5 Do's and 3 Don’ts 

of Print Marketing

We all know how much the internet is used today, but some people forget that print marketing still works wonders.

The Do’s of Print Marketing

1. Do update your logo.

Make sure your logo is updated and reflects your image appropriately. You want to ensure the logo looks up-to-date, attractive, and professional.

Unless you employ a graphic artist, it’s best to hire one to help with this part of your image since it will be used on everything, from online to print.

2. Do communicate your identity.

Have a corporate identity in all you do. This broad term encompasses your brand’s values, purpose, and design elements.

Set your business apart from the competition with a consistent corporate identity in your letterhead, business cards, envelopes, brochures, rack cards, and more.

3. Do use both online and offline marketing together.

This is a tried-and-true strategy. However, when you isolate your marketing to only using one of these, people won’t respond as positively, and you won’t get the desired results.

It’s critical to have digital elements, such as a website and social media accounts, but print collateral is equally essential.

Try adding a technical aspect, such as a QR code or a link to your website. Then, offer a coupon or special deal when they go to that online location.

4. Do write a compelling headline.

No matter what you are writing, the headline gets read most. So make sure it’s an attention-grabber.

5. Do know your target market.

Reach prospective clients through appealing colors, images, and text.

The Don’ts of Print Marketing

1. Don’t use outdated materials to save money.

You will gain more respect from the public if your marketing materials are fresh.

2. Don’t forget to have a call to action.

If you don’t ask your customer to take the next step, they might not. So you need to be diligent in asking them to visit your website, call you, email you, or do whatever you want them to do next.

3. Don’t forget the 4 P’s of marketing. 

Product, price, pace, and promotion are essential to any marketing effort. Make sure your include mention to all four in your marketing efforts. These are considered to be the pillars of a strong marketing program.

These are some simple tips to keep your marketing healthy and robust.

We want to help you when you require the printed word. We work with your marketing team to create up-to-date, attractive marketing materials to keep your customers noticing you. Give Us A Call Today: 516-561-1468

 

Customer Service Excellence 

for Team Members

Excellent customer service is an essential aspect of your most valuable asset: your customers.

Customer service is so vital that it can be a powerful competitive advantage. 70% of Americans have spent more money on better service, according to Forbes. 

Excellent customer service is not solely for the customer service representatives. Instead, everyone on the team should practice exceptional customer service because every job ultimately affects the customer. 

Below is a list of concrete ways your team members can exceed your customer’s expectations. 

Customer Service Excellence: Hire Smart

Certain personalities and strengths are better suited for customer service jobs. Hiring the right people will set the company and employees up for success. 

When hiring, look for people who excel in the following traits. 

• Problem-solving. Give the interviewee a scenario and ask how they would proceed.
• Communication. Ask the interviewee to explain a complex topic.
• Listening. Tell the interviewee a little bit about yourself and the company. Check to see how much they retained.
• Time management. Ask them about a time in their life when they were very busy and how they got through it.
• Empathetic. Ask the interviewee about a time they saw someone hurting and how they reacted.
• Attentive. Gauge how attentive they are at the interview.
• Patient. Ask them to wait a little bit before or during the interview.
• Curious. Ask them if they have any questions for you about the company. Gauge their natural curiosity.

Hiring the right people gets you off on the right foot. After hiring customer service-oriented people, training will further define their natural skills. 

Customer Service Excellence: Training

Training creates more knowledgeable and skilled team members. 

The more trained and knowledgeable your team members are, the happier your customers will be. Happier customers are more likely to create word-of-mouth advertising, which is the most effective form of advertising: 5 times more powerful than paid ads. 

Training and development can take on various forms. 

• Hire a trainer. Find a professional who excels in teaching customer service skills. Pay them to come to talk to your team members.
• Do it yourself. Research ways your company can improve customer service. Ask your customers what they’d like to see. Share your findings with your team members at a meeting.
• Online courses. Direct, or if it’s in the budget, subsidize your employees to take online courses to help them improve their customer service.
• Mentor-mentee programs. Pair a more experienced staff member with a less experienced one. Have them get together to share information and tactics that have helped them.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll see the benefits pay off in higher customer satisfaction and improved customer relationships.  

