6 Automation Tips for Your Small Business

Automation has helped many small businesses become much more fluid and, in turn, succeed.

Automation has become one of the keys to success: nearly 80% of top-performing companies have used marketing automation for more than two years.

Although they might not have the resources of their counterparts, small companies can and should incorporate automation in every aspect of business: From capturing leads to closing sales and serving customers to checking routine office tasks off the to-do list.

Research has shown that while small businesses are less likely to invest in automation than large ones, they have more success when they do.

Here are a few common areas of automation where small businesses can get big results.

6 Automation Tips for Your Small Business

1. Lead and Contact Management

Dealing with leads and contacts manually can be a hassle.

Consider replacing that complicated spreadsheet with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) automation.

A CRM platform can automate lead scoring and take action when a score changes. For example, it can notify you when a deal is heating up or trigger an email when a contact hits a particular score.

2. List Segmentation

Segmentation of your contact list is key to sending personalized content, which has an average 34% open/click rate.

You can do this automatically based on actions that a person takes. 

3. Email Marketing

Email marketing has an incredible return on investment (ROI).

Businesses earn an average of $35 for every $1 spent. Email gives you a direct line to your audience and helps you build brand awareness.

But regularly sending professional, personalized emails to your contacts can be time-consuming for small businesses. Email marketing automation software makes it easier. Examples include welcome emails, abandoned cart emails, and birthday and anniversary emails.

4. Social Media

Social media automation includes automating your content to post on a social media platform at certain times.

All major social networks allow paid advertising, and you can reach a targeted audience when and where they are already spending time.

5. Notifications

Notifications are a type of automation with significant benefits, like increased efficiency and speed.

Automatic notifications give you updates on critical events so you can take action immediately. 

6. Customer Support

Small businesses care about their customers and are committed to offering the best support possible. Automation can help. 

For example, chatbots have become increasingly popular in customer support and have been shown to increase sales by an average of 67%.

Ultimately, automation streamlines your processes and makes you more competitive — especially if you’re a small business. 

When it comes to printing, we, too, want to make you more efficient so you can make the most of your time and budget and focus on what matters most. Contact us today!

4 Things Your Direct Mail Piece Needs to Convert

Direct mail is a simple, cost-efficient way to reach your target market. 

The response rates for direct mail are about five to nine times higher than other advertising channels. However, five to nine times is quite a range. Getting your direct mail to reach the nine times higher statistic requires certain elements. 

Here are four things your direct mail piece needs to convert direct mail into sales. 

1. Personalization

Recipients respond well to personalized advertisements. 

The more personalization, the better your target market can say, "Wow! This is for me!" One study showed that 93% of businesses that incorporated an advanced personalization strategy experienced revenue growth.

Personalization starts with data. The more customer data you have, the more personalized your direct mail can be. Gather data regarding geographic, demographic, and behavioral characteristics so you can… 

• Include the recipient's name in all outgoing marketing materials.


• Reference the client's past buying history.


• Suggest products the customer might be interested in. 

To simplify your marketing, try to divide your overall target market into niche audiences with specific pain points. This will allow the mail to be more personalized while still being manageable for your business to execute. 

2. Special offers

Tell the recipient what's in it for them. 

By including special offers in your direct mail, people will be more likely to act. Make your direct mail more effective by triggering fear of missing out by making the offer for a limited time only or while supplies last. 

If your company struggles to acquire data from your customers, you could have customers fill out a form before they can access the special offer. 

Examples of special offers include:

• Discounts


• Exclusive events


• Free samples

Example: "Scan this QR code, tell us about yourself, and get 25% off your next purchase! For a limited time only." 

3. Strong writing

The content within direct mail heavily influences readers. 

Create a confident, friendly, accessible piece with direct mail by focusing on the writing. Tips to achieve this include: 

• Make it accessible to all by using simple language and short sentences.


• Make it easy to skim by adding headings and bullet points.


