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Printed Marketing: A Timeless Strategy for Business Growth

Posted on December 22, 2023Categories Sticker Marketing

Printed Marketing: A Timeless Strategy for Business Growth

Printed marketing has been a tried and true method of reaching customers for decades. Despite the rise of digital marketing, printed marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and direct mail still have a place in today’s marketing landscape. In fact, many businesses continue to use printed marketing materials as part of their overall marketing strategy.

Understanding print marketing is essential for businesses looking to develop effective marketing materials. Printed marketing materials can be costly, so it’s important to create materials that will resonate with the target audience. This involves understanding the target audience and what motivates them, as well as what message the business is trying to convey. Developing effective print marketing materials requires a combination of creativity and strategy.

Key Takeaways

  • Printed marketing is still relevant in today’s marketing landscape
  • Understanding the target audience and developing effective materials is key to success
  • Print marketing can be a cost-effective way to reach customers

Understanding Print Marketing

Print marketing has been a staple of advertising for centuries, and it continues to play a critical role in modern marketing strategies. In this section, we will explore the history and evolution of print marketing, compare it to digital marketing, and examine its role in modern marketing campaigns.

History and Evolution

Print marketing has been around since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. The first printed advertisement was a handbill promoting a prayer book in 1477. Since then, print marketing has evolved significantly, from newspapers and magazines to billboards and direct mail.

One of the major advantages of print marketing is its ability to target specific audiences. Marketers can choose publications or locations that cater to their target demographic, ensuring their message reaches the right people.

Print vs. Digital Marketing

While digital marketing has become increasingly popular in recent years, print marketing still has its advantages. Print materials can be physically held and examined, which can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Additionally, print materials can be more effective for certain types of campaigns, such as those targeting older demographics.

However, digital marketing offers its own unique advantages, such as the ability to track and analyze data in real-time. It also allows for more interactive and personalized campaigns.

The Role of Print in Modern Marketing

Print marketing continues to play an important role in modern marketing strategies. It can be used in conjunction with digital marketing to create multi-channel campaigns that reach audiences through multiple mediums. Print materials can also be used to create a sense of exclusivity and luxury, such as high-quality brochures and catalogs.

Overall, print marketing remains a valuable tool for marketers, offering a physical and tangible way to connect with audiences. By understanding the history and evolution of print marketing, as well as its role in modern marketing campaigns, marketers can make informed decisions about incorporating it into their overall marketing strategy.

Developing Effective Print Marketing Materials

Print marketing materials can be an effective way to reach potential customers and promote a business. However, creating effective print marketing materials requires careful consideration of design, format, and messaging. In this section, we will explore some key principles for developing effective print marketing materials.

Design Principles for Print

Design is an essential aspect of creating effective print marketing materials. A well-designed marketing piece can capture the attention of potential customers and convey the message of the business. When designing print marketing materials, it is important to consider the following elements:

  • Branding: Ensure that the design of the marketing materials is consistent with the branding of the business. This includes using the correct logo, colors, and font.
  • Layout: The layout of the marketing materials should be visually appealing and easy to read. Use a hierarchy of information to guide the reader’s attention.
  • Images: High-quality images can help to grab the reader’s attention and convey the message of the business.
  • White space: Use white space strategically to create a clean and uncluttered design.

Choosing the Right Format and Medium

Choosing the right format and medium for print marketing materials is crucial for reaching the intended audience. Some common formats for print marketing materials include:

  • Flyers: Flyers are a cost-effective way to promote a business and can be distributed in a variety of ways.
  • Brochures: Brochures are more detailed than flyers and can provide more information about a business’s products or services.
  • Business cards: Business cards are a key marketing tool for networking and making a lasting impression on potential customers.
  • Posters: Posters are a great way to promote an event or special offer.

When choosing a medium for print marketing materials, it is important to consider the intended audience and the message of the business. Print materials can be distributed through direct mail, in-store displays, or at events.

Integrating Branding and Messaging

Integrating branding and messaging is key to creating effective print marketing materials. The branding of the business should be integrated into the design of the marketing materials, and the messaging should be clear and concise. Some tips for integrating branding and messaging include:

  • Use consistent language and tone throughout all marketing materials.
  • Highlight the unique selling proposition of the business.
  • Use a call-to-action to encourage potential customers to take action.

