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4 Custom Print Products to Help With Delivery Services

Tue, 11 May 2021 20:51:51 GMT

The addition of delivery service to your business comes with a lot of benefits. You can expand your customer base, reach out directly to consumers, and improve your business during times when customers are not coming to stores in person. As you introduce or expand a delivery service, learn how custom printed products can help with the process.

Each printed product serves a specific purpose. Consider using one or more of these products as you promote your delivery options.

1. Car Magnets

When a car approaches a home or another business, let the people know who is coming with a custom car magnet. Magnets are a better option than bumper stickers or window decals because you may rotate delivery drivers and can easily swap a magnet from one car to the next. The magnets should feature your business name, contact information, and logo.

Feature text like "Delivery" or "Delivery Driver." Ideally, the magnets would go on the car door and you can order oversized magnets with easy visibility. In some cases, you may want to feature a magnet on each side of the car so people can see the design from both directions.

In most states, the use of magnets for business use is perfectly legal, but you should check your local laws to see what classifies as a business or personal vehicle.

Your drivers represent your business, so you could add an informational contact magnet to the back of their vehicle. These messages are seen on many business vehicles. Text may include "How's My Driving?" or "Report Any Reckless Driving Issues" with a dedicated phone number underneath.

The back car magnet acts as a deterrent for reckless driving and will keep drivers considerate as they represent your company.

2. Parking Lot Signs

The key to successful delivery is ensuring products arrive quickly and on time. If your delivery driver is constantly looking for a parking spot at your own business, then you may run into issues. A print company can create a custom sign to designate a parking spot for the delivery driver.

Connect the sign to its own post or weighted base, or attach the sign to the side of a building in front of the spot. Keep the sign simple. Feature your business logo and a message like "Delivery Driver Parking Only."

If you have specific windows where you offer delivery, then add in the delivery hours as "1 PM - 9 PM" on the bottom of the sign. The addition of the times will keep the available space open for others during times when delivery is not offered.

3. Promotional Postcards

Promoting a new delivery service is all about awareness. If customers can order delivery from the comfort of their own home, they need to know the service is available. Promotional postcards offer a direct-to-consumer approach. The postcard can feature a ton of content in a small space.

Use the postcards to introduce the delivery service and highlight some new products. Offer discounts for first-time delivery customers. The discounts can include a special code customers can use when they order online. You could also feature a vintage cutout coupon that customers could present to delivery drivers when they have an order delivered.

4. Window Graphics

Another way to promote a delivery service is with window graphics. Large custom decals can feature text like "Delivery Now Available" or "Order Delivery". The text can include a phone number or website for contact information. The font and color design should match your business's.

New decals feature long-lasting graphics that will not fade in the sun. If you have windows that face different streets, then consider decals for each window so potential customers can see the message no matter which street they travel on.

Order your custom print products from our professionals at InkSpot Printing . With some planning and execution, you can make your delivery service a success right from the start.

Binding Options for Company Guides and Manuals

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:47:36 GMT

A company guide is an essential reference for employees. The guides may include the company history, mission statement, and breakdown of specific instructions. New employees may receive the guide to learn more about the company and the way operations work. No matter what your company guide entails, you can put together a professional product with print services.

Along with crisp and clear paper product options, you can keep company guides together with proper binding. Learn about your binding options and ways to present the manual in a professional manner.

Saddle Stitch

Folded similar to a magazine, a saddle-stitched binding is ideal for smaller guides and manuals. You can use the stapled binding to put together printouts with glossy full-color pages that include company details and information. The saddle-stitched binding features a thin edge and no spine. The prints are easy to stack together or display on a coffee table.

The binds will typically feature two staples near the top and bottom. Thicker prints may rely on a third staple in the center.

Plastic Coil

For page-by-page manuals, employees can easily access specific pages and directions with a plastic coil binding. The coil is forced through each page and loops around so employees can stay open to a specific page or lay the printout flat on a desk.

The plastic coil comes in multiple color finishes to help match the theme of the print or your branding. You can select the same color coil for every print or multiple colors to add a variety to the print finish.

Wire-O Binding

A similar binding to the plastic coil is wire-o binding. The binding is made of a metal wire as opposed to plastic. The binding has more durability and is an ideal option for work materials not used in a traditional office. The durability of the metal wire makes the finished printout easy to travel with.

You can select from multiple metal finishes for the binding, including silver, bronze, or black. The shaping of the wires allows the wire-o binding to work with both large and small print projects.

Perfect Bind

If you're looking for something similar to a book, then consider a perfect bind printout. Each page is individually glued to a binded cover. The cover of the printout is typically a thicker card stock option that has a glossy finish and is ideal for covers with photos and company logos.

The thick binding allows you to print titles on the spine and easily place the printout on a bookshelf. If you print out new guides or books periodically, then the spine details are ideal for organization as your library of materials grows.

In some cases, a perfect bind may also be called a padded binding. Both processes are similar as glue holds book pages together. A padded bind may be considered a more durable binding with more glue along the spine. A padded bind may be useful in thicker books with more pages.

Three-Hole Punch

One of the quickest ways to bind a book together is with a three-hole punch process. Professional printers use heavy-duty hole punchers to ensure all the holes line up evenly. The pages keep together with brass fasteners pushed through each hole. While the process works for any type of print, the three-hole punch is ideal for mainly text-based printouts.

