How to Ask Customers for Feedback 

(And What to Do with It)

Regardless of your business type, customer feedback is one of your most valuable resources.

Make no mistake: your customers have opinions. There are aspects of your operations that they love and want more of. There are aspects that they could be more enthused about. Disregarding this actionable insight would mean missing out on an opportunity to enhance future interactions.

Thankfully, that doesn't have to be the case. Soliciting customer feedback not only provides a roadmap for continuous improvement but also demonstrates a genuine concern for their input, thus increasing customer loyalty at the same time. 

Here are three practical approaches for collecting customer feedback and helping them feel comfortable sharing their opinions with you.

3 Ways to Ask Customers for Feedback 

1. Email Surveys 

One easy way to ask customers questions and get legitimate answers involves sending out surveys.

Make the survey brief enough, or you risk overwhelming someone or giving them an excuse to put it off. Try to limit it to five to ten questions via a survey that takes no more than a few minutes to complete.

Keep in mind that with email surveys, you're essentially playing a "numbers game." Because email is so easy to use, it's also easy for people to ignore it. You can't expect ten responses if you send out ten survey emails. But if you send enough of them, even if only 5% of the people respond, that's still a great starting point to understand better what people think about how you're doing.

2. Focus Groups

Conducting focus groups is another great way to ask real customers questions and get honest feedback.

The best practice is to bring in a third-party moderator. They'll collect all the feedback and present it as a report.

It's important to note that success here depends mainly on the moderator's abilities. They need to know how to ask the right questions and pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language that could uncover actionable insight that may otherwise go unnoticed. 

3. Printed Surveys + Giveaways

A great way to leverage print marketing to solicit customer feedback is by holding contests or giveaways.

The premise is simple: all someone has to do is give you their opinion or fill out a comment card, and they get something free, e.g., a notepad, a donut, etc., or you can offer something bigger and enter them for a chance to win a prize.

People will likely be more receptive to this tactic because it is tangible, print collateral instead of an email. Likewise, people always want to win free items! It's a perfect chance to increase your response rate and gather intelligence in one fell swoop.

Utilizing Customer Feedback

You can utilize the data you receive in a couple of different ways.

If you get constructive feedback on anything from your logo to packaging to customer service, you can consider that when making future decisions.

If you receive positive customer feedback in the form of testimonials, you can incorporate it into your marketing efforts. Whether on print materials, online initiatives, or social media platforms, firsthand accounts offer authenticity that resonates with potential customers.

Customer feedback is a compass that guides your business toward innovation, improvement, and satisfaction. Embrace it!

If you need help with print and marketing to help your business thrive, please don't delay - contact us today.Call 516-561-1468

Myth or Legend: Understanding 

the Power of Direct Mail

In a world where everyone is glued to the screens of their smartphones and tablets all day long, it can be easy to underestimate the power of something like direct mail marketing.

It would also be a mistake!

Direct mail isn't just as effective as ever; it's arguably more popular, despite what certain myths would have you believe.

People Pay Attention to Direct Mail

One idea that has cropped up about direct mail over the years is that it is easily ignorable. Thankfully, this is false.

According to one recent study, about 42.2% of the people who receive direct mail regularly say that they read it entirely or at least scan it to get the gist. 

Now, think about that in the context of an email. Emails can wind up in a "spam" folder or be ignored entirely. If you catch someone at the wrong time of day, they may even hit "delete" and never think of it again without even considering what the message may have contained.

People Prefer Direct Mail

Another common misconception about direct mail is that it is somehow "less desirable" than email.

Some are operating under the incorrect assumption that just because digital technology is available, we want to use it 100% of the time. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would tell you this is the case.

But those supposed "downsides" work to direct mail's advantage. In 2021, the Direct Marketing Association conducted a study revealing that 73% of consumers prefer direct mail for brand communication. That's because it's tangible - they can hold it, feel it, and it's far easier to engage with than something like a digital ad. 

Shattering the Myths of Direct Mail Marketing

Especially given the fast-paced digital world we're now living in, two of the biggest myths surrounding direct mail over the years have to do with the idea that it is somehow A) labor-intensive and B) cannot be reliably measured the same way something like an email could be.

Again: both of these things are myths, plain and simple!

With the right partner by your side, direct mail isn't labor-intensive at all. The same types of automation tools that can send emails can also be used in the print realm. You're just getting all the added benefits of print that you don't get from its digital counterpart, like that it is unique, tangible, and much harder to ignore than something that can be permanently deleted in seconds.

Direct mail can also be tested and measured to prove how effectively your tactics work. You can still find metrics like your response rate and platforms that integrate print and digital campaigns, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds regarding insight. All of this is highly actionable information that you can use to improve the performance of your campaigns further moving forward. 

If you're interested in discovering more about how direct mail marketing is more powerful and effective than ever, or if you want to improve your printing and marketing efforts but aren't sure where to begin, please don't delay - contact us today. Call 516-561-1468

 

Need to Outshine Your Competition? 

Here Are 3 Ways to Do It With Print!

Your company's success depends on many different factors, each playing a vital role. While there are many things to consider when budgeting and creating marketing, it's important not to put too much emphasis on digital campaigns and overlook the power of print materials. 