By following these principles, businesses can create effective print marketing materials that help to promote their brand and reach potential customers.

Executing a Print Marketing Campaign

When it comes to executing a print marketing campaign, there are several factors to consider to ensure its success. This section will cover some of the key aspects of executing a print marketing campaign, including targeting and distribution, budgeting and cost-effectiveness, and measuring success and ROI.

Targeting and Distribution

Targeting and distribution are crucial components of any marketing campaign. Before launching a print marketing campaign, it is important to identify the target audience and determine the best way to reach them. This involves analyzing demographic data, such as age, gender, income, and location, to create a profile of the ideal customer.

Once the target audience has been identified, the next step is to determine the best way to distribute the print materials. This can include direct mail, door-to-door distribution, or placement in public spaces. It is important to choose a distribution method that is cost-effective and reaches the target audience effectively.

Budgeting and Cost-Effectiveness

Budgeting is another important aspect of executing a print marketing campaign. It is important to determine a realistic budget that takes into account the cost of design, printing, and distribution. This requires careful planning and research to ensure that the campaign is cost-effective and provides a good return on investment.

One way to maximize cost-effectiveness is to use data-driven marketing techniques, such as targeted mailing lists or personalized messaging. This can help to increase conversion rates and generate more leads, while minimizing the cost of the campaign.

Measuring Success and ROI

Measuring success and ROI is essential to determining the effectiveness of a print marketing campaign. This involves tracking metrics such as conversion rates, lead generation, and overall response rates. By analyzing these metrics, it is possible to determine the success of the campaign and make adjustments as needed.

One way to measure ROI is to calculate the cost per lead or cost per acquisition. This can help to determine the effectiveness of the campaign and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, executing a print marketing campaign requires careful planning, targeting, and budgeting. By following these guidelines and measuring success, it is possible to create a cost-effective campaign that generates leads and provides a good return on investment.

Building Trust and Engagement Through Print

Printed marketing has been a cornerstone of advertising for centuries. Despite the rise of digital marketing, print remains a vital tool for businesses to connect with customers. Print marketing has the unique ability to build trust and engagement with consumers through its tangible advantage, emotional connection, and consistency in print and digital ads.

The Tangible Advantage of Print

Printed materials have a physical presence that digital marketing cannot replicate. When a customer holds a brochure or flyer in their hands, they are more likely to remember the information presented to them. This tangible advantage creates a lasting impression and builds a sense of credibility and authority for the business.

Creating an Emotional Connection

Printed marketing also has the ability to create an emotional reaction in customers. The feel of high-quality paper, the vibrant colors, and the unique design can all elicit a subconscious emotional response. By appealing to emotions, businesses can create a deeper connection with customers and establish a sense of trust.

Consistency in Print and Digital Ads

Consistency is key in any marketing campaign, and print marketing can help businesses achieve this. By using consistent branding and messaging across both print and digital ads, businesses can reinforce their message and increase their credibility with customers. This consistency also helps to establish a sense of authority and professionalism.

In conclusion, printed marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses to build trust and engagement with customers. Through its tangible advantage, emotional connection, and consistency in print and digital ads, businesses can create a lasting impression and establish a sense of credibility and authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential printed materials for a small business marketing strategy?

Small businesses can benefit from a variety of printed materials to enhance their marketing strategy. Some of the essential printed materials include business cards, brochures, flyers, postcards, and banners. These materials can be used to promote a business’s products or services, provide information about the business, or create brand awareness.

How can custom printed materials enhance brand visibility?

Custom printed materials can be designed to reflect a business’s brand identity and personality. By using consistent branding elements such as colors, logos, and fonts, businesses can create a strong visual presence that helps them stand out from competitors. Custom printed materials can also be tailored to specific target audiences, which can help businesses connect with their ideal customers.

Can you provide examples of effective printed marketing materials?

Some examples of effective orange county printed marketing materials include business cards with a clear call to action, brochures that showcase a business’s products or services, flyers that promote a special offer or event, postcards that provide a personalized message, and banners that create brand awareness.

How does print marketing compare to digital marketing in terms of effectiveness?

