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.

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.

7 Effective Ideas for Creating Copy for Postcard Marketing

Copywriting for postcard marketing is an essential part of any successful campaign. The right copy can capture a reader’s attention, engage their interest in your message, and compel them to take action.

Compelling postcard copy that resonates with your target audience requires creativity, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of your business objectives.

Here are seven ideas to help you create compelling copy for postcard marketing that will inspire your customers and drive results.

7 Hot Tips for Effective Postcard Marketing Copy

1. Focus on the customer

Your postcard should focus on what’s in it for the customer – not just your business.

Consider their needs, wants, and interests, and use language that speaks directly to them.

2. Keep it concise

Postcards are small, so limit your copy to the essentials.

Use short, punchy sentences that get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary words.

3. Include a call to action

Make sure your postcard includes a compelling call to action.

This could be anything from signing up for an email list, purchasing, or downloading a coupon.

After reading your postcard marketing message, customers must know precisely what you want them to do.

Some examples of solid calls to action are “Call now to get 20% off!” or “Visit our website to learn more.”

Ensure your message is targeted and relevant so that your customers know exactly how they should respond.

4. Leverage action words

Action words can be used to make your copy more inviting and persuasive.

Try using verbs like learn, discover, explore, save, and enjoy to engage customers and motivate them to take action.

5. Use humor if appropriate

Humor is an effective way to connect with customers, especially if it’s used in the right way.

Just be sure to avoid anything controversial or offensive.

6. Personalize the content

Personalize your message to the individual customer.

Customizing postcards with personalized messages, such as names or special offers, can make them feel special and more likely to take the desired action.

Using mail merge software or variable printing can help you quickly customize each postcard so that it is targeted for the recipient.

7. Test different variations of copy and offers

It’s important to know what works best regarding postcard marketing.

Try testing different versions of the copy or offers to see which ones perform the best. This can help refine your message and ensure you are targeting the right audience with the right offer.

By using these tips for creating effective copy for postcard marketing, you can ensure that your message stands out and resonates with potential customers while increasing response rates.

Need help crafting just the attention-grabbing phrase for your postcards? We’re the team you need! Contact us now to get started.

5 Creative Ways to Use Business Cards

When it comes to increasing success and customer recognition for your business, it pays off to focus on the details. Don’t underestimate the strength of the little things in your company- like business cards! 

From boosting customer loyalty to adding a personal touch to packaging, read on to discover five creative ways to use business cards to enhance your company today.

5 Fresh Ideas for Business Cards

1. Loyalty Cards

Rewarding your loyal customers is an essential way to ensure your company’s success!

Why not incorporate a loyalty-reward aspect into your business cards? Simply print your company’s logo and contact information on one side of the card, leaving space on the other for stamps or punch-out holes.

Incentivize the shopping experience for your customers by showing them that a freebie or discount is waiting for them after a certain number of visits or purchases. 

2. Appointment Reminders

If your company offers scheduled services or consultations, use the backside of your business card as an appointment reminder! 

This small card will help your customers keep track of when their appointment to meet with you, but it will also serve as a reminder of your brand- especially if you include your logo and signature colors on the card. Using a specific signature color on your business materials can increase brand recognition by 80%.

3. Product Tags

By punching a hole in the corner of your traditional business card, you can attach it to your product (whether it be clothing or the box of another type of product)! 

You can still include your company contact information on the tag, along with your logo, the price, and a short message about the product. Remember where the hole punch goes when designing your card, and consider using thicker paper to add durability!

4. Feedback Opportunities

Feedback is one of the most critical components for keeping your business strategy effective and staying ahead of the competition in your field.

You can use your business cards to collect it. 

On the back of your company’s business card, add a question and leave some space for customers to write in their feedback, or use a number scale where they can circle their ratings. Then post a drop-box in your store where they can leave their replies when they stop in!

5. Bookmarks

Whether your company involves books or not, bookmarks are a helpful token that might increase the likelihood of customers holding onto your business card!

Remember to keep the design consistent with your brand’s colors and logo so that customers will think of you whenever they see the bookmark. Of course, include your contact information, but consider adding a fun, colorful design or an encouraging message!

So, remember, the little things can make a big impact on your business’s success, and business cards are no exception! Embrace these fresh business card ideas and watch how they contribute to brand recognition and customer loyalty! Contact us today to start your next business card order.

Use Print Marketing to Stand Out at Your Next Event

83% of brands say that event marketing has consistently increased their sales. Bringing compelling printed materials enhances the impact and is a powerful way to promote your product or services at these events.

By using print materials like flyers, pamphlets, business cards, posters, banners, and brochures, you can create a memorable impression that will stay with prospective customers long after they’ve left the event.

