8 Ways to Excel at Customer Service Using Print

Print products play a vital role in creating an excellent customer service experience.

Whether printed brochures, business cards, or promotional items, print can make a lasting impression on customers, helping businesses stand out from the competition and build long-lasting relationships.

Printed materials do more than impart knowledge; they can also improve the customer's experience with your business.

They aid in helping your potential customers decide whether or not working with you is right for them, offering an ideal way of prequalifying yourself and your business.

If excellence in customer service is your goal, check out how you can use print to make it happen more effectively.

8 Ways to Excel at Customer Service Using Print

1. Show Appreciation

A thank you letter or card expressing appreciation for your customers is a great way to show how much you value their business.

Print products are also perfect for creating loyalty programs and offering rewards to keep customers returning.

2. Provide Resources

Customers should have access to all the necessary resources; printing makes this easier.

Printed collateral such as customer manuals, training materials, or product catalogs is excellent for providing information to customers quickly and easily.

Additionally, print materials make it easy to give customers a clear understanding of the products and services you provide, keeping expectations realistic.

3. Promote Your Brand

Print products can be used to promote your brand in various ways.

Business cards, flyers, brochures, and other printed pieces are perfect for creating a strong presence in the market.

4. Increase Visibility

Print products can promote your business and increase visibility in the marketplace.

Posters, banners, and flags printed with your logo or message can help get your company's name out to the public.

5. Connect With Customers

Printed products are great for connecting with customers on a personal level.

Customized greeting cards, calendars, and even personalized postcards are a great way to stay connected with your customers.

6. Generate Leads

Printed materials can also be used to generate leads and increase sales.

Brochures, flyers, and mailers are just some of the many ways to reach potential customers and create awareness about your brand.

7. Gather Feedback

The best way for a business to improve is by getting customer feedback. Providing your clients with customer service surveys printed on custom forms is beneficial.

This will help you understand what things are working and what areas need improvement regarding customer service.

8. Improve Brand Recognition

Branded disposable items such as coffee cups, sleeves for coffee cups, coasters, bags, etc., offer an excellent way to add value to a customer's purchase and create a memorable experience.

By utilizing print, you can ensure your customers have the best possible experience with your business.

Whether providing resources, showing appreciation, or generating leads, print products are essential for creating excellent customer service experiences that keep customers returning.

Want to take your customer service to the next level? Print is the answer you're looking for. Let us help! Contact us to get started today!

8 Creative Summer Special-Day Promotion Ideas

 

8 Creative Summer Special-Day Promotion Ideas

Summer is approaching, and along with the warm weather come dozens of opportunities for your company to connect with customers!

Creative campaigns are one of the best ways to engage customers and inspire them to purchase from you. Why not try discounts and promotions centered around unique holidays? 

Research has shown that consumers respond more positively to special day-themed products and promotions than to ordinary campaigns. So here are eight ideas for special day-themed promotions to use in your direct mail this summer!

8 Creative Summer Special-Day Promotion Ideas

1. June 2nd- National Donut Day 

Who wouldn’t be motivated by a sweet incentive?

Try mailing coupons that read “Bring in this coupon for a free donut with purchase!” to draw customers to your store. 

2. June 5th- Thank You Day  

This is a great time to reinforce connections with existing customers.

Mail out a card from your company thanking your customers for their loyalty and choosing to use your services! 

You could even add a discount code (ex., THANK-YOU-5) to nudge them toward another purchase.

3. June 11th- National Children’s Day

A day to celebrate kids should always be celebrated!

Let your customers with families know you’re supporting them and appreciate them by doing something fun for their kids. 

You could include a kids’ craft or coloring page in your mailing packet and information about a sale on any kid’s clothing, decorations, bedding, toys, or games your company might sell. 

4. June 22nd- Positive Media Day 

This is an excellent opportunity to bolster your company’s social media presence!

Mail out a flier celebrating Positive Media Day and encourage customers to follow your company’s accounts. 

You could also introduce a “challenge” for customers to make a funny or uplifting social media post and use your company’s designated hashtag along with #positivemediaday to be entered into a giveaway!

