Tag Archives: Structural Graphics

5 Ways to Incorporate Video into Your B2B Marketing

Posted On: Category: Audio / Video Marketing, Ideas & Inspiration, TechnologyTag(s): , , , , , , , , Posted By:

Video is one of the most talked-about subjects in the marketing industry right now, and with good reason. Did you know that videos increase people’s understanding of a product or service by 74%?

Everyone from social media strategists and content creators to businesses and brands are all jumping aboard this trend. Why? They all understand how and why video has become such a popular mechanism to win new business and increase audience loyalty.

But despite its growing relevance, one of the questions we get most is: How do I get started with video marketing? Here, we’ve included a few tips to help make your marketing videos even more effective.

  1. Choose the right files. To ensure the quality of your video and sound are exactly where you want it, we recommend using the following: a) video file format: MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, (Codec: MPEG-4, Divx, Xvid 720P) b) Audio output: Mono speaker c) Sound level: 75-80 dB
  2. Keep it short. Video is a great vehicle for delivering your message, if it’s done effectively. Keep your videos short (30-60 seconds) and entertaining while still delivering on substance.
  3. Don’t forget the CTA. Perhaps it’s as simple as encouraging viewers to visit your website or call a direct line. Whatever the call to action is, don’t forget it. This will help you track responses and, perhaps more importantly, determine the success of your marketing efforts.
  4. Make your messaging digestible. In addition to keeping your content brief, remember to share your messaging in short, potent bursts. Perhaps this means separating your video into “chapters” or creating a YouTube series to really hit home your product or brand. Allowing viewers to enjoy your content in bite-size pieces ensures your audience will absorb more of the information you’re delivering.
  5. Consider Video-in-Print formats. Here at Structural Graphics, we have produced hundreds of thousands of video units for some of the top Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Financial Services, Manufacturing and Entertainment brands in the world. Check out our VPA Gallery here.

Introducing SG Unfolded

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Dimensional Print Marketing, Ideas & InspirationTag(s): , , , , , , , , , Posted By:

Each year, businesses throughout North America choose Structural Graphics to produce thousands of dimensional projects customized to fit their individual needs. But what about the multitude of other designs our paper engineers have created but have never been produced?

Now, you can find them here.

SG Unfolded, which launched this week, is intended to showcase one-of-a-kind inventions born of innovative thinking and precision engineering. We have such a large library of designs, that we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing work our paper engineers think up behind the scenes, which may have never made it into a client’s hands.

Our hope is not only to show off these designs, but also to help you get to know our paper engineers and their approach to crafting novel pieces for marketing professionals, Fortune 500 companies, universities and the like. Perhaps these pieces will even inspire you!

Currently, we have 16 designs on SG Unfolded (and our related Instagram account, with more queued up and ready to be posted for you to enjoy every week. Multiple images are posted for each design, including a short video to showcase how the mechanism works.

We hope you enjoy!

Structural Graphics Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation in the Interactive Print Marketing Industry

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Inside Structural GraphicsTag(s): , , , , , , , , , , , , , Posted By:

sgs-40th-anniversary-party-21

Structural Graphics, the pioneer of the dimensional print marketing industry is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company introduced the world to dimensional print marketing in 1976 and continues to lead the interactive print marketing industry today.

Over the years, Structural Graphics has created more than 40,000 interactive paper designs for clients in almost every industry and holds many U.S. Patents. For more than four decades, the company has helped some of the world’s most influential brands reach their audiences with high-impact and multisensory marketing campaigns. Brands such as Samsung, Google, Whirlpool, Coca Cola, Lincoln, Land Rover, UPS, American Express, Nationwide, Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, Leading Hotels of the World, Nabisco, AstraZeneca, The Hartford and Prudential, just to name a few.

As the world changes, Structural Graphics’ capabilities and service offerings have continued to evolve. Building on the company’s success in the insurance sector, The Lift Factor was established to deliver fully integrated marketing solutions utilizing print and digital executions for the nation’s top insurers. The Red Paper Plane division was created to provide a fast turnaround, do-it-yourself platform to buy Structural Graphics’ top selling formats online.

