Tag Archives: displays

Displays

Three rules to follow when designing a SHOW-STOPPING POP DISPLAY

First impressions are powerful. 

Humans are somewhat fickle animals. Most of us have a tendency to quickly judge what we see as being attractive, mundane, or even repulsive.

We can’t help it!

Behavioral scientists tell us that we are subconsciously readily attracted to certain colors over others. And, that our minds process visual information instantly. This means there are subtle, but instant, emotions at play with shoppers as they walk down an aisle and spot a POP display that speaks to them.

For this reason, it’s important that companies design their POP displays with all the bells and whistles necessary to instantly engage, inform, and persuade their target consumer. While that requires some soul searching and creative finesse, our designers at Midwest Graphics can help. With years of experience in designing eye-catching POP displays, we have a pretty good understanding of what works and what doesn’t.

Here’s three basic rules to follow when designing a display:

1. The POP should stop them in their tracks!

 Any POP display must have a WOW factor that makes the busy shopper want to stop and look. It simply must have magnetic appeal. This is where the right signage and design will help set the display apart from the surrounding clutter while adding ambiance to the consumer’s shopping experience.

2. The POP can be LOW COST while ENGAGING.

Making your POP display unique doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be expensive. Midwest Graphics offers many material options at different price points for designing attractive displays. There are many ways to design a great POP at a reasonable cost that will result in a show-stopping, captivating display. As a B2B or B2C designer, we can help you develop a display that will catch your customers’ attention and increase sales while staying within your budget.

3. The POP must SHOUT an impactful story.

Any POP display must draw in the customer quickly. Using branding tenants such as your logo and the right color palette, you should display your product in such a way that it propels buyers to pick it up and examine it. While you may not always have control over where the POP display is placed by a retailer, strive for the gold location of aisle end caps. Impactful displays require smart graphics and copy that simply, but effectively, explain how the product will solve a problem or will satisfy a need of the buyer.

Midwest Graphics in-house designers have years of experience designing custom POP displays.  We handle everything from prototypes and mock-ups to production, assembly, packing and drop-shipments.

 

 

 

 

Digital Printing

Who doesn’t LOVE digital printing?

Its growth can be attributed to the many benefits it offers customers.

For those of us engaged in the business of printing, 1993 was a pivotal year. That was the year digital printing was launched.

Since its inception, this form of printing has rocketed in popularity and is expected to grow 17% compounded annually through 2020. This growth is largely because digital printing uniquely meets marketers demands for new, efficient ways to communicate with customers.

Benefits associated with digital printing

It’s a GREEN process –

Being “green” and environment-friendly is increasingly important to both companies and consumers. If you have to print, digital is much eco-friendlier than the conventional printing.

There are no pre-press stages between the digital document file and the final print, so there is no need for film plates or photo chemicals.

Speed –

In printing, there is often a rush to get the printing done on-time.

Digital offers quicker response time due to its minimal press setup. This is because traditional plates and film are redundant so the press make-ready process is eliminated. With fewer steps and people involved in the printing process, the printing can be done quicker.

Cost effective –

Companies are always looking to cut marketing costs.  Digital printing offers a budget-friendly printing option. Because of its flexibility, digital printing doesn’t have the quotas or minimum orders associated with conventional printing processes. This translates into the company being able to have only the exact amount printed that they need.

Short runs –

Many companies appreciated the ability to have short-to-medium runs of printing done. Once entered into a computer, digital data is easily stored and updated.  Future runs and any needed changes can be made prior to the next printing.  There is no need to bulk stock and no need to dump out of date stock.

Midwest Graphics understands your digital printing needs

At Midwest, we consider digital printing a way to deliver printing “the way you want it!”.  We have the best equipment, including Xerox, Adobe, Apple and more for any digital printing need.

With the ability to digitally print your design directly onto your chosen packaging substrate on-site, we can quickly and efficiently run any size print job you need.  Our designers are ready to help you with your next printing need.

Displays

Think you can’t afford a POP display? Think again!

At Midwest Graphics, our in-house design team talks to companies  daily about the best ways to package and display their products in retail. While the client may be thinking about using POP (point of purchase) displays to showcase and sell the product, they may be reluctant because of budgetary concerns. They just don’t feel the numbers add up to warrant the expense associated with the POP.

From our experience, the question the client should really be asking themselves is whether their avoidance of using POP displays are causing them to lose sales and, if so, how much?

POP’s boost sales

 Marketing statistics show POP’s have been proven to dramatically boost product sales. An average boost is in the range of 20%! And, POP displays don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

 POP costs can be minimal

POP costs can be controlled in a variety of ways. Ordering the displays well in advance and in bulk can help.  Also, the costs of the material used in the POP display varies greatly, offering options for tight budgets. Choose from wood, metal, or cardboard. And, the quantity of POP’s ordered affects overall costs, with the per-unit price dropping as the quantity manufactured rises.

All information should be gathered before deciding on POP displays

At Midwest Graphics, we have many years of experience in designing POPs.  Our design team can accurately estimate your expense and take the guesswork out of the decision-making process.