You can hold huge stacks of paper together with the three-hole punch, and the binding option is ideal when you need a lot of copies to hand out to employees. The binding is ideal for printouts you plan on recycling in the near future. You can easily remove the brass fasteners and recycle the paper when needed.

Find out about all your binding options and receive project estimates with our services at InkSpot Printing . Our experienced workers and advanced technology will help provide you with the best printing options to fit your needs.

4 Modern Ways to Use Promotional Postcards

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:11:13 GMT

While many companies have shifted to digital marketing strategies, you still have many ways to cater your products and services directly to consumers through promotional advertisements. Instead of sending an envelope that a person has to open, you can rely on promotional postcards for direct consumer options.

Learn how to showcase modern features on the postcards and make your mailers stand out.

1. Snap Tag Business Logos

While QR codes provide an easy way for consumers to scan codes and gain digital access from printed materials, you can implement an elegant design with the use of Snap Tag Business Logos. Snap Tag designs can take your business logo and add a patterned code design around the outside.

A person who receives the postcard with the Snap Tag logo can instantly access web content including your online shop, a specific product page, or a promotional video detailing different information. With the Snap Tag, you can stick to your branding and still allow customers to access more information than just what is left on the postcard.

Customers can text the Snap Tag image to a special number to receive links or special offers. The Snap Tag also gives you a chance to get more customers on your marketing list and help expand digital marketing opportunities and sales.

2. NFC Tags

Another option to include on postcards is NFC tags. The tags have small chips embedded in them, and many cell phones feature the technology needed to scan the NFC tag. Like a Snap Tag, an NFC tag can be used for many options.

One of the key uses is for a point of purchase. You may send a postcard with products featured on the design. A customer can scan the NFC code and immediately gain access to the product page for purchase. Along with the NFC tag, you can add a special postcard promotion to help customers receive special discounts like free shipping.

With the tags and codes, you can offer more incentive to shop and promote specific products through the postcard.

3. Social Media Information

Postcards can help expand your business by offering direct connections to social media pages. You can feature links to various forms of social media so people who receive the postcard can check out the pages and follow you.

You can also use the postcard to tout the advantages of social media follows. For example, you may feature exclusive discounts and deals for people who follow specific pages online. The postcards can even showcase exclusive hashtags that can give customers a special discount or a chance to win free prizes, like products or gift cards.

The hashtags will also help you track how effective the postcards are and how consumers are responding to the postcard releases. Each hashtag can be exclusive to a print run and provide you with insight on customer interests. You can set different hashtags for each new postcard you print and run the contests monthly to reach the most consumers.

4. Quick Print Options

When you order an expedited print service, you can mail out timely postcards that feel modern and draw attention to customers. For example, if a sports team wins a major championship, you can congratulate the team on the postcard and still feature your business information.

You may also rely on modern pop-culture references and catchphrases to draw the attention of consumers. The quicker you get the postcards out, the more the consumers will be drawn to the up-to-date information. You can also plan ahead for holidays and celebrations to keep the postcards on theme.

Find out more about our shipping options at InkSpot Printing . We can help you plan out a postcard marketing strategy and implement a modern design that really connects with consumers.

5 Premium Promotional Products Ideal for Holiday Gifts

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:19:04 GMT

Promotional products are an ideal way to showcase your business logo and reach new people. Along with traditional items like pens and notepads, during the holiday season you can take your holiday gifts to the next level by offering premium promotional products.

Ideal for employees and clients, the premium products have more value, will feel like a bigger present, and can become a new holiday tradition for your office. Check out five different products and how each one provides a nice holiday treat for your business.

1. Custom Chocolate Boxes

The holidays are an ideal time to hand out premium boxes of chocolate for special clients and employees. Instead of just purchasing regular chocolates off the store shelf, you can order custom chocolate boxes. The boxes feature your logo on the outside and on full display.

When people keep the chocolate box out for guests to enjoy during the holidays, your business logo will be the main thing seen on the chocolates. Some custom print companies also have custom print chocolate pieces so your business logo can appear directly on the candy as well as the box.

The custom boxes are an ideal option for handing out bulk gifts.

2. Wireless Speakers

The expanded use of Bluetooth technology led to a major rise in Bluetooth speakers. Used while exercising, on the go, in the bathroom, or in a backyard, the wireless speakers are easy and convenient for Bluetooth devices. When the speakers are used on a regular basis, you have the chance to expose your business logo all year long.

You can have your logo printed on both sides of the speaker along with the box the speaker comes in. You also have the option to select the base color of the speaker. Ideally, you want the base color to match your business logo and branding colors.

For example, if you own a swimming pool company and use a lot of blue colors to represent water, then you can purchase blue wireless speakers with a white printout of your logo.

3. USB Chargers and Power Banks

With so many wireless devices in use today, people are constantly looking for ways to plug in devices and charge phones. You can provide charging solutions with custom printed USB chargers and power banks. The USB cables would feature custom-printed logos right near the connection port.

A power bank could feature the logo right on front face of the device. If you select both, the items could be packaged in a custom case that also features your business logo and branding.

4. Holiday Ornaments

Allow your business to become part of an annual traditional with a custom printed holiday ornament. The promotional item can be hung up on Christmas trees each year, giving people a clear view of your logo. One of the more common ornament styles to order is a ball ornament.