According to a national survey, 82% of Americans find printed advertisements more credible than online ads! Print marketing can be incredibly beneficial for your company to increase brand awareness, engage existing customers, and boost sales. 

Here are some tips on using print marketing to give your company a competitive edge in your field! 

3 Ideas for Creative Print Marketing

1. Get Original with Shapes

Many companies will get creative with the graphic design and typography components of their print marketing, but one aspect that could help you rise above the competition is unique shapes and sizes! 

Consider putting a unique twist on the shapes and sizes expected for certain print materials. For instance, rather than a traditional rectangular business card, consider using a round, square, or other-shaped card (such as a leaf for a landscaping business) to stand out! 

Similarly, sending out larger-than-average postcards or using oversized envelopes might gain your recipients' interest. Even something as simple as using a different fold pattern for your brochures could help your brand stick in a consumer's mind!

Use various sizes and shapes in your coupons, mail pieces, signage, and more to distinguish your company!

2. Infuse Local Flavor 

One thing that most companies might not have considered is the value of connecting with your customers on a specific personal level- their location!

Data shows that 74% of consumers will respond to location-specific messaging.

Try this method by incorporating specific local landmarks, similar scenery, or references to the community and its values in your next print design. You could even team up with one of the local businesses to offer a discount or small freebie!

This will undoubtedly make your customers feel more valued and personally connected with your message. 

3. Add Some Life To Your Signage

Your company's signage is a powerful part of engaging and communicating with your customers.

Creating unique designs for the signs at your in-store location can make a difference in your customers' experience, setting you ahead of your competitors.

Remember that signs can serve two primary purposes- to inform your customers or to engage your customers. Great signage will accomplish both by including a visually appealing design and a clear call to action. Get creative with your signage's colors, designs, shapes, and sizes to be eye-catching.

One idea might be adding a sign advertising a sale or a new specialty item on the sidewalk or posted outside your store to draw customers inside. You could even print your company's name or add the company logo to the awning across your storefront if your location has one.

Now armed with these insights, it's time to differentiate and captivate with print! Reach out to us for personalized guidance, and let's amplify your brand's impact together. Give Us a Call at 516-561-1468

 

7 Effective Ideas for Creating 

Copy for Postcard Marketing

Copywriting for postcard marketing is an essential part of any successful campaign. The right copy can capture a reader's attention, engage their interest in your message, and compel them to take action.

Compelling postcard copy that resonates with your target audience requires creativity, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of your business objectives.

Here are seven ideas to help you create compelling copy for postcard marketing that will inspire your customers and drive results.

7 Hot Tips for Effective Postcard Marketing Copy

1. Focus on the customer

Your postcard should focus on what's in it for the customer – not just your business.

Consider their needs, wants, and interests, and use language that speaks directly to them.

2. Keep it concise

Postcards are small, so limit your copy to the essentials.

Use short, punchy sentences that get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary words.

3. Include a call to action

Make sure your postcard includes a compelling call to action.

This could be anything from signing up for an email list, purchasing, or downloading a coupon.

After reading your postcard marketing message, customers must know precisely what you want them to do.

Some examples of solid calls to action are "Call now to get 20% off!" or "Visit our website to learn more."

Ensure your message is targeted and relevant so that your customers know exactly how they should respond.

4. Leverage action words

Action words can be used to make your copy more inviting and persuasive.

Try using verbs like learn, discover, explore, save, and enjoy to engage customers and motivate them to take action.

5. Use humor if appropriate

Humor is an effective way to connect with customers, especially if it's used in the right way.

Just be sure to avoid anything controversial or offensive.

6. Personalize the content

Personalize your message to the individual customer.

Customizing postcards with personalized messages, such as names or special offers, can make them feel special and more likely to take the desired action.

Using mail merge software or variable printing can help you quickly customize each postcard so that it is targeted for the recipient.

7. Test different variations of copy and offers

It's important to know what works best regarding postcard marketing.

Try testing different versions of the copy or offers to see which ones perform the best. This can help refine your message and ensure you are targeting the right audience with the right offer.

By using these tips for creating effective copy for postcard marketing, you can ensure that your message stands out and resonates with potential customers while increasing response rates.

Need help crafting just the attention-grabbing phrase for your postcards? We're the team you need! Contact us now to get started. Call 516-561-1468

 

Marketing Glossary: 10 Key Terms Every 

Small Business Owner Needs to Know

If you're new to print marketing (or marketing in general) for your small business, it is easy to get confused by all the industry-specific jargon. But fear not. We're here to provide clarity and guidance!

Regardless of the print media you choose, be it postcards, brochures, or posters, implementing effective marketing strategies is essential for getting the best results. And a critical step towards success is gaining an understanding of the fundamental terms used in marketing.

Here is a list of 10 essential terms you need to know as a small business owner.

10 Key Marketing Terms Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

1. Branding

Branding refers to all the processes that help create a unique business identity.

Effective branding is vital to making your business stand out from competitors in a positive way. Branding elements include your company's name, mission, logo, general theme, tone of voice, etc.

