The Best Printed Materials for Your Business
In today's society of digital TV and satellite, the internet, and radio, can you still consider printed materials an effective media for advertising and marketing? Of course you can! The importance of printed materials should never be underestimated. Printed advertising is still one of the most effective forms of marketing available.
One of the biggest problems with so many types of advertising, like in the newspaper or on the internet, is that people have become so accustomed to seeing them that now they just pass right over them. But with custom printed media, one has to look at it and hold it for a bit in order to at least figure out what the ad is for. The viewer might even read it a bit, even if he or she plans on throwing it in the trash. However, during that brief period of time, the ad is going to subconsciously register in their minds and have a certain measurable effect. Even a small effect is better than nothing at all.
The fact is, when a person sees a printed ad in the newspaper or in a magazine, he or she reads it and it registers and produces much better results than any other type of ad. Other printed materials like brochures or flyers have the same effect. What a person sees on a flyer is more likely to register than an ad he or she catches a brief glimpse of on the internet. It's important to remember that the goal of advertising is to produce actual results in a cost-effective manner.
This is where the benefits of commercial printing come into play in your business. TV, radio, internet ads may reach more people, but they're also MUCH more expensive to produce. And even though people see them, they just don't register as well as printed media does. Printed media tends to hold people's attention much better.
All companies know how important their marketing program is, and printed media and advertising should be a major part of it. Yes, it's easy and relatively cheap to run a small ad in the newspaper or on the internet once in a while, but it's not going to produce the results that would come from having a beautifully custom-printed insert ad in the same newspaper. Or if you're at a marketing-type event, a well-designed and functional brochure that people can take home with them will have even better results.
When it comes to building an identity for your business, one of the best and most trusted ways of doing it is through print materials. Though the print medium has been used for hundreds of years, its efficacy in reaching out to customers before they approach you is what makes print so useful. Printing materials allow you to create a first impression on your customer, giving him, or her, the idea of what you have to offer.
This is precisely the reason why print materials and ads are so important in building a brand and identity. It allows you to communicate your intentions, promises as well as the quality of your products and services, with the benefit of adding an emotional factor that connects with your customers.
Here are some points to observe when approaching print materials for your business concerns.
Use catalog and brochure materials to relay information to your niche
Your print ads and materials must market your business in an innovative way that it grabs the attention of your customers, who have the specific needs you cater to. Niche markets are specialized markets with highly specific needs, often ignored by the mass production of large corporations. This is where you come in.
Niche markets are often small markets, but have people who are willing to pay a premium for your services and products. Make your marketing approach more personal by offering brochures, leaflets and other small-scale print materials that can be filled with information and tips about your services and products.
Outdoor advertising should stir emotions
Consumers want to create a personal connection between them and the products and services they use and hire. So as a business, your brand must convey a set of values and beliefs your customers can relate to.
When conceptualizing billboards, posters and other materials that focus on images, it's a must that you resonate emotional content. The approach is totally up to you; your materials can either connect with a subculture, personal problems or common situations experienced by your audience.
One-on-one print materials must build your credibility
One of the main goals of a branding campaign is to establish your business' credibility and reputation for professionalism. This is particularly important when it comes to one-on-one marketing, something which must be highly personal.
Again, customers and clients wants to be treated in a special way, so this must extend to your personal marketing materials, such as postcards, letterheads and calling cards.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ONLINE PRINTING SERVICE FOR BUSINESS OR PERSONAL NEEDS
Ordering you personal or company printing work online is the best way to go these days. Online printing is not only more convenient than other options but it is also more affordable and offers most people a better product selection than they would otherwise get.
Whether you need business stationery and promotional materials or wedding invitations and greeting cards, you'll find that the range of product offerings with online printers is huge. However, with the growing number of firms out there online offering printing services it can be hard to know which one to choose. In the following articles we have set out some ideas to help you make an informed decision.
Firstly, you want to find out some basic details about a printing company and who is behind it. Look for information on their site relating to how long they have been in business and where they are operating from. Do they have decent customer service support if things go wrong?
Pricing is the most important consideration for many but don't let this be the only factor to influence your decision. The companies that offer the best products and services are usually a little more expensive. You may get better value with them than you would with a low-cost provider that will mess you around or rip you off entirely. You can easily compare prices as most online printing companies feature a price estimate calculator on their site. You'll find that there is a considerable range of prices for many commonly printed business and personal items so it is worth checking out at least four or five companies to get an idea.
The selection of products and services on offer is important. A printing company must be able to provide what you need in terms of the product type, specifications and volume. If you need a wide variety of printed materials for your business then it will be convenient if you can get everything from one supplier.
Many offer additional services like the popular mailing service where they will send your printed materials directly out to your clients, hot off the press. Some will even sell you a targeted mailing list if you don't have your own database.
Find out if a printer offers offset or digital printing. Offset is usually the better of the two when it comes to quality although you will pay more for this unless you order a decent volume. Most online printing companies give some details on their websites about their printing operation and the kind of printing they are capable of.
Give some though to the design of the materials that you need printed. At a minimum, you will have to be able to upload your designs to the site. It is also nice to work with a printer that offers you DIY options like design tools and templates. Some also have their own in-house designers if you need something specific.
Some online printers will charge you to proof your artwork to make sure that it is ready to go to print. Others offer this service for free.
Requesting a sample is usually made easy as most online printing companies have a form on their site for you to complete for this. If you have time you may as well have them mail samples out so that you can verify the quality.
Make sure that you are aware of the turnaround time for your order. This is the time that it takes for your order to be printed and ready for shipping. Delivery time is how long your order takes to arrive at your address from the time it is dispatched. Allow plenty of time if you need your printing done before a deadline on the off chance that there is a delay with your order.
Before hitting the order button make sure that you are aware of a company's refund and satisfaction guarantee policies. Read the fine print on their site and make sure that it is fair. Most printers on the web will avoid issuing refunds or doing complimentary reprints unless the order had errors that were their own fault. It is therefore critical to ensure that your order is proof read and checked several times to ensure that it is correct in every way.
Lastly, you should do some research online to find out what other customers have said about a specific company. There are numerous blogs, forums and consumer feedback websites out there that people will turn to if they feel that they have had exceptional service from a printer. There are also consumer complaints websites and the Better Business Bureau for those that feel that they have not been treated fairly. If the printing company that you have in mind has a lot of good reviews then go ahead. If, on the other hand they have had a lot of complaints posted about them then you should think twice.