Customer Service Excellence: Customer Relationships

Encourage employees to develop positive customer relationships. 

Keep it natural. Try asking customers questions about themselves. Some just want to get in and out. But others enjoy talking and will appreciate the opportunity. If you remember the customers’ names and the stories they tell, they’ll be happier and more loyal. 

Further, increase customer relationships by sending customers birthday gifts or cards. Companies that prioritize emotional connections with customers do better in the long run, outperforming their competitors in sales by 85%. 

Customer Service Excellence: Let Customers Help Themselves

71% of consumers reported wanting to solve customer service issues independently. 

Counterintuitively, some of the best customer services you can provide are the gifts of not needing customer service. By providing efficient, straightforward methods for customers to solve their own issues, the customers leave happy. 

There are a couple of ways to accomplish this. 

• Q&A page with answers to the most commonly asked questions.
• Information. By providing relevant information in a convenient place, such as a brochure, you can proactively prevent frustrated customers by providing all the information they need beforehand. 

Customer service is one way your business can stand above the rest. If you do it well, profits will increase. 

We know customer service can be tricky because of the wide range of inquiries and emotions. However, we’re here to help you with our excellent printing services. For example, we've got you if you need promotional products for a birthday gift, birthday cards, or informative brochures! Give Us A Call Today 516-561-1468

 

Breaking Through the Digital Clutter: 

Tips for Print Marketing 

with Maximum Impact

Print marketing is an influential tool business owners use to boost their brand's awareness, drive sales, and increase customer retention.

While many businesses use digital marketing as their sole method to get their message to consumers, the need for print marketing is still in high demand. Using print marketing materials to spread your information increases the chance your brand's image will get in front of consumers without the risk of being blocked or instantly deleted.

Additionally, print ads are more trusted than other marketing strategies, and according to Marketing Sherpa, many online ad options are among the least trusted advertising methods.

Breaking Through the Digital Clutter: Tips for Print Marketing with Maximum Impact

As many businesses are turning to digital marketing strategies, your business can benefit from printed materials. Check out these tips for breaking through the digital clutter.

Know Your Audience

One of the key factors helping print marketing materials stand out from others is knowing who your target audience is and information about their buying habits.

Knowing this information enables you to design eye-catching materials to send to communities where your target audience is.

For example, a roofing company would not send mass mailers to renting apartment complex residents. Instead, they would send the mailers to a residential community where most homes are privately owned.

Select Eye-Catching Images

Images visually represent your business's products, services, and brand.

Selecting the right eye-catching image helps tell the story about your business and should create solid emotional feelings among those who see your print advertisement.

Additionally, imagery should be high-quality and make someone stop to look at your entire ad and receive the whole message.

Use Carefully Written Content

Create advertising copy that is carefully thought out and helps transform your regular products and services into something your audience cannot live without.

Showcase features and benefits of your products and services while using consistent active voice language and eye-pleasing fonts.

Powerful headlines can help grab the reader's attention while adding a call to action to your print material guides the audience into doing what you want them to do.

Make Print Materials More Interactive

Many believe print materials are static and they cannot be interactive. That's not true!

There are many ways to make your print materials more interactive, giving your target audience something to do with the material you send them. Adding a QR code to your printed advertisements allows consumers to continue interacting with your business, moving that interaction to an online platform.

Other print-related engagement tools include adding the following items to your printed materials: scratch-offs, stickers, and pop-ups. Or you can even encourage recipients to bring the printed material to your business for a discount or prize.

Additionally, using printed material to invite customers to participate in events and contestants helps attract new and existing customers to your location.

Embrace the Power of Print

According to the Association of National Advertisers, even as digital marketing is taking over, the need for storytelling via print advertising is a crucial component of a company's marketing strategy.

Everything from direct mailers to flyers and business cards to signs can provide consumers with a positive experience when they encounter your eye-catching print materials.