Print marketing and digital marketing both have their strengths and weaknesses. Print marketing can be more tangible and memorable, as physical materials can be held and touched. However, digital marketing can reach a wider audience and be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the effectiveness of print marketing versus digital marketing depends on the specific goals and target audience of a business.

What are the benefits of using printed materials in educational marketing?

Printed materials can be effective in educational marketing by providing students and parents with tangible resources to refer to. Educational materials such as brochures, flyers, and catalogs can provide information about a school’s programs, facilities, and admissions process. Additionally, printed materials can be used to create a sense of community and pride among current students and faculty.

What strategies should businesses employ to maximize the impact of their print marketing campaigns?

To maximize the impact of print marketing campaigns, businesses should consider the following strategies:

  • Clearly define the target audience and tailor the messaging and design to their preferences and needs
  • Use high-quality printing and paper materials to create a professional and memorable impression
  • Include a clear call to action that encourages recipients to take action
  • Track and measure the effectiveness of the campaign to make improvements for future campaigns.

For more info on printed marketing, read here: https://www.orangecountyprinting.net

 

Featured

5 Great Examples of Effective Sticker Marketing

Posted on June 28, 2023July 28, 2023Categories Sticker Marketing

Big and expensive marketing campaigns are only sometimes the best. Many businesses prefer simpler, lower-cost marketing strategies that create a big impact. Low-cost stickers are ideal for easy and inexpensive marketing. For it to be truly effective, it must be done right.
Below are some great examples of how stickers can be used for marketing campaigns:

Vapor Streets

Interaction with the environment is one of the things that make a successful sticker marketing campaign. me.

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Take Folger’s Steaming Coffee Mug, for example. This coffee company put a vinyl sticker of a cup of hot coffee on city manhole covers. 

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Gives the illusion of a freshly poured cup of hot coffee when steam comes out of the vent. It’s a simple concept, but it cleverly uses its surroundings. Anyone who sees this will want to make a cup of hot coffee at ho

Light the way

Duracell’s adhesive marketing showcases the capabilities and potency of its products. They pasted vinyl stickers next to light sources such as light poles and city bus headlights. This low-cost campaign highlights how bright your flashlights are when powered by a Duracell battery.

Raising awareness

Sticker marketing is not only used to market brands and products. It can also be used to bring social issues to light. Helping the homeless stuck nutritional value stickers on the sides of trash cans to bring awareness of the homeless situation, and the effect is really powerful.
People experiencing homelessness cannot afford to buy a decent meal. Sometimes their main food source is the trash, where they hope to find a half-eaten sandwich or an unfinished take-out box. This sticker campaign gets you thinking about how to help people experiencing homelessness so they don’t have to eat out of the trash.

Interact with the stickers

Floor stickers can also be interactive, sometimes without you knowing it. Frontline installed a large sticker on the floor of a scratching dog at a mall to promote their solution to your pet’s flea problems. This floor sticker doesn’t make much sense up close, but this marketing tactic shines best when viewed from the second or third floor of the mall, where people walking on the sticker look like fleas and ticks plaguing the dog. Frontline then advertises their Flea and Tick Spray to solve your pet’s flea problem.

Undeniable Effect

This Pedigree campaign makes an undeniable case for why you should buy their product. They placed stickers of a bowl of treats and treated with the essence of Pedigree dog food in front of supermarkets and pet stores. He was irresistible to any passing dog. They would go to the stickers and start licking them. The stickers trick the dog visually and stimulate and tempt the dog to try to eat the food.
This marketing sticker works to show that dogs love their product. Eliminate your doubts about whether or not your dog wants dog food. How can you deny its appeal to its intended audience?
Try using stickers in your next marketing campaign. Go with ready-to-use sticker ideas that will stop customers in their tracks and convince them to buy your product! Students?Will there

Printing in Phoenix, Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide to Printing Services in the Valley of the Sun

Posted on August 13, 2023July 28, 2023Categories Sticker Marketing

Overview of Printing in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona has a thriving printing industry that offers a variety of services to businesses and individuals alike. From business cards to banners, printing companies in Phoenix can handle all of your printing needs.