THE 5 MARKETING MATERIALS YOU NEED TO START A BUSINESS
Starting a small business is an exciting, terrifying, and exhilarating adventure! It can take years of planning and recalculating before a business even opens to the public. A critical part of those “back of house” efforts includes certain marketing materials. These marketing essentials are universal as they ground themselves in the core ways small businesses connect with their target audiences. Today, we’re going to break down the five marketing materials every small business needs in order to prosper in the marketplace.
Logo
What’s a business without a logo? A logo goes hand in hand with a business’s identity and is a necessary piece of a small business’s marketing material suite. You may be thinking, “I have no design background nor do I have budget to hire a freelance designer.” Don’t worry! Designing a logo doesn’t have to be time intensive nor expensive. There are affordable custom logo designers that allow you to work directly with a design expert to craft the perfect logo in no time.
A logo is worth the upfront investment because if it’s done well and professionally, a small business can use it for years to come. A logo goes on every promotional item and digital component of your business. Get your logo set before you dive into any other marketing efforts, so you are prepared to create branded materials.
Business Cards
Small businesses often purchase business cards first because they are useful, relevant, and inexpensive. They offer the perfect place to feature your professionally-designed logo and begin crafting a cohesive offering of branded materials.
Beyond handing cards out to prospective clients and investors, business cards offer different marketing opportunities. You can leave a stack of cards behind at relevant vendors or local shops. As we all know, building community awareness is a critical step for small businesses, and business cards are an easy way to spread the word. Make friends with your neighbors if you have a physical storefront. Stop by, say hello, and give out a handful of cards to the proprietors as well as their customers.
If your business is digitally-based, business cards still provide incredible marketing value. Your business may be online, but you and your employees are in the real world, interacting with other people and businesses daily. Use business cards to generate buzz and curiosity about your business. Even though it may feel very different than a traditional storefront business, online businesses have just as much need for business cards.
Business cards are portable, professional reminders about your business. They include all pertinent details anyone would need to contact you and begin a customer relationship. Always keep a handful in your wallet; you never know who you’ll meet and how that person will impact your small business.
Website
No matter the niche, a small business must have a website. Gone are the days when websites were nice to have; they have become a necessity for any business that wants to thrive in this era. Much like your business card, a website provides a level of professionalism and credibility to your company. More and more, people are looking to online searches to verify a business as trustworthy before they even step foot in a store.
A small business website provides everything a potential client needs to validate your business as legitimate. In order to establish trust with your prospective customers, include the following information on your website:
Business Name
Brief “About Us” section
Contact Information, such as phone number, email address, and physical or mailing address
Hours of operation
Social media widgets
Basic product offering information
This may seem like a lot of work, but a building a website is much simpler than it used to be. And again, this initial effort will help your business in the long run. Being listed in local directories and having strong SEO all benefit your marketing efforts. They put your website in the right query results and get your business in front of the people who want your business.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of crafting a professional website, don’t fret! There are resources available to build the perfect website. Utilize these tools and watch your site and marketing efforts come to life.
Small businesses can do wonders with postcards or flyers. Think about it: you probably encounter at least ten business postcards or flyers on any given day. Why is that? Because they are cost effective marketing tools that can be repurposed in a variety of ways.
Postcards and flyers are easy to leave behind at events, tack up on community boards or mail out to prospective clients. Their unique size and stock quality makes them stand out from regular mail or brochures, so people notice them. They also have enough space to include promotions and more details about a business than a business card. Order them in bulk and use them for various events and promotions. You’ll never regret having an ample supply when a last minute opportunity pops up.
“A man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to save time” – Henry Ford.
Social Media
You might be scratching your head at this one, but trust us, social media is a vital part of your marketing materials. As mentioned above, consumers are relying on digital searches to find companies. By incorporating a robust, but manageable social media presence, a small business exponentially increases its SEO and likelihood of being found by its target audience.
A small business does not need to be present on every single social medium. Try one or two platforms to get your business started, then actively manage and contribute to them. The key for a strong social presence is to be consistent across all platforms. Try to have the same handles on each medium and maintain your brand tone of voice and aesthetic no matter the platform. You do not need to post the same exact content and messages on every site, but ensure it all gels together as a unified brand.
Post content regularly and engage with your audience. Social is a great place for one-on-one interaction and communication. Social media also allows you to promote upcoming events, discounts, and exclusive offers for followers. All of these marketing endeavors are important for building a small business.
Social media is a free way to establish followers and loyal fans. There are analytics and insights available on every platform that help you digest your user data and hone your content and post types so you’re giving your viewers what they want. Give it a whirl; you will be amazed by the return on investment.
For small businesses, understanding the balance between print and digital marketing materials and how they play into long-term business success is a top priority. Each component plays an important role in creating authority and notoriety in the market. Now that you have this marketing materials guide, get to work and make a splash with your comprehensive small business marketing strategy.
Does Your Business Have These 5 Printed Business Essentials?
Branding
Business/ROI
Creative Design
Marketing Resources
Print Design
Small Business
Every small business needs some basic promotional items to help communicate their services or products to potential customers. For a start up business, you want to define your brand early and carry it through all your printed materials. If your business is well established, it’s important to maintain your brand. The following are five printed essentials every business should have in their marketing arsenal.
Custom Logo
The most important business essential is your company logo. Your logo is the most visible representative of your company’s brand. It’s the face of your company and should represent it well. The colors, fonts and design of your logo are reflected on the choices used for all your marketing materials. A well designed logo identifies who you are, what you do and how well you do it.
Business Cards
Even with our modern lifestyle of everything digital, handing a prospect your business card can make your first meeting personal and genuine. A well designed business card is the first impression of your brand. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but you don’t want it to look cheap. A cleverly designed business card may be shown to others, increasing your marketing potential. Always be prepared by having a card on hand.
Stationery
Like your business card, your stationery may be the first thing a prospect sees with your brand. Stationery is not only your letterhead, but may also include items like: envelopes, labels, invoices, thank-you cards, and presentation folders. Stationery makes your business look professional and credible. Only include the essential contact information and keep it clean, clutter free and easy to read. Investing in your stationery is an investment in your company.
Brochures
A website does not negate the need for a company brochure. Like business cards, a brochure can be a personal touch to a prospect meeting. Brochures are versatile and can be distributed in racks, waiting rooms, mailed or handed out at trade shows. Your message can be focused and precise with a specific call to action. With short-run digital printing, brochure printing does not need to be a major expense.