5. June 27th- National Sunglasses Day 

There are a couple of ways you could get creative with this day.

You could try offering a free pair of branded sunglasses to each customer that stops by, offering a discount for each customer that comes into your store wearing their sunglasses, or an online coupon code such as SUNNIES-10 for 10% off.

6. July 12th- National Simplicity Day

Embrace the simple things at your company with this holiday, and encourage customers to do the same by offering a sale price on the “basics.” 

A great way to do this is to create an “essentials” bundle or package of different services and products at a discounted price. Consider sending direct mail that uses the tagline “Keeping it Simple with a National Simplicity Day Sale” or something similar. 

7. July 15th- National Give Something Away Day

In honor of Give Something Away Day, you could give something away to your customers!

The Zero Price Effect has rationalized that customers perceive free products to have a high value because there’s no risk to it since they’re not spending anything. 

An easy example would be a BOGO (buy one, get one) sale or simply including a product of lesser value as a “gift” with any purchase made on that day. 

8. August 8th- National Dollar Day

A creative design for a direct mail piece celebrating National Dollar Day would be to create a rectangular postcard printed with a dollar bill-like image and advertising $1 off each product or service purchased that day.

Go ahead and use some of these ideas, or create your own, to celebrate unique holidays and engage your customers with your direct mail this summer! And when you are ready to print, give us a call. 

5 Aspects of Your Reputation You Can Showcase With Your Print Pieces

 Print products say a lot about who you are as a brand.

What message do you hope to convey to the world?

What kind of image do you want to present?

Print pieces such as business cards, brochures, flyers, and banners are all prime opportunities to showcase your company's personality and values.

Here are some things your print pieces may convey about your reputation.

5 Aspects of Your Reputation You Can Showcase With Your Print Pieces

1. Your Level of Trustworthiness

When potential customers see your print marketing materials, they make assumptions about your level of trustworthiness.

A recent poll conducted by Marketing Sherpa indicated that 82% of internet shoppers were more likely to make a purchase based on a print ad, feeling they are more trustworthy than other types of advertising. 

This is especially true if the design and materials utilized for your print pieces are high-quality.

By taking extra care to produce a beautiful, professional print piece, your potential customers will be more likely to view you as an established and trustworthy business.

2. How Well You Know Your Target Audience

By paying attention to the trends your audience responds to, you can create print pieces that show you understand their likes and dislikes.

If you understand what your potential customers want, they'll be more likely to trust your brand and build a connection with you.

Your print pieces should also be designed to connect with your audience emotionally.

Creating visuals that evoke positive emotions ensures your message resonates with customers and prospects.

Using the right combination of visuals and words will help to create a solid emotional bond between your brand and its target audience, resulting in increased loyalty and brand engagement.

3. How Much You Value Quality

Not all print materials are created equally! 

It's vital that each piece of your print collateral is printed on high-quality paper and features an eye-catching design.

Ensuring this indicates that you value quality. Customers deeply value businesses that take extra care to make sure each of their printed pieces looks great.

This level of detail helps your audience to see that you're a brand that cares about its image and that is committed to delivering quality products and services.

4. Your Creativity

Putting in the effort to craft unique designs that set your company apart from competitors will solidify potential customers' perception of your business as creative and innovative.

Colorful and creative print designs can also be used to capture the attention of potential customers while at the same time conveying enthusiasm, innovation, and optimism about your brand's identity.

Bold typefaces and vibrant, eye-catching visuals can make an impression that stays in your readers' minds long after reading the piece. 

5. The Superiority of Your Product

Well-written print pieces highlight key features or benefits of a product in an informative and accessible manner to help customers understand why they should choose one brand over another – ultimately leading them to associate positive experiences with your company's offerings.

By understanding the power of printed materials, you can create marketing collateral that conveys the right message and helps to establish your brand as a trustworthy and reliable choice.

Contact us today to get started!

5 Valuable Ways to Make Customers for Life

 

Customers make or break your business.