One of the benefits of using a local printing company is the ability to work closely with the printer to ensure that your project is completed to your satisfaction. Many printing companies in Phoenix offer personalized service and quick turnaround times, making them a great choice for those who need their projects completed quickly.

In addition to traditional printing services, many printing companies in Phoenix also offer graphic design services. This can be especially helpful for those who need assistance creating a logo or designing a marketing campaign.

Overall, the printing industry in Phoenix is competitive and diverse, offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike.

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History of Printing in Phoenix, Arizona

Printing has been an integral part of Phoenix’s history since its early days. The first printing press in Phoenix was brought to the city in 1870 by the Arizona Miner newspaper, which was published by Charles D. Poston. The newspaper was published weekly, and the press was used to print the paper, as well as other documents and books.

In the early 1900s, Phoenix saw a significant increase in the number of printing companies. One of the most notable was the Phoenix Printing Company, which was established in 1902. The company specialized in printing books, pamphlets, and other materials for businesses and organizations. Another important printing company was the Arizona Republican Printing Company, which was founded in 1910 and printed the Arizona Republican newspaper.

During World War II, printing played a crucial role in the war effort. Many printing companies in Phoenix were contracted by the government to print posters, pamphlets, and other materials to support the war effort.

In the years following the war, the printing industry continued to grow in Phoenix. Today, Phoenix is home to a wide range of printing companies, from small, independent shops to large, commercial printers. These companies provide a variety of printing services, including digital printing, offset printing, and large format printing.

Overall, the history of printing in Phoenix reflects the city’s growth and development over the years. As the city has grown and changed, so too has the printing industry, adapting to new technologies and changing customer needs.

Printed Advertising: How It Can Boost Your Business

Posted on July 28, 2023Categories Printing Tips

History of Printed Advertising

Early Beginnings

Printed advertising has been around for centuries, with its earliest origins dating back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, papyrus was used to create sales messages and wall posters. The first printed advertisement in English was published in 1472, promoting a prayer book.

During the 16th century, the printing press allowed for the mass production of printed advertisements. By the 18th century, newspapers became the primary medium for advertising, with brands using the power of print to reach a wider audience.

Modern Evolution

The 20th century saw a significant evolution in printed advertising. The introduction of color printing in the 1930s allowed for more visually appealing ads, and the use of photographs became more common.

In the 1950s, the rise of television led to a decline in print advertising, but the industry adapted by creating more sophisticated and targeted campaigns. The use of catchy slogans, bold typography, and eye-catching graphics became more prevalent.

Today, printed advertising remains an essential marketing tool, with brands utilizing a variety of mediums such as magazines, billboards, and direct mail. The advent of digital printing has also made it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to create personalized and targeted ads.

Overall, the history of printed advertising showcases how the industry has adapted and evolved over time to meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses alike.

Types of Printed Advertising

Brochures

Brochures are printed materials that are commonly used for advertising and marketing purposes. They are usually folded in a way that allows them to be compact and easy to carry around. Brochures can be used to showcase a company’s products or services, provide information about a specific event, or promote a new product launch. They are generally printed on glossy paper to make them more visually appealing.

Posters

Posters are a popular form of printed advertising that are commonly used to promote events or products. They are usually printed on a large sheet of paper and can be displayed in public spaces such as bus stops, train stations, and billboards. Posters are an effective way to catch people’s attention and generate interest in a particular product or event.

Newspaper Ads

Newspaper ads are a traditional form of printed advertising that are still widely used today. They are usually placed in the classified section of a newspaper and can be used to promote products or services. Newspaper ads are an effective way to reach a large audience, as many people still read newspapers on a daily basis.

Magazines

Magazines are a popular form of printed advertising that are often used to promote products or services. They are usually printed on glossy paper and can be targeted towards a specific audience. Magazines can be a great way to reach a niche audience and generate interest in a particular product or service.

Billboards

Billboards are a form of outdoor advertising that are commonly used to promote products or services. They are usually placed in high-traffic areas such as highways or busy intersections. Billboards can be an effective way to catch people’s attention and generate interest in a particular product or service.