A ball ornament can feature a holiday symbol or design on one side and your logo on the backside. This gives people two options for displaying your ornament. Along with home use, the ornaments may be hung on business holiday displays. The displays will help promote your business through holiday decorations.

5. Premium Cups

Reusable water bottles are a common promotional gift, but you can offer premium drinkware options for special holiday gifts. For example, you can order full color mugs with your logos and designs printed the outside. You can order vacuum-insulated tumblers that keeps cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm.

You may also consider glassware sets with custom pints featuring matching logos. The glassware is a nice elegant set people can display and use in their homes.

Plan and budget your holiday promotional gifts with our services at InkSpot Printing . We will help plan and execute products to help give you plenty of gift options for the holiday season.

4 Custom Print Products Ideal for Fantasy Football Leagues

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:11:53 GMT

Fantasy football leagues are a great way to bond with friends, celebrate the sport, and cheer on specific players. As your league grows, players can invest money and help build the brand of the league. Printed products help build hype for the league, add to the fun, and build on the tradition of playing every football season.

Learn about four print products geared directly to fantasy football leagues and ways to customize each one to match your league name and brand.

1. Custom Notebooks

As players prepare for the fantasy season, a lot of research and planning is done to complete drafts, plan trades, and build rosters. Order a set of custom printed notebooks to give players a specific location for organizing notes.

The front of the notebook could feature the name of your league, football graphics, and other designs. For example, if your league logo uses yellow and black colors, then you can choose yellow and black notebook color options.

The notebooks will help players keep track of their rosters before the draft. After the draft, players can keep their notebook with them during game days to take notes, keep track of potential pick-ups, and take note of injuries.

Each season, you can order a new set of notebooks to give to all of the players in the league.

2. Fantasy Scoring Brochures

Fantasy scoring is different in every league. As you set up a scoring system for your league, provide players with a clear guide to the point system with a printed brochure. The front of the brochure can have your league name and logo. The folded nature of the print-out allows you to organize scoring section.

Use one side to list the offensive scoring points. Use another side for defensive points. The final sections can include special teams and any bonus points. For example, you could issue bonus points for the quarterback with the most touchdowns. If anyone has a dispute or questions about the scoring, you can refer them directly to the brochure so there's no confusion.

3. Fantasy Football Banners

If you host public drafts or gatherings at local restaurants and bars, then you can celebrate your league with a large printed banner. The decorative design adds a nice touch to the event and helps build the hype for anyone involved.

If you are seeking you new players for your league, then the banner can provide a nice way to advertise the league and entice others to join. You could even print out a banner to highlight a fantasy sign-up event. An outdoor banner will attract new players and help increase the size of your fantasy league.

4. Promotional Prize Products

The winner of a fantasy football league is often awarded a prize like a trophy or title belt, but you can find ways to offer smaller prizes throughout the fantasy football season. Order custom print products featuring your fantasy football league name and logo on them.

For example, you can order custom water bottles, drink koozies, or tote bags. Once you choose the products, you can decide how to give out the prizes. For example, you could give out prizes for the highest scoring team of the week or the highest scoring player of the week.

The little prizes give players more incentive to play each week and attempt to win. Before you order the promotional products, you can have a league vote to see what prizes players would like to win. For example, you could get custom foam footballs, pens, or coffee mugs. When the players vote, you will have products everyone wants to win each week.

For more information on our printing services, reach out to us at InkSpot Printing. We will help you plan and design all the print-outs needed for your fantasy league.

How Banners Can Boost Your Business

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:52:54 GMT

Effective marketing can enhance your brand awareness, increase sales, and boost overall business performance. You can implement various marketing strategies to take your company to the next level, and one of them is the use of banners.

Most businesses use banners to promote their products or services. You probably come across dozens of them on your way to work. So, why do banners stand out from the other advertising strategies? This piece outlines how banners can benefit a business.

They Draw Attention

Since banners typically use attractive fonts, pictures, and colors, they quickly draw the attention of the target customers. Passersby want to know what a particular banner is all about, and in the process, they read and discover more about your company.

You should work with experts to design and print attractive and informative banners that capture people's attention. The banner should be legible from a distance to pass the message to the target clients. You can also use soft copy banners on your website and social media platforms to draw attention.

They Reach Out to Target Audience

You can target a specific audience by installing banners in the areas they frequent. Therefore, you need to know your audience to effectively target them with your banners.

For example, if you sell books and educational products or services, you can install your banners in or around learning institutions. If you sell household products needed in every home, display your banners on high-traffic roads.

They Are Durable

Generally, the materials used for banner printing are high-quality, and thus they can withstand prolonged exposure to various weather elements. The banner printing company you choose should use quality ink that doesn't fade quickly. A banner printed with quality ink can stay put on a board for a long time, which saves you money.

They Are Reusable

Quality banners made of durable materials can be reused in a different setting. Most companies that sponsor local events don't necessarily have to print new banners for every event.

If you want to pass the same message to audiences in different locations, then you can move the banner from one avenue to another if it is in good shape. For example, you can reuse the same banners in several trade shows and exhibitions

They Are Inexpensive

Banners are inexpensive to print as compared to other advertisement options. Therefore, banners are a great marketing tool for small businesses. Due to the affordability, you can print as many banners as you want and install them strategically to win more clients.