Give-away Items
Everyone loves to receive free stuff. A survey conducted by the BPMA lists several reasons promotional give-away items are beneficial. Promotional give-away items are proven to build brand awareness. The survey shows that 66% of participants claimed they could recall the brand on the promotional product they received. It can strengthen customer loyalty. The survey states that 79% would be likely to do business with the company again. The ROI on promotional products delivered a better return on investment than radio and outdoor advertising, and is equal to TV and print.
In today’s digital world, people still want something tangible to touch. Before the World Wide Web, these five promotional items were the standard tools for marketing your business. A website cannot always replace the personal interaction that results from these printed essentials.
"Complexity is your enemy, any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to make something simple." -Richard Branson
CARDSandBANNERS.com is a nationwide printing company that makes it easy for hundreds of businesses and individuals every month to promote their services professionally. Our wide selection of print services consist of reliable, quality products at industry leading quality and prices.
We offer the same high-level services to all our customers whether you run a Fortune 500 company, a start-up or are self-employed. In fact, we are passionate about helping smaller businesses grow and fulfill their true potential! CARDSandBANNERS.com provides the tools to help you build or expand your business through a full range of printing and marketing solutions.
"If you think it's too expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur"
WAYS YOUR BUSINESS BENEFITS BY USING A PROFESSIONAL PRINTER
Obviously, outsourcing is a great way to take advantage of professional expertise and free up internal resources. But there’s a lot more to gain than that. Here are 7 benefits to your business when you choose to work with a professional printer.
1. There Are Far More Options
If you could just see the storage area of your typical printing company. More than likely, it’s jam-packed with the types of printing resources and materials your company could only ever dream of purchasing and storing.
Professional Printer
From huge stores of paper stock to binding materials to all kinds of enticing options for document covers, business cards, and direct mail – there are so many options you’ll need someone to help you narrow your choices when it comes to your next job. That brings us to Benefit #2…
2. A Professional Printer Offers Free Advice
When you outsource your printing jobs to a pro, you’re getting instant access to printing experts. Unlike most business owners and their staff, these experts know the ins and outs of paper stock, ink, and printing methods (not to mention the complex machinery that brings it all together!) like nobody else.
What card stock should I use for business cards? How do I choose a brochure style that resonates with my audience? How do I incorporate images into my direct mail project?
These are only some of the questions we get, which we’re happy to answer for our customers every single day.
And when it comes to producing printed material that does its job to make your business look good, making the right choices is crucial. Having an expert there to guide you with suggestions means you’re getting the professional input you need to make your print jobs stand out.
3. You Benefit from Using Better Equipment
A professional printer offers not only free advice, but also much better equipment than most businesses will ever own or operate. Better equipment means better results.
4. It’s Faster
Nobody on earth ever ordered a print job where faster delivery wasn’t preferred over a slow turnaround time. Big-house printing companies simply have the expertise (benefit #2), the equipment (benefit #3) and the in-stock materials (benefit #1) to get the job done faster than you ever could on your own.
5. The Sky’s the Limit
Better equipment, reason #3 to go with a professional printer, carries with it all sorts of benefits. One of them is enjoying absolutely no limitations whatsoever on what you can do.
Your creativity is not limited by the types of materials available. It’s not limited by the type of printing you’re able to do. It’s not limited by the size and scope of the project. It’s not limited by anything at all- see what we mean? You dream it, and a pro will find a way to make it happen. The sky is the limit!
6. Long-Term ROI
Business owners who tend to take the DIY route and do their printing in-house aren’t necessarily saving money. Remember: printing is done on expensive machines, even if it’s only your basic office copier. And, like all machines, the more you use them the faster they break down or need service.
Going pro with your printing job means all the wear and tear takes place at the printer’s expense, not yours.
7. Efficient Use of Resources
Doesn’t your team have better things to do than to babysit the company copying machine? When it’s important to use resources wisely (and when is it ever not important?), outsourcing these types of tasks to a professional printer just makes sense.
Besides, laborious printing jobs are just bad for morale. It’s hard to think of any scenario where spending hours tending the company copy machine is seen as anything but a punishment. It’s boring, dusty, mind-numbing, and boring. Did we mention boring?
Thanks to the advent of the Internet, today’s businesses can draw on multiple complementary advertising methods to reach their target audience. Through social media posts, online ads, and print ads, businesses reach more customers faster and more effectively than ever before.
In fact, according to a USPS study, over 60% of consumers who received direct-mail advertisements were persuaded to visit the advertiser’s website. Similarly, 92% of consumers under the age of 25 reported that direct-mail advertisements influenced their final purchasing decisions.
When you use your digital and print marketing campaigns to complement each other, both you and your target audience members benefit. In our blog below, we’ll tell you more about how printed materials can improve your overall marketing strategy.
4 Ways Print Can Help
When it comes to designing a marketing strategy, print and digital advertisements each play different but crucial roles. In particular, here are four ways printed materials can influence your target audience.
Print Reaches a Wide Audience!
In a recent study, researchers found that 85% of consumers read and sort their mail daily and 40% go to new businesses after receiving direct-mail advertisements. Along those same lines, studies show that print ads generally outperform email ads by 10 to 30 times. If you want to reach the largest possible audience, use both print materials and digital ads to impact more customers.
Print Guarantees Memorable Products
While people experience an almost constant bombardment of advertisements from the Internet and other digital media sources, they don’t often receive simple, well-crafted print media. When people do get print advertisements, they stand out and make a stronger impression.
In fact, a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute says that 84% of Americans are more likely to remember a company’s name when they receive promotional products with the logo on it.
The ability to see, touch, and feel a piece of marketing creates an experience most people remember. Use printed marketing materials to help your customers or clients remember your business and return after a positive customer experience.
Print Reinforces Brand Loyalty
As a business owner, you are just as concerned about keeping customers as you are about gaining new customers. Loyal customers help sustain your business and will refer others to your business. Print materials can go a long way towards helping you build a loyal customer base.
Loyalty cards are one way you can use print materials to promote brand loyalty. For example, a milkshake store’s loyalty card might read, “Buy six shakes and get the seventh one free!” Customers are more likely to return when they feel that they can receive a unique benefit that they can’t get anywhere else—and to get that benefit, they’ll take care to carry their loyalty card with them at all times.
Not every business needs loyalty cards, but providing promotions on printed materials is a good way to build loyalty in your customers. Get creative with your printed materials and help your customers feel valued. They’ll reward you with loyalty and increased business.
Print Generates Sales
Most businesses employ a variety of marketing methods—including television, Internet, and print ads—to help increase business sales. While each advertising method has its unique benefits, print materials still deliver the highest return on investment of all major marketing mediums.