And while companies focus their budgets and time on attracting new customers, they often lose sight of their most important asset: Current customers.

Companies across the U.S. are losing $62 billion per year due to poor customer service. Don't let that happen to your business.

5 Valuable Ways to Make Customers for Life

1. Start a Loyalty Program

Did you know that about 68% of loyal customers will join a loyalty program if offered?

Customer loyalty programs, sometimes called customer retention programs, effectively increase purchase frequency because they spur customers to buy your product or service more often.

2. Offer a Discount for Returning Customers

Everybody likes to save money.

So, tuck a coupon into the bag when you're ringing up a sale, and tell the buyer about it, so they don't miss it. Not only will these offer help improve your sales, but they'll help improve loyalty among customers.

According to Statista, 92% of consumers in the U.S. used coupons when making purchases last year.

3. Celebrate Your Customers

Recognizing your core and loyal customers goes a long way.

It might take a little more time than sending a quick email or phone call, but when you thank your customers from day one, you build momentum to help your business succeed.

Simple signs of gratitude include a handwritten note, a birthday card, giving back to causes close to your customers, noticing customers who go above and beyond, or offering a free service or product during a challenging time. 

4. Invite Customers to a Special Event

While online events seem to get the most fanfare, there is no replacement for face-to-face customer interaction.

That's why customer events drive loyalty. Everyone likes to be part of an exclusive group! 

Organize round tables with your company's executives or yourself if your business is small. Give them a sneak peek of what's coming next, or ask them for feedback on a new product or service. Another option is an after-hours client reception focusing more on guest entertainment than business goals.

5. Keep a Customer Communication Calendar

Whether you run a small or large business, initiative-taking communication should be a top priority.

Manage customer engagements and create opportunities to build brand loyalty. 

There are so many ways to reward and retain your loyal customers, and we can help! Contact us today to learn how we can help you, from loyalty cards and invitations to coupons and more! 

4 Simple Steps to Set Intentions

 

It's that time of year again: Time to re-evaluate your life, business, and goals.

Setting intentions for this year will help you fulfill them and be more successful than setting a resolution. Both practices require looking at yourself and making changes. But an intention isn't as harsh as a resolution.

Rather than setting goals for where you want to go, creating intentions shifts your attitude and mindset toward how you want to be. It allows you to take steps and be proud of them. How does one do this? Take a look at these four steps to setting intentions.

4 Simple Steps to Set Intentions 

1. Evaluate Yourself

If you want more knowledge, energy, and creativity, you have to start by taking a step back and looking inward. 

This is true even for leaders who don't have time, perhaps, especially for them!

"Spending time casting our thoughts back over the past day, week, or month and sitting down to regularly set goals for the future feels like a luxury of time [executives] can't afford. But the truth is, these practices are proven to lead to more productivity and better performance from the world's best leaders."

2. Envision Success

This is not "an exercise in magical thinking; rather, it is a way for us to program our brain and our subconscious toward what we want to see happen."  

Studies show that if we envision something positive, we are more likely to see it come to fruition.

Likewise, if we envision something negative, we set ourselves up for this.

3. Get Away From Fear-Based Goals

Don't beat yourself up trying to achieve something this year.

Intentions will be more of a goal without negative implications. "Positive intentions can help us take action with self-compassion rather than the sense of pressure that goals create."

4. Write Down Your Intentions

Create a picture, write it on a sticky note or simply write it on a piece of paper next to your bed.

Then, contemplate it daily so you can focus on what you intend to do.

"The intention I set in the morning informs my day in subtle or profound ways depending on the extent to which I keep it in my conscious awareness."

These are a few ways to set intentions instead of resolutions; if you try them, you might be surprised at what you accomplish. In addition, you will be more at peace and able to enjoy life while accomplishing things daily.

If you are trying to tackle a big project at the office, let us help. Set an intention to check out our website today!

7 Great Ways to Show Gratitude During the Holidays

 "When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude," writer G.K. Chesterton said.

It's that time of year: The perfect opportunity to show appreciation to those who have helped you this year and those you don't know. It will do your heart and head well to increase your gratitude this holiday season.