They Are Easy to Make

As long as you have a message and graphic design, your banner will be ready within a short time. With digital printing technology, the printing company will only need a short time to print the banners, and the results will be impressive.

When you change your brand, logo, slogan, products, or services, you can quickly correct the banner to reflect the current situation.

They Are Memorable

People usually read banners when they are in traffic and remember the slogan, pictures, logo, or contact details. This info makes them want to know more about the company. For this reason, you should use words or images that are not only interesting but also easy for the target clients to remember.

When you attend trade shows and display the same banners you use elsewhere, people who have seen them before will want to know more about your brand. They will certainly reach out to you when they need your services during or after the trade show.

Banners are attractive, durable, affordable, and memorable and can help you improve brand awareness and increase sales. We are a full-service printing firm that designs custom logos, banners, business cards, and more materials for your business. If you need graphic design and printing services, contact us now for quality services.

4 Ways Restaurants Can Boost Business With Print Products

Wed, 13 May 2020 14:02:32 GMT

Restaurants constantly seek out an influx of new customers to enjoy foods and come back for more. As a restaurant owner, your use of traditional print products will help draw attention to your business and create extra ways to boost profits.

Learn about print products ideal for your restaurant and ways to make the most out of the products.

1. Table Mats

When customers come to sit at your restaurant, a table mat is one of the main things each person will see when they sit down. Take advantage of the visual with custom printed table mats. For example, you could have a table mat featuring your restaurant logo in the middle with sponsors located around the edges.

Other local businesses may pay your business to feature their advertisement on the table mat. You will help boost profits with the ad money and can use the ad money to pay for large orders of the table mat. You could also look into high-quality table mats to feature some of your signature meals.

For example, if you own a pizza restaurant, a table mat could feature images of some of your signature pizzas. A high-quality print may have a lamented finish so you can reuse the mats on a daily basis.

2. Take-Out Menus

Printed menus help your restaurant become a dining option in many homes. Whether the menu is stuck to the fridge with a magnet or placed in a drawer with other menus, brand awareness becomes an important way to reach out to the community and find new customers.

When you order a batch printing of take-out menus, give a menu with every take-out order or delivery. In just a single night, you will spread out your menu options, and a lot of customers will have your full dining options right in their own home.

Entice customers further with signature pictures in various sections of the menu. For example, you could have an appetizer section with a picture of nachos. If you own an Italian restaurant, feature a picture of a signature Italian dish. High-quality images will stand out on the menu and impact cravings for food.

3. Postcards

Reach customers directly with a postcard mailing system. No one has to open an envelope to see the advertisement for your restaurant, and the glossy finish on a postcard is an ideal way to showcase restaurant foods. Expand beyond a single postcard.

For example, if you own a Mexican restaurant, you could have one postcard with tacos on the front, another with a burrito, and another with queso dip. The back of the postcard could feature coupons to entice customers to go to the restaurant. The coupons may include a free extra like an appetizer or a percentage off the meal.

See how well the postcard offer works, and then choose the best discount option for a second batch of postcard prints.

4. Banners

Attract the attention of cars and pedestrians with large restaurant banners. With a banner option, you have multiple ways to attract the new customers. You could choose a single banner to highlight your restaurant on a year-round basis. For example, the banner could read Pizza. Burgers. Beer.

You could also print seasonal banners to promote special events. For example, a banner could read Celebrate the Big Game With Our Meal Specials . Plan months ahead of time to choose the best banners to attract customers, and promote special offers you have on specific meals.

Print products will help your business in many ways and create a new way to increase profits and expand your business around the local community.

For more information on our print products, contact us at Inkspot Printing . Not only will we help you print products, but our graphic design team will use their expertise to help design vivid and eye-catching print products.

3 Reasons to Hire a Graphic Designer Instead of DIY

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 15:40:45 GMT

Graphic design is often overlooked when you are working on boosting your business, but it is a huge part of marketing that needs to be used correctly. If you need to improve your business' image, check out these three reasons to hire a professional graphic designer.

1. It's Fast and Affordable

If you're running a business, you already have a lot of hats to wear, and adding one for graphic design only slows you down. Balancing your time between these projects and responsibilities is difficult, so you may not even have much time to work on the site. A professional graphic designer only has one job: to design your website, flyers, and pamphlets, so they can get the work done much faster.

Trying to do your own graphic design can actually become costly, especially if you end up wasting a lot of time trying to design a site or flyer that falls flat. A graphic designer isn't free, but on average, you'll pay about $65 to $75 an hour. Business stationary may cost as little as $30 to $450 for a custom design, and a folding brochure may be as little as $300 to $600. Naturally, the more complex the project, the higher the cost.

Because there are so many freelance graphic designers and students who are just trying to build up their portfolio and gain experience, you may be able to find services for much cheaper. Of course, make sure you get plenty of looks at their portfolio to ensure they are up to the task, especially if you have particularly complicated projects.

2. It Improves the First Impression of Your Business

Your business' first impression matters, and in many cases, the first impression may be a flyer, brochure or website. For example, a potential costumer may come home to find a flyer for your business on their door. If this is the first time they've heard of you, they will likely judge your company off the information and images on the flyer.

Imagine there are spelling errors and overused stock images on your site or flyer. Customers are going to develop a negative first impression. These sloppy mistakes, whether you like it or not, represent your overall business. If you can't even spell everything correctly on your website, customers may fear the rest of your business is just as sloppy.