Research done by the Direct Marking Association found that for every dollar spent on print advertising, a business generates an average of $12.57 in sales. By comparison, online marketing averaged about $11 for every dollar spent. These statistics held true for all industries, which means that no matter what type of business you own, you can benefit from printed marketing materials.
Invest in Printed Marketing Materials
As you consider your annual marketing budget, don’t forget about the power of the printed word. To get an analysis of your business’ printed needs and make a mark with print advertising, contact CARDSandBANNERS.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE PRINT MARKETING DESIGN
Along with a solid online presence, print marketing design can be essential to your business’ success. We’ve all heard the saying “print is dead,” but this is simply untrue. Print is still an effective, widely used form of marketing and will continue to be so for years to come, and there are many reasons why.
Together with a solid logo design, your marketing materials are the face of your business. They are your visual identity; the representation of your brand. Having effective, well-designed print marketing materials will contribute to the credibility of your business, and build brand recognition. Your branding creates a visual and emotional connection with your customers, and good design can be the reason people do or don’t buy from you.
The benefits of print marketing design include:
Print marketing can help you stand out from the competition. Because of the fact that web and digital marketing are more commonly being used, having print materials can actually work to your advantage. More businesses are starting to use web instead of print materials, so having professional print design in addition to a solid web marketing strategy can actually help you stay ahead of your competition.
Print is portable and tangible. Many consumers still prefer print. It gives them something solid and versatile that they can hold onto. Web can be a very effective form of marketing but it isn’t permanent like print media. “Out of sight is out of mind.” Print materials give your customers something that is solid and lasts longer.
Not everyone is using the web. Believe it or not, not everyone is computer savvy. Some target audiences may still prefer print materials to their online counterpart. Having print in addition to web marketing can ensure that you reach your target audience.
Print marketing solidifies your brand. Having more than one way to market your business solidifies your brand and establishes brand recognition. The more you allow your brand to be seen, the more recognizable it becomes.
At CARDSandBANNERS.com, We offer the same high-level services to all our customers whether you run a Fortune 500 company, a start-up or are self-employed. In fact, we are passionate about helping smaller businesses grow and fulfill their true potential! CARDSandBANNERS.com provides the tools to help you build or expand your business through a full range of printing and marketing solutions.
Often you only get one chance to impress your potential customers, and your branding and image are the first contact-points your customers have with your business. We are here to make sure that your brand has a lasting positive impression on every client and that you have all the marketing materials needed to make that happen.
Print Marketing Ideas to Promote Your Small Business
Despite the attention given to digital marketing, printed marketing collateral hasn’t lost its relevance. Print materials and promotional products are tangible expressions of your brand and remain vital parts of any successful small business marketing plan.
Printing is more affordable than ever, which means your marketing budget goes even further. You can get inexpensive 2-sided business cards on high-quality paper, professional signage that grabs attention, and useful promotional products to extend your brand. And many printers offer graphic design services like logo design, making it even easier to present a big-time image on a small-time budget.
Use these suggestions from marketing experts and small business owners to create and make good use of offline marketing materials.
Printed Marketing Collateral
Business Cards & Loyalty Cards: These little pieces of paper really pack a punch. Customers can grab a few to share with friends, and you can hand them out at expos, professional meetings and even social events. “When you hand me your business card, you create a mental and visual link,” says Monica Doss, entrepreneur in residence at Wake Forest Innovations in Winston-Salem, N.C. “Even after I’ve added you to my contact database, I keep your card.” Wallet-friendly loyalty cards are cost-effective incentives that encourage repeat business and build fans. Choose a nice promotional item or apparel (see below) to reward customers when their cards are complete, or offer free or discounted product from your inventory.
Pro Tip: For a more impressive look, go for a coated or glossy stock paper, or make your business card do double duty by using the backside as an appointment card.
Posters & Banners: Large-format graphics get attention and allow you to show off products or announce a special offer or promotion. “Use oversize format printing to make a full-color poster for an upcoming event,” suggests Jon Feagain, art director of Adhere Creative in Houston. “Mounted oversized prints on foam core make perfect store signage,” Feagain adds.
Brochures & Flyers: Even in this day of digital and mobile everything, these printed marketing collateral materials are still important marketing tools. Brochures and flyers are important as a way to present your information quickly and remind your customers about your products and services. You can deploy these materials in direct mail marketing campaigns (see below) to prospective or current customers, or use brochure holders to display the materials at the front counter and in trade show or expo booths.
Pro Tip: In addition to your messaging, logo and location, include testimonials from satisfied customers, your URL and your social media handles.
Direct Mail: Data from the USPS shows that 79% percent of consumers read or scan advertising mail and find direct mail more convenient than going online. And the Direct Marketing Association found direct mail marketing is seven times more effective than all digital channels combined. You can design brochures and flyers to be sent through the mail, or use these other options for a small business direct mail campaign:
Postcards: Put your logo on a card to promote events or specials to customers, or as thank-you and holiday message notes to loyal patrons. If you have a great image or graphic — an historic storefront or a unique product — create picture postcards for customers to take along as mementos or to send to friends.
Branded Envelopes & Letterhead: Investing in high-quality envelopes and letterhead emblazoned with your small business’s logo is always a smart decision. The envelopes establish a good first impression for direct mail campaigns, as well as when mailing invoices, gift cards and correspondence.
Branded Promotional Products
Promotional Items: Use your logo strategically on promotional items and tools. Choose promotional products that are functional, like phone chargers or thumb drives, so they actually get used where people can see them so they do the marketing for you. Even branding on useful items your staff uses with clients, such as logo pens, can have a big impact.
Promotional Apparel: Wearable branding, whether donned by staff or customers and fans, is effective and long lasting. “I have my beloved Panasonic windbreaker, and one of my best friends lives in a Panavision hat — I never see him without it,” says trade show veteran and consultant Michael Millar of Los Angeles.
Pro Tip: “There is nothing worse than getting a paper-thin T-Shirt from a brand you love,” Millar says. The negative effect is two-fold. Fans won’t wear it, so you lose your marketing bump, and “it’s a reflection on the brand’s product quality. Better to go with cheaper — i.e., less expensive — swag than cheap-quality swag.”
Even if you rely on email marketing, social media or websites for the bulk of your outreach, there’s always a need for printed marketing collateral. Use the print marketing ideas on this list to boost your business without breaking your budget.
