Print & The Sales Process

Technology has made connecting with customers easier than ever. As a consumer yourself, you are likely inundated with information from companies in the form of emails, phone calls, websites, social media, Ad Words, print, radio, television, and everything in between. You may find some of these methods more effective than others that's the beauty of it. Sales professionals are constantly looking for new and inventive ways to catch people's attention.

But the question is:

How can you make your company stand out?

At Shea Graphics, we use a combination of email marketing, phone calls, website referrals via Ad Words, and of course, PRINT!
Print continues to be an effective form of marketing across many industries, and a go-to for motivated sales professionals. Here are some things to keep in mind for your next print project:

1. Identify your customer's needs

It's imperative that you know who you're targeting before going any further. This is the crucial step in turning prospects into long-term customers. Building your database is key, and once you have it, you need to treat it like gold. Ask yourself critical questions like, "What can I offer them that will help improve their business?" The printed material you create for your prospective customers needs to speak to their needs. Sure, your general information needs to be included of course, but how can you present in in a way that reaches your targeted customer? Compel them to want to reach out to you.

2. Provide a high-quality product

Print is tangible. You are creating something that people can see and feel, so it's important to deliver something high-quality and pleasing to the eye. There are countless options when it comes to paper stocks, so choose wisely. Having a print professional on your side can make all the difference. Make sure to pick a quality stock that you would be impressed to receive. There's nothing worse than something that looks nice but feels cheap or like it was printed on a home printer. As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression.

3. Be Creative

It's easy to fall in the trap of creating something generic and mass mailing it. But you don't want to be that company, do you? Let's talk about creating custom pieces that catch the eye. The opportunities are truly endless when it comes to print. Between die-cutting, foils, and more, you can truly create something unique that's representative of your company and what your prospective customer needs. Create something that when it lands on someone's desk, they actually want to open and read it.

4. Follow-Up

All of this is for naught if you're not going to follow-up. You've identified your customers, picked high-quality paper stocks, and created a stand-out design. It's landed on the desk of your dream customer and now what? Pick up the phone! Say hello, mention the day you dropped off your card or brochure or whatever wonderful piece you've made. Ask for their thoughts and learn even more about them and their business. Perhaps now isn't the right time and that's ok too. Check in another time. Think of the pieces you've received in the mail over the years. You don't always need what's being offered right away. But one day you might.  The key is to follow-up and follow-through on your printed sales materials every single time.
Keep these ideas in mind before you start on your next print project. If you're unsure where to start or have questions about a project you have in mind, feel free to give me a call and I'm happy to discuss with you. Let's get you the results you've been dreaming about.

Chris Downey

Print Consultant

905 447 0257

chris@shea-graphics.ca