Of course, one of the most important things to do before you hire any graphic designer is plan what you want. Make sure to give them all this information right away, so they don't end up making a logo or flyer that does not represent your business, core values or mission statement.

3. It Keeps Everything Consistent

The most well-known brands are consistent in their marketing and branding. This includes basic factors like font type, font size, spacing and your logo. However, this can include more subtle factors, such as the types of colors to use, what interfaces to add, good patterns, etc. Whether customers go to your site, store or are just looking at a pamphlet, they should see consistency throughout it all.

When done correctly, this consistency can drastically boost your brand awareness. Think of all the best-known brands like Nike. They are so consistent in their marketing that you can recognize them simply by the "swoosh." Like Nike, you want customers to think of you just by seeing something small like a logo or image.

In addition, consistency makes customers feel safe because everyone likes consistency. Consistency lets customers know what to expect each time they come back. Without consistency, customers can't anticipate that you will continue to meet their needs, so they'll choose your competitor.

A good graphic designer can drastically improve your business, making customers want to come back. If you would like to know more about how graphic design can help your business, or if you want a quote, contact us at InkSpot Printing today.

4 Ways Print Catalogs Still Work for Your Business

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:49:10 GMT

In a world of online shopping, many companies rely on digital product listings as opposed to traditional catalog orders. While print catalogs are not as prevalent as they used to be, there are numerous ways a company may leverage print catalog orders to their benefit.

When you work with a professional print company, you have the ability to create a catalog that will help your business grow through traditional mailing. Learn about various ways to take advantage of a print catalog, how to integrate the catalog for online sales, and ways to help the catalog stand out to consumers.

1. Specific Product Focus

One of the main highlights of any shopping catalog is the cover. With the cover of a catalog, you have the ability to showcase a specific product you are promoting or want to sell more of. For example, you may choose to put your best-selling product on the cover of the catalog to help entice customers to look at the popular product and check out the other options.

A specific product focus may highlight a new and innovative product to catch a person's eye. You may have various licensed products to help draw attention as well. For example, a catalog cover with a popular cartoon character product may draw more attention than the standard product with just a color or pattern.

A high-quality printed cover is key to actually getting customers to open up the catalog and get a good look inside.

2. Online Coupons and Incentives

As you plan out a product catalog, one of the key aspects will be to get customers to transition online and order directly through the website. One way to help with the transition is by offering catalog readers special coupons and promotions.

The various coupons will allow anyone who uses the catalog to get a percentage off or other discounts like free-shipping. You have the option to print the catalog with pull-out coupon codes or to print the coupons directly on the catalog.

3. Direct Mailers

Catalogs are great to package along with online orders you send out, but also work well for direct mailing to your customer base. Directly mailing a catalog to customer will help get the catalog in their hands when they check the mail. Seeing the cover and possible coupons will help ensure they keep the catalog and look through it.

When you choose to do direct mailers, you may focus on specific areas. For example, if your company sells a lot of cold-weather accessories, then you may want to ship directly to colder regions of the United States so those potential customers take advantage of the offer.

Direct mailers may also include some add-ons to help entice customers to flip through the catalog. For example, a catalog aimed at children may include a sticker sheet, coloring pages, or fun activities for a child to complete. A printing company can help implement these features for your company.

4. Seasonal Options

Along with a general year-round catalog for your business, you have the opportunity to take advantage of different seasons. For example, many families and children still enjoy the tradition of flipping through a toy catalog around Christmas.

Base your catalogs around the seasonal events to get more people to look through and possibly place orders. Besides winter holidays, you have the option to promote summer activities, Halloween, or the arrival of spring.

The cover and first pages of the catalog should reflect on the theme so customers will easily find the products that apply to season you are catering towards. The seasonal catalogs also give you a chance to include coupon codes that work for the specific period of time. For example, you may include a discount code like "SPOOKYCATALOG" for a Halloween discount.

For more information on our professional printing services, contact us at InkSpot Printing . We can help plan and execute a professional catalog that will reach your customers directly.

5 Situations When You Still Need to Carry Business Cards

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 20:16:46 GMT

With the advance of modern technology, business interactions are constantly changing. And while some tools - like carbon paper and pagers - have largely gone the way of the dodo bird, other tools shouldn't be so easily dismissed.

One of the biggest debates in many companies is whether or not your business should invest in old-fashioned business cards. Are they still relevant in today's business environment? What situations would make them preferable to other forms of communication?

If you're not sure whether you still need business cards, here are five of the most common times when a business card earns its keep.

1. When You Don't Have Your Phone

You may feel like your smartphone is a constant feature, but that's not always the case. Sales personnel working a trade show or giving a presentation may not have access to phones in order to exchange information with a new contact. Additionally, your phone may be turned off while you're traveling, or it might simply be low on battery.

What can you do to network successfully when your phone is out of order? Use a business card.

2. When Your Audience Is Traditional

Business cards have an appeal that virtual contacts and wireless information exchanges don't have. They are a traditional form of communication well-understood and preferred by a variety of people.

Some cultures and industries may not take you seriously as a business person if you don't have a business card to share. Older customers may prefer something physical to rely on. And some customers simply choose not to carry around a phone at all times. Business cards, then, are an easy way to work with a client pool that prefers the old-fashioned way of doing things.

