more involved with racing and it’s been a thrill. There is great marketing potential in this growing sport and it’s evident by some of the huge companies involved.
The winner of this year’s race was San Diego’s own Andy McMillin from the McMillin Companies, he ran a flawless race absolutely blowing away the competition. I highly recommend attending a race, once you do you’ll never stop going.
Some local race series to look at
http://www.bitd.com/
http://www.mdrracing.com/
http://www.drive-racing.com/

The Garden

My wife (Nicole) and I have been planning on landscaping our yard (our mess as she calls it) for over a year but have been stuck on what types of plants, where we should place them and the overall theme of our yard. With all of the recent drought talk (which by the way I find slightly funny being as we live in a desert, of course there’s a water shortage) we wanted make sure we kept it simple and water conscious. I called the local water authority for ideas and they highly recommended “The Garden” at Cuyamaca College.
Saturday as a mid day excursion we drove over to the college not really knowing what to expect. “The Garden” which covers 4.2 acres is located right in front of the community college and was completely worth the visit. As you walk through the garden its leads you through the “design loop”, “maintenance loop” & “irrigation loop” teaching you how to create a beautiful landscape while keeping water usage low and your water bill lower. I highly recommend visiting “The Garden”, take a lunch and sit down at the many benches and enjoy your surroundings.
http://www.thegarden.org/

Direct Mail at it's best

We love notes likes this -“A note on the “disruptive mailer” tube direct mail: end December we shipped out 1k mailers augmented in January with telemarketing to follow-up and boost response. Result: we secured 235 secured leads 23% response rate significantly higher than traditional direct mail 3% to 8%. We’re excited!”

(from)

Bernadette A. Hiskey

Director, Brand Marketing

In my last blog I talked about all of the benefits of Direct Mail, the above is a perfect example of how effective a small mailing can be. The only harm would be not to try one. This was originally posted by Ron Leland at http://reallifebranding.com/blog/

Why Direct Mail?

Seems fitting, since I'm planning out DeFrance's direct mail campaign for 2009 that I go over the benefits and reason's why Direct Mail is still great.
Direct Mail is Tangible-
Different from other types of media, with direct mail you can target your audience and deliver your message directly in their hands, at work or home. Offers can be customized to fit potential clients purchasing habits, behaviors and more. Direct Mail is perceived to be more personal and important than other media.
Results are Measurable-
Counting your return on investment can be easily measured. When you track your mailings you know exactly how many piece's you mailed, how much it cost and how many responses you received. Most other types of media send your message to a much less defined audience, including people who do not fit your criteria.
Mail is flexible-
You can include product samples, send a simple post card, mail a catalog, send a letter or mail whatever you feel will capture your clients attention and meet your marketing goals. All direct mail and printed material is dimensional and the recipient interacts with it in both a visual and tactile way. Unlike email or TV, the recipient can't jut hit delete or turn the TV off.
Direct Mail is Versatile-
You can easily customize your message to your target audience. Use it to direct potential clients to your website, generate store traffic, identity qualified leads, gather information on your clients, make a direct sale, or use it as support for other types of media.
Direct Mail Provides a Solid Foundation for your Marketing-
Direct Mail is a critical part of your business advertising. Your customers and prospects respond to different types of media. Many of your customers will prefer the personal touch of mail. Use direct mail as a vital part of your multimedia marketing and grow your business and brand.

More Facts from the USPS-
-Two-thirds of Americans view traditional mail as more personal than Internet communications.
-The same number say mail is more private than email.
-68% of Americans say mail is more secure than Internet communications.
-Among the age groups known as Gen X (Born 1965-1976) and Gen Y(Born 1976-1994), 70% say they sort their mail immediately and 66% say they read it regularly.

let me know if you have any questions or want to start a marketing plan.
ronnie@defranceprinting.com
619.474.8626

Happy New Year Everyone!

Well like a lot of our client’s, I was fortunate enough to have a few days off between Christmas and New Years. Like we do every year, my wife and I packed the camper and headed for the desert (Plaster City). This year’s trip was different than years past, we weren’t bringing toys, just my bike, ourselves, chairs and too much food. What a relaxing trip, we sat around the campfire, cooked, ate, played horseshoes, and had a few drinks. No buggies to fix or break, (typically this is what my trips are filled with) just lounging around. The weather was perfect and we can’t wait until next year. Let me know what you did over the Holidays, I'd love to hear what everyone is up to.

Now back to the grind- Like many of you, I am working on plans for 2009. I’m optimistic about this year and know that with hard work, great ideas and help from our clients, family, and friends we can make 2009 a great year. Marketing, Marketing, Marketing, Marketing and more Marketing will make this year successful. We have many new options & ideas to help so please feel free to ask, that’s what we are here for. Remember the sooner we are involved in a project the sooner we can make recommendations to fit the look, feel and budget of your projects.

If you haven’t received a 2009 Wall calendar please contact and I will make sure we send one right out. Enjoy!