Marketers are already all too familiar with how fast-paced the world of marketing is. If you're not ahead of the curve, it's easy to get left behind. Print marketing isn't immune from this - staying on top of what's going to help you stand out is just as important with print as it is with digital marketing.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS: The focus on eco-friendly printing solutions has only increased within the last few years, and it's going to continue to be a hot topic this year. Sustainable printing solutions, such as using recyclable materials or even printing on already-recycled papers, should be on your priority list. Customers are more conscious than ever of their impact on the environment - and you can appeal to them in a big way if you are, too.
FOCUS ON QUALITY: When it comes to print materials, you can exude a high level of quality for your brand and business if you choose a specialty finish for your paper. Your customers already receive a high volume of mail in their inboxes - standing out by choosing a thicker card stock or textured finish can ensure your mailers are picked up and looked at.
PERSONALIZE: A generic "dear neighbor" isn't going to carry much weight anymore. Studies show that personalization generates stronger ROI than a generic piece does, so taking the time to invest in variable data printing can have a big impact on your business. In fact, 97 percent of marketers saw a rise in business outcomes because of personalization!1 Variable data printing can ensure that every recipient receives customized materials or even customized offers, that appeal to them and their buying habits.
GO LOCAL: This goes hand-in-hand with personalization - a local approach focused on your community will drive stronger results than a more generic-looking campaign. Taking the time to snap some photos of your local branches that feature real employees, rather than stock photos, can show a local approach your customers will appreciate. Seeing people they know from their community will spur your customers to take action!
As your local source for marketing, print, and direct mail, Allegra Grand Rapids is here to help you deliver your message in style! Contact Allegra about your next project and receive 15% Off Design Services!*
*Some restrictions apply. Call for details.
Rebranding gives a local community credit union the unique identity it once enjoyed
GR Consumers Credit Union in Grand Rapids has undergone a few name changes since its founding 84 years ago, prompting several logo changes along the way. The one thing that always seemed to have remained the same, however, was its identity—people knew who it was, even with the minor name changes; until they no longer did.
Founded in 1941 by the employees of the Consumers Power Company, the Credit Union’s name was “Grand Rapids Consumers Power Federal Credit Union.”
In 1998, the Credit Union revised its name and logo to reflect several changes. First, they removed the word Federal when their charter changed. Later, they removed the word “Power” when the founding Company’s name changed to “Consumers Energy.” Finally, after shortening Grand Rapids to GR, they landed on the name they still hold today, “GR Consumers Credit Union.”
By 2023, however, the brand’s identity was not withstanding the test of time in consumer’s minds.
After generations of serving their local communities, another Michigan credit union with a similar name moved into the same market and caused brand confusion. The Credit Union realized their current logo was part of the problem, as the difference in their name did not stand out enough against its competitor. If they wanted to re-establish their unique identity, it was time for a visual makeover.
“... at some point, we realized another local credit union had such a similar name to ours that people were having a hard time distinguishing us from them - the “GR” in our name was being lost in our logo” —Tim Kindred, CEO of GRCCU.
After months of working with an organization specializing in rebranding credit unions, the firm developed a beautiful and unique logo for GRCCU, and the rebranding process began!
In February 2024, Allegra Grand Rapids helped GRCCU complete its brand makeover by printing and installing new indoor and outdoor signage at both of its Michigan locations!
With its new image unveiled, GR Consumers Credit Union has begun the process of moving out of the shadow of confusion and back into its own light. Continuing to demonstrate its unique value-added proposition and attracting new customers in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties.
GR Consumers Credit Union is a home-grown credit union that offers its local communities a complete line of financial services. It began as an employee credit union for the Consumers Power Company and later became the credit union for other local businesses within a 25-mile radius. After becoming a community-chartered credit union, it expanded membership to anyone living, working, or worshiping in Michigan’s Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties. Learn more about GR Consumers Credit Union.
Head-to-Tail Marketing, Print & Mail – Allegra is a Full-Service Provider, Including Concept Design and Project Management!
Did you know?
When businesses without a marketing department consider a new project, such as brochures, signage, trade show displays, marketing campaigns, or a new website, they often seek out an expensive design firm to help them get started. They might not consider that the project tail (the printer) can also be their full-service, Head-to-Tail design and project management team!
Allegra has been helping businesses of all sizes (with and without marketing departments) conceptualize, design, and produce their business materials and marketing assets for 45 years. Our specialists include skilled Graphic Designers, Copywriters, Brand & Marketing Professionals, Website and Digital Media Designers, and Project Managers.
Consider how easy it would be to go to one service provider to help you complete your whole project! From planning to delivery, the process is seamless. It begins with a free project consultation. When you choose Allegra, your ideas are fleshed out in detail. Your goals are noted, and your target audience and messaging are determined. Our design professionals, copywriters, and project managers move your project on a timeline from concepts to production and delivery; completing your Head-to-Tail customer journey!