Take advantage of the opportunity to reach your audience, grab their attention, and get them to come to you for your products and services.

We are here to help you with all of your printing needs. Contact us today to get started on your next project. Call Today 516-561-1468

 

Q&A: How Can I Use Print to Get 

My Business Noticed and 

Sales Funnel Overflowing?

It's no secret that you need to get noticed if you want your business to succeed.
 
But with so much competition, how do you stand out and ensure your sales funnel is overflowing?
 
Here's what the experts have to say!

Question: What are the most compelling printed products to help my business get noticed?

Answer: The tried-and-true method of printed materials remains one of the most effective ways to get your business noticed.
 
Business cards, flyers, and brochures are great for getting people interested in your company and its services.
 
But don't forget the power of mailers – a well-crafted direct mail campaign can generate leads and drive sales.

Question: How can I use print materials to attract potential customers?

Answer: Make sure your print materials are eye-catching and attractive. Research the colors, fonts, and images that best convey your message.

Be sure to include all the critical information, like your business name, logo, website URL, contact numbers, and a brief description of what you do.
 
Additionally, be creative with text, such as puns or jokes, to make reading fun and interesting.

Question: Are there any tips on maximizing the visibility of my printed material?

Answer: Print materials can be highly effective, but if you don't get them into the right hands, they won't help you.

Make sure to target your audience appropriately – think about their age range, where they live, and their lifestyle.
 
Local events and trade shows can be great places to distribute printed materials. Consider leaving brochures and flyers at nearby cafes, libraries, or even in the mailboxes of potential customers.

Question: How can I ensure the right people see my flyers, brochures, and posters?

Answer: Word of mouth is always a powerful tool – talk to community members and ask them to help spread the word about your business.

You can also use social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter to promote your materials. Create digital versions of your flyers, brochures, and posters for sharing online. 

Question: How often should I print promotional materials to stay top-of-mind with potential customers?

Answer: It depends on the kind of business you have and how often your promotions change.

If you frequently change your promotional materials, printing new copies every few months or so is best.
 
But if your promotions vary infrequently, printing once a year should be enough to keep customers informed.

Question: Are there any other ways I can use printed products to get more customers?

Answer: You can also use printed products as incentives or rewards for your existing customers!

Offer a discount coupon or a freebie with a purchase to encourage people to return and shop with you again. You can even create loyalty cards with discounts or special offers after customers accumulate points.
 
If you're looking for an effective way to get your business noticed and increase your sales, contact us today!
 
We can help you create compelling print materials to catch potential customers' attention and give your business an edge. Let us show you how the right printed products can be a great asset in helping your business succeed! Give Us A Call Today! 516-561-1468

9 Tips for Creating a Successful 

Coupon Marketing Strategy

A well-crafted coupon marketing strategy has the potential to not only drive sales but also enhance brand awareness and loyalty.

Coupons can entice potential customers and encourage repeat purchases by offering attractive discounts, exclusive deals, and personalized incentives. Additionally, leveraging data analytics and customer insights can provide valuable information to fine-tune your strategy and maximize its effectiveness.

With a strategic approach and thorough research, you can develop the right plan to help you achieve your goals and establish a strong connection with your target audience.

Achieve Your Marketing Outcomes with These 9 Effective Coupon Strategies!

Check out these nine key strategies to make the most of your coupon marketing campaigns.

1. Have a Goal

Whether you want to drive traffic or increase sales volume, determine specific goals and objectives for your coupon strategy.

This will help you measure the effectiveness of your efforts and ensure that they align with your overall marketing objectives.

2. Know Your Audience

Start by researching your target audience and what motivates them.

Understand their needs, values, preferences, and purchasing behavior so you can tailor your strategy and create coupons that will be most attractive to them.

3. Strike the Right Tone

Choose an appropriate tone for your coupons that reflects your brand voice.

Do you want to sound professional, friendly, or fun? Think about your target audience and pick a tone that best resonates with them.

4. Focus on Attractive Design Elements

Create eye-catching visuals for your coupons.