WHY PRINT MARKETING IS STILL THRIVING
Print Marketing Is Far From Dead:
There are plenty of marketers who claim that print has been long dead. The perpetuator of this myth probably may not be aware of how print marketing works. However, print media has evolved alongside other new technology. As a business owner, you must understand the importance of communicating with your target customers using both print and digital formats.
Go Beyond Paper Products:
If you think that print marketing is all about giving away brochures, business cards and presentation folders, then you are missing the full potential of this effective promotional technique. Print media can also consist of promotional pens, keychains, shirts, coasters, magnets and drink ware.
These items are considered by customers as promotional gifts, allowing them to physically connect with your business. People are more likely to hold on to these items than flyers which tend to get lost or thrown away. By being creative with the items you give to customers, you can build a stronger impression and improve brand awareness.
Variable Printing:
Advancements in printing technology have significantly lowered printing costs. Variable printing is not entirely new but it remains very effective at getting your message across to your audience while keeping your printing expenses down. Basically, this involves personalizing print media to let customers feel more connected to your brand.
Different elements of your print materials can be customised, enabling you to make each piece completely unique. For instance, you can send out direct mails to your customers with their names. It is also possible to send out coupons that come with individual serial numbers, allowing you to monitor the customers who used your offerings.
Interactivity Of Print Media:
Scanning Advertising With QR Code On Mobile Phone. There used to be a time when the only option you had to promote your online presence through print media was to include a link to your website or social profiles. Now, smartphone and tablet technologies can be incorporated into your print materials, making it doubly easier to advertise your web presence.
You can include QR codes in your promotional items. What is great about QR codes is that they can be customized with different colours and patterns. This means you have the chance to integrate them into the overall design of your print marketing campaigns.
NFC technology is set to replace QR codes in the future. A microchip sends a signal to a mobile device without scanning. You can promote your website to your target audience by simply having them tap your print material against their mobile device.
Include A Call To Action:
You do not want your print media to simply contain your company logo. You must have a specific objective you want to accomplish through print. For instance, if you want to get more followers in social media, then include a call to action compelling potential customers to follow you on various social platforms.
Print media can considerably boost your online presence. You can set up campaigns in which customers can have the chance to win a prize by participating in your Facebook contests. It is also recommended to use a social media marketing campaign in conjunction with print marketing for optimal results.
Print Is Here To Stay:
Print will always remain relevant in the world of business. Just remember that while print marketing can help push you closer toward success, it does not promise it. You must come up with an effective print marketing strategy that best reflects your brand and piques the interest of your audience. If you produce the same print materials as the competition, then you are not making your brand stand out.
What we couldn’t have possibly imagined just a decade ago has become a reality: everything has moved online. We shop online, we do our banking online, we play online, and we even socialize online. In addition, research shows that when making buying decisions, the first place people go to for researching their options is the Internet.
Which brings up the question, if everything takes place online these days, and especially if you’re an online business, should you still use printed marketing materials such as brochures as part of your marketing strategy?
Why printed marketing materials are still valuable?
The short answer is yes. Marketing is never about just one medium. It’s always a mistake to focus on just one aspect of marketing and to neglect the others. A good marketing campaign utilizes many different mediums to generate many different leads, then nurtures them until they are ready to become customers.
So, while “online” is really hot these days, the physical world still exists, and there are enough potential customers who, after the initial online research, expect to see printed material. These people typically find it difficult to trust a business if it’s completely virtual. They need to know that you have a physical address, a phone number, and that they can see a brochure or other types of printed material before they commit to you.
If you ignore these consumers, you have just lost a segment of the population that could have been interested in your solution.
No doubt, when you plan your marketing budget, you need to pay special attention to online components, including your Web site, your blog and your social media accounts. Ideally, you want to have a great logo, and you want your logo to appear on all online venues.
To keep your brand highly unique and identifiable, you should also have the same logo appear on your business cards and on any printed marketing materials such as brochures and flyers.
How to create an effective brochure
Now that we’ve established the importance of brochures and of other printed marketing materials, here are a few handy tips for writing and designing an effective brochure:
Make it visually appealing. Design is extremely important when it comes to brochures. If the design is boring or cluttered, people won’t bother to read your text. Look for a small business Graphic Designer who has a lot of experience and can show you samples of their previous work. Better yet, make sure they have positive testimonials on their site, or on a third party site.
Focus on benefits rather than on features. Prospects don’t care about your product’s features. They want you to answer the question, “what’s in it for me?” and your brochure needs to be able to answer that question, or it will be tossed!
Keep it short. Do you really need a 12-page brochure? Generally, short, catchy brochures with a large font and a clean design are better than long, tiresome, technical brochures.
Make it personal. Write your brochure in a direct, conversational tone – as if you are talking with a person face to face. The more personal and direct your tone is, the easier it will be for prospects to connect with your message.
Include a call for action. Every marketing material should include a call for action, and this is true for brochures as well. A call for action can be as simple as ending your brochure with the sentence “Need ____? Call today” and your phone number. The idea is to present the pain, your business as the solution, and to encourage the prospect to take immediate action by calling you.
Whether you have a physical location or fully operate online, your small business marketing strategy should include online marketing materials AND printed marketing materials. This combination will make sure you don’t neglect an important segment of your potential market.
Well, printed materials may have lost some luster since the advent of digital marketing, but, know this…. they are experiencing a resurgence. Marketers are realizing that branded print collateral can be an integral part of a sound marketing mix.
First of all, check out these surprising stats about print:
46% of U.S. Internet users said they only read printed books (“Do Readers Really Prefer Their Dusty Old Paperbacks To E-Books?” Forbes)
Print represents 15% share of US ad spend by media type in 2015 (“Long Live Print…in an Omnichannel Marketing Plan,” ClickZ)
56% of all consumers trust print marketing more than any other advertising method. (“Print Marketing Is Still Not Dead,” AllBusiness Networks)
70% of Americans report that they find direct mail advertising more personal than online ads. (Same as above)
More than 3 out of 4 small businesses use both print marketing and online efforts combined. This strategy usually offers the best return on investment and gets the best response rates. (Same as above)
56% of postcards are read by recipients, making them the direct mail piece most likely to be read. (2014 DMA Fact Book)
2.9 billion direct mail coupons were redeemed by customers in 2013. (Same as above)
Research shows that the average reader of a branded magazine will spend up to 20 to 25 minutes with it. “On the Web, you’re hoping for two minutes, maybe. So if you’re looking for engagement, a custom magazine can get you 25 minutes.” (“Digital-First Content Marketing: The Return Of Print!” (CMO by Adobe)
Statistics show that direct mail is at the very least holding its own when it comes to return on investment. In fact, one recent DMA study found that $1 spent on direct mail yielded $12.57 in sales. (“Fine Print: Direct mail marketing is far from a dead letter,” In Business magazine)
In addition, there are other good reasons why print has merit.