In the final analysis, it’s all about placing your product within your customer’s view and letting the POP help sell it for you.

 

Any POP is going to be cheaper than placing ads on television! And, POP’s help in selling the product in that critical first 4 seconds of viewing. That’s the time most buyers take in deciding whether to pick up your product or pass it by!

At Midwest Graphics, our design team will help you design a POP display within your budget. Then, watch your product get the attention it deserves and watch your brand grow!

Digital Printing

Digital Printing – the BFF of any small business!

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Any small business needs to practice a strategic approach to the marketing of its products and services.  After all, the budget may be limited and business owners want to get the most bang for their buck.

But, advertising can be an expensive proposition!

Television and radio ad costs can eat up budget dollars quickly. Then, there’s also the nagging concern whether such ads will be effective in reaching the select audience you want to reach at the right place and time.

 Digital printing has emerged as one of the most effective mediums and can help improve the bottom line of any business. 

 Increasingly, small business owners are making digital printing their advertising medium of choice. You might say, it’s become their marketing budget’s BFF (best friend forever)!

“Why is digital printing such a popular choice for advertising,” you ask?

Three reasons stand out:

  1. Digital printing offers a cost-effective solution to squeeze the most out of marketing dollars

We’ve already said that television and radio advertising can cost a fortune.  And, the same is true for billboard advertising. Online advertising is only as effective as the number of people that it reaches (SEO) and takes time to build viewership.

Digital printing, on the other hand, is cost-effective and convenient. You can strategically print only the quantities you need. There isn’t the minimum order requirement often encountered when using the more expensive offset printing process.

At Midwest Graphics, we handle the digital printing needs for your business regardless of the size. From one print job to lots in the hundreds or thousands, no job is too big or too small.

  1. A plethora of choices exists in digital printing

With digital printing, print advertising means a variety of options far beyond just flyers and business cards.

Midwest Graphics can digitally print to multiple substrates (multiple paper types) onto brochures, packaging, letterheads, posters, banners, POP displays, etc.

 Digital printing is high-quality. At Midwest Graphics, our digital printers churn out high-end prints comparable in quality to lithographic printers.

  1. Digital printing is efficient

 You can thank computers for the efficiency available in digital printing!

Contrary to the tooling set-up time associated with traditional printing methods, digital printing is fast and efficient. You can call Midwest Graphics, order your high-quality prints and receive them within hours!

When time is of the essence, Midwest Graphics has the equipment, the quality control, and the expertise to deliver your product the way you want it.

 If you are a small business not currently using digital printing, give us a call. We’re sure it can easily become your marketing department’s BFF!

Packaging

How to make your customers experience a “love affair” with your packaging!

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We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating…the packaging of a product plays a critical role in the customer being attracted to the product!

Various studies have shown that packaging accounts for about 70% of initial first impressions.  And it’s in those first few seconds that the decision is made to either pull the product from the shelf or pass it by and move on down the aisle.

Packaging can make or break a product’s success in a competitive market where every product is vying for the attention of the buyer. Because of this, companies need to incorporate the following aspects into their packaging strategy:

Think “out of the box” when designing your package!

While square and rectangle-shaped boxes are the norm, maybe YOUR product can be packaged differently?

For example, Nike recently launched their new line of Nike Air shoes, showcasing the shoe simply in a plastic bag of air. Another option is to stay with the regular square or rectangular boxing but opt for unique printing using colors to attract your audience.

Think about the “sensory experience” you want your customer to have.

Design your packaging with the customer in mind.

What sensory experience within the brain do you want your customer to experience while unpacking your product? (for example, use more green for natural and organic products, white and black to create a minimalist and mysterious effect).

Consider special affects

Special die cut, foil stamping, embossing and UV coating all add a more luxurious feel to the product without causing any extra effort and cost.

Packaging Inserts

Surprise customers with a promotional insert such as a personalized thank you note to create a feeling of goodwill. Consider package dividers to help lay out your product neatly and avoid damage.

Service

Use your packaging to provide all necessary product details and support/contact information. Exceptional customer service should be the first and foremost desire of any business.

By ensuring that the customer is provided clear instructions in the packaging about the product, you are setting them up for an exciting and positive experience. You are making it easier for them to love the packaging and the product even more.

At Midwest Graphics, we have lots of ideas to help you design the perfect packaging for your product. Whether it’s unique die cutting, UV coating, or digital printing with a splash of bold colors, our in-house design team is ready to assist you.  

 

 

Digital Printing

The Advantages of Digital Printing

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Having been in business for almost 30 years, Midwest Graphics has seen the growth in popularity of digital printing. Before the advent of computers, the only printing done on a large scale was called offset printing. Still used extensively, offset printing involves a plate on which the material to be printed is engraved, which is transferred with ink onto a rubber blanket, then to the material on which it is printed.