Related Posts:

Designing Effective Printed Advertising

Visual Elements

When designing printed advertising, it is important to consider the visual elements that will catch the viewer’s attention. This includes the use of color, typography, and imagery. The color scheme should be eye-catching and consistent with the brand’s identity. Typography should be legible and easy to read, with a font that complements the overall design. Imagery should be high-quality and relevant to the product or service being advertised.

Copywriting

Effective copywriting is essential for printed advertising. The message should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It should communicate the benefits of the product or service and compel the viewer to take action. The copy should be written in a tone that resonates with the target audience and uses language that is easy to understand.

Branding

Branding is an important aspect of printed advertising. The brand’s logo, colors, and overall identity should be prominently featured in the design. This helps to build brand recognition and reinforces the brand’s message. Consistency in branding across all advertising channels is important to create a strong brand identity.

Related Posts:

Printed Advertising vs Digital Advertising

Cost

Printed advertising is generally more expensive than digital advertising. The cost of printing, distributing, and designing print ads can add up quickly. Digital advertising, on the other hand, can be more cost-effective as it often involves less physical production and distribution costs. Additionally, digital advertising platforms often offer more targeted advertising options, which can help businesses save money by only showing ads to their desired audience.

Reach

Digital advertising has a wider potential reach than printed advertising. With the rise of the internet and social media, businesses can reach a global audience with just a few clicks. Printed advertising, however, is limited to the physical distribution of the ads, which can limit their reach. Printed ads can still be effective for targeting local audiences, but they may not be as effective for reaching a wider audience.

Impact

Printed advertising can have a more significant impact on consumers than digital advertising. Printed ads can be more memorable and leave a lasting impression on consumers. Additionally, printed ads can be more tactile and engaging, which can help capture the attention of consumers. Digital advertising, however, can be more interactive and engaging, which can also leave a lasting impression on consumers.

Overall, both printed advertising and digital advertising have their strengths and weaknesses. Businesses should consider their target audience, budget, and advertising goals when deciding which type of advertising to use.

Future of Printed Advertising

Sustainability

Printed advertising has faced criticism for its impact on the environment. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses have started to shift their focus towards sustainable practices. The future of printed advertising will involve a greater emphasis on environmentally-friendly materials and production methods.

One way that printed advertising is becoming more sustainable is through the use of recycled paper. Many companies are now using paper made from recycled materials, which reduces the amount of waste produced and helps to conserve natural resources. Additionally, some companies are exploring alternative materials, such as biodegradable plastics, that can be used in place of traditional paper products.

Innovation

As technology continues to advance, the future of printed advertising will also involve new and innovative ways to capture consumers’ attention. One emerging trend is the use of augmented reality (AR) in printed advertising. AR allows consumers to interact with printed materials in new and exciting ways, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.

Another innovation in printed advertising is the use of personalized printing. With advances in digital printing technology, it is now possible to create highly personalized advertisements that target specific demographics or even individual consumers. This can help to increase the effectiveness of printed advertising and make it more appealing to consumers.

Overall, the future of printed advertising will involve a greater focus on sustainability and innovation. By adopting new materials and production methods and embracing new technologies, printed advertising can continue to be a valuable tool for businesses while also minimizing its impact on the environment.

13 Advanced Tips For Efficient Printing

Posted on June 27, 2023June 28, 2023Categories Printing Tips

Printing takes place in every office and almost every home. These are handy tips for saving time, effort, and money and improving print quality, making document printing more efficient. They relate to typical docs such as plain text, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and graphics files.

  1. Save Time By Printing In Batches

You don’t need to open each file to print it. How? Use a special batch printing program that will allow you to start a print job containing multiple files in a few clicks. With it, you can print as many files as needed – the number of files in the queue is unlimited.

Batch printing software examples are:

  • Print Conductor
  • FolderMill
  • 2Printer
  1. Don’t Let Windows Mix It Up

Getting frustrated because documents come out of the printer in random order? Indeed, the Windows spooler service may mix up your files – and you’ll need to sort out the printouts manually. To fix this problem, use Print Conductor to keep the correct order of files for you.

  1. Print It Double-Sided

Duplexing, or double-sided printing, is a common way that people can use to decrease their paper usage. Using your printer’s duplex (two-sided printing) option can reduce paper consumption at least twice.