So here are some practical ideas.

7 Great Ways to Show Gratitude During the Holidays

1. Volunteer

Help at local hospitals, libraries, homeless centers, nursing homes, animal shelters, churches, or parks.

You can also go much more personal, helping friends in need by babysitting, doing their yard work, or taking them a meal.

Whatever you do, you'll help the community and improve your sense of thankfulness.

2. Count Your Blessings

Make a list of things for which you're grateful.

For example, instead of making a list of items you want for the holidays, make a list of what you have.

Count your blessings and record how you feel about having these things in your life. This also helps instill a sense of gratitude.

3. Perform a Small Act of Kindness

Open the door for someone. Whether you know them or not, a great way to instill a thankful attitude is to show some kindness. 

This holiday season is a great time to focus on the simple things like holding doors for shoppers at the grocery store, at the mall when you're picking up Christmas gifts, or at a restaurant after your meal.

Opening a door for someone may help them feel important. So go ahead and try it.

4. Write a Note

Giving someone a handwritten note can make their day.

It shows you care and provides them acknowledgment that they might not have thought they would receive. It can boost people's spirits more than you think.

Send it in the mail or write it on a sticky note. Think of people who work for or with you. Or family members. Just appreciate people for who they are.

5. Make a Treat

Bring in a plate full of cookies, bars, donuts, or even bagels.

This does a lot to bolster people's feelings of thankfulness. It shows you care and makes people feel loved.

6. Pay It Forward

If you are at a coffee shop, a drive-through, or even a restaurant, try buying a stranger a meal.

Sometimes the holidays are tough on people financially, and this is a great way to help out a stranger or even help a friend or coworker.

7. Unplug     

Turn off your phone when you are spending time with someone.

In today's digitally saturated world, being fully present with someone can be a big gesture. 

Focus on being with the other person without your phone beeping in your hand. This helps make solid connections.

Whatever you decide to do to increase your gratitude this holiday season will boost not only the spirits of others but yours too.

We are grateful that we get to continue to serve you and our community. If we can help boost your spirits with professional printing, don't hesitate to contact us today.

5 Reasons Every Small Business Should Send Holiday Cards

 It's time to decide if you're sending holiday cards to your clients!

Sending cards in the mail to your clients and customers does a lot more for your company than you might think. Take a look at five reasons you should extend the extra effort to send out holiday cards.

5 Reasons Every Small Business Should Send Holiday Cards

1. Elicit Joy

Emotions play an integral part in the buying decision, and sending a holiday card will boost those feelings.

It makes people happy to receive fun mail in their mailboxes. And a card is a lovely, elegant touch.

2. Send Thanks

Thank your customers for their continued support throughout the year.

The wording should express your thanks or seasonal greetings in a way that highlights your relationship with your client. 

3. Stand Out

Raise above the competition.

Many businesses digitally wish people holiday greetings, but those get lost in the junk email category. By sending an actual card, people will notice and be more appreciative. 

4. Show You Care 

A simple card means a lot during the holidays.

Small acts of kindness significantly impact client loyalty, and they may keep a client from looking elsewhere. 

5. Break Through the Noise

A sales flyer might not get read, but a holiday card will.

It makes people feel warm and fuzzy and keeps them thinking of your company.

As the holidays approach, we want to thank you for your business. 

If you need help with your holiday cards, we have many options. Contact us today!

7 Top Ways to Show Appreciation to Customer

 

Gratitude is a great skill to possess.

"I think gratitude is a big thing. It puts you in a place where you're humble," said Andra Day. 

And humility is a wonderful attribute, primarily when serving the public. When you meet up with prospective clients, gratitude is vital. We receive a much better welcome when people see how thankful we are to meet with them and to have their continued support. 

Research has proven that returning customers spend 67% more than new customers, and 82% of customers are brand loyal.

So, what else can you do to show appreciation besides saying thank you?  

Here are some ideas to show your gratitude.

