Keep up-to-date with the latest industry news and more.
Find out more Blog
What kind of reality is this?
Why, augmented reality of course. Background to the campaign Many marketers believed that mail media was outdated, expensive and time-consuming to produce. Even though An Post was a trusted and well-loved brand, their direct mail solutions were seen as irrelevant. To change minds, An Post introduced its newest product: Reach+. While Reach+ answered the logistical […]
No two people are the same.
And, as a result we all like choice. Some of your members and donors may prefer printed communications, some digital communications, and some both. This is very true with our membership and charity clients, especially when it come to that all important first touch point – the membership welcome pack and donor thank you letter. […]
It’s a wrap!
Whether it is your office, shopfront, van fleet or fire engine when it comes to wrapping, we’ve got it covered. We can offer you the full bespoke wrapping service including creative design, printing, fitting and removal. Our professional team of fitters cover the whole of the UK. Here are some examples of beautiful wall art […]
Generating new clients, quickly (and cost effectively)
If you are looking to generate more sales quickly and cost effectively then you may want to consider including door drops in your next campaign. What the heck are door drops? Door drops are a cost-effective way of reaching new clients at home and can be targeted locally or nationally. They can take any format […]
Influencing the influencers
I just thought I’d let you know that we design, print, pack and ship influencer marketing packs on behalf of our customers. These are naturally designed to turn influencers into ambassadors of their products. We can store the pack contents in our secure warehouse and ship on demand. Typically, a pack order that comes in […]
Data is the secret sauce to effective marketing
Rightmove market intelligence campaign I thought I’d share this campaign with you as it really demonstrates how intelligent use of data is central to every successful campaign. Background Although Rightmove was the most successful property portal in the UK, some estate agents needed convincing that its advertising products represented real value for money. These were […]
Print and branded merchandise still a powerful member engagement tool
Print and branded merchandise still a powerful member engagement tool By Gordon Glenister, CEO of Membership World With so many people working from home how do you engage with your members, its digital all the way isn’t it? Well, yes, the rise of digital engagement has been huge but there is still a place for branded […]
Taking care of your volunteers
Your volunteers are key to the successful and smooth running of your organisation and really come into their own at events. With over 20 million people in the UK volunteering each year, now more than ever, volunteers are key to the successful running of an organisation and its fundraising activities. Recent insight shows that volunteers […]
What do you include with your invoice communications?
Short & sweet or War & Peace? Just an invoice? An invoice and a letter? An invoice, letter and company brochure? If it is just an invoice, then you could be missing an opportunity to remind your clients of the other products and services you offer. Our experience and industry research shows that business mail, […]
Million Miler Members’ Loyalty Gift
I thought I’d share this beautiful member loyalty piece with you. With insightful use of data (and a fabulous gift!), it is something the member will keep. Background Virgin Atlantic wanted to both acknowledge the handful of passengers in their Flying Club who had travelled over a million miles with them and cement their relationship […]
From Resilience to agility how membership bodies are embracing change
We’d like to invite you to the 4th Membership World CEO roundtable event which will focus on, ‘From Resilience to agility how membership bodies are embracing change’. We will be joined by the Chief Executive of the Advertising Association, Stephen Woodford. Our debate will aim to ask association and membership leaders how they addressed some […]
The print channel is dead. Long live Print.
So, a minute on the internet looks like this: 156 million emails sent, 29 million messages fired, 1.5 million Spotify songs played, 4 million Google searches made, 2 million minutes of Skype calls made, 350,000 tweets sent, 243,000 photos posted on Facebook, 87,000 hours of Netflix watched, 65,000 pictures put on Instagram, 25,000 posts made on […]
VAT relief for charities and not-for-profit organisations
We have just published an insight piece for membership organisations and charities, and we thought we’d share it with you.
In a world where every 60 seconds…
In a world of digital noise, these is still only one letterbox.
Return on Ideas – Summer Holiday’s Mailing
Read on to see how one travel provider delivered a fabulous return on ideas (ROI) using intelligent use of data.
Do you send a membership value statement to your members?
Do you send a membership value statement to your members?
If not, they are definitely worth considering for 2021.
How to reach half a billion people with a single press ad
The single ad generated PR in every national newspaper in the country. It ended up reaching millions of people around the world. Clever marketing.
Do you have an on-line shop?
If you have an online shop, you may be spending a lot of time, picking, packing and despatching your orders.
How partially addressed mail can help you target more of your ideal customers
Partially addressed mail is a highly targeted and responsible way to reach new customers.
Employee welfare and working from home
Recent research by Synergy, Gordon Glenister and Pelican Communications shows how employee welfare has been affected by the pandemic.
Get new clients, cost effectively, during lockdown
Door drops are a cost-effective way of reaching new clients at home and can be targeted locally or nationally. They can take any format you would like, for instance, leaflets, flyers or non-addressed letters in an envelope.
We are open for business
We are fully operational across all our creative, digital, print, direct mail and packaging specialisms during the lockdown period.
