Marketing Archives - Page 3 of 26 - Marketing, content, & technology to help printers sell more printing

It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to step out of the day-to-day marketing mindset to remind you of, and hopefully inspire you with, a bigger idea. So, today’s the day! After meeting with printer after printer to discuss their marketing strategies, there’s been this growing “earworm” in the minds of printers that I think needs to be said out loud. You see, there’s a quiet little lie infiltrating our industry. Maybe you’ve noticed it, and maybe it’s crept into your thoughts, too. It’s the lie that says, “Print can’t keep up.” It’s not something people in the industry usually say directly. But you feel it, and I hear it in your voices when orders slow, when clients lean harder into digital, and when it feels like everything is changing faster than you can keep up. To be clear, I’ve fought this same earworm at times. Even being in the printing industry with you for almost 30 years, I can struggle the same way. When Doubts Start to Creep In There are moments when I’ve stared at our own direct mail offerings and thought, Is this still enough? I’ve talked with printers who’ve run successful businesses for

If you’ve ever debated whether to list your prices online or worried that you’ll lose business if you do, you’re in familiar territory. For many printers, pricing feels like walking a tightrope: charge too much and scare people off, charge too little and eat into your margins. It can feel like putting your worth on trial, especially when you’re competing with “race-to-the-bottom” online competitors. But it’s not just what you charge. It’s how you present your pricing that makes the difference. And chances are, some of the “rules” you’ve been following are doing more harm than good. Let’s bust a few myths that might be costing you sales and show you what you can do instead. Myth #1: If I Show My Prices, I’ll Scare My Print Buyers Away The idea that showing your prices drives prospects away is one of the most persistent myths in the print industry. It’s rooted in the fear that you’ll be judged solely on cost, that your higher prices will send your prospective print buyers running to online discounters. But in reality, hiding your prices creates an even bigger problem: distrust. Today’s buyers expect transparency. When they can’t find what something costs, they assume

Let’s be honest.Summer is noisy.Events, festivals, fireworks, social media overload… everyone is competing for attention. And your print buyers? They feel it. They know it’s harder than ever to stand out. But here’s the thing—while digital ads get skipped, scrolled, or ignored, bold print signage demands attention in a way nothing else can. This month, we’re focusing on helping your print buyers win back attention with print marketing that refuses to be ignored. The tools in your July marketing arsenal are designed to give your customers the visibility they deserve, while positioning your print shop as the expert partner who helps them get results. Here’s what you’ve got working for you this summer. Direct Mail For Printers Options Coffee Break: Humor That Keeps You Human If you want to be top-of-mind, you’ve got to stay relatable.The Coffee Break newsletter does exactly that. It brings humor, warmth, and everyday laughs to your customer’s mailbox.This month’s jokes tap into summer silliness: “What did the ghost say on the 4th of July? Red, white, and boo!” “Boss: You’ve been late three times this week. Do you know what that means? Me: It’s Wednesday?” Plus, the (Not-So) Official Firework Safety Guide delivers tongue-in-cheek warnings

Postage rates are on the rise again. As of July 13, 2025, a First-Class Mail Forever stamp is expected to move from 73 to 78 cents, leaving many questioning whether direct mail is still worth using. It is — and more than ever. Printing companies that stay visible with regular marketing will stay top of mind. Those who remain silent risk being forgotten. If you want your print buyers to remember you — and to view you as the example of smart marketing — consistent direct mail is a proven way to make that happen. Why Direct Mail Still Works Direct mail delivers results that few channels can match (especially for printers). It places your message, your quality, and your marketing example directly into your customer’s hands, without the clutter of an overloaded inbox or a skipped social media ad. Even with changing technologies and increasing postage rates, customers still trust print more than digital ads. They interact with it longer. And when done correctly, direct mail consistently drives higher response rates. Your print buyers are searching for ways to cut through the noise. If you offer effective direct mail strategies, you meet that need — and position yourself as

Previously, Sam Lewis tackled the challenge of managing client expectations after implementing minimum charges at Print Perfect. With the policy now in place, Sam begins looking ahead to new opportunities. Instead of viewing small jobs as obstacles, he starts to see them as stepping stones for growth. This month, Sam explores ways to build deeper relationships and turn low-margin interactions into gateways for larger, more profitable projects. Can these small wins pave the way for big success? Part 4: Small Orders, Big Decisions: Turning Small Jobs into Big Wins Sam had spent weeks refining Print Perfect’s approach to minimum charges and client communication. But as he looked over his books, he noticed that while the small jobs had become more manageable, they still weren’t driving growth. “There has to be a way to turn these into something more,” he thought, pondering how to make low-margin work a stepping stone for bigger projects. Finding Value Beyond the Profit Margins One afternoon, Sam discussed his thoughts with Laura. “I’m wondering if we’re missing out on opportunities with some of these small jobs,” he began. “If we could turn these clients into repeat customers for larger projects, that could really make a difference.”

