Westamerica

Don't Send a Dumb Page to a Smartphone

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:29:00 GMT

A recent Pew Internet Project report indicates that almost 90% of smartphone owners check the internet or email on their phones. After all, that's why they got a smartphone in the first place, right?

QR codes, for example, are a terrific way for marketers to send information to a mobile device. BUT QR codes that are linked to standard web pages are almost unreadable on the small display of a smartphone. End users that have to scroll through tiny content on their mobile device might think your campaign is “dumb”.

Don’t send a dumb page to a smart phone. Instead, let us create special “mobile optimized” web pages for your next campaign. Learn more at SMART PAGE

6th Annual Rwanda Ride Breaks all Records

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:56:00 GMT

Many of you know that I'm an avid mountain biker. I ride so I can eat without guilt. That, plus it's just plain fun. When I turned 50 five years ago, I helped organize a fundraising mountain bike event called "50 Mile Ride for Project Rwanda". Well, I'm not 50 anymore. A few years have passed, and that original fundraising ride has turned into an annual event. Our 6th annual Rwanda Ride was held on Saturday April 28, 2012. And 782 of my riding "buddies" showed up to help celebrate another birthday ride. Along the way, we raised over $100,000 in this year's event. This brings our six year total to over $320,000. Proceeds benefit Project Rwanda (a micro-enterprise venture that provides cargo bikes to impoverished coffee growers in Rwanda) and Team Rwanda Cycling (creators and managers of the first Rwandan national cycling team). We were extremely blessed in every way in this year's event. To learn more, please check out this EVENT RECAP that was recently shared with our participants.

Personalization of Direct Mail Steadily On the Rise

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:18:00 GMT

Marketers are returning to print media. And in many cases, not just any print - but personalized print. Incorporating relevant and personalized messaging, that is specifically targeted to each unique recipient, drives better results and higher return on marketing investments. That's not just our opinion - new survey data proves it. According to the latest from "Print in the Mix":

Every month the Who's Mailing What! Archive receives and analyzes approximately 4,000 to 5,000 pieces of direct mail in 220 categories -- consumer, business, fundraising, catalogs, and more.

An analysis of 40 months of data from the Archive (Jan. 2009 through Oct. 2011) demonstrates the growth of variable data printing in the direct marketing and mailing process.
•   In 2009, 28% of direct mail pieces were personalized.
•   In 2010, the number of personalized mail pieces increased to 34% -- a 21% increase.
•   In 2011, VDP grew steadily. In fact, two of the 10 months saw 41% of mail pieces personalized. Overall, 2011 VDP levels represented a 46% jump from 2009.

Source: Target Marketing, Nuts & Bolts - Trends : 2011 Direct Mail Trend of the Year: VDP, March 2012.

WAG "Reveals" New Digital Press

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:54:00 GMT

When WAG wants to make a dramatic announcement, we know how to pull out all the stops. Our new Digital Solutions Center is almost constructed - all it needs is a digital press to put inside. After weeks of comprehensive evaluation and testing, we were finally ready to unveil our press decision to our WAG team. Employees were treated to a commanding performance, courtesy of our new Digital Operations Manager, Ken Dunn. Check out Ken's stirring rendition of a classic song and see if you can catch our digital press winner. WATCH VIDEO (56 seconds of fun).

Helpful QR Code Reference

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:53:00 GMT

Much has been written about the benefits of using QR Codes in an integrated marketing campaign. One of the best resources I've seen lately was written by Graphic Communication Students at Clemson University. To effectively illustrate the "Do's and Don'ts of QR Codes", the students created a fictitious coffee shop called The Nocturnal Bean (hey, I'm not the only coffee addict out there). Their brochure demonstrates several ways a marketer can use QR Codes to communicate, promote, capture info, and link to other media. Well done, Clemson students! CHECK IT OUT HERE

2nd Ounce Free at the USPS

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:37:00 GMT

The Post Office is offering a real breakthrough to benefit clients that do lots of mailing. Looking to boost commercial use of First-Class Mail, the US Postal Service recently launched its new "2nd Ounce Free" pricing program that enables direct mailers to send letters weighing up to two ounces for the one-ounce postage rate. READ MORE

Riding for Fun, Riding for Rwanda

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:18:00 GMT

The 6th Annual 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda will be held on Saturday April 28, 2012 in Orange County CA. Event organizers expect over 800 fun-loving mountain bikers to join this year’s event. The Rwanda Ride raises funds for two non-profits: Project Rwanda, a micro-enterprise venture that provides cargo bikes to impoverished coffee growers in Rwanda; and Team Rwanda Cycling, the first-ever national cycling team from Rwanda.

