Our Blog

📰 Print isn’t just alive—it’s outperforming.

A recent article from SocPub makes it clear: print media is back in the spotlight—and for good reason. Brands are rediscovering its unmatched ability to drive engagement, trust, and long-term loyalty.

At Connections, we’ve always believed that the moment a package lands in-home is one of the most powerful brand touchpoints. Print media doesn’t interrupt—it integrates. It earns attention. It drives action. And when done right, it sticks.

Here’s why this matters: Print fosters deeper emotional connections
It reaches decision-makers at the point of consideration
It drives stronger recall and brand affinity
It plays well with digital—creating real omnichannel lift

We're proud to help brands own the in-home moment through branded inserts, offers, and product sampling—packaged directly into the ecommerce experience, backed by retailer-level data and shopper personas.

If your media plan is all digital, you're missing the full picture—and likely, your best customer.

Let’s talk about making your brand unforgettable.

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📦 Retailers: You’re already shipping the package. Why not monetize?

With over 1 billion ecommerce packages delivered each year through our network, Connections transforms everyday shipments into high-impact media placements. We help retailers turn those in-home moments into premium, brand-safe advertising inventory—delivered directly to the people making purchase decisions.  

Curious what that could mean for your bottom line? 

Use our Retail Revenue Calculator to see the size of opportunity.  

Brands love it. Consumers engage with it. And retailers? They unlock new revenue streams.   If you’re ready to capture the full value of your ecommerce operation, let’s connect.

🚀 Milestone Moment: $80M in Revenue Delivered 🚀

We’re excited to share that Connections has officially driven over $80 million in revenue for our retail partners.

This isn’t just media—it’s monetization that works. Through our premium package insert program, we help retailers turn their shipments into powerful revenue channels, while enabling brands to connect with high-intent shoppers right at home, in the moments that matter most.

At Connections, we’re proud to be the bridge between performance and brand-building—offline and online. And we’re just getting started.

To our retail and brand partners: thank you for trusting us to help power your growth.

Let’s keep making media that performs.

Why Connections’ Package Inserts Are Unaffected by the July USPS Rate Increases

With the USPS set to increase postage rates in July, many brands are bracing for higher costs in direct mail campaigns. But here’s the good news—Connections’ Package Inserts remain immune to these hikes.

Unlike traditional direct mail, which is directly impacted by rising postal rates, Package Inserts ride along inside e-commerce shipments, bypassing postal fees entirely. This means:

No Added Postage Costs – Your brand message reaches homes without incurring rising USPS expenses.
Guaranteed In-Home Delivery – Inserts are placed directly in e-commerce packages, ensuring 100% arrival.
High-Intent Engagement – Consumers actively unbox purchases, making them more receptive to offers and samples.

While rising postal rates make direct mail more expensive and less efficient, Package Inserts continue to deliver high-impact, cost-effective engagement at scale.

Ready to reach customers in-home—without breaking your budget? Let’s talk strategy.

Connections in the Big Apple!

In early March, our team at Connections took on New York City—diving into exciting meetings, new partnerships, and a whole lot of inspiration. We had the pleasure of catching up with some of our favorite partners to discuss new opportunities and strengthen our collaborations.

Beyond business, the energy of the city reminded us of the power of face-to-face interactions.

Huge thanks to everyone who welcomed us—we’re leaving with fresh ideas and stronger partnerships. Until next time, NYC!

 

 

Women Drive 85% of Purchases—Reach Them Where It Matters Most

Women influence 85% of all purchasing decisions, from household essentials to big-ticket items. And where do most of those decisions happen? At home.

Connections’ Package Inserts put your brand directly in the hands of decision-makers—inside e-commerce deliveries, where distractions are low, and consideration is high.

Guaranteed Visibility – No scrolling, no ad blockers—just your brand in their hands.
In-Home Influence – Engage women where purchase decisions are made.
Proven Impact – 92% of online shoppers welcome offers and samples.

Make every delivery a direct connection to your best customer. Let’s talk strategy!

Inside Carter’s Distribution Center

Connections had the opportunity to visit with the Carter’s Distribution Center. We looked at their advanced machinery, well-orchestrated assembly line, and how our advertiser’s package inserts go from the distribution center to your doorstep. ensure seamless operations.