“The vast majority of companies never make it to see their 40th anniversary. The fact that we are celebrating this milestone here at Structural Graphics is a testament to the innovative products and services we offer, and our wonderful clients and suppliers. But most importantly, it’s a reflection of the creative, hardworking and talented employees that have walked through our doors over the past 40 years. Our people are truly our greatest asset,” stated Mike Maguire, CEO.

Structural Graphics markets its products and services nationally and in Canada, with its design and paper engineering, production management, marketing and administrative offices operating from the corporate headquarters in Essex, Connecticut. The company has sales and production operations throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

For more information or to view some of Structural Graphics’ work, please visit www.structuralgraphics.com.

SG Team Volunteers With Habitat for Humanity

Posted On: Category: Giving Back / Community, Inside Structural GraphicsTag(s): , , , , , , , , Posted By:

IMG_0759
On Tuesday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 26, teams from both Structural Graphics and SG’s online offering, Red Paper Plane, traded paper for wood at a build for Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven. Picking up saws, power tools and post-hole diggers, employees braved the rain while assisting the Habitat team on a new house project in the Westville area of New Haven.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works to provide affordable housing to individuals and families around the world. Partnering with volunteers, Habitat has created and improved housing conditions for tens of thousands of families. Projects include home repair jobs such as painting, caulking and replacing doors or windows. Sometimes builds even involve the entire homebuilding process.

“I am so proud of Structural Graphics’ support of Raise the Roof and Habitat for Humanity for so many years,” said Michael Maguire, CEO of Structural Graphics. “Working side-by-side with a hard working family to help them realize their American dream is gratifying and important work. Through financial support, volunteer labor and countless contributions of signage and graphics for Habitat’s fundraising the events, Structural Graphics has set a wonderful example of giving back to our community – locally and around the world.”

Other organizations Structural Graphics supports include: Bikes for Kids; High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Academy; American Cancer Society; New London Homeless Coalition; The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries; The Autism Walk; The CURE for Breast Cancer and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Habitat for Humanity builds are held regularly and are open to all those who are interested. Learn more about the Greater New Haven chapter by visiting www.habitatgnh.org or look for updates on Facebook and Twitter.

To view the full gallery of photos, click here.

A Double Life: Meet the Flapper

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Dimensional Print Marketing, Direct Mail MarketingTag(s): , , , , , , , , Posted By:

What do Hyundai, Asbury University and Gillette all have in common? They all understand the high impact the Flapper can have on an audience.

The Flapper, one of Structural Graphics’ exclusive patented designs, is kind of like a book you just can’t put down. Kids love it. Adults do, too. What makes it so unique is the way it folds continually into itself, revealing four separate layers of messaging ranging from text, photographs and even QR codes.

Even better? They’re incredibly versatile. Not only can they be distributed as a flat self-mailer, but they range in sizes, too. We’ve produced Flappers that were very small (3” x 3”) as well as ones that are about the size of a standard piece of paper (8” x 11”). Clients have used them as magazine inserts, designed them to look like tablets, and have even included scratch-offs and coupons inside. The possibilities are endless!

But how exactly do you use a Flapper?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

If you’re using our French Door style (i.e. the one with a vertical front opening)…

1. Starting on the front side of the Flapper, fold open until the left and right flaps are folded back to display the second message panel.
2. Continue following the natural folds of the paper until you get back to your original panel.

If you’re using our Dutch Door style (i.e. the one with a horizontal front opening)…

1. Starting on the front side of the Flapper, fold open until the top and bottom flaps are folded back to display the second message panel.
2. Continue following the natural folds of the paper until you get back to your original panel.

Click here to visit our Instagram feed and see the Flapper in action.

Ready to design yours? Take a look at our Flapper How To Guide then let us send you one to play with and inspire you!

And the winner is…

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Events & Awards, Inside Structural Graphics, Luxury & Specialty PackagingTag(s): , , , , , , , , Posted By:

It’s no secret that when it comes to design and style with some extra POP, Structural Graphics takes the cake (or, in this case, the pizza).  Some extra validation never hurt anyone, which is why we are so thankful to have been named winners of the Fibermark’s 21st Annual Specifier Best of Show Gold Award for our Bacardi Limited Dewar’s Influencer Kit.

Fibermark Specifier Award

The awards didn’t stop there, either! We were also recognized for excellent for our Samsung GS3 Mini Small Book Launch Kit, Samsung GS5 Gold VIP Launch Kit, Samsung Gear Fit VIP Launch Kit (see these at TheBoxSmiths.com). A special shout out goes to TracyLocke, the agency who we collaborated with on all of the Samsung projects.

