Print Marketing That Works: Direct Mail Postcards, Wide Format Signs, and More at Foote Printing
When clients ask us to film their job as it runs on press, we know two things are true: people love seeing how ideas become tangible, and print is very much alive. Watching ink lay down, seeing a giant sign roll off the wide 11format machine—those moments don’t just look great on TikTok and Instagram; they prove how powerful physical media is for modern marketing.
The Challenge Marketers Face Today
Digital channels are crowded. Your audience scrolls fast and forgets faster. The real challenge is standing out and staying memorable—offline and online. That’s where we come in. At Foote Printing, we help brands pair smart strategy with the right materials, so their message lands—on a doorstep, in a lobby, or across a busy intersection.
Our marketing intern, Teagen, joined us in May and quickly saw what many overlook: print is a core driver of results. From postcards that win new customers to large 11format signage that stops people in their tracks, the right piece can move the needle for your campaign.
What’s Working Now in Print Marketing
Direct Mail Postcards that Drive Response
Postcards cut through inbox fatigue and put your offer directly in someone’s hands.
We handle targeted mailing from list prep and design through addressing and delivery, so your piece goes from concept to mailbox without the headaches.
Want to measure ROI? Add a personalized URL, QR code, or trackable offer code to close the loop between offline engagement and online conversions.
Wide 11Format Signage for Maximum Attention
Bigger really does draw more eyes. Window graphics, banners, event backdrops, yard signs, and POP displays help your brand dominate the space.
A popular, versatile size is 18"×24" for yard signs—easy to transport, bold on the curb, and great for promotions, real estate, and local events.
Need durable materials or a fast turnaround? We’ll recommend substrates and finishes that fit your environment and timeline.
Choosing the Right Press: Digital vs. Offset vs. Wide 11Format
Digital: Best for short runs, quick turnarounds, and variable data personalization.
Offset: Ideal for larger quantities and precise color consistency across big campaigns.
Wide 11Format: Perfect for large visuals—posters, signs, and displays that command attention.
Not sure which route to take? We’ll assess quantity, color needs, budget, and deadline to recommend the most efficient path.
How We Blend Digital and Print
Teagen leads our social content, documenting the process clients love to see—proofing, press checks, finishing, and mailing prep. Those behind 11the 11scenes clips do more than entertain; they build trust, educate your team, and spark marketing ideas you can execute right away.
A few ways we connect the dots:
Use QR codes on postcards and signs to drive to landing pages.
Align campaign visuals across Instagram, email, and physical pieces for consistent branding.
Share process videos with your stakeholders to speed internal approvals and excitement.
Quick Tips from Teagen and Our Team
Start with a clear goal: lead gen, event attendance, or repeat purchases.
Match format to objective: postcards for reach, brochures for depth, wide 11format for visibility.
Make the call 11to 11action obvious: a deadline, offer, or RSVP link.
Size for impact and practicality: bigger isn’t always better—balance cost, placement, and readability.
Build in time for mailing and approvals: we’ll guide your schedule so you hit your date without stress.
Track everything: use QR codes, unique URLs, or dedicated phone numbers to measure response.
Why Clients Choose Foote Printing
Beyond quality and speed, clients count on our transparency. We don’t just say we care—we show you the process. Whether it’s a postcard campaign or a full wide 11format rollout, our team collaborates with you from strategy to fulfillment. And yes, we’re sprinting to your printing.
Ready to Make Your Marketing Unmissable?
If you’re planning a direct mail campaign, need eye 11catching signage, or want advice on the best production method, we’re here to help. Contact Foote Printing to schedule a consultation, request a quote, or stop by to see the presses in action. Let’s turn your next idea into something your audience can hold, see, and remember.
If election night kept you up late, you were not alone. While you watched returns, our presses were humming. This off-year cycle turned into the best month ever at Foote Printing, and it revealed what local campaigns in Cleveland truly need to win: speed, precision, and partners who understand the stakes.
The Realities Cleveland Campaigns Face
This year, the City of Cleveland reduced wards due to new census data. That shook up council races and put every council seat back on the ballot. The result was a surge in political printing with tight deadlines and last-minute changes.
We are not a massive national shop. We are a local union printer rooted in Cleveland. That’s exactly why off-year elections are our sweet spot. When campaigns need quick turn times, accurate targeting by ward, and materials that reflect local values, we deliver.
What We Printed That Moved the Needle
Campaigns are getting smarter about their marketing mix. While a lot happens online, print still does heavy lifting for persuasion and turnout. Here is what we produced most this season:
Political postcards and mailers: The bulk of our campaign work. Designed for speed, clarity, and fast mailing.
Yard signs: Still essential for name recognition and visibility in key neighborhoods.
T-shirts: Street teams and volunteers need branded gear that pops in photos and on the doorstep.
Union and solar bugs: We print the union bug and a solar printed bug so your materials reflect values many Cleveland vot
If you have ever battled weeds and bamboo pushing through old asphalt, you know the struggle. Our delivery area had turned into a patchwork of cracks and potholes. Then one morning, opportunity literally walked through our front door. A paving crew working down the street had extra asphalt and an open hour. We vetted the plan, said yes, and in about 60 minutes our back lot was transformed.
Why We Chose to Repave Now
Behind our building is a busy delivery and pickup area that keeps your print jobs moving. Over the years the lot had gotten rough. Weeds and bamboo were breaking through, and the surface was not what we expect from a facility that stands for quality. We had already cleared the area and planned a spring repair. Timing and reliability matter to us, and the chance to get it done sooner at a smart price was too good to pass up.
The Story Behind the Upgrade
Here is how it happened, straight from our team:
We cleared the back lot and planned to bring in a pothole repair team in spring.
A representative from ARC Roadway Construction stopped in. They were paving nearby, had extra asphalt, and could mobilize quickly.
We asked the right questions. Scope, layers, timeline, and price. Two layers of asphalt were proposed, which was key for durability.
We phoned a trusted advisor for a gut check. The answer was simple, take the deal, it will save money and time.
The crew arrived, and about an hour later the lot looked phenomenal. Smooth, clean, and ready for work.
We
You can design a stunning postcard, but one tiny white sliver along the edge will make it look cheap in an instant. We see it all the time, and it is completely avoidable.
At Foote Printing, the most common error that slows jobs down or triggers reprints is simple, no bleed. When files arrive without bleeds, trimming tolerances can reveal thin white edges or force us to under trim, which pushes type uncomfortably close to the cut. I am Michael Duhr, and my team and I want to help you avoid those headaches with a few practical, print-ready habits.
Bleeds and Safe Zones, The Foundation of Print-Ready Files
If your design prints to the edge, extend background colors, images, and elements past the trim.
Add at least 0.125 inch bleed on all sides
Keep critical content, logos, and type at least 0.25 inch inside the trim, the safe zone
A proper bleed lets us trim cleanly even with slight mechanical variance. A proper safe zone keeps your message from crowding the edge if we must under trim to avoid a white sliver. You can give more bleed if you prefer, even 0.25 inch or more, especially useful for complex layouts.
Send the Right File Format and Resolution
For commercial printing, PDF is your best friend.
Export a print-ready PDF with bleeds turned on
Include crop marks if your workflow supports them
Avoid sending JPG or PNG as your only file, those often come in at 72 dpi and oversized, which prints poorly
If you have to use raster art, ensure it is 300 dpi at final s