Why Print Businesses Shouldn’t Dodge Disastrous Reviews

patches o'houlihan dogeball dodge a wrench

On the most recent episode of PrinterChat, a Podcasts from The Printerverse series co-hosted by me, Jamie McLennan, Creative Print Strategist at DMR Graphics, and Will Crabtree, Owner of Tampa Media, the topic of testimonials for print businesses came up during a discussion about finding, hiring, training and keeping sales stars with our guest Paul […]

Should You Email People Who Didn’t Ask You To?

woman's hands on laptop sending emails

Print business owners and marketers: Raise your hand if you have ever sent email marketing to a prospect database “that you acquired somewhere.” Be honest. (OK, everyone can put their hands down now). Email marketing is a natural complement to direct mail marketing. It’s also an efficient way to reach a lot of prospects in […]

Reality Check: The Perception of Printing

optical illusion illustration by noma bar of a shark

I record and produce a significant number of episodes for Podcasts from The Printerverse. Discussions about printing, print business, print sales, and print marketing are often playing through my computer, earbuds, car speakers, and voice assistants like Alexa. When I have some mindless admin work to focus on, I click on my pop culture podcast […]

How Printers Can Build a Strategic Lighthouse to Guide the Business

lighthouse at night

Where is your print business headed? Not sure? Too many owners rush to the tactical side without a strategic beacon to guide the printing company’s success. Printers need a master strategy – a solid lighthouse that can survive the turbulence of the business environment. Here are tips on how to build your strategic lighthouse and […]

Can Geofencing and Retargeting Work for Your Print Marketing?

purple image of geofencing for marketing

Your prospective print customers are everywhere. And yet they can be so hard to find. Quite a few of them are using your competitors, but some of those users would be better off buying print from you. To generate new leads and new revenue for your print business, consider two digital marketing strategies: geofencing and […]

How to Respond to Questions About Sexism in the Printing Industry

Caution Tape danger sexism in printing industry

With just a few minutes before the first, women-only panel discussion on the main stage of Dscoop ended, the audience at Edge St. Louis was asked if they had any questions. The mic goes out to the audience, a gentleman stands up. With what I interpreted as a mixture of nerves, uncertainty, and a splash […]

Marketing Strategy + Execution + Continuous Improvement = Long-Term Profit

a chart showing long term profits

Every printing company needs a marketing strategy, but most don’t have one. Strategically and logically combining print-based marketing and digital marketing is critical to achieving efficiency (minimal waste) and effectiveness (maximum ROI). Whether you believe your primary objective is building brand awareness, generating quality leads, strengthening customer retention, or increasing average order value, your ultimate […]

The Perfect Partnership: Collaboration Between Printers and Designers

multicolored blocks stacked in a blue background to illustrate creative collaboration between printers and designers

In the world of printing and design, collaboration is key. From business cards to banners, brochures to billboards, the collaboration between printers and designers each bringing their unique skill sets to the table is a crucial element in producing high-quality print materials that stand out in a competitive market. Now, I realize that this concept is […]

Why Creating a Search-Optimized Print Website Feels So Good

a frustrated woman and a happy woman sitting at a computer

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) feels so good. Why? Because a search-optimized print website can help you meet strangers: qualified print buyers you have never heard of and who possibly have never heard of your printing business. They are ‘qualified’ because they likely have the intent to purchase and proactively contact you to learn more. It’s […]

Authenticity Matters in Brand, Print Business and Personal Messaging

a blue image of fake and fact written into blocks

Authenticity for brand, personal, and print business messaging has become more important than ever. Whether it’s in advertising, social media, or everyday conversation, people want to feel that the messages they receive are genuine and truthful. Last week was International Women’s Day and the flood of messaging on March 8th showing support for women was […]

Do First Things First When Marketing Your Printing Company

woman's hand thumbs up coming through a yellow background

When creating a new marketing campaign for your printing company, it’s good — no, it’s imperative — to do the first things first. Successful marketing teams look at the big picture, outline the program, create a plan that everyone understands, and – only then – take action. If that doesn’t happen, even an experienced team […]

Cookie Cutter Print Marketing Doesn’t Generate High ROI

cookie cutter gingerbread man and cookie dough

Print shop owner #1: “Lead generation is hard, expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating.” Print shop owner #2: “We are getting great ROI on our marketing, our customer base is growing, and we get new leads all the time.”  Both these printers are doing the same thing. One is winning and the other is wasting. Marketing ROI […]