Whether you are designing a physical voucher or an online one, make sure it stands out and catches the eye of potential customers.

5. Make Your Message Clear

Make sure to clearly state the discount amount and any other relevant details, such as expiration date, in a prominent place on the coupon.

6. Provide Multiple Offers

Consider creating different types of coupons for additional products or services your business offers.

This can help you target different customer segments and tailor your campaigns for a specific audience.

7. Reward Brand Loyalty

Offer exclusive discounts or rewards to loyal customers as part of your coupon strategy.

This is a great way to reward those returning and encourage them to remain faithful to your brand.

8. Consider Creative Coupon Contests

Run contests or sweepstakes to attract more customers and encourage them to use coupons in exchange for a chance to win attractive prizes.

9. Track Your Success

Measure the success of each coupon campaign by tracking redemption rates, sales, and ROI over time.

Constantly evaluate your coupon strategy and adapt it when needed to stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive.

With the right approach, coupons can boost your sales and increase customer loyalty.

Want to put the power of coupons to work for you? We are your expert coupon marketing team. Contact us today to start planning your next coupon campaign. 

Call 516-561-1468

 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

Black Friday Print Marketing 

Ideas for Small Businesses

Along with the cooler weather and changing leaves of Autumn comes the beginning of the holiday season. In the business world, Thanksgiving also means the arrival of Black Friday. 

According to Capital One Shopping research, the average shopper spends $430 on Black Friday. This is a massive opportunity for companies within any industry to make sales! 

Although often, large, well-known corporations are the first to come to mind for Black Friday sales events, in reality, Black Friday can be an extremely lucrative time for your small business, too. Planning your marketing right will become the perfect time to spread the word about your company.

3 Creative Ideas for Small Business Marketing on Black Friday

1. Create a Holiday Gift Guide

50% of surveyed consumers responded that they would spend the most significant amount of money while Black Friday shopping on gifts for others. 

Since Black Friday falls right at the beginning of the holiday season, most customers will use it to purchase many gifts for their friends and family. Especially as a small business, paying attention to what your customers are looking for will be important in creating a gift guide for your store.

Compile some of your most gift-worthy products- such as decor, toys, electronics, clothing, and more- and organize them in categories based on price point or the type of person that might enjoy those gifts.

Then, use bold, eye-catching colors (such as red or yellow) to design an engaging handout for customers to browse. Printed versions of your company’s gift guide can be mailed or tucked into customers’ shopping bags at checkout starting a few weeks before Black Friday. 

2. Focus on Loyal Customers for Black Friday

One of the reasons why customers will choose to make purchases from a small business is because they like the more personal, local experience.

Part of building up that personalized experience, especially on Black Friday, is showing gratitude to the customers who have shopped with you during other times of the year.

Consider creating a loyalty points program if your business doesn’t already have one. Mail out ads that announce the chance for double earnings of loyalty points for each purchase made during the Black Friday sales event, specialty Black Friday coupons to existing customers, or a perforated ticket that they can drop off in-store during the Black Friday event to be entered into a raffle. 

Especially since Black Friday is such a busy time in retail stores, your customers will love to receive a handout in the mail that adds a touch of personal value. And those specialized deals might attract new customers to join your loyalty program, too!

3. Elevate Your Exterior and Interior Signage

Catch the attention of passersby with boldly printed signage in your store windows advertising the upcoming Black Friday sales event!

Don’t forget to utilize print marketing for the interior of your store, too. Two-thirds of consumersreported being more likely to impulse-buy during Black Friday than any other time of the year.

Customers will come into your small business curious and ready to purchase. Printed signage can work even better than sales flyers when drawing customers’ attention toward hot sales and guiding them around the store from section to section. 

Hang signs from the ceiling, post them on endcaps of aisles, and hang smaller signs on shelves to point visitors towards new, sale-priced, or unique products. 

Don’t forget that when creating a gift guide, direct mail coupons for your loyalty program, or signage for your store, we are the place to go for high-quality print products and additional marketing tips! Head to our website and get started today at www.printcafeli.com or give us a Call at 516-561-1468