Monday, April 14, 2014

Use Variable Data Printing Case Studies to Help Close Sales


Most digital printers in the Twin Cities use variable data printing to create direct mail and other marketing pieces personalized to each recipient. However, it can be difficult to show prospects why variable data printing is a good return on investment.

A Look at Variable Data Printing Case Studies

One way to make the decision to invest in variable data printing easier is to provide prospects with real-life examples of successful projects. A case study may highlight one of your former clients and how variable data printing helped increase their response rates. Case studies help prospects see how variable data printing has benefited other businesses and make it easier for them to buy into a similar project.

Case studies typically use statistics to help hook clients into the idea that variable data printing can improve their marketing efforts, then present a problem—for example, low response rates—and show how variable data printing offers a solution to that problem. When prospects see a real-world example of how variable data printing is beneficial, it makes it easier for them to become clients.

What Is Variable Data Printing?

With variable data printing, companies customize their direct mail messages to each individual recipient rather than create one boilerplate message that is mass-produced and sent to thousands of recipients. Companies may change the text and graphics for each recipient depending on their age, gender and other demographic data. Variable data printing creates a stronger relationship between company and their target market, increasing the chance that recipients will convert to customers.

Variable data printing can be used for a variety of projects, direct mail, newsletters, bills and invoices, and purchase orders. Companies often see a good return on investment on variable data printing marketing projects because personalized marketing can increase sales while reducing the cost of the printing compared to traditional printing techniques.



Before your next meeting with a prospect, come up with a few real-world examples of how variable data printing helped some of your past clients. To learn more, call Matreks Printing today at 952-746-4010.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

How to Choose a Digital Printer for Your Business


There are many printing companies in the Twin Cities for businesses to choose from. How do you know that you’re working with one that meets the needs of your company? Use these three simple tips to make choosing your next digital printer easy.

Scrutinize the Printer’s Samples

The best way to gauge a print shop’s expertise is to take a look at a range of examples of their work. Ask yourself if the print quality is consistent. See how the quality holds up over a variety of paper types.

If you’re happy with the quality of the samples, ask the printer for a couple of references. Current and past clients may be able to tell you what it’s like working with the printer in question.

Ask About In-House Capabilities

Some printers are able to print nearly any project in-house, from brochures to banners. Other shops outsource some of the larger projects, like signs and banners, to other companies. Ask the print company you’re considering if they are capable of handling all projects in-house or if they partner with other companies. While print companies are able to deliver high-quality products in either situation, outsourcing some projects may increase the time it takes to complete the order.

Some print shops also offer in-house graphic design, which can be a real time-saver for clients. Many printers also offer mailing services in addition to print services. This means printers will not only print your next direct marketing project, they can also stamp it and mail it for you, too.

Check Out Customer Service

After reviewing print samples and understanding what a print company can offer in-house, you may still have a few printers on your short list. The next consideration should be customer service. Customer service is usually what sets excellent digital printers apart from their competition.

Many online digital printers can offer a variety of services at cutthroat rates. This may be fine until you run into a problem that their customer service representatives are unable (or unwilling) to solve.

Smaller, local digital printers are often able to offer some of the conveniences of online printers, such as online electronic file uploading for print projects, with the customer service of a small firm. Customer service representatives answer the phone and return calls, solve client problems, and even offer suggestions to improve your final product, such as paper choice and packing and shipping options.

Choosing a printer that best meets your needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these simple tips to make your decision easier. To learn more, contact Matreks Printing today at 952-746-4010.