According to Scientific American, research over the last two decades reveals that individuals tend to understand and remember text better when reading from paper compared to screens. So don’t forget to include print marketing in your event strategy.

Top Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials for Your Next Event

Keep It Simple

Make sure your design is simple so that the critical information can be easily read and understood at a glance.

Avoid clutter, and include only essential elements like logos, text, graphics, and colors. Remember that people will likely scan as they walk by your booth.

Get Creative

Make your materials stand out from the competition by incorporating creative elements like foil, texture, die cuts, or unique folds.

These unique touches will help draw people in and make them more likely to remember your brand.

Think Local

If participating in a local event, consider customizing some of your print materials for that specific audience.

For instance, you could include a specific offer or create visuals that feature local places and landmarks.

Make the Most of Social

Include your social media handles on all your print materials so people can follow you immediately.

Also, consider using QR codes, which make it easier for people to quickly pull up your website or social accounts on their mobile devices.

Print Products People Will Remember

In addition to flyers, brochures, and business cards, consider exploring other print products that will make a lasting impression.

Some great options include:

Stickers

Great for giveaways or simply as eye-catching additions to your booth. Consider die-cut stickers with unique shapes or foil accents for an extra “wow” factor.

Posters

Whether you’re looking for something to hang up in or around your booth, posters are a great way to make an impact. Add a frame or easel for added style points.

Magnets

Get creative with car magnets that feature your logo and contact information. This is an easy way to get your name out there when people are traveling to and from the event.

Notepads

Make sure your name stays on everyone’s desk with branded notepads that remind people of your brand every time they use them.

By making print marketing a part of your event strategy, you can create powerful impressions that will stay with prospective customers long after the event.

Not sure where to start? We can help! Contact our team today to begin creating print marketing products to get your business noticed!

9 Easy Ways to Boost Your Sales with Print

Print marketing is an effective way to promote your business and boost sales. It allows you to reach potential customers tangibly and create valuable connections with them.

From creating customized mailers to using promotional flyers, we will cover all the tips and tricks you need to get the most out of print marketing.

Let’s dive in!

Increase Your Sales with These 9 Print Marketing Tips

1. Create Customized Mailers

Customized mailers are a great way to grab your customer’s attention and make them feel special.

Personalize your mailers with unique messages, designs, or images that match your brand and add value to the customer experience.

2. Design Personalized Postcards

Postcards are a simple yet effective tool for getting your message across.

Create postcards with attractive designs and eye-catching images that appeal to your target audience and draw them in.

3. Utilize Promotional Flyers

Promotional flyers allow you to spread the word about your business or product.

Include images, details about your offerings, or a coupon code to get people interested in what you have to offer.

4. Develop Brochures

Brochures give potential customers a comprehensive overview of your business and make them feel informed about the services you provide.

Design effective brochures that communicate all the essential information yet remain visually appealing.

5. Print Door Hangers

Door hangers are an affordable way to reach your local community and attract new customers.

Place door hangers in areas that you know potential customers frequent, such as near the entrance of a store or in residential neighborhoods.

6. Utilize Window Graphics

Installing vinyl signs or decals on your windows will help customers quickly identify what type of business you are and make your shop look more inviting and professional.

Window graphics can communicate important details such as location, special promotions, and contact information.

7. Create Loyalty Programs

At the core of a successful loyalty program is a card or coupon that customers can use for discounts on products or services.

Be sure to include a strong call to action so customers are aware and motivated to join your loyalty program.

8. Update Your Packaging

If you sell physical products, include print marketing materials in your packaging.

Having flyers, postcards, or coupons in your customers’ packages can help boost sales and increase customer loyalty. Not only will this provide customers with information about your business, but it will also make them feel valued and appreciated.

9. Create Customized Stickers

Use customized stickers to give out as free samples or attach them to products purchased from your store.

You can also hand them out at special events like trade shows or conventions. These little touches will create a lasting impression on customers and even spark conversations about your business.

These are just a few ways you can use print marketing to boost your sales. With the right strategy, you can reach more customers and increase awareness of your business.

Ready to boost your sales? Put the power of print marketing to work for you! Contact us today for more information about how to get started!

Marketing Glossary: 10 Key Terms Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

If you’re new to print marketing (or marketing in general) for your small business, it is easy to get confused by all the industry-specific jargon. But fear not. We’re here to provide clarity and guidance!

Regardless of the print media you choose, be it postcards, brochures, or posters, implementing effective marketing strategies is essential for getting the best results. And a critical step towards success is gaining an understanding of the fundamental terms used in marketing.

Here is a list of 10 essential terms you need to know as a small business owner.

10 Key Marketing Terms Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

1. Branding

Branding refers to all the processes that help create a unique business identity.