• Tell readers what's important by making certain words and phrases pop.


• Include stories readers will enjoy and connect with.


• Make your first and last sentences count because they are the most frequently read. 

By making the content of your direct mail enjoyable to read, recipients will be more likely to act. 

4. Follow up after sending direct mail

People are busy, and they need reminders. 

Therefore, follow up with your customers after sending direct mail. You can follow up with another direct mail piece, email, or phone call. When doing so, remind the customer about the special deals and your previous point of contact. 

Direct mail is a powerful tool in marketing. But you're going to want the most conversions for your money. Help convert by including these four strategies in your direct mail campaign. 

We're here to help you convert when you're ready to print! Reach out today!

6 Ways to Engage Your Audience With Interactive Print Marketing

Interactive print marketing allows more engagement from the receiver, upping retention. 

Interactive print marketing is any print that allows engagement beyond reading from the user. It can have digital or non-digital aspects. 

Non-Digital Interactive Print Marketing

Non-digital interactive print marketing uses creativity to enhance print, creating a unique experience. 

1. Scents

Sending scents through the mail is especially helpful when advertising the wonderful smell of your perfume. 

However, even if you don't sell perfumes, sending a scent through the mail can still be helpful. By associating your business with good smells, you'll intrigue and please potential clients while influencing their emotions, as 75% of emotions are due to smell.

Incorporating a particular smell could become part of your brand identity, boosting recognition. People are 100 times more likely to remember a smell than something they see, hear or touch.

2. Invisible Ink

Make your campaign fun by telling your recipients to get the paper wet or bring it outside into the sun. 

Having "hidden" messages appear after following the prompts creates a fun experience for the customer while also making your advertisement memorable. 

Entice your readers to follow the prompts by providing a discount or some benefit after following through. 

3. Origami

Send print that can be transformed into something more through origami. 

This is a fun activity for the recipients. Make sure the directions are clear and the origami doesn't get too complicated. Otherwise, the recipient will become frustrated. 

Connect the origami piece to your marketing campaign and product. Make it even better by providing the customer with something functional once they're done, like a pencil holder. 

Digital Interactive Print Marketing

It can be beneficial to change your strategy mid-campaign by including digital aspects. 

It also increases response rates; a study shows the increase in response rates could be from 2 to 35%!

4. Lights 

Did you know you could include lights in your print marketing?

Adding lights can make your direct mail shine. With the holidays just around the corner, adding lights to Christmas trees in direct mail will help you stand out. Use your imagination to find ways to enhance your package through digital lights. 

5. QR Codes 

QR codes help to create a seamless omnichannel approach by creating a bridge between the print and the digital world. 

QR codes can connect consumers to…

• Social media. Social media is a wonderful way to interact with clients while showcasing your best products or services.


• Website. Your website can be used to find out more information about your company and answer any questions. To make it even more effective, you could include QR codes that bring the customer directly to the product you're advertising.


• Video. If you'd like to share more information than can be included in the print piece, then have the QR code direct users to an engaging video for more info. 

QR codes can help your print marketing deliver more than would otherwise be possible while helping people follow your calls to action more easily. 

6. Artificial Reality

Artificial reality gives your print marketing a chance to come alive. 

When the recipient scans the image with their phone or tablet, they'll be able to see images moving and making noise through their phone.

It's another element that increases the recall of the recipients while also providing them with a bit of fun in their lives. 

Print marketing is not archaic. Although it has been used for many years, it has kept up with modern technology to provide unique, memorable features to your target market. 

Let us help you engage your audience with interactive print marketing! Reach out today!

11 Print Products That Make Great Holiday Gifts

The holidays are coming, and you want to reward your clients (and possibly even your staff) with fun items that will benefit them and keep your name buzzing around.

Utilizing giveaways helps people identify your brand and reminds them of your business when they’re ready to purchase.

Here are some great ideas to help do both of these things. 