From the moment product enter the facility to when they are packaged and shipped, every step is carefully designed to maximize speed and accuracy. The assembly line is in a synchronized flow and automated systems handle sorting and distribution. And while the machinery is important, it’s the skilled workers that oversee quality control.

The DC was full of fun energy. From golf cart and bikes to help get around this largest facility to robotic arms to assist in packing and organizing the shipments- it was a unique and interesting sight to see. We loved getting to explore the full process again with our partner, Carter’s.

Getting to see the whole distribution process from receiving inserts to seeing them go into each box was a great experience. The process is seamlessly incorporated into the assembly line, ensuring that every package is complete before it leaves the facility. This attention to detail highlights Carter’s commitment to providing a top-tier customer experience from DC to doorstep.

Connections’ Take: The Power of In-Home Influence in Purchase Decisions

A recent study reaffirms what we at Connections have known for a long time—the home is the ultimate decision-making hub. Nearly 90% of purchase decisions are made or discussed at home, cutting across retail, automotive, and financial sectors. Even more compelling? 89% of key purchases are pre-planned and discussed with others before the final decision is made.

In-home media is one of the most valuable touchpoints for brands. It’s not about chasing screen-based impressions—it’s about owning the moment where decisions happen. Connections Package Inserts deliver brand messaging directly into the home, free from distractions, and placed in the hands of decision-makers—the ultimate environment for influencing purchase intent.  

Key Facts That Support Connections’ Marketing Strategy:    

In-home is where decisions happen: Consumers engage in product research, compare options, and consult with family members before making big purchases.

Distraction-free environment: Unlike digital ads competing for attention, package inserts create an uninterrupted brand experience—a physical touchpoint with staying power. 

Retailer-backed trust: Inserts inside ecommerce packages come from a trusted source—the retailer they just purchased from—building credibility and increasing engagement.

Omnichannel impact: Print media doesn’t just work alone—it enhances digital and retail engagement, reinforcing brand recall when customers browse online or shop in-store.

In a world where attention is fragmented, owning the in-home moment is more critical than ever. Connections delivers exactly that—ensuring brands are seen, remembered, and acted upon when it matters most.   Want to turn purchase discussions into conversions? Let’s make the Connection.   

Learn more about the study here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005163/en/Nearly-90-of-Purchase-Decisions-and-Discussions-are-Made-at-Home-According-to-New-PebblePost-Consumer-Study

🚀 Connections is Heading to NYC! 🚀

The Connections team is headed to the city to meet with some of our incredible retailers, potential clients, and partners!

We look forward to these trips for many reasons, but here are a few of our favorites:

• We get excited to hear from retailer partners what they do with the incremental dollars made from their insert programs.

• Meeting with new potential clients about their offline marketing strategies and how we can work together

• Matching a brand with their dream retailer that has a perfect audience match.

• Seeing our colleagues face to face!

Want to grab a coffee and talk shop? Let’s connect. We will be in NYC March 4th and 5th. Reach out to set up a meeting.

Optimizing Your Advertising Budget in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

In an increasingly competitive business environment, effectively managing your advertising budget is essential for success. This comprehensive guide is designed for marketers, business owners, and anyone responsible for advertising spend. You'll learn actionable strategies to optimize your budget, from setting clear objectives and understanding your target audience to selecting the most effective channels for your goals. We'll also delve into advanced techniques like A/B testing, seasonal adjustments, and ROI tracking. By the end of this guide, you'll have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions that maximize your advertising ROI, ensuring you get the most value for every dollar spent. 
 
Set Clear Objectives  

Why it's important: Before allocating any funds, it's essential to have clear objectives. 

How to implement: Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or perhaps improve customer retention? Your goals will dictate how you should distribute your budget. 

In the realm of advertising, setting clear objectives is not just beneficial—it's essential. Operating without well-defined goals is akin to sailing without a compass; you might move, but not necessarily in the direction you intend. Whether your aim is to bolster brand awareness, escalate sales, or enhance customer retention, establishing clear objectives provides a roadmap for your advertising budget. These objectives act as benchmarks, enabling you to measure success through key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your goals. This focused approach ensures that every dollar you allocate is strategically invested, making your advertising campaigns not just operational, but optimally effective. 
 