The Rwanda Ride is different than most mountain biking events. First of all, the event is a “ride”, not a race. Riders participate for a lot of reasons: some for the challenge of riding further on a mountain bike than ever before, some because they love the Rwanda cause, some for the fun of sharing an epic day with their best riding buddies. Second, the event is a fundraiser. To-date, the Rwanda Ride has raised over $220,000 for Project Rwanda and Team Rwanda. These funds are used to further the economic development of Rwanda through initiatives based on the bicycle as a tool and symbol of hope.

“Some friends and I put together the first Rwanda Ride six years ago for my 50th birthday,” says event founder Doug Grant. “But now this event has really taken off. Our ride has grown every year, thanks to our awesome volunteers and the support of so many bike shops and industry sponsors.”

The Rwanda Ride is popular among riders both young and old. One of the “most mature riders” at age 66, John Ganahl said after last year’s event: “This was my first Rwanda ride and in spite of the wind I definitely enjoyed it. I especially liked supporting the cause of helping Rwanda because my wife and I visited Rwanda two years ago. We were truly inspired by the determination of the Rwandan people we met to improve their country after the terrible genocide of 1994.” And one of our youngest riders, Bobby Bethurum (age 14) simply said “The 25 mile ride was awesome! I’m going again next year.”

The 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda supports two non-profits: Project Rwanda and Team Rwanda Cycling. Project Rwanda was founded by Tom Ritchey, a pioneer in the mountain bike industry. Tom first visited Rwanda in 2005. Tom was inspired by the people and their stories of reconciliation and hope. He knew he could use his talent and resources to help make a difference – and Project Rwanda was born. Ritchey designed a special utility bike that can quickly and efficiently transport heavy loads of coffee. This cargo bike can increase a coffee farmer’s earning potential by 30-40 percent, giving them an opportunity to rise above poverty for the first time in their generation. Team Rwanda Cycling athletes are riding for their country, spreading a message of hope and inspiration for Rwanda. Word is spreading about this new “Team Rwanda”, the first national Rwandan cycling team. Adrien Niyonshuti, an original Team Rwanda member, has now qualified for the 2012 Olympics in London. Adrien will represent Team Rwanda as the first-ever Rwandan cyclist to participate in an Olympic Games.

Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Rwanda Ride. The event offers three different route options to choose from: the epic 50 mile route, a moderate but still challenging 25 mile route, and a new 10 mile route suitable for casual and beginning mountain bikers. Riders and their friends and family are invited to stick around at Cooks Corner after they finish for the post-ride party and huge raffle prize drawing (over $25,000 in prizes including a Niner Jet9 RDO carbon bike, a complete Shimano XTR groupo, two Spinergy wheelsets, and two epic San Juan Huts Systems adventure trips – plus much more). For more information and to register for the event, please visit 50mileride.com .

The Art of Saying "Thank You"

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:22:00 GMT

"Thank You". These are two words that can never be said too many times. At Westamerica, we're very grateful for the valuable friendships and business relationships we've developed over the past 35 years. We're also big believers in the power of the PRINTED word. This is especially true when it comes to expressing thanks. A hand-written thank you card, received in the mail, is memorable - and something that stands out in our hectic electronic world. Mohawk Papers recently published an article about this very topic - and we're proud to be featured in their story:

"When you’re on the run from one project to the next, it’s too easy to forget the power of a “thank you.” For a customer, sincere words of gratitude can be as memorable as an impressive estimate package… and the thoughtful expression of the words “thank you” will always help develop and cultivate a long-term relationship." READ MORE

Structural Resource Center Offers "Greatest Hits"

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:34:00 GMT

Westamerica's Structural Resource Center (SRC) is a new addition to our web site. The SRC is our online center - available 24/7 - offering helpful tools and resources to assist in the design and creation of dimensional graphics projects.

In this post, we feature "WAG's Greatest Hits - The Dieline Collection". The collection is a downloadable assortment of our most-requested die lines, including pocket folders, table tents, CD sleeves, envelopes and fun bonus items. Please note: paper thickness on your project matters, so please contact your WAG rep before designing a complex job or a project with critical cross-overs. We'll gladly assist you with your final die line.

Visit our Structural Resource Center to request the Dieline Collection, as well as other helpful tools and resources.

Structural Resource Center Now Open

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:32:00 GMT

Westamerica Graphics is pleased to announce the "Grand Opening" of our new Structural Resource Center (SRC). The SRC is our online center - available 24/7 - offering helpful tools and resources to assist in the design and creation of dimensional graphics projects.
In this post, we feature our "Dimensional Graphics FAQ Sheet".

Here's an excerpt:
> Why should I consider using dimensional graphics?
Because it works. According to the Direct Marketing Association’s Response Rate Report, dimensional mail generated response rates that were two to three times greater than traditional “flat” printing. Use dimensional mail when you want to break through the crowded mailbox. Reach key prospects: a dimensional “package” is most likely to zoom right past an admin and land straight on the decision-maker’s desk.