11 Print Products That Make Great Holiday Gifts

1. Water bottles

These are popular because they are reusable and reduce waste in landfills.

Of course, we all want to stay hydrated, but it’s also a perfect canvas for your business logo.

2. Calendars

We all use our phones but hang up our paper calendars to remind us of important dates.

Add photos and your logos, and you’re set. Each month, there will be a different picture to admire.

3. Mugs

Who doesn’t like to curl up with a good book or Kindle and read with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Mugs are perfect for winter months to warm hands up during a chilly business meeting. And your name is front and center.

4. Keychains

Create a fun, engaging, creative keychain for your customers and employees.

Then, tie it in with a popular sporting event in town or location to bring camaraderie.

5. Bookmarks

Design some fun bookmarks for your guests.

Include engaging local scenery and fun graphics. Believe it or not, people still like these types of gifts.

6. Stationery

This is a wonderful idea if you are looking to reward your employees.

Create one-of-a-kind stationery that is customized to them.

7. Caps

Whether you create winter caps or baseball caps, the message is clear.

This type of gift has your logo front and center and is something useable for months. These are great ways to get your logo noticed. 

8. Magnets

Fun, fun, fun! Magnets are great in the office or at home.

People use them all the time. So consider it a challenge to come up with something clever.

9. T-shirts

These are great giveaways because we all wear t-shirts.

They are great under sweatshirts, in the gym, or on a casual day at the office.

10. Bottle opener

No one wants to be stuck without a bottle opener at their next event.

Make sure your bottle opener flaunts your logo clearly, and pick colors that represent your business well.  

11. Notepads or notebooks

We all need more of these; they get used a lot.

Find a fun style, size, or shape of notepad to create a long-lasting appeal.

No matter what products you choose to use, it’s clear that your logo will permeate their brain, causing them to remember you when they need your services. It’s like subliminal advertising.

Giveaways and contests help you generate leads, engage your customers and increase your audience reach, all simultaneously!

So remember, when you need printing done, we are here to help your ideas become successful. Contact us today!

Color Talks... Are You Listening?

Color, color everywhere. But what does it mean?

Believe it or not, color has a lot of implied meanings, and it imparts a lot of feelings. Color meanings stem from psychological effects, biological conditioning, and cultural developments.

Color Talks... Are You Listening?

Depending on where you do business, you’ll want to consider color. There are cultural differences, such as red representing good luck in China, but in South Africa, it’s the color of mourning.

For this article, we will focus on meanings in the United States. Take a minute and consider what your color scheme means to the readers. Does it need to be changed so you can reach your business goals? Let’s learn.

Red

Red is the color of passion and energy.

It’s an intense color that is supposed to motivate us to take action. (Remember, stop signs and signal lights use red for a loud caution. It is meant to move us in the right direction.)

Red also stimulates appetite, which is why many fast-food restaurants use this color in advertising and decorating. Red is an excellent color for getting people to “act now.” Think about your brand and what you want to do with the logo and advertising.

Orange

Orange exudes enthusiasm and emotion.

It is supposed to be a fun color that represents emotional strength. It adds spontaneity and positivity and encourages social communication and activity. It’s also youthful, vibrant, and fun. Think about how much fun you want to add to your advertising.

Blue

Blue is the color of loyalty and trust.

It relaxes our psyche and gives us peace and tranquility. Light baby blue is peaceful, while dark blue can signify depth and power. It represents intelligence and responsibility, which is excellent for businesses that want to promote a sincere business image. 

Green

Green is the hue that represents health and harmony.

It balances our emotions and makes us feel safe and secure. It often represents rebirth and new life, just like the grass and trees in the springtime. In our culture, green also represents wealth because of its tie to money.

Purple

Purple typically represents luxury, mystery, and spirituality to people because of its link to royalty.

This color holds a special meaning in religions, including Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism. So if you want to add some spiritual dimension, this is a great color to use. 

Yellow

Yellow makes us feel optimistic and happy.