Know Your Audience   

Why it's important: Understanding your target audience is key to optimizing your advertising budget. 

How to implement: Use analytics tools to gather data on customer demographics, behavior, and preferences. This information will help you tailor your campaigns and choose the platforms that offer the highest ROI. 
 
Knowing your audience is the cornerstone of any successful advertising campaign. In a digital age awash with data, there's no excuse for not understanding who your customers are, what they want, and how they behave online. Utilizing analytics tools can offer invaluable insights into customer demographics, online behavior, and even purchasing preferences. This data not only informs your campaign strategies but also helps you select the platforms that will give you the highest return on investment. By tailoring your message to resonate with your target audience, you're not just casting a wide net and hoping for the best; you're aiming a well-calibrated arrow at a clearly defined target, ensuring that your advertising budget is spent effectively. 

Prioritize High-Performing Channels  

Why it's important: Not all advertising channels are created equal. 

How to implement: Analyze the performance metrics of each channel you're considering and prioritize those that align with your objectives. 
 
Prioritizing high-performing channels is a strategic move that can significantly impact the effectiveness of your advertising budget. It's crucial to identify which channels align best with your business objectives. Whether it's social media, search engines, or industry-specific websites, you'll want to invest more in platforms that have proven to deliver strong engagement or conversion rates. Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value can guide you in making data-driven decisions. By focusing your budget on channels that have historically performed well, you optimize the chances of your campaign's success. 

A/B Testing  

Why it's important: A/B testing is a powerful tool for optimizing your advertising budget. 

How to implement: By running two slightly different versions of an ad, you can compare their performance and determine which elements are most effective. This allows you to fine-tune your campaigns and allocate more budget to high-performing ads. 
 
A/B testing is an invaluable method for optimizing your advertising budget, allowing you to make data-driven decisions that enhance campaign effectiveness. This approach involves running two slightly different versions of an ad simultaneously to see which performs better in terms of key metrics like click-through rates, conversions, or engagement. The insights gained from A/B testing go beyond surface-level metrics; they can reveal consumer preferences and behaviors that are not immediately obvious. For instance, you might discover that a different call-to-action phrase or image significantly boosts engagement. By continually testing and refining your ads, you can allocate more of your budget to the elements that deliver the best results, thereby maximizing ROI. 

Seasonal Adjustments  

Why it's important: Certain times of the year may require a different advertising approach. 

How to implement: Be prepared to adjust your budget to capitalize on these opportunities, such as holidays or peak shopping seasons. 

Seasonal adjustments are crucial for optimizing your advertising budget. Different times of the year, like holidays or peak shopping seasons, demand a tailored approach. Being prepared to reallocate your budget during these periods can significantly boost ROI. This strategy aligns your advertising efforts with consumer behavior, ensuring you reach your target audience when they're most receptive. It's not just about increasing spend, but making smarter, data-driven decisions based on seasonal trends. 
 
 
Monitor and Adjust  

Why it's important: Optimizing your advertising budget is an ongoing process. 

How to implement: Regularly monitor the performance of your campaigns and be prepared to make adjustments. If a particular channel is not delivering the expected results, consider reallocating those funds to a more effective platform. 

Leverage Organic Reach  

Why it's important: Don't underestimate the power of organic reach. 

How to implement: Invest time and effort into building a strong organic presence on social media platforms, blogs, and even through customer reviews. 
 

Cost-Effective Platforms  

Why it's important: High-profile platforms aren't always the best option. 

How to implement: Consider lesser-known or niche platforms that offer more cost-effective solutions and lower competition. 

ROI Tracking  

Why it's important: Always track the ROI of your advertising campaigns. 

How to implement: Use analytics tools to measure key performance indicators like click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer acquisition costs. This data will not only help you optimize your current budget but also provide valuable insights for future campaigns. 

Conclusion  

Optimizing your advertising budget is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Implementing these strategies will set you on the path to maximizing your advertising ROI in 2024.