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing revolves around creating information intended to be consumed by an audience.

Good content should offer helpful information in an easy-to-read format, eventually driving more sales.

3. Lead

A lead is an individual or organization reached or engaged by your brand content.

They have shown a level of interest in your brand and are likely to make a purchase. Simply put, your leads are your potential customers. 

4. Lead Generation

Lead generation refers to a business's methods or tactics to attract potential customers (leads).

It often involves acquiring these would-be customers' contact and demographic details, learning about the target market, and eventually converting them into buyers.

5. Sales Funnel

The process that guides the leads you have generated from the time they discover your business to when they make a purchase is called the sales funnel.

It is typically made up of several steps in increasing levels of commitment for the lead until the sale is completed. The stages in a sales funnel are not the same for every business. While some use a simple 3-step model, others use a more complicated approach.

6. Buyer Persona

A buyer persona refers to a fictional individual with specific attributes that make them your ideal customer.

Knowing your buyer persona will help you adapt your marketing strategy to generate more leads.

7. Demographics

Demographics refer to the specific data or attributes that define your target audience.

Examples of demographics include age, sex, location, occupation, and income.

8. Call to Action (CTA)

A call to action is a prompt that urges readers to make a purchase or carry out some specific activity.

Some examples of CTAs are asking your reader to visit your website or contact customer service. Research shows that a good CTA can increase your conversions by up to 28%.

9. Testimonial

A testimonial is a positive review by your previous or current customer about your business.

Publishing a customer's statement about your product or service's value to them in your brochure or newsletter will boost your credibility and encourage potential customers.

10. Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on investment is a method of project evaluation.

It measures a business's profit (return) in carrying out a project with the money (investment) spent on that project. ROI can help you determine the most profitable marketing strategy for your business.

With a solid understanding of these fundamental terms, you're on your way to navigating the world of marketing with confidence!

Contact us for trustworthy and professional printing services—we're here to support your marketing projects! For More Information Please Call 516-561-1468

 

The Why, What, and How of a Good Brand: 

Don’t Miss These Tips and Tricks

A brand is the spirit and soul of your company. It makes your company recognizable, trustworthy, and loved by customers. A brand built up well is one of your company's most valuable assets! 

59% of consumers prefer buying their products from familiar brands. That's why crafting a brand is vital, considering many different elements of what you want your company's brand to be! Here are some things you should consider. 

5 Tips for Creating an Effective Brand

1. Identify Your Audience and Research Competition

One of the first steps in creating your company's brand should be completing market research.

Identifying your company's target audience will help you focus on communicating to them how your company's products or services will meet their needs and values.

It's also important to scope out how the competitors in your company's field compare to what your business has to offer. When marketing your brand, consider emphasizing what makes your company unique to stand out from competitors. 

2. Design the Visual Aspect of Your Brand

Using a signature color can increase a customer's brand recognition by 80%.

Choosing a color or two that works for your company and keeping it consistent between your brand's packaging, logo, and any other print materials will create a strong association in your customer's minds. 

A consistent font or typography style can also help create a cohesive and professional feel for your brand.

3. Create a Personality for Your Brand

One of the more finite details you might not have considered is the language your brand uses in its signage, advertisements, and other marketing.

Choosing a "voice" for your brand will create consistency and make your branding more effective. For example, if you're trying to create a classy, high-end feel for your brand, consider using more formal language; if your target audience is young adults, consider using more conversational vocabulary.

Remember, your company slogan should also reflect your brand's personality to your customers. 

If your company has social media accounts, create posts that reflect the personality that your brand is going for and reply to posts mentioning your company to connect with customers and build familiarity and trust with them.  

4. Consistency is Key for Your Brand

Consumers will agree that the strongest kind of brand is a consistent brand.

The brands that have earned a loyal customer following over the years are the ones that integrate their brand's personality and key elements seamlessly throughout their entire company. 

One of the easiest ways to do this is by creating a style guide for your entire company. A style guide is like the rulebook for your brand, and every company department should have it. This practice ensures that font, tone of voice, and color shades remain consistent between direct mail, social media posts, your company website, and more. 

5. Never be Afraid to Rebrand

Sometimes, even if your company's current brand is effective, a rebrand might open up more opportunities for you.

Consider how you might be able to change your company's name, visual aspects like logo and color scheme, or brand "voice" to better speak to your audience.

But remember to gather feedback from your current customers before making any major brand shifts and try to maintain a degree of brand consistency to prevent instability.

Your brand is an asset that can drive customer preference and contribute to long-term success. Invest the time and effort into crafting a brand that truly represents your company's values and resonates with your target audience. 

Follow these five tips and tricks to unlock your brand's potential and watch your business soar! If you need help translating your ideas into print, contact us today. 

Call:516-561-1468

 

Unlocking the Potential of Print Marketing:

Strategies for Small Business Success 

Print is a tried and true marketing method that holds significant trust and influence among consumers. 

With 82% of consumers placing their trust in print advertisements over other sources when making purchasing decisions, it's clear that print marketing remains a force to be reckoned with. Surprisingly, even the tech-savvy Millennial generation embraces print media - about 33% of them maintain active subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.