It’s a cheerful color that brings fun and joy into the space. It represents spontaneity and youthfulness. If your target market is young people, try incorporating some yellow into the color scheme. Yellow is a great choice if speed, fun, and low cost are attributes that you want to be associated with your brand. 

Pink

Pink represents femininity and the softer side of things.

Combine it with a bolder color, and you will soften your image. It is known for romance, sensitivity, and tenderness. It’s also a color for passion and love. Pink seeks to make others feel accepted by offering an unmatched level of sympathy.

When you think of advertising, colors are one of your most important choices.

If you have questions about what colors would work best for your print marketing and business materials, feel free to reach out. We want to ensure every element of your marketing efforts gets the intended message across! 

5 Entrepreneur Tips You Need to Know

Being an entrepreneur is challenging.

In fact, 20% of small businesses fail within the first year. The world of business can be competitive and cutthroat. Follow these five tips to prepare yourself for success. 

1. Mix passion with skill

You’re going to be pouring many hours and a lot of energy into your business. 

It’s crucial you not only find something you’re passionate about but also in which you have potential. Find the perfect founder, product, and market fit by choosing a business matching your unique skills, experiences, and personality. 

This can be accomplished by zoning in on a unique niche. 

2. Find the right niche

Find the perfect “Goldilocks niche:” not too broad, not too narrow; just right. 

Most successful businesses begin with a narrow niche. This helps you differentiate from your competitors and draw in customers. Once you’ve established yourself, then you can work towards expanding your business into other areas that make sense. 

Be careful when choosing a niche. Try finding one that’s popular all year long and allows repeat business. Although not impossible to succeed, seasonal niches are challenging because they allow for fewer repeat customers and year-long sales.  

Whatever your niche, make sure your business is solving an urgent problem. If not, you'll fail to make sales because customers won't see why they need to buy your product or service. 

3. Do your research 

Solid research attracts customers and investors. 

Doing quality research up front helps increase trust in your business. You’ll be able to show your customers and investors exactly why your business can help them and where your information is coming from. 

Furthermore, by researching all facets of your business, you’ll be better able to outsource and hire without being taken advantage of. 

4. Make employees a priority

Employees help you reach your business goals. 

Happy employees are more likely to want to help your business succeed and work towards company goals. Companies with higher work satisfaction scores outperformed lower employee satisfaction companies by 202%!

To maintain content employees, ensure they feel appreciated, heard, and valued. Complimenting employees often while avoiding too much criticism can go a long way toward employee contentment. 

Do your best to ensure your employees are part of the 65% of employees satisfied with their job.

5. Be professional 

Professionalism helps promote company trust. 

Professionalism spans many aspects, including being reliable, using a professional manner, and having business cards. 

Business cards are an easy, cost-effective way to maintain a professional front. They also serve as an effective marketing tool. They’re easy to distribute and provide all the relevant information potential customers need. 

Being an entrepreneur is risky and challenging. Set yourself up for success by finding the right niche that solves a relevant problem and mixes your unique passion and skills. Furthermore, by researching, maintaining happy employees, and remaining professional, you can better navigate the unpredictable business world. 

We print high-quality marketing materials that help propel your business forward. Contact us today!

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Flyer Font

When putting together a flyer, sometimes the flyer font can be overlooked. 

But, your font plays an essential role in the overall flyer design. Depending on your choice, it holds the information being shared and can convey different meanings. 

Sans-serif vs. serif fonts

Fonts can be classified into one of two categories: sans-serif or serif. 

Sans-serif fonts don’t have little lines underlining the letters, making them good for digital posters. They also tend to be bolder, making them good for headlines. Examples include Century Gothic, Verdana, and Helvetica. 

Serif fonts have little lines underlining the letters. They’re good for body text because they can be easier to read. Common serif fonts include Times New Roman and Garamond. 

Remembering the difference between sans-serif and serif fonts is important when choosing the correct font for your flyer. 

