Creative Gatefolds That Get Attention

Want to get your customers’ attention? Incorporate creative folds that add dimension and interest. Gatefolds, in particular, are cost-effective tools that add high interest and engagement to your pieces. Whether you are producing marketing collateral, event invitations, or direct mail, these fun, creative folds can repeatedly engage your audience with your marketing content.

Four types of gatefolds are easy on the budget and add flair and interest to your promotions simultaneously. Let’s take a look.

Classic Gatefold: This format starts with an oversized sheet that is scored and folded into three panels, with the two outside panels folding in to meet in the middle. The classic gatefold opens—you guessed it—like a gate. This cost-effective format gives you six total panels to work with yet folds into a standard mailing size.

Asymmetrical Gatefold: This is like a traditional gatefold, but the folds are offset so that one flap is larger. This interesting fold provides the same surface area for your message but adds variety and visual interest.

Closed Gatefold: This format starts with an even larger oversized sheet, then folds down one additional time, giving you eight panels. You can orient this fold to open horizontally or vertically in portrait and landscape formats, giving you creative flexibility. The closed gatefold offers you both a “first view” (when you first open the piece) and a “second view” (when you open it up further), allowing your story to unfold sequentially.

Gate or Closed Gate with Pocket: Want to give something away? Provide a free sample, add a card or other promotional item? Gatefold pieces can include interior pockets to tuck your gift or sample, creating surprise and delight.

Using different types of folds is a great way to create engagement and get your audience to open and close the piece multiple times. Every time they open or close a fold, they are exposed to your message repeatedly. Doing so reinforces that message and helps them remember it. Interesting folds also increase the chances that they will share the experience with someone else.

Want your audience’s attention? Try a gatefold!

5 Situations Where Print Media Outshines Digital

In today's digital age, it's easy to overlook the enduring impact of print media. While digital marketing offers unparalleled reach and flexibility, there are certain situations where print simply outshines its digital counterparts. Here are five scenarios where print comes out on top.

1. When it needs to last. Print materials have a physical presence that can last for months or years, making them ideal for content that must withstand time. Unlike digital content that can be easily overlooked or deleted, a well-designed print piece can continue to make an impression long after receiving it.

2. When you need to make a statement. Print has a tactile quality that digital simply can't match. A beautifully designed brochure or a high-quality, embossed business card can make a strong statement about your brand and leave a lasting impression on recipients. This physical interaction can create a sense of value and importance that digital content often lacks.

3. When you need to work around opt-in requirements. With the rise of GDPR and other privacy regulations, getting people to opt in to receive digital communications can be a challenge. On the other hand, print materials can be sent directly to individuals without their explicit permission, making them a valuable tool for reaching new audiences.

4. When it absolutely, positively must get there. While email can be a quick and convenient way to send communications, there's always the risk that it will end up in the recipient's spam folder or get lost in the digital ether. With print, you can be sure that your message will physically arrive at its intended destination.

5. When it's location-specific. Print materials can be strategically placed in physical locations where they are likely to be seen by your target audience. Whether it's a poster in a high-traffic area or a flyer handed out at an event, print allows you to take advantage of location-based marketing opportunities in a way that digital can't replicate.

When marketing your business, think of the different marketing channels as various tools. Not every tool will be suitable for the job. While there are many situations where digital marketing is a highly effective and cost-effective option, other times, print is—hands down—the best tool in the box.