“When people access information over the Internet, many will print out lengthy or difficult reading material presented on their computer screens ‘so they can read it’ or so that they can ‘understand it.’ That is because computer screens causes a ‘flicker’ effect, making it more difficult for the brain to process information compared with print sources. We also read online text 25% more slowly than text on paper.”
If you’re targeting specific demographics, get this… 15% of American adults do not use the Internet.
Only 56% of adults 65+ use a computer at workplace, school, home, or elsewhere. (Pew Research Center Internet Project Survey, 2014)
66% of adults with a high school education or less use a computer at workplace, school, home, or elsewhere.
71% of Hispanics and and 77% of African-Americans use a computer at workplace, school, home, or elsewhere.
Among adults who do not use the Internet, almost half said that the main reason they don’t go online is because they don’t think the Internet is relevant to them. (“Broadband Technology Fact Sheet,”
REASONS WHY FLYERS ARE (STILL) IMPORTANT IN MARKETING
Think flyers are old fashioned? Think again! Flyers are important in marketing. While we might live in an age of high tech advertising, the humble flyer is still a priceless promotion tool.
There’s a reason why we have been using the same advertising technique for centuries. Flyers work! Whether you’re a yoga teacher, trip organizer or entrepreneur, flyers are an effective way to get your message across.
Considering printing your own? Here are a few reasons why flyers are important in marketing.
Why Flyers Are Important in Marketing
1. IT’S A LOW-COST OPTION
Flyers are extremely cost effective. Rather than overhauling your website, paying for advertising space or venturing into the expensive world of offline media, flyers have an incredibly high return on investment.
No idea how to create an effective flyer? Get help! Professionally designed flyers are cheaper than you might think and it costs pennies to have them printed.
2. IT’S LOW EFFORT, BUT HIGH IMPACT
It’s easy to get flyers into potential customers’ hands. Planning a yoga retreat? Hand out flyers to yoga students or just hang up a flyer in the locker room. Potential participants who get your flyer might pin it on their fridges. This encourages promotion within smaller circles of family and friends.
Spend some time thinking about where your audience spends their time then get
moving! You’ll be surprised at how many cafés, stores, gyms, restaurants, schools and other businesses are happy to help you connect with potential customers. Ask popular local spots to post one of your flyers then just sit back and wait for the magic to happen.
3. PEOPLE LOVE TANGIBLE THINGS
Customers like to have something that they can put their hands on. We get inundated with online advertising every day but it’s actually pretty rare to come across a high quality, printed flyer.
Aim to stand out from the crowd. You definitely don’t want your flyer to look like junk mail. Opt for the highest quality paper than you can fit into your budget. Go for a professionally designed flyer rather than a quick DIY job.
4. FLYERS CREATE A PERSONAL TOUCH
Not only are flyers tangible, they add a personal touch to your message. Physically handing your potential customer a flyer will immediately create a personal relationship with them.
Convincing someone to tuck your flyer into their bag or pocket means they are going to look at it again later. Even if they decide not to for it, they’ll still give the flyer a second thought. That’s a lot more than you can say for more expensive one-time advertisements.
5. IT’S EYE CATCHING ADVERTISING
Flyers are still important in the world of advertising because people actually read them. When you have a ton of advertisements cluttering up a website, it’s very possible to have potential customers overlook your ad even if it’s well done. And, let’s not even get started on ad blockers!
Imagine walking into your favorite café and seeing a colorful, gorgeous flyer posted right at eye level while you wait for your coffee. You’d probably notice it. Picture walking into the locker room at your gym and seeing a stunning flyer on the way to the showers. You might stop and have a quick look.
Importance of Flyers in Effective Marketing
Flyer marketing is practiced from old times and is still one of the most favorable methods of marketing. Flyers do a great deal for any business. Besides making people aware they also drive the people towards your business. The type of flyer you make depend upon the customer you are targeting.
EYE CATCHING FLYER
Step 1: Take an appropriate size according to your marketing strategy. There are various sizes available A4, A5, A6, A7, DL to choose from, for instance you should not distribute A7 size of paper outside a theatre as a flyer. A4 sizes best suit for this purpose.
Step 2: Choosing the paper of right color is equally important. Preferably choose light colored papers. All Color schemes go with the light colors.
Step 3: Design your flyer with utmost care, choose vibrant colors and use catchy fonts. But make sure it is readable.
Step 4: Convey the right message. Your flyer should be enough appealing that if a person is given a flyer he should be eager to read it, instead of throwing it away. The matter should not be straight and boring. Approach the reader in a way that it satisfies his need. For example, try wording it like “Make your Christmas party a bash with xyz event manager rather than writing “event organizer for parties please contact….”
Step 5: If you are using big flyers, matter should be big enough so that it could be read from a distance. Pictures convey more than words. If you use the right image they are very striking and have a greater impact.
Step 6: All the details of your company cannot be included in a flyer. The matter on the flyer that is adequate to inspire a customer to know your further details should be included. Be short and precise.
Step 7: Use the same theme that your event or company is using currently. For instance, if your company is eco-friendly you can use it as a theme. Themes connect people easily to your cause.
Step 8: Last and most important thing, include all the possible contact details. So that a customer will not switch to other company just because he was not able to contact you. This is all you making the flyer for.
WHY OUTDOOR BANNERS ARE IMPORTANT FOR ANY STOREFRONT BUSINESS
Many of us have such short attention spans these days. Just take a moment to look up from your mobile device and peer over to the car next to you. Likely you will see a fellow motorist engaged with some sort of web-enabled apparatus. How is it then that we can hope to grab even a sliver of that precious attention span?
One of the reasons why banners can work for you in your marketing or advertising efforts is that they get noticed by large numbers of people driving or walking by your business. Someone driving the same route to work every day will certainly notice a prominently placed banner that wasn't there the day before. An impression will be made as they have a few seconds to consider the message and it is committed to memory.
Another reason to employ the use of banners in your sales strategy is the fact that they are affordable. For under $100 you can create a large outdoor sign that will last for years. That's some very cost-effective advertising provided the banner is placed in the best possible location. Another benefit is the versatility that banners offer, they can be taken down and re-hung at another time depending on your event schedule.
There are many types of banners and ways to display them outdoors. From large vinyl banners attached directly to a building to a fabric feather banner moving with the breeze, there aren't many outdoor advertising options with better value.