Having said that, while print marketing is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it still needs to be appropriately utilized to see the results that you're after. If you want to make the most of this print marketing opportunity for your small business, here are two strategies to consider.

Embracing Creative Shapes and Materials

The first thing you should do when designing print marketing collateral as a small business owner involves leveraging every opportunity to think outside the box and make an impression.

Case in point: the shape of your mailers.

Print marketing already has a leg up on other materials like digital because it is tangible, and people can hold it in their hands and pin it up on their refrigerator for later. But if you send out materials in standard shapes, you risk getting lost in the sea of every other piece of mail someone happened to get that day.

Even sending out larger, odd-sized envelopes or pieces in shapes that aren't perfect squares or rectangles is a great way to stand out and get noticed. 

The same is true of experimenting with heavier card stock when printing. Sometimes, feeling different from everything else in someone's mailbox is all you need to make that first impression people can't get enough of.

The Power of Personalization in Print

Print marketing is a great way to get consumers' attention because you're using it! But you want to lean into targeted, personalized offers whenever possible to keep their attention.

One of the reasons digital marketing is seen as less effective than it could be is that it is inherently cold and impersonal. It's easy to whip up an email to send to people, but once they realize that the same generic message just went out to thousands of people, they will mostly tune it out. It's even easier to delete it and never look at it again.

To get started with a personalized campaign, separate your customers into groups based on what you know about them. Dive into the data being created about them daily and see what insights you can learn about them.

What do they like? What do they dislike? What purchases have they recently made, and how can you help them get the most out of them? Can you offer someone value without necessarily expecting something in return? Thinking about these questions and crafting your direct mail collateral based on their answers is a great chance to utilize print to make the most positive, lasting impression possible.

If you're eager to learn more about utilizing the full power of print marketing for your small business, or if you'd like to discuss your needs with someone in more detail, please don't hesitate to contact us today at:516-561-1468

 

Use Print Marketing to Stand Out 

at Your Next Event

83% of brands say that event marketing has consistently increased their sales. Bringing compelling printed materials enhances the impact and is a powerful way to promote your product or services at these events.

By using print materials like flyers, pamphlets, business cards, posters, banners, and brochures, you can create a memorable impression that will stay with prospective customers long after they’ve left the event.

According to Scientific American, research over the last two decades reveals that individuals tend to understand and remember text better when reading from paper compared to screens. So don’t forget to include print marketing in your event strategy.

Top Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials for Your Next Event

Keep It Simple

Make sure your design is simple so that the critical information can be easily read and understood at a glance.

Avoid clutter, and include only essential elements like logos, text, graphics, and colors. Remember that people will likely scan as they walk by your booth.

Get Creative

Make your materials stand out from the competition by incorporating creative elements like foil, texture, die cuts, or unique folds.

These unique touches will help draw people in and make them more likely to remember your brand.

Think Local

If participating in a local event, consider customizing some of your print materials for that specific audience.

For instance, you could include a specific offer or create visuals that feature local places and landmarks.

Make the Most of Social

Include your social media handles on all your print materials so people can follow you immediately.

Also, consider using QR codes, which make it easier for people to quickly pull up your website or social accounts on their mobile devices.

Print Products People Will Remember

In addition to flyers, brochures, and business cards, consider exploring other print products that will make a lasting impression.

Some great options include:

Stickers

Great for giveaways or simply as eye-catching additions to your booth. Consider die-cut stickers with unique shapes or foil accents for an extra “wow” factor.

Posters

Whether you’re looking for something to hang up in or around your booth, posters are a great way to make an impact. Add a frame or easel for added style points.

Magnets

Get creative with car magnets that feature your logo and contact information. This is an easy way to get your name out there when people are traveling to and from the event.

Notepads

Make sure your name stays on everyone’s desk with branded notepads that remind people of your brand every time they use them.

By making print marketing a part of your event strategy, you can create powerful impressions that will stay with prospective customers long after the event.

Not sure where to start? We can help! Contact our team today to begin creating print marketing products to get your business noticed! Call 516-561-1468

 

6 Ways to Boost Your 

Sales with Social Proof 

Did you know you can incorporate what your customers say about your business in your print and digital marketing to boost your company's sales?

When other people engage in something, it triggers the brain to reduce the perception of risk associated with an idea or activity, creating social proof. When you utilize social proof successfully, you convey to potential customers that buying your product or service is the safe thing to do.

Authenticity, transparency, and honesty are paramount to the success of social proof by building loyalty and trust with your customers.

Sound complicated? It's not.

6 Ways to Boost Your Sales with Social Proof 

1. Build Your Social Media Reach

You need to build your social media platform by asking for online reviews.

This is a trusted source for many people looking to do business.

People regularly check the reviews online to see what others have experienced and decide who to do business with. Nearly nine out of ten consumers read reviews before making a purchase. 

2. List Customer Experiences

Listing customers' experiences online will encourage people to follow the pack and try you.

Ask customers if you can get a quick testimonial from them and have them write it down or write it as they tell you what they've experienced.

3. Mix It Up

Don't just ask for one type of review.