3. When You Need a Promo

Business cards are not just a place to store contact information. You should be using them as a way to promote your business or services. A designer, for instance, can put a sample of their work on the card. A sales person might tout their sales numbers or location range. A new company might offer a discount or promotion on the business card's reverse.

Any of these methods can leave a lasting impression or catch the customer's eye - something a virtual exchange of data may not be able to provide.

4. When Others Are Sharing Info

One of the beneficial things about physical promotional materials is that they can be passed around from hand to hand. In a business meeting, for instance, if an attendee wants to look at a graphic design work sample being held by another attendee, they can just hand it over - and, potentially, over and over and over around the room.

If that work sample is in digital form, it would take time to transmit it to each person, open it, and overcome any connection problems. By the time this is done, some of these attendees may no longer be interested in seeing the item. Or the conversation could just as easily have moved on. And an opportunity for your company is lost.

5. When Connections Don't Cooperate

The world may run on smartphones, but not all devices can work together without a hitch. A customer might have a device from a different manufacturer, on a different network, or using a different operating system. Not everyone will have the same features as you. And not all networks work as well in the same physical location. Any of these variances could negate the ability of your device to share information.

Do you run into these common networking dilemmas? Then you have good reasons to keep a few business cards handy at all times. At Inkspot Printing , we can help. From card design to finding the right materials, our helpful staff will work with you to create the best business cards to leave a lasting impression. Call today to make an appointment.

Keep Your Documents Together With These 4 Binding Choices

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 22:04:52 GMT

When you need to group a large amount of pages together into one book, you have many options on how to bind the pages. Each style has its own pros and cons, and understanding these differences will help you make the best choice for your particular project.

So, what should you know about your binding options? Here are the four most common bindings to choose from.

1. Plastic Coil

Most business people and students are familiar with plastic coil binding. This method places a coil made of plastic through holes punched in the documents. The coil keep everything together simply and easily, and there is often a wide plastic edging (referred to as a comb) that makes the finished product look nice on the shelf.

One of the main advantages of coil binding is its simplicity and relatively inexpensive nature. It's a quick solution to keep many pages together in a way that looks reasonably professional and won't cause problems for the user. It also helps the book lie flat - a feature making it useful when users need to make notes or use it for reference.

2. Wire Binding

Wire binding is a little more upscale than plastic coils. It employs a similar method to keep things together: a coiled product that winds through holes punched in the documents. However, the wire materials look a little more professional than plastic, so it can be a good choice for documents used to sell products or provide long-term company materials.

Wire binding may also be particularly useful if you might need to add or remove pages later on. There are tools you can purchase that allow you to remove the binding and make alterations to the documents before replacing the binding.

3. Slide Binding

Coil-based binding methods require permanent holes in each page. If you don't want to put holes in your documents, a slide binding might be the answer.

In this case, pages are kept together by pinching them in between two slides that are solidly closed and locked. Slide binding (also called a plastic grip) won't damage the papers and it can generally be easily opened and closed if you want to make changes or apply the binding later.

Unfortunately, this flexibility means that the binding prevents the book from laying flat on a table. If users plan to make notes in the margins or information is printed close to the edges, you may have some trouble.

4. Perfect Binding

Perfect binding is more of a book-like method of keeping things in place. With this process, the edges of papers are sliced off and roughed up so as to create a good foundation for adhesive. A glue product is then placed across the inner edge as a whole and a finished cover is placed over the outside.

Perfect binding is obviously more expensive than most types of temporary binding, but it creates the most professional appearance. It is also permanent and cannot be altered after adhesive and covers are employed. If you need marketing documents for high-end products, materials to impress potential investors or bankers, or a book that will be shown to customers, this may be the product for you.

The right type of binding finishes your printing job in the right way. But the choice of method depends on many factors - your budget, the purpose of the materials, your timeline, and how much flexibility you need.

For help making the right decision, consult with an experienced printing service. At InkSpot Printing , our print professionals can help guide you through the process. Call today to learn more.

3 Tips for Creating a Restaurant Menu That Works

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 01:25:48 GMT

The restaurant business is a tough industry. Consider these statistics:

Competition is fierce — according to the National Restaurant Association , sales have grown for nine consecutive years.
A whopping 60 per cent of restaurants close their doors within the first year. At the 5-year mark, only 20 percent are still in business.
The average profit margin is a mere 6.2 percent , below the mean of 7.5 percent for most industries.

Your menu is more than just a list of the items you offer — it conveys your restaurant's personality. This single document is responsible for introducing customers to your concept and brand, and it is the most important marketing tool you have.

Unfortunately, if you don't give your menu considerable thought, the quality of your food won’t matter. Consider these three tips for ensuring your menu is working for your bottom line and helping you stand out from your competition.

Design Your Menu for the Way People See

You may assume when a customer opens your menu, they will immediately begin reading the upper-left page, just as if they had opened a book. A menu is not a book, however. In addition to text, a menu has graphics, design elements, and pictures.

Research shows that the average person will look first on the upper-right page, then their eyes will scan to the upper-left, move down the page, then jump over to the bottom right, and finally, scan upwards and diagonally towards the middle of the opened menu. When you design your menu with these patterns in mind, you can strategically place the high-profit margin items in the best locations.

Change Your Menu Often

Did you ever notice the menu is changed often at national chain restaurants? That's because they understand two key points: 1) food cost can rapidly change; and 2) people are easily bored.

