Marketing Archives - Page 2 of 22 - Marketing, content, & technology to help printers sell more printing

The best intentions seem to fall by the wayside without one simple yet hard thing: accountability. For most of us, these intentions start out with a goal and some sort of declaration. “I’m going to lose 20 pounds! Yeah, but how? I know! I’m going to start going to the gym every day and stop eating sugar completely.” Or translate this over to the mind of a printer, and it might look something like, “I’m finally going to market my print business! Yeah, but how? I know! I’m going to start sending a direct mail piece every month and regularly send marketing emails.” While these are both fantastic ideas (and even strategies), they’ll both fall flat without some sort of accountability. As Bob Proctor says, “Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.” -Bob Proctor How can you move from intentions to results? Here are practical strategies to ensure your marketing efforts are as accountable as they are effective. 6 Strategies to Increase Accountability in Your Printing Company Set Clear, Measurable Goals If you and I were to have a conversation and I asked you why you were using a particular marketing approach, you’d likely respond with one

Diving into the online print market is no walk in the park. Giants like Vistaprint and Shutterfly dominate the scene with their vast offerings and savvy marketing, setting a towering standard for smaller printing companies aiming to establish their spot in the market. Yet, there’s room for the David’s in this Goliath’s world. Smaller print businesses can carve out their niche by crafting a standout brand identity, offering tailor-made services, and mastering digital marketing that offers a human connection with their audience. Let’s unpack some strategies to transform these challenges into golden opportunities for printing businesses of any size to stand out and excel in the bustling online print market. Taking on the Online Print Giants: What Are You Up Against? Price Wars Smaller printing companies find it challenging to compete on price with giants like Vistaprint and Shutterfly. These titans can afford to slash prices and offer irresistible deals, making it tricky for the little guys to do so. But it’s not just about the price; these big names also have a marketing muscle and brand recognition that can be daunting. Building Trust and Recognition Gaining a foothold against well-known online giants is a steep climb. These established brands

Summer can mean a slower pace when it comes to the busyness of life. But don’t let that slowdown trickle into your marketing efforts. Staying front of mind through the summer months requires intentionality. Take a look at the print marketing options we offer, and consider adding one of them to your lineup this summer! DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH CLUB The April download from the Download of the Month Club is a rack card featuring seven reasons print buyers should choose a local printer rather than a big-box store. It is designed to be mailed, displayed at your front counter, or thrown into existing jobs to highlight the benefits of printing locally. If you struggle knowing you should promote your print business more but don’t have the time to put it all together, the Download of the Month Club is your self-promotion shortcut. With new, ready-to-print files provided to you monthly, each download is thoughtfully and precisely created to meet the marketing pain points of your business and give you a well-rounded collection of marketing collateral. For only $9.99 a month, you can grow your business with compelling writing and impossible-to-ignore design, all neatly packed and delivered to your inbox.

While print marketing requires an upfront investment, the rewards are worth it! When you want to convince potential print buyers this is true, consider sharing these five examples of successful print marketing campaigns. Jersey Mike’s: Creative Coupon Promotions Breaking into a new market is tough, and the restaurant industry is no exception. When Gerrit Curran and Emily Wessner opened a Jersey Mike’s Subs in Muhlenberg Township, Pennsylvania in 2019, they used coupons with a twist to attract patrons and build customer loyalty. To gain traction in their township of 20,000, they recognized the power of anchoring their business to a community connection. During the Grand Opening, the Jersey Mike’s staff distributed over 7,000 sandwich coupons in the community, inviting people to enjoy a free sub but also to donate the cost of that sandwich to the Muhlenberg Township Athletic Association. In total, the promotion helped to raise over $15,000 and cemented Jersey Mike’s as a committed community partner. Press: Direct Mail Marketing + Targeted Social Media Ads Press, starting as an Austin-based business, puts a modern spin on laundry and dry cleaning. Its convenient app allows users to schedule direct-to-door laundry pickup and delivery. Now spread across 30+ cities, Press

Today’s customers are looking for more than just a product to be printed. They want a solution to their problem, whether it’s marketing materials that will attract new customers or packaging that will protect their products during shipping. This shift in customer mindset has led to a transformation in the print business model. Harness the Power of Consultative Selling for Your Business Consultative selling is an approach in sales that prioritizes meeting customers’ needs with solutions rather than focusing on products or services. It requires shifting from a transactional mindset to a collaborative one. By actively listening to the customer, asking the right questions, and offering tailored solutions, businesses can build stronger, more trust-based relationships. There are many benefits to adopting a solution-based sales approach in the print industry. Personalized solutions foster enhanced customer loyalty, as clients feel genuinely valued. The strategic shift towards solution-focused offerings provides a competitive edge by comprehensively addressing specific customer needs. Integrating services and products into comprehensive packages improves profitability and enhances perceived value. Actively engaging with customers as collaborative partners in their success stories establishes a strong rapport. This paves the way for enduring relationships built on mutual trust, shared objectives, and a commitment to