Spread the reviews on multiple sites, such as Yelp, Facebook, Google, etc. Approximately 59% of consumers look at two to three review sites before making a purchase decision. 

4. Help Your Customer Visualize

Use staged photos and action shots of people using your product.

People trust this much more than an ad. They will see people just like them using your product or services and think they might benefit from getting a hold of you, too.

5. Use YouTube

Show your customers unboxing your products and freebies or learning about a contest they won from your business.

This is exciting and fun for people to watch, engaging them in what you're business is doing.

6. Promote Your Accomplishments

If your company won an award or received recognition in some way from a third party, capitalize on this by advertising it on your website, in your marketing materials, and online.

If you have an article written about you or your company, post it online. If any trust badges are available, place them on your website.

These are a few ways to build social proof and help people decide on their own that they want to do business with you. Seeing others trust you and use your product or service encourages them to do the same.

If you need signs to post on your company's doors to encourage people to give reviews, or you want posters or business cards to feature QR codes to link to a review site, we can help.

Check us out today! Call Now! 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website: www.printcafeli.com

 

Target Local Consumers with Event Sponsorship

                    Target Local Consumers with Event Sponsorship

Corporate sponsorship is one of the most effective marketing channels, but most businesses haven’t tried it.

What is event sponsorship and why should you consider it? From a 5K road race to a good old-fashioned neighborhood picnic, companies that get outside their walls can make a huge splash in the community.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?


Businesses that rely on local support understand that their company will grow primarily through the support of its neighbors.

How do you engage your neighbors?

By being a good neighbor! Put a face on your business by sponsoring a baseball league, hosting community events on your lawn, or by mobilizing your city to benefit a beloved charity.

Community development events show you are invested in your region and you enjoy its people. Here are some fun examples of how firms have made this a reality:


* Budweiser helps sponsor the annual “duck” tape festival in Avon, Ohio. With music, brews, fashion shows, and family-friendly movies, the three-day event draws more than 60,000 people from around the world to see taped parade floats and a playful tapestry of taped costume creations.
  
* McDonald’s and Pizza Hut sponsor “the Chicken Show” in Wayne, Nebraska, which features a “national cluck-off” and the world’s largest chicken dance celebration.

* In 2016 Pretty Pampers Beauty Essex hosted a charity event that offered affordable and luxurious experiences while raising money for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Local spas teamed up to provide steeply discounted services like massages and facials so donors could relax and unwind. Between sessions, guests could shop boutique vendor stalls featuring local clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and home decor.

Hosting or sponsoring an event can help your business demonstrate its commitment to community involvement, philanthropy, and family fun. Of those local businesses who get involved in a community event, 80% said they were satisfied with the results and many reaped tangible benefits like features in local newspapers, tags in citywide blogs, promotional newsletter highlights, and social media selfies!

Events spread your name in print through T-shirts, prizes, water bottles, and giant displays, and photos of real people in action. This prompts word-of-mouth marketing that simply can’t be captured elsewhere. In 2016-2017, companies who used local events saw sales increase by an average of 14 percent.

Use Corporate Events to Spread the Love

How can your business get started in spreading some cheer?

Sponsor a charity event or contest, host a sales or promo booth at a community festival, promote an on-site event, or allow your customers to nominate recipients of a “give-back” incentive you sponsor for your city. Sponsorship doesn’t always have to be monetary: you can also look for ways to volunteer branded items, free service from your company, or concessions donations for a city-wide festival.

Want to multiply your marketing dollars and make a lasting impact? A micro-market event focus can bring better results and spread the love. When companies support issues they care about, they gain greater trust and loyalty from patrons. And that investment is sure to yield great returns!
For more of our informative blogs go to: https://store.printcafeli.com/blog/Print_Cafe_Blog.html

 

How to Succeed in Remote Working Environments

                How to Succeed in Remote Working Environments

In the past, ideas of “virtual work” might have included colleagues from a different country or visions of mysterious IT specialists who hacked your computer by day and only crept out at night.

Today, virtual work is woven into the fabric of our experience. Remote working is essentially using technology to conduct business, often with nearby colleagues. This may include:


* Using e-mail or IM to conduct business with nearby colleagues (in your city or  down your hallway)

* Multi-site meetings involving video-conferencing or simulcast options

* Flex-scheduling that allows employees to work part of the week from home

Virtual work is on the rise: a 2017 Gallup report found 43% percent of Americans work remotely to some degree. Fifty-six percent of software startups worldwide have outsourced their work (contributing to the demand for remote workers) and, according to research by Gartner, organizations that embrace remote working will increase employee retention rates by 10%.

While there are many advantages to enhanced technology, there are unique difficulties to overcome. Whether you’re keeping a team accountable or sharing instructions (but can’t point at someone’s computer screen over their shoulder), the demand for good communication has significantly increased!

Productive Virtual Relationships

What communication skills will you need to succeed in remote working relationships?

Whether you’re e-mailing your colleague across the table or uploading blueprints to a design specialist in another time zone, here are some guidelines to grow your skills:

Establish Rules of Engagement


When working face-to-face, the style of communication evolves naturally.