Between 2000-2019, the cost of food rose an average of 2.28 percent per year . This means $20 worth of food in 2000 would now be almost $31. You can't just keep using the same menu and prices for years and expect to make a profit. Another reason the chains change their menus frequently is people grow weary of a restaurant when the choices are always the same. A successful restaurant always offers their customers something new and innovative.

Additionally, food tastes change throughout the year. Most people don't want a heavy meal in the middle of summer, they want something light and refreshing. Changing your menu seasonally and designing your dishes around what is in season can also reduce your food costs while simultaneously increasing your profit margin.

Choose Your Menu Prices Carefully

also need to know what your overhead and operating expense are. Far too many restaurant owners fail to take the time and do the math. But if you don't, how do you know what to charge? Guessing won't get you anywhere but broke or out of business.

Once you have done the math, make sure there is a method to your madness when you decide menu prices. For example, your menu should not have some items for $X.29, some for $X.75, and some for $X.50. When items are priced this way, servers’ jobs more difficult if you don't use a point-of-sale (POS) system. This delays turning tables, which costs you money.

You may not want to invest the time and money to design new menu. But if you aren't regularly changing your menu, you are losing customers as well as money. Follow the national chains' lead and spend money to make money.

If you want to succeed in the restaurant industry, your menu must be a work of art, science, and psychology all rolled into one. Inkspot Printing can provide you with graphic design services as well as handle all your printing needs. Contact us today to get started creating your new restaurant menu.

Create a Keepsake Cookbook for Friends, Family, or Fundraisers

Wed, 29 May 2019 19:33:30 GMT

If you love to share recipes, you can create your own keepsake cookbook for friends, family, or a fundraiser of some kind. These carefully constructed publications are the perfect gift for summer reunions, graduations, and weddings, and they can become a cherished heirloom later-on. For charity fundraisers, a cookbook is an inexpensive and popular item that sells.

Thinking of creating your own cookbook? Here's how to get started:

Compile Content

Start by gathering your content — the recipes! You could garner favorite recipes by crafting and disseminating a form to your potential contributors to solicit precise recipes and information. Also, try to find or take photos of the dish or the contributor — like an old family photo of Grandma. These photos are great additions to your cookbook, though not required.

Take Time to Edit

Make sure that you are continually editing and correcting errors that you see in your content. Enlist a fresh set of eyes to give each completed recipe, page, or chapter a thorough read so that you won't be disappointed or frustrated later-on. If you find that a mistake slips past you and makes it into the cookbook, talk to the printer about correcting it if you plan a follow-up printing.

Think About Theme

Before you begin to gather recipes into a cookbook format, think about your book's theme. Consider if you will adhere to a specific theme, like favorite International fare, or a holiday compilation, such as Christmas recipes. Write a thoughtful and sentimental intro that further reiterates the theme and the purpose of the cookbook.

Choose a Cover

Now for the fun part: choose a cover for your cookbook! It is best to keep things simple when it comes to cover art or illustration, so try to keep it at a single image or motif and basic text. This will also keep printing and production costs low. Make sure to discuss budget and bulk discounts with your printing professional.

Meet With the Printer

Meet and talk with the printer about your printing options, including color, copies, and lamination — which is a great option for cookbooks, as it preserves the pages a bit longer. The printer will be able to provide an estimate of the costs associated, as well as a timeframe for how long it will take to prepare and print your cookbook.

Commit to Binding

Another vital element of your project is the binding: how do you plan on securing your cookbook together? A professional binding offers longevity and more of a polished look for your book. Talk to your printer about coil and spiral bound options, too.

Share Your Recipes

It is up to you to choose when and how to distribute these cookbooks to your family or friends, or where and for how much you will be selling them. If you are gifting your cookbook, write a personal note inside the cover with the date or jot something down on a page with a favorite recipe or one that you contributed personally. For fundraisers, talk to your printer about rates and savings for multiple printings, depending on how sales go.

It always makes sense to work with printers that offer eco-friendly options, like recycled paper, ink, and solvents. You may also find reputable printers that recycle aluminum printing plates, coordinate deliveries to conserve energy, and utilize electronic file transfers whenever possible. Ask potential printers about their use of chemicals in producing your cookbook if you are looking for a green option.

Ready to produce your cookbook? Talk to the printing and binding professionals at Inkspot Printing to request your quote and move forward with your project. Whether you are creating a family keepsake or an important element of a fundraiser, use these tips to put together a fine and lasting product.

Tips to Choose a Great Promotional Product for Any Occasion

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:06:45 GMT

With the dizzying array of promotional products available to today's marketers, how can you know when you've found the right one? While this decision isn't exactly a science, you can use a few tips to decide upon an effective giveaway product. What are some of these tips?

Determine Use Value

The best promotional products are the ones that get used regularly. A tote bag with your logo and brand that gets carried around is free publicity. A branded calculator tucked in someone's bottom desk drawer, on the other hand, isn't going to win new customers.

Useful items aren't the same for everyone. Their use value depends on many factors, including your customer base. If you try to drum up business with road warriors, for instance, try something related to their mobile devices or travel needs. If your base is largely retired folks, they might really enjoy a big, beautiful, branded wall calendar.

Choose Something That Lasts

The last thing you want is to put your hard-earned advertising money into something that will break down or wear out quickly. First, you waste the potential face time a promo product offers over a period of time.

