Color speaks volumes. Color can influence thinking, cause reactions, and can definitely affect your direct mail response rate. Your first impression is the most important one and using color demonstrates that you mean business.

Coupled with a compelling message and polished design, color can improve product recognition. It can add credibility to your message. Marketing psychologists have tested and proven that color impressions are both quick and long lasting.

The decision whether to read or reject a direct mail piece is made in just 2.5 seconds. Color emphasizes critical information, conveys a sense of professionalism - and can keep your materials out of the wastebasket. Various studies shed light on the impact of color:

• Color makes an impression that is 39% more memorable. Direct mail pieces and sales materials leave a lasting impression if they are in color.

• Color increases comprehension by as much as 73%. Your prospects and potential customers can understand your message faster and more clearly.

• Color helps sell up to 80% more. Printed materials can help generate more sales with the application of color.

• People are 55% more likely to pick up a full-color piece of mail first.

• Color can improve brand recognition by up to 80%. Your potential customers can cut through the clutter with the help of color.

Avoid the ordinary when designing your direct mail - like standard number ten envelopes. Instead, try something different, such as jumbo postcards - a recipient opens their mailbox, and there it is. Your most striking image is already at the forefront of their minds!

Surprisingly, recipients are drawn first to the address panel - people check to see if their names are spelled correctly. Make sure your primary message is in this high-impact area. By capturing the reader's attention, you are more likely to get a response.

Color and design are critically important when it comes to your direct mail response. The human brain requires a sense of order when it looks at anything or it will reject whatever is seen. Too many colors, complicated designs and complex messages can confuse your prospects. But, If not enough color is used, attention is totally lost. Choose a single dominant image and message so your audience's attention is not divided.

Printegration can help you with every aspect of your next direct mail campaign. Our creative staff can design a fabulous mail piece for you. We can print and proof it for you. We can order the mailing list for you. We can get the best postage rates for you. And we can mail it for you. We want to be your communications partner - providing a better return on your investment.