You don’t barge through a door when it is shut or get offended if someone pauses after you ask a question. But since we lose non-verbal cues in remote working, it’s important to establish connection guidelines. Your team should discuss what technology you will use, how often to correspond, and the preferred method of communication. If one person enjoys e-mail but another sends 10 texts per hour, tension can build quickly. A multi-tasking supervisor may prefer to connect once a day, while a project manager might want hourly updates. If you’re not sure where to begin, ask your team:

   * What time of the day is best to catch you?

   * What times are off limits?

   * Is it ever ok to send a text message?

   * What is the best way to share files?

   * How should we connect offline if confusion arises?

   * How will we eliminate lost or duplicated work?

Build Trust


Before starting a project, it’s important for colleagues to establish a foundation.

To build relational trust, have one face-to-face (or video-conference) meeting to gain confidence in each other. Include simple social elements (questions that are sincere but not overly personal), share some of your own interests and career aspirations, and let a friendship develop naturally.

When colleagues work remotely, they’re not as confident that you are looking out for their best interests. Seek to affirm good work or have a little fun, even just light-hearted online banter.

Demonstrate Competence


Take the initiative in giving regular progress updates, completing projects on time, or voicing questions and concerns before they spiral out of control.

Without nonverbal cues, silence can be damaging, so respond to e-mails quickly and honestly, even if you need more time to resolve an issue. Restate questions in your own words to ensure you are understanding any problems and be honest if you feel someone is hindering the workflow of your team.

Maintaining strong, productive virtual relationships takes extra tact and attention, but these contacts can lead to years of fruitfulness. Sow seeds of intentionality now and enjoy a high yield in years to come.
For more of our informative blogs go to: https://store.printcafeli.com/blog/Print_Cafe_Blog.html

Use Self-Mailers to Boost Your Visibility

                         Use Self-Mailers to Boost Your Visibility

Looking to target prospects with confident, eye-catching designs?

Consider a self-mailer that you send through the U.S. Postal Service’s EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) program. This cost-effective marketing solution helps you target individual zip codes or carrier routes for a significantly reduced cost.

What is a Self-Mailer?


A self-mailer is something that can be mailed without an envelope, including anything from a simple postcard to an elaborate booklet.

Self-mailers are a great medium for stunning photos and eye-catching graphics. While e-mail inboxes are currently overflowing, physical mailboxes are not. A splashy, bold design holds great potential to be seen and shared!

A superb self-mailer can have several advantages over envelope mailings:

1. Self-mailers cost less.


Self-mailers are simple: often, they have just one sheet of paper (no need to stuff envelopes or match the contents of your letter with its packaging). Postage can be cheaper for a self-mailer, especially when you use postcards or fold-over flyers.

2. Self-mailers are more likely to be seen, remembered, or shared.


While envelope mailings are typically opened and read by just one person, self-mailers are often passed along to others or laid in visible places like the kitchen counter. Coupons or event invitations are placed on the fridge or in strategic visible locations. The bold graphics and easy accessibility of self-mailers can help people remember your message long after it's been sent.

3. Self-mailers help you connect with loyal customers.

Whether you’re promoting an event or sending product notifications, targeting previous customers can dramatically increase response rates. Self-mailers send a personal message in a vibrant, practical package.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road


Self-mailers can be used as postcards offering discounts on home maintenance and repairs, as fold-over letters from community leaders, as fundraising pieces from non-profits, as brochures and pamphlets, or even for product inventory catalogs.

These flexible products bring a clean design, a clear message, and concrete results. Looking for EDDM tips or for full graphic design services for your mailer? We’ve got years of experience and we’re just a phone call away. Give us a call today!For more of our informative blogs go to: https://store.printcafeli.com/blog/Print_Cafe_Blog.html

How to Use a Clear Call to Action to Convert Customers

               How to Use a Clear Call to Action to Convert Customers

"The maxim 'Nothing avails but perfection' may be spelt shorter: 'Paralysis.'"

(Winston Churchill)

Have you ever wondered how lion tamers keep wild cats nearly three times their size at bay?

While methods have evolved over the years, traditionally lions were subdued by three tools: a whip, a stool, and a handful of tasty snacks. While the whip or snacks make sense, perhaps you wonder why a stool was used (instead of a sword or a flame, for example)?

How can a small piece of furniture intimidate the king of all cats?

The truth is, the lion is not afraid of the chair, he’s confused by the multiple points on its legs. Cats are single-minded creatures, and the bobbing points of the chair legs confuse the lion into a less focused state. When the lion loses its train of thought, it is distracted from the instinct to pounce on a weaker opponent.

Muddled Communication Can Paralyze Your Prospects


Ever try to rush your kids through breakfast and get stuck at the cereal cupboard?

As they browse a shelf of eight boxes, they slump and groan: “There’s nothing to eat!” What started as a hurry-up turns into a traffic jam. You vow that next time, you’ll only offer toast and Cheerios.

When we don’t give customers a simple, singular call to action, they may also fall into decision fatigue.

Does your website or your print materials overwhelm customers with possibilities?