 If your printer doesn’t support the double-sided printing feature, you can still print your document using both sides of the paper. To do it, print even pages first and then odd pages (with a reverse printing on).

  1. Print Around The Clock

If you want to schedule printing the same files occasionally, why not automate this process? With tools like 2Printer or FolderMill, you can plan document printing at a specific time or as a recurring task (daily, weekly, monthly).

  1. Print It In Black & White

Before printing something in colour, ask yourself: do you need a colour printout? Documents for internal use or those that are unimportant should be printed in black and white. This can save you expensive colour inks and toners. Research shows that colour copiers can use 2 to 4 times the amount of B&W copiers.

You can reduce ink consumption and printing costs even more if you print in “draft” or “economy” mode. It’s a good idea to use it for working papers, the appearance of which is insignificant.

However, this advice may not work if printing in colour is a must. It all depends on what you are printing. If it’s just text/document printing, you can buy only black ink/toner cartridges that are generally cheaper than multi-colour ones.

  1. Use The Right File Format

Before preparing press-ready files to be sent to a print shop:

  1. Choose the file format wisely.
  2. For brochures and other files with graphics, use vector formats such as AI, SVG, or EPS.
  3. Use PNG, TIFF, or maximum-quality JPG (without compression) for images and photos. If you’re in doubt, use a “universal” format – PDF.

It preserves both raster and vector data very well. It is used, for example, for printing CAD drawings when high fidelity and quality are essential.

  1. Check Your DPI

Most images are 72 DPI (dots per inch) because it’s good for the web and easy to display. However, if you want to ensure the prints turn out well, your images should have a higher resolution.

The final document must be 300 DPI or higher for the best output. Downsampling from the highest quality will be better than up-scaling low-res images.

  1. Not Happy With The Print Quality? Try Printing As An Image

Sometimes the text may look corrupt or too thin in the printed documents. If this happens, try enabling the “Print as image” option in your program. For example, such an option can be found in Print Conductor. As a result, the rendering process may take some extra time, but the output quality will be much better.

  1. Keep Your Print Costs In Control

To calculate what it takes to print a page of text or graphics, use this formula:

Ink or toner cartridge price / Page yield + Paper cost = Cost per page

Page yield is how many pages your printer cartridge can produce before it needs replacement. To calculate the Paper cost, here’s another math task:

Cost per pack (500 sheets) / number of sheets = Paper cost

To know the number of sheets spent daily, you can use a logging utility that you may find on your printer manufacturer’s website or a third-party tool. For instance, Print Conductor users can invoke a print estimation report that shows how many paper sheets a specific print job would take.

Once you know the Cost per page, you can compare your stats with other printer models or think about ways to print less.

  1. Convert To CMYK (Not RGB!)

To ensure that colour is printed as accurately as possible, convert your images to the CMYK colour space.

CMYK is better for printing since it uses four basic colours and their blends: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black), whereas RGB produces the colours you see on your monitor display.

  1. Use Adobe Pdf Preset: [High-Quality Print]

Let’s say you have a brochure layout in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator. When saving or creating a file, you can create press-ready print files for commercial printing using the correct preset. We recommend using the “High-Quality Print” option for the best results. However, there are many other parameters to consider. It is best to ask your print shop for advice – they will advise you and tell you about their requirements.

  1. Convert Fonts To Outlines

Before sending someone your project for the final printout, convert all text in your document to outlines in advance. If you do it, the font you use may stay the same when printing from another PC (or may lose its formatting), and you want to avoid this.

If your files are in PDF, provide them with embedded fonts or send a “flattened” PDF. Embedding prevents font substitution when you view or print the document and ensures that you’ll get the text in its original appearance.

If you don’t know how to convert text to outlines – send the fonts too! Add the .otf and .ttf files (or provide the exact font names) to your email and ask the print shop to pay attention.

  1. Merge Them All

Here’s a cool tip if you have many files that need printing and don’t need to apply different print settings. Instead of printing each file individually, combine all files into one document as PDF pages. Then it’s just a matter of two mouse clicks to print all documents in the resultant PDF.

PDF merging can be done with the following:

  • any PDF merge tool such as DocuFreezer;
  • Print Conductor (Single print job mode on) + any virtual printer;
  • a virtual printer with the ability to merge files, such as Universal Document Converter.