Effective branding is vital to making your business stand out from competitors in a positive way. Branding elements include your company’s name, mission, logo, general theme, tone of voice, etc.

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing revolves around creating information intended to be consumed by an audience.

Good content should offer helpful information in an easy-to-read format, eventually driving more sales.

3. Lead

A lead is an individual or organization reached or engaged by your brand content.

They have shown a level of interest in your brand and are likely to make a purchase. Simply put, your leads are your potential customers. 

4. Lead Generation

Lead generation refers to a business’s methods or tactics to attract potential customers (leads).

It often involves acquiring these would-be customers’ contact and demographic details, learning about the target market, and eventually converting them into buyers.

5. Sales Funnel

The process that guides the leads you have generated from the time they discover your business to when they make a purchase is called the sales funnel.

It is typically made up of several steps in increasing levels of commitment for the lead until the sale is completed. The stages in a sales funnel are not the same for every business. While some use a simple 3-step model, others use a more complicated approach.

6. Buyer Persona

A buyer persona refers to a fictional individual with specific attributes that make them your ideal customer.

Knowing your buyer persona will help you adapt your marketing strategy to generate more leads.

7. Demographics

Demographics refer to the specific data or attributes that define your target audience.

Examples of demographics include age, sex, location, occupation, and income.

8. Call to Action (CTA)

A call to action is a prompt that urges readers to make a purchase or carry out some specific activity.

Some examples of CTAs are asking your reader to visit your website or contact customer service. Research shows that a good CTA can increase your conversions by up to 28%.

9. Testimonial

A testimonial is a positive review by your previous or current customer about your business.

Publishing a customer’s statement about your product or service’s value to them in your brochure or newsletter will boost your credibility and encourage potential customers.

10. Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on investment is a method of project evaluation.

It measures a business’s profit (return) in carrying out a project with the money (investment) spent on that project. ROI can help you determine the most profitable marketing strategy for your business.

With a solid understanding of these fundamental terms, you’re on your way to navigating the world of marketing with confidence!

Contact us for trustworthy and professional printing services—we’re here to support your marketing projects!

6 Ways to Elevate Postcard Marketing with QR Codes

Digital marketing may be everywhere, but many companies still use print marketing or print products as part of their advertising and marketing plans. Finding ways to integrate the tangible appeal of print marketing with the interactivity of the online realm is a great way to utilize both.

One way to do this is strategically using QR codes on postcards. QR codes provide an exciting opportunity to add interactivity, engagement, and measurable insights to your print marketing campaigns.

According to recent statistics, in 2022, 89 million smartphone users scanned a QR code with their devices. With this number projected to reach nearly 100 million by 2025, it is evident that QR codes have become a prominent tool in connecting offline and online experiences.

Now, let’s explore six creative ways to leverage QR codes on postcards to captivate your audience and boost your print marketing efforts.

6 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes on Postcards

1. Link to a Website or Landing Page 

Placing a QR code on your postcard is a great way to provide more information about your business or organization.

You can use a QR code to link to your website, a landing page for a special offer, or even a video about your products or services. This immediately turns offline traffic into online traffic and gives you valuable, measurable insights into how well your marketing dollars work.

2. Offer a Discount or Promotion

Everyone likes to get something for free or at least at a discount.

You can also use QR codes as an inexpensive way to promote your business or organization. You can use a QR code to offer a discount on your products or services or to enter a contest or giveaway.

3. Collect Feedback From Customers

Seeking customer feedback is vital for growth, and you can use QR codes to collect it.

By creating a survey that you link to a QR code, you can gather immediate responses and gain valuable insights to improve your offerings and meet customer needs. 

4. Drive Traffic to Social Media 

Want to gain followers on social media? Use QR codes!

QR codes can be used to drive traffic to your social media pages. You can use a QR code to link to your Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram, or any other social media platform. Combine driving traffic to your social media accounts with a discount, and you have a double whammy. 

5. Personalize Your Postcards 

Don’t have enough room on your printed postcard for a lengthy or personal message? QR codes can be used to personalize your postcards.

You can use a QR code to link to a video or message specific to the recipient.

6. Distribute a Free E-Book or Digital Download

Many organizations and businesses use free e-books and digital downloads to gain loyal customers.

With a quick QR code scan, your customers can be led directly to the e-book or digital download, and you can collect valuable data. 

QR codes are a versatile tool that can be used in various ways, which is why they are at the top of the industry trends-to-watch list. Using QR codes on your postcards, you can add interactivity and engagement to your marketing campaigns.

Combining established mobile technology with print marketing will help your business soar to the next level. Contact us today to learn how to start incorporating QR codes into your next round of postcards.