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Samsung GS3 Mini Small Book Launch Kit
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Samsung Gear Fit VIP Launch Kit
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Samsung GS5 Gold VIP Launch Kit

And… also, we are very thankful for the pizza party brought to us by the Fibermark team themselves, yum!

Pizza Party
Pizza party!

This is the second award that our Dewar’s Influencer Kit has won this year, also winning a GDUSA American Package Design Award earlier this year.

Design Team
Structural Graphics design team with awards

So often, the response to Structural Graphics is “Oh, the people who do all the pop-up stuff?”

We live and breathe “pop-up stuff”, we practically invented it! Many people are surprised to hear that we are doing way more than that, and getting recognition for it, too.

So, whether you need some pop-up stuff or packaging, you can call on Structural Graphics – anything paper is possible!

Looking for packaging that’s a little more luxurious? Visit The BoxSmiths for luxury packaging that performs.

It All Began with A Pop-up Book

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Dimensional Print Marketing, Inside Structural GraphicsTag(s): , , , , , , , Posted By:

Most likely, you’ve heard our spiel (and if you haven’t, you’re in luck): “Structural Graphics is the pioneer of the dimensional print marketing industry.”

“Okay,” you might be thinking, “that’s great. But who decided to take a pop-up and turn it into an ad?” Which is a reasonable question — it’s a pretty genius idea.  Although it has been said that digital is taking over the marketing space, it’s undeniable that our work really POPS, gets attention and drives to digital.

Believe it or not, Structural Graphics did not start with an advertisement.  It all started with a fascination of pop-up books and paper that led us to engineer a new medium for the world of advertising.

Paper house in pop-up book
Paper house in pop-up book

When asked about how the company got started, Ethan Goller, president of Structural Graphics, had this to say:

“Structural Graphics was the first company ever to introduce interactive print collateral for advertising and marketing on a commercial scale, and so can claim having “invented” the medium for use in that space.” he says.

“I’m often asked, ‘how did it all get started?’ Company founder, Chris Crowell, had a background in the graphic arts and advertising. He also had a passion for movable (“pop-up”) books, and the notion struck him:

‘If you could take the interactivity, engagement and whimsy of a pop-up book and apply it to advertising, it would perform better than traditional (“flat”) print collateral.’

 

That was in 1976! And as we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary next year, stronger than ever in a business that has transformed dramatically to be relevant in a digital environment, we are proud to boast about our place in advertising history.”

Ethan sums it up perfectly. Times change. So does Structural Graphics.  That’s why we were thrilled when Google came to us to produce a popup book for their new app, Google Photos. We can incorporate technology in print — videos, sound, web keys, NFC, you name it, or take it all the way back to our roots with our love for pop-up books.

Google Popup Book (18)

 

A Brief History of Packaging

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Luxury & Specialty PackagingTag(s): , , , , , , , , , Posted By:
It all began with some twigs and leaves…

For most of us, shopping is an integral part of our daily lives — food for our fridge, supplies for our offices, a new pair of shoes.  Chances are, whatever it is we may need will be wrapped up in a nice little bag or box.

Packaging is everywhere. But do you ever wonder where it all began?

Shopping list

Packaging as we know it today has been the result of a long development process.

Packaging is an industry that has been around since the beginning of man. In ancient times, packaging was used to transport, assist, store or protect items using natural materials such as leaves. In the Middle Age, wooden barrels were the most common way to store goods.  In the 1900’s, paper and cardboard became more important packaging materials.  As our world continued to evolve, so did packaging.

Ancient people

The Industrial Revolution sparked a tremendous change in the way that people lived their lives. Ultimately, hands were replaced with machines in the workforce, which lead to faster and higher levels of product production. This naturally created a higher demand for different types of packaging, such as:

1. Storage and transportation bins

2. Bags

3. Food packaging methods

4. Primary packaging materials

5. In-store packaging options

The Great Depression brought in the rise of the “self-service” culture where people began going to grocery stores more often.  This new trend changed the way that items were packaged.  The use of packaging turned into more of a sales tool, also known as the “silent salesman”, instead of a tool to simply hold items. After World War 2, new materials were explored, such as plastic and aluminum foil.  This offered the convenience of single use and “throw away” packaging, which was highly attractive to the supermarket culture.