The Different Types Of Printing Paper: A Practical Guide

Posted on June 26, 2023June 28, 2023Categories Printing Paper

Types Of Paper For Printing

Choosing among the different types of paper existing on the market is one of the key factors for obtaining excellent quality digital printing. Depending on the product you wish to print, you must carefully select the type of paper most suitable for enhancing the visual and textual contents of your editorial or graphic project.

Choosing between the various types of paper available is only sometimes easy when faced with many different sheets. Each type of paper is characterized by a weight, a process and a finish which determine its transparency, visual appearance, weight, thickness, degree of opacity, effect to the touch and durability.

In this guide, we help you choose the type of paper for digital printing that best suits your needs, analyzing some of the weights available on the market, the recommended applications for each, and the most common paper types.

What Is A Paperweight?

Grammage is technically defined as “the weight of a sheet of paper with a surface area of ​​one square metre”, i.e. the ratio between the weight of the paper and its surface area. It is measured in grams per square meter (g/m 2 ) or simply in grams (g). It differentiates, together with other characteristics that we will see shortly, the various types of paper existing on the market.

For example, photocopier paper (also called “hand use”) ranges from 60 to 90 g/m 2, while cardboard has a weight starting from 150 g/m 2 and reaching up to 350 g/m 2 . m 2. Depending on the weight, the sheet of paper will have a certain consistency to the touch and a certain degree of transparency, which will be greater if a paper with a lower weight is chosen.

The Difference Between Weight And Thickness

It is important to distinguish paperweight from sheet thickness. If it is true that a higher weight often corresponds to a greater thickness, it is also true that the latter can vary depending on various factors:

  •       The type of processing: with the same grammage, the processing chosen by the paper mill can give the paperhigher density and, therefore, a lower thickness to the sheet, or a lower density, producing a sheet of paper with a greater thickness.
  •       The amount of wood fibre present:paper comprises a compact structure of fibres obtained from tree plants by chemical processes (cellulose) and mechanical processes (wood pulp). A large amount of wood fibre can increase the thickness of the paper.
  •       The addition of particularsubstances: some paper mills, to reduce the use of cellulose and obtain an unusual visual and tactile effect, add particular substances to the paper mixture. This is the case of Laguna ecological paper, made with algae from the Venice lagoon, or other ecological paper made with organic residues of oranges, coffee, corn and olives.

It is evident, therefore, that two sheets with the same weight can have different thicknesses depending on the type of processing and the composition of the paper.

Types Of Paper: Why It Is Important To Know The Weight

Each product has a recommended weight, from the printing of business cards to that of a book, from creating an advertising display to a brochure. The wrong type of paper on which to print your graphic or editorial project can ruin the final effect: for example, if you choose too low a weight for an advertising catalogue, the pages will be too transparent, allowing you to glimpse the images printed on the back.

The recommended paper weights based on the product category are available on the Pixartprinting website. For example, for printing your business cards, we recommend a weight of 280, 300 or 350 grams, although you can still choose the one you prefer among the other available weights. If, on the other hand, you prefer to touch the different types of paper available by hand, you can order the Pixartprinting paper sample online.

The Weight Is 90 G/M 2

 The 90 g/m 2 paper falls into the category of uncoated paper and is a natural wood-free paper that does not undergo chemical treatments. It is ideal for printing large quantities of text, obtaining a fairly light and thin print. It is used in white or ivory for the internal pages of books and for printing documents or letterheads. The 130 g/m 2

 paper weight The 130 g/m 2 paper is suitable for reproducing high-quality colour images and can be used for printing glossy magazines, brochures, posters and leaflets. It is quite resistant to ageing and can have a matte or glossy finish.

The Grammage 170 G/M 2

 This is the grammage of fairly light cardboard, which guarantees good consistency and excellent colour rendering. It is ideal for printing catalogues, presentations, certificates and posters. It is available in coated, green or recycled versions and can have a glossy, satin or matte finish, depending on the paper type.

The Grammage 350 G/M 2

 This semi-rigid cardboard is indicated for making business cards, covers, folders, postcards and invitations. Its high thickness guarantees good resistance and excellent durability over time.

