Blog | Kevron Printing and Mailing

Tis’ the Season!

On October 18, 2011, in design, mailing, marketing, newsletter, postcard, printing, by Kevron Printing

The big stores know it before any of us. Tis’ the Season! Halloween is already past…kind of…so it’s already time to start planning for the holiday season and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hard to believe…how’s that 2011 New Year’s resolution going. That’s o.k. you can start planning your 2012 resolution. It’s also a great time [...]

The big stores know it before any of us. Tis’ the Season! Halloween is already past…kind of…so it’s already time to start planning for the holiday season and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hard to believe…how’s that 2011 New Year’s resolution going. That’s o.k. you can start planning your 2012 resolution.

It’s also a great time to start planning for the end of this business year and the start of a new one. It’s time to begin thanking your clients for all of their trust during the past year and start pampering them for more of the same in the new year. There are lots of ways you can say thanks. One tried and true item is personalized Holiday Cards, or a thoughtful calendar advertising your monthly specials. You can put a little more into you favorite customers with promotional items advertising your business to them year around, such as coffee mugs, water bottles, pens, mousepads and much more. Whatever your way of saying thanks, Happy Holidays or Happy New Year it is time to start putting together your plans. Kevron Printing & Mailing, Inc. can help from thoughtful designs to a holiday mailing campaign. Call us today and we’ll help you get started.

Advertising…How are you doing it?

On September 29, 2011, in design, marketing, printing, sales, by Kevron Printing

Do you know how many advertisements you are exposed to everyday? Of course you don’t…how could you it’s probably in the thousands. So… How do you make your business standout. Creativity, Repitition and Variety. Now, more than every before we are bombarded with advertisements, but what is different is how many different media we are [...]

Do you know how many advertisements you are exposed to everyday?

Of course you don’t…how could you it’s probably in the thousands.

So…

How do you make your business standout. Creativity, Repitition and Variety.

Now, more than every before we are bombarded with advertisements, but what is different is how many different media we are targeted by. Traditional media such as Television, Newspaper, Radio, Print and Mail are still prevalent. However, now you can add to that mix Social Media, Website, E-mail, Text Messaging, Blogs, Twitters and the next new medium is right around the corner. The answer is…all of the above. Coordinating your advertising between all the media is key to your advertising/marketing success. Your business’ marketing needs to give your targets the opportunity to decide how to be reached. If the like email your direct mail piece should direct them to your website so they can sign up for your email. If they like to receive a mail piece rather than an email your website should allow them to add their home or business address to there contact information.

Today’s marketing approach is no longer decided by the company and forced down the consumers throat…they just won’t take it. Today’s consumer wants to be able to decide how to relate to you and if you don’t give them the chance another company will.

Trade Show Essentials

On September 19, 2011, in marketing, posters, printing, signs, strategy, trade show exhibits, by Kevron Printing

Each season brings about it’s own set of conferences. Be prepared to make an impression on your booth visitors. After all, you have less than 10 seconds to grab a passerby’s attention enough to bring them in to your booth. The Essentials Here are just a few of the types of things you’ll want to [...]

Each season brings about it’s own set of conferences. Be prepared to make an impression on your booth visitors. After all, you have less than 10 seconds to grab a passerby’s attention enough to bring them in to your booth.

The Essentials

Here are just a few of the types of things you’ll want to have at your booth:

A backdrop: Whether you seek to wow and amaze your guests with a complicated architectural structure or simply use the pipe-and-drape normally provided, you should consider promoting your brand with full-color graphics. For the price-conscious, a 3′ X 8′ vinyl banner hooked onto the back of the booth can work. Otherwise, a popular choice is a 7′ X 10′ pop-up display complete with eye-popping graphics.
A retractable banner stand: In addition to or in lieu of your backdrop, retractable banner stands are a great value for your money. They are portable, attractive, and able to be displayed front-and-center (or off to one side) in your bo0th.
Brochures: Don’t let them go away empty handed. Among the other things you may give away, be sure to include something about you and your company! Brochures are compact. Be sure to give out as many as possible!
“Pluggers”: Are you promoting something special? Perhaps you should consider picking a highly profitable and useful product or service, and promote the heck out of it! “Pluggers” or postcards are perfect for coupons, trade-show specials, and other short-term promotions.
Premiums and promotional items: Finally, add value to your company by giving something useful to your visitors. While we recommend shying away from candy (the wrappers get thrown away and the candy eaten, leaving nothing for them to remember you by), there is a HUGE gamut of items available. Click HERE to access our catalog of promotional items.

Also, be sure to have TONS of business cards with you, and collect them from those who visit your booth. If you need help planning your exhibit, or if you just need help getting your backdrop, banner stand, brochures, pluggers, and promotional items, CONTACT US today!

Third Time Is a Charm

On September 6, 2011, in banners, design, marketing, planning, signs, strategy, by Kevron Printing

Take a tip from some of the most successful food chains in the nation: signs work. In fact, 96% of the signs used in businesses today are NOT the big behemoths that may come to mind as billboards and site signs. They are the signs you see on a more intimate level–on the journey toward [...]