Psychologist Sheena Iyengar, a professor at Columbia Business School, co-authored a study that showed significantly more conversions happened when shoppers had fewer options. In her example, shoppers had to choose from a display with six different flavors of jam versus a display with 24 different flavors of jam. How did they compare? The conversion rate for the six-flavor table was 30%, while the 24-flavor table was only 3%.

Analysis can lead to paralysis!

What about your method for calling prospects to action? Does your advertisement ask them to commit to a 30-day trial AND use a customer discount code DURING a selected 14-day window? Does your podcast ask people to share with a friend, AND subscribe, AND download previous episodes (all in one breath)?

Perhaps you need to take a step back and use these three evaluation tools:

1. Know Your Main Goal


When you ask people to do several tasks at once (like visiting your website and joining your e-mail list), you’ve probably overshadowed your main goal with several smaller goals.

Focus on one main goal for customer conversion, and use customer loyalty programs down the road to call customers to greater steps of engagement or loyalty.

2. Test Action Statements in Advance


If your communication is a mist in the office, it’s probably a fog on the streets. To determine which CTAs are crystal clear, run some A/B tests with sample customers and find out which ones are generating momentum.

3. Pack Some Punch


Start call to action statements with a strong command verb, like buy, shop, order, subscribe, or win.

Use concise phrases that build enthusiasm. Which of these CTA statements excites you more?

“Consider many of our 200 exciting destination possibilities,” or

 “Plan your dream vacation today!”

Keep things sweet, simple, and customer-focused. Once they take the bait you can always present them with more!
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How to Use Customization to Gain Customers

                    How to Use Customization to Gain Customers

Coca-Cola is a brand built on scenes of enjoying life together.

Coke has worked tirelessly to promote not only its product, but the message behind it: that sharing, or gathering family and friends together, brings happiness. “Enjoying a coke” is the message in every ad, every culture, and every medium Coke communicates through.

The company's 2014 "Share a Coke" campaign was one of its memorable marketing initiatives in history. That summer, Coca-Cola removed its iconic logo on 20-ounce bottles and replaced them with 250 of the country’s most popular names. Consumers were encouraged to find bottles with names that held personal meaning and to share them with others or post photos online with the hashtag #ShareaCoke. Within the first year, more than 500,000 photos were posted. Consumers ordered over six million virtual Coke bottles, and Coca-Cola gained roughly 25 million Facebook followers.

A Distinctly Personal Experience


What did Coke tap into that prompted this momentous reaction?

In part, it was the desire for a personal experience. For teens and millennials, personalization is not just a fad, but a way of life. Today’s consumers place a high value on self-expression, individual storytelling, and staying connected. Coke powerfully aligned playfulness, fun handheld products, and customization in a campaign for the ages.

In today’s global economy, consumers are more aware of product options and of what other people are buying. Subsequently, they’ve become more demanding about the products they purchase. Deloitte Global found that 36 percent of consumers expressed interest in purchasing personalized products or services and one in five were willing to pay 20 percent more for these options. Customization gives companies an edge in cosmetics, clothing, food prep, and toys, to name a few.

Personalized offerings add costs to the manufacturer but frequently result in higher profits because of:

* A price premium associated with the benefits

* More loyal, satisfied customers

* Greater word of mouth because of the increased satisfaction and the   “surprise  factor” associated with an unexpected range of options

* Enhanced customer experience via creativity and individual expression

* Precise taste matching and less need to compromise

How About You?


Do your customers value experience and self-expression? How could you offer this more in your products or services?

It may be as simple as engraving someone’s name in a glasses case or upgrading products with matching accessories. French cosmetics brand Guerlain started offering customizable lipsticks by allowing clients to choose their own combination of case and lipstick color. Customization allows brands to grow consumer engagement and solidify brand loyalty, which is especially powerful in younger markets.

Forbes offers several talking points for firms considering customization:

* What are the incremental costs associated with the customization options and how will they impact profitability?

* How many options are necessary and what’s the incremental benefit as the number increases? What price premium will consumers be willing to pay?

* Which customization options will be the most incremental to maximize sales?
A research tool called a TURF (Test of Unduplicated Reach & Frequency) Analysis can help you assess.

* What level of logistical, operational, and labor complexity will this involve? How often should customization options be updated?

Charlie Gu, CEO and co-founder of marketing agency Kollective Influence, says one budget-friendly customization strategy is the “module” approach. Instead of creating a product from scratch, businesses can offer several component options that can be mass-produced and easily assembled:

“Give customers choices, and then let them choose—customization within a framework,” he advises. “It doesn’t actually require any customization of the actual product. The consumers are essentially just picking their own color, but to them, it feels totally customized.”
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Streamline Your Next Project with Print-Ready Proofs

               Streamline Your Next Project with Print-Ready Proofs

Streamline Your Next Project with Print-Ready Proofs
Ever rushed out the door only to trip on your shoes in the entryway? Or made a hasty stop at the intersection and found yourself in a costly fender bender?

Accidents happen when we hurry, and that’s true in both life and work. In project management, sometimes we fail to allow adequate time for extra details or unexpected delays. As you draw closer to a deadline, errors are made and important details are overlooked.

Print-Ready Success

Do you want to be proud of your next print project with a smooth transition from design to print?

