Webinar: Creating a call-to-action that matters

In this webinar, J.Schmid CEO Lois Brayfield discusses how brands can get prospects to take action. Rather than focusing on arrogant ‘Follow us’ and ‘Like us’ strategies, Lois outlines how companies can create powerful calls to action and turn prospects into customers. Specifically, this webinar covers: • How to quickly connect with your audience • […]

Why print catalogs still provide a “call-to-action” in the digital age

AdNation News interviews Lois Brayfield, President of the direct marketing agency J. Schmid & Assoc. Inc. about the continued relevance of print catalogs in providing a “call to action” in this digital age. Direct marketing is older than our country itself; Benjamin Franklin published “a scientific catalog, complete with a guarantee,” Brayfield says. Many thought […]

Rewriting the Rules of Catalog Copy

On an episode of AMC’s “Mad Men,” the irascible and ubiquitously intoxicated Roger Sterling prods the precocious Peggy Olsen to hire a new copywriter. Peggy cringes, concerned that the potential new Mad Man might be a little, well, mad. “Define crazy for a copywriter,” Roger retorts. “Sleeps all day? Disrespectful of authority? Drunk half the […]

The New Call to Action: 6 better ways to drive conversion in direct mail and print

Customers … why don’t they just do what we want? That would make direct marketing so much easier, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. In today’s marketing climate—with so many choices, technological devices and brand messages bombarding the senses—it’s more difficult than ever to get customers to do anything, let alone what you want […]

3 Critical Copy Elements Your Catalog Can’t Live Without

Thousands of advertisers clamor for consumers’ precious time each day. These messages bombard their eyes and ears, each screaming for a few sacred seconds of attention. Catalogs compete for the same consideration, scattered amidst omnipresent television commercials, the Internet and whatever pops up on their smartphones. Once we get a catalog into their hands, how […]

The Simple Math of Branding: How adding and subtracting products and multiplying unique experiences can strengthen your brand

The art of brand building still remains a mystery to many companies. During these tough economic times, business leaders are searching for ways to grow their brands, expand their reach and influence their bottom lines. Retailers need to reach more people with more products, more often. Human nature tells us the best way to grow […]

How the Catalog Has Become a Multichannel Vehicle

Ever since the first order came over the Internet, people have been predicting the eventual death of the print catalog. Yet for many multichannel merchants, especially those brands that began as catalogs, this predictable and proven tactic continues to generate sales. It’s also key to file retention. In fact, several noncatalog brands are beginning to […]