Take a tip from some of the most successful food chains in the nation: signs work. In fact, 96% of the signs used in businesses today are NOT the big behemoths that may come to mind as billboards and site signs. They are the signs you see on a more intimate level–on the journey toward the point of purchase.

A formula that has proven extremely successful for storefronts such as Panera Bread, Denny’s, and even retailers such as T-Mobile, is what we refer to as a three-point system.

The Three-Point Sign System

The gist of the three-point system is to highlight a particularly profitable and timely product or service, and to do so repetitively so that by then end, the customer wants to purchase that product or service. The recipe is as follows:

1. Put a banner or poster in the window–well made single-sided or double-sided banners with grommets and suction-cup hooks OR adhesive-back vinyl posters pique the customers’ attention as they pass the windows coming into the shop.

2. Place a foam board poster on a stand at the entrance way / waiting area–take the same message using the same graphics, shrink it down to a 28″ X 22″ size, and KAPOW, you’ve now assaulted their senses with a second instance building intrigue.

3. Place a placard at the point of purchase–finally, create several smaller signs or table tents around the point of purchase area or at the patrons’ tables. You’ll now have whet their appetite to make a beeline straight for that product in the menu to learn more about this “superfantastic” stroke of genius you had.

This formula can work to promote:

lunch and dinner specials
drink specials
loyalty club memberships
plans and subscriptions
patient referral programs for doctors
and products galore

If you have any questions about this or any of our other profit-building services, don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information and pricing options.

Direct Mail Improves Web Traffic

On August 31, 2011, in design, mailing, marketing, planning, postcard, printing, by Kevron Printing

When recently speaking with two of our clients on two separate occasions, I noted an interesting phenomenon: in each case, their web traffic spiked when these companies used a well-formulated direct-mail campaign. The Ingredients to a Successful Campaign It appears that the recipe for success that was used in common between the two companies consisted [...]

When recently speaking with two of our clients on two separate occasions, I noted an interesting phenomenon: in each case, their web traffic spiked when these companies used a well-formulated direct-mail campaign.

The Ingredients to a Successful Campaign

It appears that the recipe for success that was used in common between the two companies consisted of the following:

They knew their market very well and developed a strong list according to their demographics
They had a web-based call-to action creating 2-4 “touches” by the customer to a website, perhaps a social media outlet, and to a subsequent email or phone number contact
They had a design that was easy to read, easy to navigate, and was extremely attractive. By the way, one was in full-color while the other was in one color on a colored paper.
They had an incentive for the client to take action right away–an offer too good to pass up.
They used tracking systems in the way of coupon codes, specialized email addresses, phone numbers, and web URLs.
They budgeted well and were realistic about their spend vs their return.

With a well-formulated and appetite-whetting campaign, you can maximize your direct mail campaign by adding a strong web component. Also, if you are looking to increase your web traffic, you may be missing an opportunity by dismissing the power of direct mail.

How many ways can you tell your story?

On August 22, 2011, in marketing, newsletter, planning, strategy, by Kevron Printing

Recently at an event hosted in Chicago’s Southland, there was a discussion about how it’s important to tell one’s story to attract and retain customers. Many times when blogging or creating an email campaign or sending a mailer, the hold up is, “What am I going to write about?” Here are just a few suggestions [...]

Recently at an event hosted in Chicago’s Southland, there was a discussion about how it’s important to tell one’s story to attract and retain customers. Many times when blogging or creating an email campaign or sending a mailer, the hold up is, “What am I going to write about?”

Here are just a few suggestions of topics to consider when presenting a story for a press release, newsletter, blog, or whatever other form or PR you are putting out into the world to promote your business:

History–where do you come from? There is a very good outplacement firm that does an exceptional job of doing this consistently in a way that makes you want to stay on their list
Philanthropy–who have you helped recently?
Current or upcoming events–where were you, where are you, and where will you be?
Passions–what drives you in a way that nothing else can?
Timely news–what’s going on in your business?
Awards–who noticed what you are doing?
Specials–are you rolling out the next best thing?
Adding Personnel–who have you added to your strategic team?
Unique Features–what do you have that no one else does? Perhaps a product line or a guarantee?
Grand Opening
Grand Re-opening
Anniversary
Moving
Chase’s calendar of events–this is a quirky list of days of the year like “Earth Hour” and “Take Your Dog To Work Week”

You can also use your clients’ stories as stories on how you helped them. It’s a great way to promote both businesses!

Tell your story…

On August 17, 2011, in business, marketing, newsletter, printing, signs, testimonials, by Kevron Printing

Why is it that someone does business with you? Is it because you’re the best–well, perhaps, but let’s dig a little deeper. Is it because you’re the “cheapest”–that might be true, but you likely won’t stick around long enough to read the rest of this article using that philosophy. The real reason why people do [...]

Why is it that someone does business with you? Is it because you’re the best–well, perhaps, but let’s dig a little deeper. Is it because you’re the “cheapest”–that might be true, but you likely won’t stick around long enough to read the rest of this article using that philosophy.