 7 Top Ways to Show Appreciation to Customers

1. Send a Thank-You Note

Send a thank-you note in a letter, hand-written and signed by you.

Sure, it takes a little time, but keeping current customers happy is worth it—especially the ones you genuinely want to maintain a relationship with.

2. Make a Donation

Donate to something close to your customers' hearts.

If they support a worthy cause you can get behind, consider donating something to these causes in their name. 

3. Offer a Discount

Offer a discount just for them.

One of the easiest ways to build customer loyalty is by rewarding your customers for their business with loyalty cards and retail rewards.

4. Do a Giveaway

Offer a giveaway prize package.

Want to share the love and give out prizes to your fans? Running a giveaway is a great way to show your appreciation. This will excite customers, and they might even tell their friends and colleagues. 

5. Offer Free Services

Offer more free services if possible.

When people began to feel the impact of the coronavirus and social distancing, some companies went above and beyond to help people adjust to a challenging new reality.

Some companies offered free services or better deals on their products. When there is a stressor in your customers' lives, help out a little more. People notice it and will appreciate your help.

6. Talk Face-To-Face

Engage in face-to-face conversations with your clients.

Ultimately, people want to be seen and heard. Engaging with them in a conversation over video chat or, better yet, in person is a perfect way to thank them for supporting your company daily.

Listen to them rather than just pitching your ideas. Ask about their business and learn how you can genuinely help each other.

7. Acknowledge Them on Social Media

Feature customers on your blog or social media.

If they had a big event that you were able to be a part of, or help with in some way, show it. Portray pictures of the big day with words from them as to how the day went.

This is great to help celebrate their day. It's also great to get the word out about how you help people.

Whatever you choose to show appreciation will elevate your customer relationship and nurture long-lasting bonds. If you need help printing stationary or customized packaging, let us know. We would love to help!

How to Use Color to Impact Holiday Campaigns

 

When you think of the holidays, what colors come to mind?

Red, green, white, or maybe even blue and gold. These festive colors can evoke emotions from consumers by drawing them to colors they might not naturally be drawn to outside of the holiday season. 

Using color theory, the study of how color impacts perceptions and behaviors, we can help get customers in the mood for the holidays and, hopefully, buy your products. Here's what the experts say about the holiday colors we love.

How to Use Color to Impact Holiday Campaigns

Red

We know red as a warning: fire, stop signs, danger, and so forth.

But it is also a powerful color representing love, passion, importance, and hunger. 

Red can raise blood pressure and respiration rates and enhance human metabolism. We think of things like red berries, Santa, and more. Use this color as an accent, and you'll be doing well. However, if used in abundance, it tends to get overwhelming. 

Green

Green has both the calming attributes of blue and the excitement of yellow.

When used in a design, it is known to have a balancing and harmonizing effect. It also helps balance out red, which is used often this time of year.

Christmas trees can go back to medieval times to symbolize the Garden of Eden. Today, we tend to think of Christmas trees and mistletoe. 

White

Of course, we associate white with snow this time of year. 

But it also is an excellent backdrop for design. Since it is the polar opposite of black, it goes with just about every color and is perfect for minimalist design. In addition, it can soften the often bright colors of the season.

Blue

While blue is sometimes acquainted with sadness, calmness, and responsibility, it is also known for its dependability, peace, and religion.

Especially this time of year, we see that blue represents these last attributes. In times past, blue was connected to royalty as the pigments to produce the die were expensive. 

Gold

Success! Achievement! Luxury! Elegance! 

These are what gold represents, and many individuals associate this time of year with gifts.

Yellow, or gold, is a warm color and represents passion, happiness, enthusiasm, and energy. It's a powerful color, not used in abundance.

When thinking about designing your holiday marketing materials, these colors are tried-and-true, and people instantly associate them with the holidays. 

There are always beachy themes and tropical photos, but that typically doesn't represent the classic feel of the holiday season. Tapping into those warm emotions is easier when you keep with tradition.

The time to start thinking about holiday print materials is now! We can help you pick the right hues and colors for your marketing efforts. Visit our website 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!

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!