What has been the impact of Covid-19 on membership and charity events, conferences and exhibitions?
Recent research by Synergy, Gordon Glenister and Pelican Communications shows that those charities and membership organisations offering physical events have been affected during the pandemic.
Do you have a backlog of certificates that you need to send?
It may be that all your certificate stock is in your office, you are not able to get to it and send out. You may have quite a backlog and the successful candidates are getting restless! We can help.
How we helped our client to grow their clubs and enable them to reopen safely after lockdown.
How we helped our client to grow their clubs and enable them to reopen safely after lockdown. with our marketing hub solution.
New research reveals impact of COVID-19 on membership organisations and charities
COVID-19 will go down in history as one of the most impactful diseases of our time.
This report outlines the results of a survey carried out in July 2020. It was completed by associations, professional bodies and charities representing thousands of members and employees and includes interviews with more than 30 chief executives of membership bodies and trade associations.
Let’s show you how the direct mail channel can delivery results
Since the unparalleled success of ‘Return of Ideas Volume 1’ we have been busy collating the content for Volume 2.
Record-breaking double digit increases in the effectiveness of direct mail and door drops during the Covid crisis.
Record-breaking double digit increases in the effectiveness of direct mail and door drops during the Covid crisis.
Learn how you can speed up your renewals process and create an increased level of member engagement
Print and digital channels work in harmony to speed up the renewals process and increase member retention and engagement.
They give an insight into both physical and digital renewal and welcome packs.
Badgetastic
So, the period of lockdown has been fairly productive. I’ve alphabetised my vinyl and CD collection, painted walls, fences and a bit of a shed and, finally, last weekend got round to looking through a jar of miscellaneous items.
So, what is a linen tester?
So, what is a linen tester?
Helping get through the hard times.
Patrick Collister writes about how print has helped us get through lockdown and come out the other side safely.
How to turn your members into advocates
What’s the most important part of any membership organisation? Without a doubt, it’s the members. With this in mind, how can you increase your member engagement, loyalty and turn your members into advocates?
Physical and digital membership cards, certificates and pins
Synergy produce both physical and digital membership cards, certificates and pin badges. All of these can be personalised for your members.
QR code – a thing of beauty
After some time in the shadows the good old QR code is back with a vengeance!
The main reason for this is that the smart phone about your person just got a whole lot smarter.
What are people having delivered during lockdown?
What are you having delivered? Since lockdown some people have forgotten what the inside of a supermarket looks like as they battle for that premium Ocado delivery slot. Certainly, very few people have been in a fitting room to try on clothing.
Your brand on something beautifully sustainable
Whether you are looking for branded clothing for your members and volunteers or a simple giveaway, our promotional item and gift range has everything you need.
Synergy, proud supporters of the Buddy Bag Foundation
The Buddy Bag Foundation was created by Karen Williams in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.
How do you deliver real delegate packs for your virtual events?
With events, for the foreseeable future, moving steadily over to the virtual world how can you ensure that your previous sponsors stay with you and that others come on board?
Now Wash Your Hands
Sound familiar? One of a wide range of adverts that ran in response to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.
Of course, back then there was no radio, no TV, no internet, no email, no social; Just papers, periodicals and flyers, so on-page advertising was crucial.
Partially Addressed Mail
Partially Addressed Mail is a highly targeted and responsible way to reach new customers. Instead of addressing the mailing to an individual, Partially Addressed Mail lets you target small groups of around 15 carefully selected households.
I just wrote to say I loved you.
It’s a cold world in the digital age. Billions of business emails are sent every day. Plain, white, identical little things all scrawled in Times New Roman. It’s no surprise that so many of them get ignored.
If you find that your attempts to reengage with members and past donors are yielding results far below your expectations, then why not try a more personal, physical alternative?
The Power of Mail for Charity Fundraising
The latest research from Royal Mail MarketReach, in partnership with the institute of Fundraising, investigates the power of the direct mail channel for enhancing your fundraising campaigns.
Addressing the Key Challenges of Membership Bodies
Chris Glennie summarises the key challenges faced by modern membership organisations.
Helping your donors to love what you send them through the post
Direct mail is arguably the most tested form of fundraising. There is over a century of evidence of what works and doesn’t, so understand the ‘rules’ that exist and use these to deliver inspiring mail to supporters.
The Art of Satisfaction
Simon Webster explores ACCA’s approach to boosting satisfaction rates amongst members.
Generating Revenue Outside of Membership
Membership revenue – once a stable and sizeable revenue for most associations – is no longer the situation for many. Gordon Glenister explores alternative income streams where membership organisations can generate revenue without relying on membership fees.
Back to Basics
Getting back to basics with the internet.
The Sustainability of Paper
So, the internet is popular, it is global, it is connecting populations and it is incredibly resource hungry. But that’s OK, because to make paper we need to cut down forests. Don’t we? Let’s separate some facts from myths.
Snap, crackle, pop.