In the later half of the 20th century came the rise of digital technologies, and the producing world became more competitive. Businesses now had a way to differentiate themselves on the shelf. The marketplace became more competitive as mass producing allowed businesses to venture globally.

Shopping icons

Today, packaging plays a primary role in consumers buying decision.  It’s a marketing tool that directly impacts point-of-purchase. Packaging is an industry that continues to be sculpted and molded to fit current trends.

More of a visual person, or just can’t get enough of the history of packaging? Take a look at this infographic:

History of Packaging Flowchart


4 Marketing Trends on the Rise

Posted On: Category: Marketing InsightsTag(s): , , , , , , , Posted By:

Do you ever stop and wonder how our decisions are influenced?

Boy holding But why sign

 

I do, I’m a marketer after all.  These days it seems like we’re being bombarded with trends trying to get us to buy or do something.  We can’t browse our Facebook feed without being distracted by bizarre videos of the Brazilian “burning hair” treatment, the horrifying aftermath of the “Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge,” or the most recent one sweeping Instagram, “Sunburn Art.”  While we do not personally recommend any of these, we’re all about standing out.

How you market your product or idea directly impacts whether or not people will choose it.  So, to help you out, we’ve done a little research, combed thru all the weird stuff on the Internet, and came up with 4 marketing trends that are on the rise.

 

1. More Personalization

We all know the saying that goes, sometimes through gritted teeth, “the customer is always right.” It’s certainly safe to say the customer is in charge.  When asked to prioritize one capability that will be most important to marketing in the future, one-third of marketers answered: “personalization.” Nearly three-fourths (74%) of online consumers get frustrated with Web sites when content appears that has nothing to do with their interests (CMO, 2015). With all the different benefits technology can provide, personalization is more popular than ever. Targeting your products and ads directly to your customer’s specific needs is a strong marketing trend and it’s on the rise.

2. Multichannel Communications

Business icons flat vector illustration Communication
Business icons flat vector illustration Communication

Print, direct mail, URLs, social sharing, email, mobile app push, SMS… really, the possibilities are endless.  The world is your oyster when it comes to all of the ways you can communicate, and the statistics speak to its effectiveness.

  • 60% of multichannel marketers reported increases of more than 10% in revenue that are attributed to marketing programs. – Forrester (May 2012) “The Multichannel Maturity Mandate.”
  • 86% of marketing professionals agree that successfully integrating multiple channels under a single integrated marketing strategy is crucial to their long-term success. – Forrester (May 2012) “The Multichannel Maturity Mandate.”

Tip: Want to add some extra staying power to the print portion of your multichannel marketing? Use dimensional for your direct mailer.

3. Video

Unify Video Sales Aid, Structural Graphics

By 2017, video will account for 69% of all consumer internet traffic, according to Cisco. A study done by a company named Eyevie discovered that using videos on landing pages increased response rates by 80%, but why just use them on a screen? At Structural Graphics, we can seamlessly incorporate a video into print for a multidimensional, multi-sensory experience. See it here.

4. Print

There are a lot of comebacks being made recently. Fanny packs, Doc Martens, and my personal favorite – jelly shoes.

But that’s not all. Get ready marketers, because even in this digital age, print is making a comeback – and with a vengeance. Anything can be added to print: lights, sound, video, the list goes on. Print isn’t just paper anymore.  Also, who doesn’t love getting real, tangible, paper mail?  Direct mail marketing yields, on average, a 13-1 return on investment ratio (DMR, 2015).

Rolling Stone Chuck TV Show Insert & Kiosk, Structural Graphics

There you have it, 4 marketing trends on the rise — and you know what they say about 2, 3 and 4: two’s company, three’s a crowd and four is a party. Get the party started at www.structuralgraphics.com.

SG Assembles: Making life easier for our clients

Posted On: Category: Custom Design & Printing, Dimensional Print Marketing, Direct Mail Marketing, Inside Structural Graphics, Luxury & Specialty PackagingTag(s): , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Posted By:

Ever wonder why Structural Graphics owns and operates its own hand assembly facility in Piedras Negras, Mexico? Continue reading →