Digital printing, on the other hand, skips the use of plates entirely, as the printing is done directly onto the material. While offset printing is known to produce higher quality than digital printing, it’s higher initial set-up costs require really large print runs for it to be the most cost-effective option.

That’s where digital printing comes in, and here are its advantages:

  • It’s a “greener” way to print

Since digital printing bypasses the need for the plates, chemicals and extra materials associated with offset printing, it is a more environmentally-friendly way to print.  You are printing directly onto the material.

  • It’s quick and efficient

Not having pre-press procedures or plates means the set-up time is less and you can get your printing done quicker

  • The costs and set-up fees can be less

Because there are no costs associated with creating plates, digital printing can save you money. As stated, this is especially true for small, multiple batch printing. However, with large print runs, offset printing is usually a better option for a lower overall cost per unit.

  • Customization is easy

Offset printing involves printing the plate’s content onto the printing material. As such, the content cannot be changed without changing the plates. Digital printing allows for customization of each print unit without too much hassle. For example, a name or word can be changed for each printing to personalize that piece.

  • Digital printing is accurate

Digital printing allows for easy “tweaking” of colors and their properties to get the exact tone desired.

Midwest Graphics uses the best equipment in the industry for digital printing. This includes three full 4×8 Flatbed printers, two digital control cut tables, roll lamination – both PSA and Thermal, Liquid UV Coating up to 60 inches wide. In short, our equipment allows us to handle nearly any type of project from start to finish.

Give us a call to discuss your next digital printing job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design, Packaging

The Secrets of Successful Packaging Design – it starts with a good Design Team

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When it comes to packaging a product, the design is critical.  After all, unless your package stands out with a unique color, size, or copy, it is going to struggle for recognition sitting on a crowded shelf along-side all those competitive products.

The smart businesses know that a great package design can help in selling the product. At Midwest Graphics, our clients appreciate the value our in-house design team brings to the table in assisting them in creating a great package design.

Recently, a national manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom products visited our plant.  They viewed our in-house design team (along with other factors like quick turn around and competitive costs) as a real asset in their decision to use our packaging services.

We know great packaging design is simply following some basic rules. We list some below:

  • Knowing your customer is key!

Who is your customer? All packaging design is geared to first understanding who you are marketing to.

  •  Remember, benefits are more important than features

Focus on the benefits, not the features. Customers want to know “what’s in it for me?” when making their buying decision.

  • Develop a couple prototypes of packaging designs

If you think one design is good, perhaps another idea is better. Set two or more prototypes side-by-side to compare.

  • Price points are important

If the product is priced inexpensive, don’t needlessly escalate costs with an over-priced packaging.

  • Take a look at what your competition is doing

Your packaging needs to stand out while displayed along-side competitive products on the shelf

  • Know your USP?

Identify your product’s unique selling proposition and find a way to communicate that message in your packaging.

  • Remember, brand consistency is important

If you have multiple products, maintain a consistent brand image in the packaging so all your products create similar visual affect.

  •  Decide how you want the customer to interact with your product

Do you want your customer to be able to touch your product? If so, either displaying one of the products outside of the package or a die cut window may be appropriate.

The design team at Midwest Graphics is ready to help you design packaging that will motivate customers to buy. From conceptualization to proofing, they can work with you every step of the way in development of all packaging materials for your company.

 

 

 

 

Corrugated, Digital Printing

Cardboard versus Corrugated – there ARE distinct differences

At Midwest Graphics, we pride ourselves in being able to print directly to various substrates.  While corrugated is the most commonly requested substrate, many other options are available and used by our customers. This could include substrates like PVC, Transilwrap, Foam Corr, Tile, Magnetic, Mylar/Acetate and Acrylic among others.

While corrugated is the most popularly-used substrate, there is a tendency for people to confuse corrugated with cardboard.  Many people will use the two terms interchangeably, thinking they are referring to the same thing.  That’s simply not true.

So, what is the difference between corrugated and cardboard?

While it’s common for people to refer to corrugated and cardboard interchangeably as “paper packing material”, any professional in the packing industry will tell you there are distinct differences.

Cardboard typically refers to a thick paper stock or heavy paper-pulp This could apply to the material used to make greeting cards or playing cards, for example. It could also apply to the thin cardboard that is used to manufacture cereal boxes.

The secret to corrugated strength lies in its fluted center.

Corrugated is made up of three layers of paper that includes an inside liner, an outside liner, and fluting with a ruffled shape, which runs in between the two. This substantially increases the durability, alleviating the worry that your products will be damaged during shipping.

Some of the characteristics that makes corrugated so attractive as a packing medium include:

  • Durability
  • Lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio
  • Provides for greater product protection
  • Cost-effective
  • Environmentally friendly

Any manufacturer desires to minimize the risk of damage when shipping their product. Corrugated is always the right choice over cardboard when seeking to reduce the possibility of damage during shipping. Corrugated sheets formed into boxes are ideal because they are very strong and durable, and are easily recycled.

At Midwest Graphics, we can print onto corrugated flat substrate up to 1 3/8” thick. Give us a call for your next printing need.