5 Tips for Easier Variable Data Printing
From the experts at Main Graphics – proudly serving Orange County businesses!
Personalized print can boost response rates and make your marketing far more effective—but getting started with variable data printing (VDP) can feel overwhelming. At Main Graphics, we’ve helped countless Orange County businesses navigate the process. Here are five tips to help simplify your next data-driven print project:- Use Smart Data, Not More Data You don’t need a massive database to be effective. What matters is having the right data. For example, a new mover list can be powerful for local outreach—think dentists, gyms, or restaurants. Similarly, knowing a customer recently graduated can help you tailor relevant offers. Focus on what’s useful, not just what’s available.
- Design for Name Lengths When you personalize by name, your layout needs to handle both short names (“Amy Lee”) and long ones (“Maximiliano Worthington-Smith”). Main Graphics can help you set up flexible, rules-based designs that adapt seamlessly.
- Always Set Defaults No database is perfect. Missing data happens. Avoid awkward results like “Dear [First Name]” by creating fallback text like “Dear Valued Customer.” Planning ahead ensures your message stays polished, even with incomplete records.
- Keep Your Data Clean Regularly update your database—remove duplicates, fix formatting (like “Ave.” vs. “Avenue”), and verify mailing addresses. We recommend using customer surveys to keep your records current—especially for life changes like moves, marriages, or new family members.
- Prep Your Visuals Too If your campaign includes personalized images—like changing backgrounds based on demographics—those files need to be properly sized, labeled, and ready to drop into the layout.
At Main Graphics, we specialize in helping Orange County businesses make the most of variable data printing. With a little prep, your personalized mailings can be more effective and easier to manage than you think. Need help getting started? Let Main Graphics guide the way.
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