When it comes to promoting your own print shop, are personal preferences holding you back?

Many print shop owners resist certain marketing strategies simply because they don’t like them. Whether it’s email campaigns that feel like spam or social media that seems irrelevant, these personal opinions can prevent you from connecting with your target audience.

The reality? Effective marketing isn’t about what you like—it’s about showing up where your buyers already are. Here’s how you can move beyond preferences to adopt strategies that grow your business and create connections.

Your Website Is the Party—Marketing Is the Invitation

Your website is like a party—it’s where all the value and excitement of your business are showcased. But no one will show up if they don’t know about it.

Email marketing, social media, and direct mail are the invitations that guide people to your website. Without these channels, you’re missing countless opportunities to reach new buyers and connect with existing ones.

Consider this:

• Email Marketing: Even if it doesn’t feel personal to you, email remains one of the most effective ways to stay top-of-mind.
• Social Media: While it may seem casual, platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are full of business buyers who scroll during their downtime.
• Direct Mail: A tangible piece in someone’s hands is a powerful way to create a lasting impression.

When you avoid these marketing channels because of your own biases, you’re removing your buyers’ ability to decide how to connect with your brand.

Real Results from Real Print Shops

These are just a few examples of how these different marketing channels have helped businesses like yours:

• Email Marketing for Printers: “By the second email sent on my behalf as part of the Email Marketing For Printers service, it landed me a quote for 20,000 EDDM postcards!” – L & B Printing
• Social Media for Printers: “I have worked with Marketing Ideas For Printers for over five years, first subscribing to their social media feeds. I constantly get feedback from clients who read the posts and love them. The service allows me to be active on social media without having to learn how to use each platform.” – PrintStar
• Comprehensive Support: “I was in and out of the office for a good part of this year for health reasons and things went so smoothly with your services. We were able to post content and keep things moving. Thank you for the wonderful service; you play a huge part in our success.” – Quick Reliable Printing (QRP)

These testimonials highlight the tangible impact that email, social media, and managed services can have on a print shop’s growth and customer engagement.

Addressing Common Marketing Objections

“I Hate Email Marketing”

Some print shop owners hesitate to send emails, worrying it will annoy their audience. But think of it this way: sending an email is like sending an invitation—it’s up to the recipient to decide whether they attend. By not sending anything, you’re leaving them in the dark.

With MI4P’s Email Marketing for Printers, you can send well-crafted, industry-relevant emails that add value to your buyers without overwhelming them.

“Social Media Isn’t for My Audience”

Many owners assume social media is irrelevant because their customers are business professionals. But business buyers are people too—they check Instagram after dinner or browse LinkedIn while waiting for meetings to start.

Our Social Media for Printers service simplifies the process by providing curated, ready-to-post content that puts your brand where your buyers already are.

Why Marketing Channels Matter

Ignoring marketing channels because of personal bias is like deciding not to print brochures because you don’t like reading them. Every channel has its own strengths, and using a mix helps you reach different segments of your audience.

Why Email Works

Email marketing keeps you visible in your customers’ inboxes. Even if they don’t open every message, they’ll still remember your business when they need a print solution.

Why Social Media Is Worthwhile

Social platforms allow you to show your expertise, share your work, and connect with buyers in a space they’re already familiar with.

Why Direct Mail Makes an Impact

Direct mail stands out because it’s tangible and personal. MI4P’s Direct Mail Services make it easy to send polished pieces that get noticed.

A Smarter Way to Market

Successful marketing isn’t about what you like—it’s about meeting your customers where they are. If you’re worried about time or expertise, tools like analytics, curated content, and automated services can make marketing manageable and effective.

MI4P offers a full suite of solutions, including email marketing, social media management, direct mail services, and website optimization. These tools help you grow your print shop without the stress of managing everything yourself.

Make It About Them

The most important lesson in marketing is to focus on your buyers. It’s not about your preferences; it’s about how you can serve their needs and make it easy for them to choose you.

The next time you’re tempted to dismiss a marketing channel, ask yourself: am I holding my business back by not giving my buyers the chance to connect? When you put their needs first, the results will follow.

Want to grow your print business? Schedule a free marketing audit with Marketing Ideas for Printers today to explore how our services can connect you with your audience and grow your business.