5 Ways to Outshine the Competition with Die-Cut Signs

Die-cut signs offer a great way to elevate your business’s visibility and make a lasting impression. Whether promoting products or services, announcing events, or enhancing your brand’s presence, die-cut signs leave a lasting impression.

Die-cutting is a broad term that refers to a process in which you use a machine to mass-produce cut-out shapes. This saves time and guarantees professional, consistent results every time without using scissors, stencils, or a craft knife. 

The five tips below will help you use die-cut signs to stand out and leave a lasting impression. 

5 Ways to Outshine the Competition with Die-Cut Signs

1. Material Matters

Die-cut signs can be made from various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood.

The material you choose will depend on the look you’re going for and the environment your signs will be displayed in.

2. Select an Eye-Catching Die-Cut

The die-cut shape of your sign offers boundless creative opportunities.

You can choose a simple shape, such as a rectangle or a circle, or get more elaborate with a custom die-cut. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  1. Your logo or other iconic images, e.g., A cut-out of a mermaid in a Starbucks
  2. Silhouettes of your products or services, e.g., a cupcake for a bakery or an airplane for a travel agency.
  3. A shape that evokes your values, e.g., a leaf-shaped sign for an eco-friendly product.

A company that does this well is Starbucks. Their stores often have signage replicating the green and white round mermaid logo on their cups and packaging. 

3. Find the Perfect Printing Method

Die-cut signs can be printed in various ways, including offset, digital, and screen printing.

The printing method you choose will depend on your budget and the look you’re going for.

4. Keep Your Text Clear and Concise

Brevity will ensure that your message on your die-cut is easy to read and understand.

Grab the attention of prospective customers quickly with strong words that prompt a call to action.

5. Use High-Quality Materials

Investing in durable materials ensures that your die-cut signs withstand the test of time, making a lasting impression for years to come.

Following these tips, you can create die-cut signs to help your business stand out and attract new customers.

Ready to make your business shine? Visit us online or come by our shop to try this creative marketing method!

The Why, What, and How of a Good Brand: Don’t Miss These Tips and Tricks

A brand is the spirit and soul of your company. It makes your company recognizable, trustworthy, and loved by customers. A brand built up well is one of your company’s most valuable assets! 

59% of consumers prefer buying their products from familiar brands. That’s why crafting a brand is vital, considering many different elements of what you want your company’s brand to be! Here are some things you should consider. 

5 Tips for Creating an Effective Brand

1. Identify Your Audience and Research Competition

One of the first steps in creating your company’s brand should be completing market research.

Identifying your company’s target audience will help you focus on communicating to them how your company’s products or services will meet their needs and values.

It’s also important to scope out how the competitors in your company’s field compare to what your business has to offer. When marketing your brand, consider emphasizing what makes your company unique to stand out from competitors. 

2. Design the Visual Aspect of Your Brand

Using a signature color can increase a customer’s brand recognition by 80%.

Choosing a color or two that works for your company and keeping it consistent between your brand’s packaging, logo, and any other print materials will create a strong association in your customer’s minds. 

A consistent font or typography style can also help create a cohesive and professional feel for your brand.

3. Create a Personality for Your Brand

One of the more finite details you might not have considered is the language your brand uses in its signage, advertisements, and other marketing.

Choosing a “voice” for your brand will create consistency and make your branding more effective. For example, if you’re trying to create a classy, high-end feel for your brand, consider using more formal language; if your target audience is young adults, consider using more conversational vocabulary.

Remember, your company slogan should also reflect your brand’s personality to your customers. 

If your company has social media accounts, create posts that reflect the personality that your brand is going for and reply to posts mentioning your company to connect with customers and build familiarity and trust with them.  

4. Consistency is Key for Your Brand

Consumers will agree that the strongest kind of brand is a consistent brand.

The brands that have earned a loyal customer following over the years are the ones that integrate their brand’s personality and key elements seamlessly throughout their entire company. 

One of the easiest ways to do this is by creating a style guide for your entire company. A style guide is like the rulebook for your brand, and every company department should have it. This practice ensures that font, tone of voice, and color shades remain consistent between direct mail, social media posts, your company website, and more. 

5. Never be Afraid to Rebrand

Sometimes, even if your company’s current brand is effective, a rebrand might open up more opportunities for you.

Consider how you might be able to change your company’s name, visual aspects like logo and color scheme, or brand “voice” to better speak to your audience.

But remember to gather feedback from your current customers before making any major brand shifts and try to maintain a degree of brand consistency to prevent instability.

Your brand is an asset that can drive customer preference and contribute to long-term success. Invest the time and effort into crafting a brand that truly represents your company’s values and resonates with your target audience. 

Follow these five tips and tricks to unlock your brand’s potential and watch your business soar! If you need help translating your ideas into print, contact us today.