Lastly, remember that in outdoor banner advertising less is more. Be quick in your message and you'll have made a short but memorable impression on a potential customer. The most effective banners usually have one or two lines of bold text so the reader can absorb the entire message within a few seconds. In fact, the less information on the banner the more likely it will be noticed in the first place.
Benefits of Using Banners as Advertising?
You can advertise your business to potential customers with a variety of media and advertising techniques ready to spread your message to specific audiences. While multimedia displays and online keyword targeting should be a consideration for any marketing plan, the age-old marketing standby, printed signs and banners, still offers many advantages to businesses.
Inexpensive
Where production costs for more advanced advertising media may hold back small businesses, banners remain a method that is still inexpensive to produce. With digital print shops offering banner-printing services in most towns, many business owners can design their own banners using desktop image editors and desktop publishing suites, and produce a banner for less cost than it may take to record even the simplest radio ad.
Targeted
Whether your banner is displayed at a trade show, as a sponsor for an event or outside your place of business, you can be sure that the people who see your sign are potential customers, and you're not wasting resources reaching customers who are uninterested in your services or outside of your trade area and neighborhood. Although other forms of media offer targeted marketing, mere placement of a banner guarantees you're reaching the customers you need to reach.
Repetitive
Banners continue to reinforce your company name each time they're seen. If placed in a high-traffic area, a banner may reach the same customer several times a day. One that's semi-permanently installed in a window or outdoor location may reinforce your company name or influence the same potential customers.
Reusable
Companies who sponsor many local events or appear at gatherings and trade shows frequently will get a lot of mileage out of a banner. They are easily portable and have no hidden or recurring costs once it's created.
Effective
A well designed sign is proven to be an effective means of advertisement. Because signs are such a natural part of our environment, many people pay attention to signage. When coupled with design principles that grab customers' eyes---such as inclusion of graphics, a recognizable logo or color scheme and concise copy---banners are a very cost-effective means of advertising.
You have a business and the opportunity to showcase it at an event. Why make use of indoor and outdoor banners? There are more benefits that you would have thought.
Here are the advantages:
Simple to make – Most indoor and outdoor banners are made of vinyl and they are quick to order and easy to make. If you need a banner in a short period of time, this is an option that won’t let you down. Even if your product has changed or upgraded, it’s easy to produce more banners and get them quickly.
Durable – Since most marketing banners are made out of vinyl they are tough and long lasting. If you attend many exhibitions it’s convenient to be able to use the same marketing materials over again. When marketing outside you need it to be resistance of the elements and won’t fade or tear. Strong sturdy banners will last you and save on costs of having to produce new ones.
Easy to install – Indoor and outdoor banners are easy to set up. It’s essentially the vinyl and a basic aluminum frame. They are lightweight and east to transport. Once unpacked it is set up in a few minutes and once done it collapses in quicker time. When time is of the essence, you don’t want to waste time on setup.
Cost effective – Making use of marking banners is surprisingly cost effective. Because they are easy and quick to manufacture, they are very affordable. Their cost makes is possible for businesses of any size to use banner marketing – from large corporations to self owned businesses.
Versatile – Marketing banners are very versatile. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be customized to suit your needs. With all the products out there, you want to stand out from the crowd. If everyone marketed with the same banner size and style it would be very ineffective. Banner versatility allows different brands to make their mark individually.
Indoor and outdoor banners are a pivotal marketing tool especially when you are promoting at an outdoor event. Brand awareness is essential and you want your brand to be the first thing people think of when considering a product in your industry. The more they see your brand the more it subliminally sinks in and becomes the first thing they think of. Get noticed and put your name out there for everyone to see.
REASONS WHY BUSINESS CARD IS STILL IMPORTANT
Everything we do in business today is digital -- sending mail, signing contracts, attending meetings, even networking. The business card is one thing that digital will not fully replace anytime soon.
Here are five reasons why the old school business card is still important -- and why you should have a pocket full of them at all times.
1. Swapping contact information digitally is impersonal.
Networking is about making genuine connections. Sending contact information via text or email on the spot is convenient but it is also extremely impersonal. Engaging in eye contact and actual conversation is how real relationships begin.
Two individuals with their heads buried in their phones typing away won’t create any kind of significant memory of the encounter. You can easily transfer the information from a business card to your mobile device after the conversation.
2. They are the most effective direct marketing tools.
Email marketing, search engine optimization and paid media all do a great job of attracting leads and prospects, but they still aren’t as effective as an in-person meeting sealed with a handshake along with a business card exchange.
You can encounter a potential lead or contact at any time -- tradeshows, industry conferences, happy hour, airport lounges -- and arming yourself with business cards at all times will ensure that you never miss an opportunity to make a valuable business connection. Keep some in your pockets, wallet, money clip or laptop bag so the next time you encounter a prospect you are prepared.
3. A business card is the first impression of your brand.
When you meet someone that could potentially be a great prospect or connection, don’t you want him or her to walk away with a great first impression? A memorable business card does a lot more than just pass on an email address or phone number.
When I make a connection via my business card, I don’t want my brand associated with the word cheap. A retail store trying to make a great first impression wouldn’t create a storefront sign with a piece of cardboard and a Sharpie. I have that same mentality when it comes to my business cards.
Yes, they cost more -- but think of how many unnecessary expenses you can cut to allocate funds for great business cards. Hold off on the ping pong table and espresso machine for the office and get some business cards that will make a great first impression.
4. Creative business cards get shared -- continuing to market for you.
A business card is a physical object that a potential prospect leaves the encounter with. Your brand stays with them.
If you meet a prospect and exchange email addresses and phone numbers you each walk away with another contact on your mobile phone -- it ends there. If you hand over a creative business card that makes a great impression that person is likely to show it to other people -- putting you and your brand in front of additional prospects.
5. Business cards show you are prepared.
Have you ever had someone write his or her contact information on a cocktail napkin and hand it over to you? How about someone that had a mobile phone with a dead battery? It isn’t the most professional approach.
If you met two individuals and one was scrambling to find a pen and something to write on and the other person simply pulled out a business card, who would you want to do business with? Showing that you are prepared at all times is a great indicator that you are professional.
Your Business Card Makes a Lasting Impression
Despite its relatively small size, a business card can be critical to the development of your small business. As business cards are often handed to prospects and customers, they can be a highly personalized form of marketing. Their multiple design options also provide numerous opportunities to promote your business in a creative manner.