You likely have a go-to place for your favorite burger, ice cream cone, or cup of coffee—it’s why you go and keep returning. Much like those establishments, your print shop can cultivate a reputation for excellence, where customers instinctively turn when they need top-notch printing services. Think about what sets your print shop apart and makes your customers say, “When I need (product), I have to go to (your shop). They do it the best!” Consider the impact of quality print marketing on communicating your value proposition and nurturing relationships with existing and potential customers. Our press-ready marketing materials remind your customers why you are the right choice for all their printing needs. DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH CLUB The March download from the Download of the Month Club is a brochure encouraging print buyers who call or email their orders to order online instead. It features the benefits of using your website, like fast and efficient orders, and includes a 15% off coupon. If you struggle with knowing you should promote your print business more but don’t have the time to put it all together, the Download of the Month Club is your self-promotion shortcut. With new, ready-to-print files provided to

When the flash of digital marketing often outshines the steady glow of substantial content, it’s easy for print businesses to fall into the trap of chasing clicks over creating connections. But let’s get one thing straight: attention without retention is the marketing equivalent of a mirage—enticing from afar but ultimately leaving your print buyers parched for real value. The Seduction of the Spotlight for Printers In your quest to cut through the noise, you might prioritize the allure of attention-grabbing tactics. And why not? The initial rush of a spike in website traffic or a flurry of social media engagement is intoxicating. But here’s the rub: if all you offer is the marketing equivalent of a fireworks display—spectacular yet fleeting—you miss the opportunity to truly engage with your audience beyond the initial “oohs” and “ahhs.” Remember: Attraction Is Just the Beginning Focus not just on drawing your print buyers in but on what happens next. Your marketing should be a beacon, not a flashbang grenade. The Overlooked Middle Child: The Consideration Stage Much like a middle child vying for attention among siblings, the consideration stage of the buyer’s journey often gets overshadowed by its flashier counterpart, awareness, and the eagerly

The growth and renewal that happens each Spring reminds us that there’s so much opportunity for boosting sales and revitalizing customer relationships. Our diverse marketing content for printers offers a variety of ways for you to do just that. Why not incorporate something fresh into your marketing lineup? We’d love to partner with you to make this the best Spring season for your print shop! DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH CLUB The February download from the Download of the Month Club is an invitation you can brand and send to corporate clients, inviting them to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of your print shop. Strong business relationships are built on trust and collaboration, and this invitation is an opportunity to reinforce your commitment to delivering excellent results and personalized service! If you struggle with knowing you should promote your print business more but don’t have the time to put it all together, the Download of the Month Club is your self-promotion shortcut. With new, ready-to-print files provided to you monthly, each download is thoughtfully and precisely created to meet the marketing pain points of your business and give you a well-rounded collection of marketing collateral. For only $9.99 a month, you can

“A beautiful lady dressed in shining blue appeared. She raised her wand and said: ‘Wake, Pinocchio! Good Geppetto needs a son!’ ‘I can move!’ cried Pinocchio. ‘I’m a real boy!’ “‘No,’ the Blue Fairy said sadly. ‘You have life, but to become a real boy, you must prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish.’” There’s just nothing like that infamous magic wand. The magic wand sparkles as an eleventh-hour blessing from Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, as Glinda’s glimmer of grace in Oz, and as destiny personified when the wand “chooses” Harry Potter to be the unexpected hero. Magic wands echo through literature as the muted cry of every road-weary soul. “If only . . .” we sigh, “there was an easier way.” With a Wave of the Wand If you had a magic wand – even just for a day – would you use it? Wouldn’t EVERYONE? Well, of course! Just poke the words “Life Hack” into a YouTube or Google search, and you’ll be pummeled by thousands of results. Why? Because life hacks are all about eliminating humanity’s manifold frustrations in simple and deliciously clever ways. Fast and easy? Um . . . yes, please! If you’re like the average American

Leadership is not just about power or authority; it’s about being an example worth following. A good leader inspires, motivates, and guides others toward success. But what truly sets a leader apart from others is their positive influence. In an age where online marketing initiatives dominate the landscape, many printers are missing out on a highly effective and often overlooked strategy – direct mail. Are you leveraging the power of direct mail to promote your business? Drive your 2024 sales forward and be an example worth following by putting direct mail to work for you! Why Should Print Companies Use and Promote the Benefits of Direct Mail? Direct mail stands out in the crowded digital marketplace, providing a unique way to capture the attention of potential customers overwhelmed by online ads. Unlike digital marketing, it offers a personal touch through physical mail, establishing a direct connection with your audience. Embracing direct mail diversifies your business, attracting clients who may not have considered print for their marketing needs. By promoting the benefits of direct mail positions you as an industry expert and leader, you inspire customers to integrate it into their plans and boost sales for both parties. Embrace the power of direct

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