Tangible print marketing still makes the biggest impact. Flyers—versatile, cost-effective, and visually striking—continue to be one of the most effective tools for businesses looking to promote events, showcase offers, and connect with their audience. This month’s Direct Mail for Printers content (for May distribution) focuses on the power of flyers to grab attention, drive action, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re helping a business promote a Memorial Day sale, a community event, or a seasonal offer, these ready-to-use marketing pieces ensure your customers stay ahead with print. 5 DIRECT MAIL PACKAGE OPTIONS FOR PRINTERS May’s theme, Flyers: The Versatile Marketing Powerhouse, highlights the role of flyers as one of the most effective print tools for businesses. From creative folds to eye-catching layouts, this month’s content helps your print buyers leverage flyers for high-impact promotions. This theme runs through all our marketing packages, giving you a unified strategy to promote your services while helping your customers succeed with print. Coffee Break Newsletter Lighthearted 8.5″ x 14″ direct mail newsletter The Coffee Break newsletter adds humor and insight to keep your print shop top-of-mind with customers. This edition includes: A collection of lighthearted jokes, such as:“Why did the donut go to

Every successful print business has a system—an approach that keeps things running smoothly and ensures print buyers keep coming back. But when things begin to feel overwhelming or inconsistent, that system can start to break down. At Marketing Ideas For Printers (MI4P), we believe in keeping things simple and repeatable. That’s why we follow a Proven Process—a clear framework that helps printing companies build effective marketing strategies, streamline technology, and ultimately sell more printing. If you’ve ever felt like owning a print business is too complicated or time-consuming, this process will give you clarity, structure, and a path forward. The MI4P Proven Process: Your Roadmap to Success The MI4P process isn’t just a checklist—it’s a guiding framework designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. Here’s how it works: Step 1: CONNECT – Understanding Your Business Needs Every print business is different. That’s why we start with a simple question: What’s your biggest challenge? For some, it’s an outdated website. For others, it’s not having enough leads. Maybe it’s struggling to keep up with social media. Whatever it is, we take the time to listen, understand your goals, and identify what’s standing in the way. At this

Presentation matters. As printers, you know that whether you’re handing out materials at a trade show, meeting with clients, or organizing important documents, pocket folders offer a polished way to present your brand with confidence. This month’s Direct Mail For Printers content focuses on the power of print as a tangible, screen-free way to keep your brand visible and your materials organized. Custom pocket folders are more than just a tool—they’re an extension of your professionalism. Explore this month’s marketing lineup and find the right tools to help your print buyers make an impact. 5 DIRECT MAIL PACKAGE OPTIONS FOR PRINTERS April’s theme, Pocket Folders: Present with Professionalism, highlights the importance of branded organization tools for client meetings, trade shows, and corporate presentations. Custom pocket folders help your print buyers’ businesses stay organized while reinforcing their brand identity with every interaction. This theme weaves through all our offerings, providing a unified strategy to market your services and inspire your buyers to return time and time again. Coffee Break Newsletter Lighthearted 8.5″ x 14″ direct mail newsletter Adding a touch of humor and insight keeps your brand memorable. The Coffee Break newsletter brings a fun and engaging approach with: A collection

As you look ahead to spring, know that with it comes fresh opportunities to build stronger relationships with your print buyers. Your buyers rely on you to provide high-quality printing and trust your expertise in marketing. In the March content, available now, we’re equipping you with powerful direct mail options and online tools to help you confidently market your business, stand out from competitors, and show your buyers why print remains a vital marketing channel. Unified Marketing Themes for 2025 March’s marketing content focuses on The Power of Newsletters—a tool proven to foster loyalty and keep your print buyers engaged. By promoting consistent, high-quality communication, newsletters allow you to showcase your print shop’s expertise while building lasting trust. This theme weaves through all our offerings, giving you a cohesive strategy to market your services and inspire your buyers to return time and time again. 5 Direct Mail Options to Choose From Coffee Break: A Newsletter That Engages Deliver smiles with Coffee Break, a lighthearted 8.5×14 newsletter your print buyers will enjoy. This fun, approachable marketing piece includes: Spring-themed jokes, like “Why don’t rabbits ever get hot in the spring? They have hare-conditioning!” A calendar featuring fun dates like Tartan Day,

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