The real reason why people do business with you and you company is that they heard or read and believed the story of YOU. Whether that story was about the mission and vision of your company, how you came to be in business, or, quite simply, an advertisement for a product or service, it’s the story that consists of several key components that generates interest and keeps people engaged.

A story should consist of:

A heroic character
A problem
A quest
A miracle
A moral
A testimonial from an eye witness

With this formula, whether you are writing copy, using graphics, or both, your advertisements are sure to hold the attention of your audience and embed your essence, the hero, into their hearts and minds.

In the days of yore, the storyteller always had a special place by the fire and was highly regarded by the community as a person of great importance. As marketers, we strive to help our clients tell their story so that they are regarded as those of great importance to their customers. If we can be of assistance to you helping you to be a hero, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Two Words About Signs and Banners

On August 8, 2011, in banners, marketing, posters, signs, by Kevron Printing

Affordable and Effective. According to the Small Business Administration, signs are the most affordable and effective form of advertising for small businesses. There’s little new here to many business owners, but, as we always say, “A business with no sign is a sign of no business.” Affordable There are fewer “cheaper” ways to advertise than [...]

Affordable and Effective.

According to the Small Business Administration, signs are the most affordable and effective form of advertising for small businesses. There’s little new here to many business owners, but, as we always say, “A business with no sign is a sign of no business.”

Affordable

There are fewer “cheaper” ways to advertise than a sign. For an outdoor banner valued at $150-200, your cost per impression on a major throughway is a small fraction a penny.

Effective

With the proper wording, images, and compelling message, you can potentially drive more interest with a well-made and well-placed banner than with many of your other marketing efforts combined.

Consider keeping your message as short as possible with a call to action to visit your location, log on to your website, or call your phone number. It is recommended to keep your method of communication to one form so that you can best track your results. Also, make sure you are using legible fonts sized properly for easy reading with the right color combinations. Your local professional graphic designer (aka “yours truly”) is able to help to shape your sign or banner into the most powerful and effective piece in your public advertising toolkit.

Marketing Planning

On August 1, 2011, in marketing, planning, strategy, by Kevron Printing

Do you have a plan? There are so many people with whom we speak with their own business or in charge of a marketing department who run by the seat of their pants. Some of these are successful, but most frantically try to discover why they can’t seem to: Find the time to start and/or [...]

Do you have a plan?

There are so many people with whom we speak with their own business or in charge of a marketing department who run by the seat of their pants. Some of these are successful, but most frantically try to discover why they can’t seem to:

Find the time to start and/or complete projects
Discover just what is going on with their projects
Understand where their marketing is going
Stay the course and replicate their successes

The old adage holds true, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Running your marketing operation or even a marketing project without a road map with a destination (a goal) in mind is like driving in the dark without headlights. You might make it out alive, but chances are you’re gonna end up with a disaster on your hands.

There are many different planning tools out there. Most business planning software out there (many of which you can pick up for under $100) include the ability to create a separate marketing plan. However, we like a more concise 1-2-page plan that consists of the following:

Vision
Mission
SMART Goals
Strategies to hit goals
Tactics to hit strategies
A time-ordered plan of attack

Testimonials

On July 29, 2011, in business, marketing, sales, testimonials, by Kevron Printing

In a world full of messages pelting us every second of the day whether you are watching TV, using the internet, driving on the expressway, or even walking through your neighborhood, it’s often hard to deliver a message that truly grabs your target audience. After all, people do business with companies and people they know, [...]

In a world full of messages pelting us every second of the day whether you are watching TV, using the internet, driving on the expressway, or even walking through your neighborhood, it’s often hard to deliver a message that truly grabs your target audience. After all, people do business with companies and people they know, like, and trust.

There are fewer better ways to develop the trust factor than to have your own army of walking billboards–people who have nothing but nice things to say about your company. I’m writing about TESTIMONIALS!

Try to solicit testimonials from people with whom you’ve done business on a frequent basis as well as from new clients or customers. A written testimonial is great because, with their permission (of course), you can use it in all of your marketing.

In print, you can use it in your testimonials can go a long way. Try including a couple:

In your newsletter
On a postcard mailer
In a letter
Within a personalized note card
On a giveaway scratch pad
On your office signage
Within your display ads
Use them in press releases

On the web, there are so many incredible ways you can solicit and use testimonials. Here are just a few:

Use LinkedIn to both solicit and display your testimonials or “Recommendations” in LinkedIn-speak
Display your testimonials on your website. This adds content the search engines eat up and, again strengthens relationships.
Take video testimonials to plaster on YouTube and your your website
Get people to review you on Yelp and Google Places!
Ask your client if, in addition to a testimonial, you can create a brief case study of a project so you can create a whitepaper as a premium for signing up for your email newsletter
Include them in your email newsletter
Post them to your blog
Tweet and post to Facebook your newest testimonials

Whatever you do, make sure that you reciprocate by thanking your customer somehow. A nice card, a coupon, or a testimonial for their product or services is definitely in order.

Keep Moving Forward!