1. Readability is key!

Readability is the most crucial aspect to consider when choosing a flyer font. 

If people can’t easily read your flyer, they will not stick around to try. They’ll get frustrated and throw your flyer out. 

Stick to 10 pt and above font sizes and aim for Arial, Georgia, Verdana, and Times New Roman, as these are easier to read.

Also, be mindful of your dyslexic audience by choosing a font they’ll be better able to read, such as sans-serif fonts, especially Helvetica. With about an estimated 1 in 10 people with dyslexia, making sure your flyer is accessible may be more important than you thought. 

2. Fonts convey meaning

Various fonts add nuance to your design. 

Paying attention to these nuances can help you pair the right font with the message and goal of your flyer.

Check out the following common flyer goals and how to achieve them.

• Formal, conservative, or vintage brand: serif fonts


• High-end buyers: minimalist font


• Convey stability: Times New Roman, Arial, and Cambria


• Convey assertiveness: Impact, Rockwell Xbold, and Georgia


• Show expertise: fancy fonts


• Discount flyers: bold fonts

The little decisions, like matching the right font with your flyer, can go a long way in promoting your business. 

3. Don’t overdo it

With about 200,000 fonts worldwide, it can be easy to choose too many fonts for your flyer. 

But, too many fonts create a busy, confusing flyer design. Instead, stick to about two fonts or one font in different weights. The font’s weight includes the various ways a single font can appear. Font weights include hairline, thin, light, regular, italic, medium, bold, and black, to name a few. Never use more than three fonts. 

If you decide to use two fonts, finding the right font pair can be tricky. Many find pairing a sans-serif font for the headlines with a serif font for the body text to be a helpful guideline. 

Font selection may seem like a small detail, but it affects how your marketing is perceived. When choosing a flyer font, readability and accessibility are the most important factors. 

Whatever font you choose, we’re here to help you print your flyers so you can share your business with your target market!

7 Top Tips for Print and Email Newsletter Marketing

Try a newsletter when you need to get the word out fast, professionally, and efficiently.

Not only will you have more space for getting your point out, but it also reminds people regularly that you're ready to do business.

Newsletters are a customizable, affordable, and accessible type of marketing communication.

There are many ways to make your newsletters effective. And it's time to realize that newsletters are essential to effective email marketing and branding.

Ignoring them can restrict brands from growth.

7 Top Tips for Print and Email Newsletter Marketing

1. Logo placement

Ensure your logo is front and center on the newsletter's first page or header so that recipients don't have to guess (or hunt) for that information.

2. White space

Make sure you don't cram all your great ideas into one newsletter.

Instead, use white space frequently so that it doesn't look crowded.

3. Keep it simple

Don't try to tackle too much detail in your articles.

Keep it reader-friendly. This makes the reader want more and allows you to follow up on the article in future newsletters.

It also leaves the reader interested and possibly wanting to contact you to discuss the issues further.

4. Use bullet points

When you have multiple topics, use bullet points rather than writing a lot of paragraphs.

This allows the reader to scan for information quickly.

In addition, embedding helpful links in your email newsletters and giving visual descriptions can attract more readers.

5. Feature pull-out quotes

When someone has something important to say in the article, and it is a great point, pull it aside in the design.

Make it more significant than the regular text by using it as a graphic, not in the article itself. 

Pull quotes provide a teaser that entices the reader into the story.

6. Have someone edit your articles

Don't rely on your own wits here.

You will need to have another person edit your articles and layout. It's hard to catch your own mistakes all the time.

And sometimes, you need another set of eyes on an article in case something needs to be clarified. You might know what you mean, but someone else might not. This is just good practice.

7. Make sure there's a call to action (CTA)

There needs to be a place (or places) where you encourage the reader to take an action that moves them through your sales funnel.

Call-to-action examples include visiting your store, contacting you for a consultation, signing up for your email list, or making a purchase today.

The point of doing a newsletter is to build the business.