First Impression
As business cards are part of an introduction, they are important for making a favorable first impression. An attractive, eye-catching business card with all the relevant contact information can capture the attention of your prospect and help you remain in her memory well after your initial meeting. Business cards can also enhance credibility, as they can create a sense of professionalism and legitimacy for your business.
Low Cost
Business cards are relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective marketing tool for small businesses on a tight budget. A local printing company can often produce hundreds of business cards for just a few dollars, and the abundance of online printing companies makes it easy to shop around to find the best deals. If you or a friend or family member possesses graphic design skills, you can even create and produce your own cards with the aid of an online business card program, which can further reduce your costs.
Portability
Business cards can go wherever you go, making them an essential mobile marketing tool if your business requires you to travel frequently. If you often attend industry trade shows or business conventions, for instance, business cards can facilitate the process of establishing and maintaining contacts that can lead to future business opportunities. By keeping a stack of business cards with you at all times, you have the opportunity to continuously market your business to everyone you meet.
Building Your Brand
Business cards can help you establish your brand, which makes your company more easily identifiable. By including your company's logo and advertising slogan on your card, for instance, you help to reinforce your brand with everyone who views your card. According to Nathan Ross Martin, president of NRM Creative Marketing in Atlanta, a common mistake that many companies make is that the design chosen for a business card differs from or fails to effectively incorporate the company's brand.
The planning stage is crucial for any person that wants to create business cards with printing materials that will wow their colleagues and prospective clients. Remember that your business cards printing materials are only effective if you design them the right way and if you give them to the right people.
To help you create dynamic and inspiring business cards printing materials, here are some things that you may want to consider during the planning stages of your concept:
Please do your research
Making a successful material with thorough and extensive research is already very hard. Imagine diving straight into the designing process with out much information - you'll definitely struggle. Research is very important when developing a strategy and design for your business cards. You need to know what image potential clients want as well as certain factors that will give you that extra nudge.
Create a plan and stick with it
With the many options readily available to you, it is very hard not to get carried away and use every option and element that you can use. Sometimes, you do not notice that what you are doing is completely straying away from the concept that you originally intended to be. Because of this, you need to have a solid plan and that you should always follow this plan no matter what.
Do not use your own printer
Many online tips today say that you can print your marketing materials at home with your printer. While you can definitely do this, printing business cards need to be printed professionally because these cards represent how you are. A good business card is the key to a good business network. Printing your business cards professionally helps in improving you image and reputation.
Make a list of all the printers
By making this list, you can compare the different strengths and weaknesses of your competitors. You can choose based on prices or the different services that they offer. Choose the printer that you think will give you the best value for your budget.
Use the right headline
Business cards are very small materials that you can store them in different places. However, because of this, you need to grab the attention of your clients easily and you must be able to communicate your message clearly. You need to create an impact after a single glance in order for your target audience to be able to keep your card.
Avoid the use of jokes, puns and jargon
Jokes are nice. Puns can also be witty at times. However, you want to have a professional feel in your materials and you must refrain from including these things in your business cards. They will only make your business cards look cheap and poorly made.
Be specific as possible
Being general tends to confuse readers. You need to be direct to the point in you approach and simple with the message that you want to push the more specific details that you include in your business cards means that you are not fooling around and that you mean business.
TIPS TO MAXIMIZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR PRINTED MATERIALS
#1 - Product sell sheets, brochures and catalogs are among the most commonly printed marketing materials. If the design contains photography and vivid colors, coated paper stocks will provide a crisper and more vibrant image. There are various types of coatings including matte, dull and gloss among others with varying degrees of brightness depending upon the look you are going for. Consult with your designer or printer to help you select the appropriate finish.
#2 - Speaking of paper stocks, there are literally thousands to choose from in all price categories. Paper swatch books are available which provide samples of different paper weights and colors. They illustrate how the various finishes will print to help you select the desired look and feel you'd like to achieve. If you are eco-conscious, high quality re-cycled paper stocks are available.
#3 - Plan your printing requirement carefully with your designer. When preparing a direct mail piece, for example, extra care must be taken to assure that postal requirements are met. Otherwise, the cost for mailing could become excessive or worse, the mailing piece is rejected by the postal service. Also, one should consider the size of the brochure, catalog, pocket folder etc. Papers are manufactured in pre-cut sizes. Knowing this information will help you maximize the number of pieces that can fit on a given sheet. This will result in less paper waste and lower cost.
#4 - How many colors should I use? - A black and white printed piece will typically cost less than full color (4 color process). So, depending upon what you are portraying in your printed piece will help dictate this. Research indicates that readers respond more favorably to color and the added cost is often justifiable. If you are marketing fabrics or paint, for instance, you don't have much choice but to use color. Utilizing 4 color process also allows your designer to combine the 4 ink colors (cyan, magenta yellow and black) in ways to create hundreds of variations in colors for type, backgrounds and graphic elements.
Black and white has its applications but is not as commonly used as the cost of printing in color has become more affordable.
#5 - Group similar jobs together when possible - For example, if your 8 1/2" x 11" brochures are being printed for multiple locations with different addresses and/or information, then gather as many of these various lots together and print them at the same time.
This will result in considerable cost savings rather than running each one separately. This works best when the various lots are the same size and on the same paper stock.
#6 - Be sure that your designer is using a computer publishing program such as Adobe InDesign or Quark XPress. These are widely accepted by most printers.
#7 - Digital printing vs. Offset lithography - The lithographic printing process has been the standard for printing on paper since 1903.This process uses printing plates, ink rollers and rubber "blankets" which transfers (offsets) the image from the plates to the paper. Most printed materials are produced utilizing offset presses.
More recently, digital printing which does not use printing plates or blankets, has become popular and increasingly sophisticated. They produce offset-like quality printing and don't require drying time but are usually reserved for smaller print runs that are printing in full color where they may be more economical than offset printing.
#8 - Variable Data Printing - If you ever faced with the need for printing materials in which the copy or data varies throughout the print run, this can be economically produced utilizing digital printing. For instance, a direct mail piece in which the address, salutation and body copy changes is a perfect candidate for this process.
#9 - Be clear when detailing specifications - This is key to receiving accurate estimates. Basic specifications like quantity, ink colors, size and paper type and weight are essential. Also, if the job needs to be folded, ink jet addressed, shrink wrapped, date required all come in to play. Be sure that you or your staff discloses all the particulars to your print production people.
#10 - Purchase orders - Once the price is agreed upon, a purchase order or similar document should be produced that both you and your print production team are in agreement as to what is expected.
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