> Why is dimensional marketing so much better than “flat”?
Flat ads may deliver a one to three second window of attention, while a dimensional product engages the viewer for an average of forty-five seconds or more. Plus, dimensional mail (sometimes called “lumpy mail”) gets noticed amidst all the mailbox clutter. A “package” is almost guaranteed to get opened – and likely before all other mail.

Visit our Structural Resource Center to request our complete "FAQ Sheet", as well as other helpful tools and resources.

5 Steps to Dimensional Success - Step Five

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:28:00 GMT

We're at the finish line. We already know that adding some dimension to your campaign can turn your flat printed sheet into a die-cut-folded-assembled-three-dimensional-supercharged-high-impact marketing tool. The 5th and final step of a typical dimensional graphics project follows.

Step 5 – Die Cutting and Assembly
This is the “magical” part of the process – where your flat printed sheet is die cut, folded, glued, and assembled into a high-impact promotional tool for your company.
Westamerica Graphics is Orange County’s leader in creative structural design. We provide high-performance solutions that help our clients build their business and strengthen their bottom line. Contact us to get started today!

Visit our Structural Resource Center for more helpful dimensional graphics resources.

WAG U in Review - Dimensional Graphics

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:55:00 GMT

It was standing-room-only for our latest WAG U seminar, held on Wednesday November 9. Our topic was "The Art and Science of Dimensional Graphics". Dimensional, or structural graphics, helps marketers capture attention, engage audiences, and achieve dramatic results on marketing campaigns. Westamerica has become Orange County's leader in producing creative dimensional graphics - and this seminar offered a peak behind the scenes of the process.

Seminar presenters included Neenah Paper (text and cover papers), Mead Westvaco (coated covers), and Westamerica Graphics (our very own Rad Scientist Mark Hanson aka Dr. Foldenglue). Attendees learned about trends and new ideas in paper and packaging, cool new paper swatches and tools, sustainable/recyclable options, and helpful case studies and success stories in dimensional graphics design and production.

Attendee feedback was positive:
"Thanks for inviting me... You made a subject like paper fun and interesting."
"I liked getting an update on the latest and greatest in the paper industry, and what my printing options are."
"Great samples, awesome insightful inspiration regarding structural printing."
"I find these presentations very valuable."
"Helpful to see the (structural design) process in total. Keep up the great work!"

Westamerica has presented their popular WAG U client education seminars for eighteen years. These workshops demonstrate Westamerica's commitment to helping their clients succeed, offering new ideas and solutions to help clients grow their business and strengthen their bottom line.

CLICK HERE to download the Powerpoint slide show "5 Steps to Dimensional Success".

5 Steps to Dimensional Success - Step Four

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:25:00 GMT

In previous blog posts, we've shared that dimensional graphics can energize your next marketing campaign. Dimensional graphics turns your flat printed sheet into a die-cut-folded-assembled-three-dimensional-supercharged-high-impact marketing tool.
Here’s what "Step FOUR" of a typical dimensional graphics project workflow looks like:

Step 4 – Proof and Print
Before we go to press, you will receive a final color proof. We’ll even cut it out and assemble it, so you can see how your graphics will look in their final form. When you approve the proof, we go to press – and we have the finest team of press craftspeople in SoCal – so your project is in very capable hands.
We'll cover the final step in our next blog post. If you’d like to add some dimension to your next campaign but don’t quite know where to start, we can help. We’re Orange County’s leader in creative dimensional graphics.

Visit our Structural Resource Center for more helpful dimensional graphics resources.

5 Steps to Dimensional Success - Step Three

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:20:00 GMT

Here’s what "Step THREE" of a typical dimensional graphics project workflow looks like:

Step 3 – Die Line
We will create your die-line in a digital file format that you can use to prepare and place your final art. Or, you can request that we place your final art into the die-line. It’s important to account for such things as bleeds and critical crossovers – and we’re experts in this process.

We'll cover the remaining steps in our next blog post. If you’d like to add some dimension to your next campaign but don’t quite know where to start, we can help. We’re Orange County’s leader in creative dimensional graphics.

Visit our Structural Resource Center for more helpful dimensional graphics resources.

5 Steps to Dimensional Success - Step Two

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:15:00 GMT

Create engaging, high-impact promotional material for your company through the use of dimensional graphics. We can turn your flat printed sheet into a die-cut-folded-assembled-three-dimensional-supercharged-high-impact marketing tool.

Here’s what "Step TWO" of a typical dimensional graphics project workflow looks like:

Step 2 – White Sample Prototype
We’ll show you some sketches to visually convey our concepts and to see if we’re on the right track. Then our structural design experts will create one or more mock-ups – on actual job stock using our state-of-the-art CAD system – to demonstrate functionality, size, and durability.

Visit our Structural Resource Center for more helpful dimensional graphics resources.