Contact us today to learn about our professional paper, color, and design options for your next print newsletter!

Top 8 Print Marketing Design Hints

Designing marketing materials has much room for creativity, but you should also avoid common mistakes.

If you aren't a graphic designer, you may be tempted to do your own thing, but there are some definite no-nos in design. Here are nine hints to guide you.

Top 8 Print Marketing Design Hints

1. Have a clear concept for your marketing campaign

When people start designing, they often keep adding to it without a clear idea of the desired design.

This is a big red flag that your design is off to a bad start. You need to know what you want your design to look like.

2. Use symbolism

For example, try to enhance the text's mood with a sketch, a drawing, an image, or a picture representing what you are trying to communicate.

3. Target the right audience with your print media

Your content isn't for everyone.

But there's one particular group of people you should always aim to impress and engage: your target audience.

Think like them. Read like them. Try to entertain and engage them in your words and design.

4. Use white space

Make sure you don't pack everything into your design.

You may have great design ideas, but you don't need to use them all in one place. Instead, save some for future projects.

5. Add pictures and graphics

Don't just pack in the text.

There needs to be a break in the page. Add a pertaining photo or an image of something else with its own caption. Maybe it's a picture of a new employee, a party you had for your clients or a giveaway.

Sometimes the simplest designs are the most effective, so don't overdo it with images. There are ways to make your design clean, clear, and attractive without too many graphics. You want it to look uniform and enhance the text.

6. Be consistent across your marketing channels

Whether it's fonts, colors, or images, make sure you're consistent.

This helps tie your design down into one visually appealing and harmonious look.

So keep it similar, using specific colors, fonts, or designs.

7. Be careful with the fonts

Stay with two to three fonts throughout the publication you are producing.

8. Choose colors wisely

Understanding color theory and psychology can help you use colors at their optimal best.

Colors can set the tone, mood, and style of your design.

Don't go crazy picking a variety of colors. Instead, be consistent and keep the colors in the same family.

When it's time to print your project, please remember us.

We are here to help guide you, answer your questions, and print your project.

Contact us today!

5 Leadership Tips For Marketers

Being a leader is a big job, but what does it mean to be a great leader? And how will it transfer into your marketing efforts?

5 Leadership Tips For Marketers

1. Lead by example

You need to show up and lead in how you work. You will not be an effective leader if you talk a big game but don’t do anything.

If you promise to do something, do it. If you offer to explain something, explain it.

Show your employees how effective you are by how much you do (versus just saying what you do). This translates into your marketing efforts when your business follows through on its promises.

When customers see you are a person of your word, it makes a big statement.

2. Be humble

When someone does something above and beyond, acknowledge them. Don’t always talk about yourself. This is true in marketing too.

Show the customer what you can do to help them, rather than just bragging about your achievements.

3. Take care of yourself

Take part in a hobby that might introduce you to new people and prospects.

Make sure you are getting enough rest so that you are refreshed.

One study found that 45% of adults with less than eight hours of sleep were irritable, 52% lost their patience, and 40% felt overwhelmed.

When you aren’t rested, it’s hard to come up with new ideas for your business, and it’s hard to enjoy yourself.

4. Strategic thinking is a must

To be an effective leader, you must have a vision for where you want to go and what you want to accomplish. This is also true in marketing. You need to know what you hope to achieve with each piece you send.

A strategy fails because it’s not defined and communicated well.

Leaders must understand the company’s business goals and align the marketing department to meet and exceed those objectives.

5. Be comfortable being uncomfortable

In business, you must go with the flow and be flexible with situations. No one could have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, but it impacted all of us.

Businesses need to be able to come up with new strategies when things change.

This is the case in marketing as well, as we need to shift our marketing to reach our audience where they are.

There are so many facets to being a great leader and marketer, and these are only a few. We want to help you continue to be the proactive leader you are.

That’s why we want to team up with you to produce your best marketing products ever.

Contact us today to get started!