Grammage 380 G/M 2

 It is cardboard for packaging, covers and rigid folders, counter displays and product tags. It is a material characterized by excellent resistance to impact and deformation.

white point to understand how the right paper can help you achieve the final result you expect!

The Different Types Of Paper For Digital Printing

As we said at the beginning, knowing the main processes and finishes available on the market is useful for choosing between the various paper types. Here is a short list of the most common types of paper :

  1. Coated Paper

 It is a type of paper characterized by a smooth and glossy surface obtained thanks to chemical additives. It can have a matte or glossy finish and is used for making magazines, posters, business cards, brochures and all products that require paper with excellent colour rendering.

  1. Marked Paper

 It is an uncoated paper, recognizable by the design in relief imprinted on the surface, which gives it an elegant and refined style. Embossed papers, laid papers and hammered papers fall into this category.

  1. Ecological Paper

 Ecological paper is obtained from wood from FSC-certified forests (Forest Stewardship Council, the most accredited forest certification system in the world) in compliance with rigorous environmental and social criteria.

  1. Recycled Paper

 It is produced with recycled waste paper, with a percentage varying from 60% to 100%. Recycled white paper, to be truly ecological, must be bleached without the use of polluting chemicals, or it must use virgin cellulose fibres from FSC-certified forests.

  1. Special Papers

 Papers or cardboards that have undergone particular processes, such as coatings, laminations and other processes aimed at obtaining highly original visual and tactile effects.

In summary, to choose between the various types of paper and weights available on the market, you will have to take into consideration the following factors:

  • The productto be printed: as we said before, there is a recommended weight for each product category;
  • The desired duration: if you want a durable print, opt for a heavier weight and high-quality paper;
  • The effectyou want to achieve: sophisticated, natural, original…Each card can convey a different message; choose the one that best suits your goals.

Paper Types: What Distinguishes Them

We often choose paper with little attention to its various types, thinking one type is as good as another. In reality, the types of paper can be very different, as can their characteristics. We have already discussed grammage above, a fundamental element defining the various paper types. There is the finish, i.e. the aesthetic aspect of the paper, which can be glossy ,  semi-gloss,  opaque ,  satin, felt- marked or even laid or embossed. We’ve also just seen some types of paper that are particularly used in digital printing. Nevertypes of paper available nowadays are truly innumerable; for this reason, we have selected some others in common use below, which you can choose to print your products on the Pixartprinting website.

So let’s see further examples of accessible paper types with their main characteristics.

Paper I Use By Hand

Uncoated paper, also known as edition paper, is a simple and little-worked paper made of pure cellulose and free from chemical treatments. It is ideal for printing a lot of text and is used to print books or catalogues, flyers, postcards, and posters. It is also suitable for letterhead or office printing and photocopying. Uncoated paper is particularly suitable for printing text with black ink; however, it is less suitable for colour printing due to its low chemical treatment.

Recycled Paper

Increasingly in use is recycled paper. Today recycled paper has reached a quality equal to that of pure cellulose: recycled paper is obtained from the pulping of paper coming from waste from paper mills and printers, using from 50 to 100% of recovered fibres. To reuse it, recycled paper is subjected to a particular chemical process which removes the ink from the fibres.

Coated Paper

Another widespread paper is coated paper, which is subjected to patina, a treatment applied to both sides of the sheet, making the surface smoother and suitable for enhancing the chromatic rendering of the print.

The patina added to the surface is composed of water, smoothers, additives and pigments in such a way as to decrease the penetration of the ink on the paper and to give the final print superior colour sharpness and which lasts longer. For this reason, coated paper is preferable for printing coloured flyers, leaflets or brochures.

Matte Coated Paper (Or Demi Matt)

There are two types of coated paper widely used: the first is matt coated paper, also known as demi matt, which has more delicate tones and has an overall more natural appearance than glossy paper. It is particularly suitable for products with a large amount of printed text that must be read accurately.

Glossy-Coated Paper (Or Gloss)

On the other hand, glossy coated paper (or gloss) has superior brilliance as well as a  satin finish that guarantees prints with bright and realistic colours and high-definition images. In addition to traditional advertising materials, this paper is suitable for personalized posters, flyers and calendars.