A story of survival and thrival* in the 1920s. (*Made up word.)
Remote Working Survival Pack
We have created a Remote Working Survival Pack for those for those of you who are working from the home office…
The Digital Natives
Once upon a now, in a land called everywhere, there lived the digital natives.
Synergy: COVID-19
We just wanted to touch base to give you an update on our operations during the current situation.
Chocolate Letter
How do you create stronger, more intimate and ultimately more profitable relationships with customers? The answer: engage their senses.
Give A Few Bob
While cancer and comedy do not usually sit easily together, the success of the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation campaign was in faithfully recreating the spirit of Bob Monkhouse.
The Fastest Christmas Song
After the fastest Christmas card, came the fastest Christmas carol. The idea was to get an acapella group to sing “Jingle Bells” inside the sporty new BMW M135i, at speeds approaching 250km/h.
Blood Bank Mug
The South African National Blood Service are in constant need of donations. The mugs served as a reminder of the problem and encouraged further donation.
Bulk Catnip DM
Most Direct Mail never even gets looked at. So to increase the odds for a mailer for Bulk Cat Litter Warehouse, Rethink did something that would get people’s cat’s attention first.
The Homeless Letter
Gothenburg Homeless Aid organisation sent out their fundraising leaflets once the letters had experienced the same wet and cold as the homeless of Gothenburg.
UNICEF: Toy Soldiers
The African continent had the world’s highest number of child soldiers, fighting in wars they didn’t believe in, for causes they didn’t understand.
ROI: Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
To celebrate the name change of Sydney Dogs and Cats home a fake fur postcard was created. The soft fur received lots of attention and quickly spread brand awareness.
Memberships Sign-Ups and Renewals – Part 4
Your data is in shape, your content is engaging, and the design is on-brand. Now you need to send your packs and begin a rolling schedule for future sign-ups.
Membership Sign-ups and Renewals – Part 3
In our last blog, we looked at data and ways to personalise content for your members. In this instalment we’re looking at the content and design aspects of a membership pack.
Membership Sign-ups and Renewals – Part 2
In our last blog, we looked at things to consider when starting your sign-ups and renewals. In this instalment, we are digging down into the data side of things.
Membership Sign-Ups and Renewals – Part 1
Memberships should connect like-minded individuals so they can connect and share ideas. It is why we have memberships in organisations we can relate to – to belong, improve and grow.
Four easy steps to fix email marketing limitations
You will be forgiven if you thought direct mail and email were enemies – using one or the other but never together.
The times they are a-changin’.
All Hail, Direct Mail!
Multi-channel marketing is all about consumer engagement across a wide range of marketing channels. Allowing consumers to interact with a brand or product in multiple ways.
Print is a Digital Medium
Why does retargeting have to be done via the web? Well it doesn’t. Through the use of digital print and variable data we can action a retargeting campaign for you via mail.
Print, Mail and Valentine’s Day
In 1913, Hallmark Cards produced their first Valentine’s card. Valentine’s Day has become a billion pound industry with people spending money on cards, chocolates and flowers each year.
Ten Top Tips to Achieve Channel Harmony
In order to achieve channel harmony you need to present a concise and aligned message to members and customers (including prospective ones) across their channels of choice.
Event Support. And Why You Need It.
Need a venue? We’ll find it. Stuffed bags? Not a problem. We can even sort out your PowerPoint. With Synergy you won’t have to worry about wonky place cards either.
The Sensory Marketing Experience
Sensory marketing is designed to stimulate the senses! This kind of marketing works incredibly well with print and direct mail by stirring up memories and experiences by targeting our senses.
Have you considered letterpress?
Letterpress is still one of the best ways to make a great impression. When paired with finishing techniques such as foil, duplex and triplex gluing and embossing the results are astonishing!
Why a Catalogue?
Catalogues brought a great shopping experience from the comfort of your home allowing new jeans to be delivered to your door without visiting the shops.
Inspiration – Print Really Works!
The National Trust campaign was a targeted and personal mailing which made use of iridescent, glow in the dark inks that really fired kid’s imaginations.
Are you making the most of your data?
How are you using your members’ data? Are you getting the most out of it? Do you even know what you should be getting out of it in the first place?
Five Reasons to Use Direct Mail Instead of Email
Let’s be honest, how effective is email marketing for you? Or to put it another way, how many emails do you receive that you simply end up chucking in the trash before you’ve even opened them?
Who’s been spreading the love?
Valentine’s is done for another year but love is still in the air – thanks to a little bit of the love that was cast our way recently as the result of a job well done.
This is the year you increase your response rates by three hundred percent!
Does that sound a little too good to be true? Trust us – it is possible, and we’re more than happy to tell you how.
Reduced Funding Needn’t Reduce Your Membership
You can grow and retain your membership base no matter how difficult things get. We’re going to tell you how. Times are tough. Although economic recovery is on the way, as a governing body or association you need to prepare for the possibility of reduced government funding. So, stop and think for a minute. Don’t […]
