- When you want to reach a large number of people without spending much money, send out email save-the-date announcements. Make the email simple and easy to process so you can capture your readers' attention before they delete the message: use a single bold image that won't require much work to understand, much like an e-card. Create several versions that are compatible with HTML emails, mobile phones, and plain text so that recipients can get the message no matter where they are checking the email, and send it to your entire mailing list. Include a link to your website for more information.
- To lead visitors to your website to check out your save-the-date notice, put up a temporary splash page. A splash page appears before the main website loads, usually for a limited amount of time. Make your splash page low-resolution so it loads quickly and doesn't deter people from entering your website, and design in a button that allows viewers to skip it when they are logging on from slow connections. Include only the most important information and a link to read more for people who are interested.
- For a save-the-date that is easy to put up on a bulletin board, use postcards. Design the card using simple wording and imagery to make it easy to process the message; if its too complex, and the reader may simply throw it out. Because postcards are less expensive to print and mail than larger pieces, they put a tangible save-the-date card in your readers' hands at a lower cost than a brochure campaign.
- For people who look at many print and digital pieces every day, it takes a great design to get their attention. To create one, use unexpected elements to make readers stop and look closer: surprising imagery, text that forms shapes or numbers, bold colors, or a provocative phrase. Choose elements that look different from other industry marketing so that your save-the-dates stand out from other pieces that come across your audience's the desk.
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