Here is a handy preflight checklist to help you eliminate panic or costly mistakes when a deadline is near.

Thoroughly proof your document for typographical, punctuation, margin, or grammatical errors. Have one or two other people proof as well. Mistakes are easy to miss but embarrassing to everyone. To slow yourself down, trying reading your document out loud or read your text backward.

Embed your fonts and designs. There’s nothing worse than pouring over a precise design then finding a poor imitation after it comes back from print. To maintain the integrity of your design, it is important to link all aspects of your piece (images, artwork, and fonts) into a high-resolution PDF. This includes crop marks for bleeds displaying the exact size of your trimmed and finished piece.

Use correct proportions, dimensions, and resolution. Images should be proofed by others to make sure they fit on the page, are correctly centered, and are cropped or outlined as desired. The resolution of image files needs to be higher for print: a JPEG file needs a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (Dots per inch). If your file does not meet that standard the quality will not be as sharp or distinct.

Use consistent page layouts. Clean layouts communicate professionalism and make documents easier to read. Proof your design (especially multi-page documents) to be sure margins are consistent on every page, including booklet covers or pages that feature charts or infographics.

Convert image formats to CMYK. JPEG is the default image format for photographs from many cameras, cell phones, and mobile devices. Screen images on TVs, computers, and cameras use red, green, and blue in varying percentages, but commercial printers typically separate artwork into four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). Most design software will allow you to easily convert or save a file in CMYK, or there are several free online file conversion tools as well.

Print a proof and confer with our team. A surefire way to ensure a quality product is to generate a poof and discuss it with us before the final printing. It’s also important to discuss turnaround times so you can plan your milestones accordingly and allow for multiple print runs (if necessary).

We’re here to help! With local printing, you get the benefit of a work-in-progress partnership. While it’s helpful to have a preflight checklist, the trained eye of a professional is even better! Our goal is to increase your productivity, reduce your stress, and save you time and money as your prep and proof your print projects.

We’re only one phone call away, and your questions are always welcome! 516-561-1468 For more of our informative blogs go to: https://store.printcafeli.com/blog/Print_Cafe_Blog.html

Small Businesses Have a Big Reach

                              Small Businesses Have a Big Reach

A tiny, Ohio-based Vita-Mix corporation has been grinding and blending for 70 years.

Known for its high-powered, durable blending machines, “Vita-Mix” was coined with an emphasis on “vita,” meaning “life.” The company was born in 1921 when founder William Barnard, after helping a friend through a significant illness, realized the tremendous impact whole-food nutrition had on health. Simple Vitamix products evolved to industrial strength mixers that could puree raw foods, blend hot soup, grind grain, or knead bread dough.

Vitamix rarely sold products internationally before the late 1990s. But as sales slowed in the U.S., the third generation of Barnard family owners decided to go global. After hiring international sales manager James Smith, exports soared to 20 percent of yearly profits, growing hundreds of new jobs in the outskirts of Cleveland. “Exporting is the salvation of our standard of living and the security of our workers,” said Smith. “It makes me proud as heck.”

A Growing Reach


Vitamix is just one small business with a large global reach.

According to 2017 statistics from the Small Business Association, nearly all of U.S. exporters are small businesses. Small businesses exported $440 billion in 2015, from nearly 288,000 firms representing 97.6 percent of all exporting firms in America. Forty-eight percent of businesses said it took them just a few months of research before they started exporting, while 36 percent said it took them a month or several months to get started.

Small businesses that export report increased sales, diversified markets, and increased long-term stability. Vitamix CEO Jodi Berg said Vitamix now exports at award-winning levels to Europe, Asia, and Australia. But before that could happen her team had to disrupt a stable business plan with a new, global vision. Does she see herself as an entrepreneur who took risks?

“I don’t,” Berg said. “To make big things happen, you have to make big moves. But big moves don't have to be risky. If you describe a risk taker as someone who takes big moves, I'll be that. But we did our homework."

Four Remarkable Small Business Facts

While big business often dominates headlines, small businesses play a vital role in exporting products, creating jobs, and producing wealth for thousands of families.

Here are four remarkable facts about the big impact of small businesses:

1. Nearly all are small.

Small businesses make up the vast majority of companies in America, comprising 99.9 percent of all firms. Out of 29.6 million businesses, all but 19,000 are small!

2. Half are home-based.

A home-based business may have activity outside of the home, but it is operated primarily from the home.

Industries where home-based businesses dominate include information (70 percent), construction (68.2 percent), and professional, scientific, and technical services (65.3 percent).

3. Involve family and personal financing.

About one in five small businesses are family-owned, and 21.9 percent of small firms have used personal or family savings (versus business or banking loans) to resource expansion.

4. Durable.


The one-year survival rate for businesses hit 79.9 percent in 2016, the highest level since 2006.

About half of small businesses survive five years or longer, and one-third survive 10 years or more. The longer a company is in business, the more likely it is to stay in business.

According to the National Association of Small Businesses, entrepreneurs say economic uncertainty, health insurance costs, and a decline in customer spending or cash flow are the biggest challenges they face. Still, most business owners are fairly optimistic: 75 percent say they’re confident in their own business and its future.
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