Secondly, your product could end up giving your company a bad reputation. A faded and smeared logo on an old toy doesn't exactly spark people's interest in giving you their business, after all. Opt for high-quality items and those that will pass the test of time.

Go Modern

Think about what customers actually do in their work and home lives these days. Some giveaway items, like pens, are always relevant and fairly timeless because people always need them. Others, like old-fashioned pencils, have generally outlived their day.

Keep up with modern needs by opting for technology-based samples, like chargers, styluses, and USB drives. Or pay attention to fashion trends by opting for a drawstring backpack instead of a fanny pack or giving away chic sunglasses instead of a baseball cap.

Look for Something Fun

Don't be afraid to have a little fun with your giveaways. Test out a few desk toys among your staff, and see what they find entertaining enough to keep on top of their desk taking up precious space. Include a little joke, a pun, or a clever phrase on the items.

Are you staffing a booth at an outdoor fair in the summertime? Then why not give away branded drinks or snack packs to refresh customers? While these might not last, they will provide excitement and create buzz.

Make Sure It Fits

A promotional item should fit your company in two ways. First, it should fit the personality and tone you want to convey. If you specialize in clean and green products, you probably shouldn't give away one-time-use plastic items. Want to appeal to executives with a professional company appearance? Then maybe skip the plastic visor or rain ponchos, and give out Bluetooth speakers or umbrellas.

The giveaway items should also fit the audience. The best way to do this is to use more than one type of promo gear at your disposal. At a trade show, for instance, you probably aren't going to get a customer out of everyone who wanders into your booth. So this is a good time to get out those free pens, fidget spinners, or magnets.

But when you do have a more likely customer, impress them better with a higher-tier promo product like quality totes or USB power banks.
What type of promotional products can accomplish great things for your business? No matter whether you're looking for fun, big buzz, or a long-lasting product, the marketing pros at InkSpot Printing can help. Call today to learn more.

5 Things a Successful Trade Show Booth Needs to Be

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 03:59:07 GMT

Trade shows and conventions are some of the best ways to reach a high volume of potential customers in a very short period of time. But you'll be one of many vendors in a crowded room seeking the attention of those same potential customers. How can you ensure that your trade show booth gets noticed - in all the right ways? Here are five things you and your booth need to be in order to succeed.

1. Be Tall

Your booth needs to draw in visitors from a distance. Use your vertical booth space in order to do this. Eye-catching graphics should extend well above eye level so they are most visible in the sea of neighboring booths.

Place a statement graphic element up in this space - anything from an oversize logo, to a mascot, to a 3D image of the product you're showcasing. And consider extending graphics all the way down onto the floor of your space.

2. Be Big

The words and images in your booth should be easy to read from several distances. But what design aspects of the booth need to be noticeable and understood at different lengths?

First, those in nearby rows or surrounding traffic patterns need to be able to see your logo, name, and basic branding from afar. Then, passersby walking past your booth need to be able to see and read images about your products or services before they even enter the booth. And finally, once inside your space, people need to be able to quickly and clearly understand what you want them to know.

3. Be Simple

Your trade show pitch is not the time to get wordy and detailed. Leave that to your marketing brochures. The booth is there to give the most necessary, exciting information in a clear and readable format. Remember that you will only have a few seconds to get the point across.

For instance, have you developed a new way to recycle waste products in your target industry? Start with images of the results - waste being replaced by profit, the air or planet being cleaner, and happy business owners - to catch people's attention. Inside the booth, give very short, very visual demonstrations - on walls or in video format - of how the process works. Finally, give folks glossy handouts of the details or a small sample to hold.

4. Be Bold

Don't blend in with the crowd. Trade shows aren't a time for understatement. There are very few ways to be too much at a full convention. Use bold - but not overly busy - color schemes. Even a color base like allwhite can make your space - and your message - stand out with its simplicity and monochrome design.

Be bold with marketing materials as well. Look for new and creative things to hand out to visitors, like small puzzles, branded laptop skins, a large and reusable bag, water bottles, cell phone accessories, or koozies. Have a raffle, do door prizes or instant contests, offer snacks - basically do whatever you can to create a fun, buzzy atmosphere that people will remember and mention to others.

5. Be Clear

Even with all this emphasis on being seen from a distance, remember that once customers are drawn in, they will be up close and personal with your displays. That means using only high quality graphics and images. Don't use any images that are second-hand scans; instead, rely on native files of logos, pictures, wording, and product designs. Purchase high resolution stock photos if yours aren't clear and striking enough at all viewing ranges.

At Inkspot Printing , we understand the power of graphics, clarity, simplicity, and striking images at all levels of marketing. We will work with you to make your graphics stand out no matter what size or scope the trade show is. Call us today to learn more.

5 Logo Mistakes a Professional Can Help You Avoid

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A logo is more than a decorative addition to business cards and signs. The image becomes a recognizable identifier of a company. The design should instantly let people know the business is professional, fun, or whatever other traits the company wants to promote. The quality of the logo relies on a creative and professional graphic design to avoid any complications.

1. Keep It Balanced

A good logo is one that is neither boring nor overly complex. Dull logos make the company forgettable. A design that is too vague may not give people enough information about the company, or it could seem like an afterthought. A customer may doubt the quality of the service if it seems the business made their logo without any real effort.

However, stay away from a complex, busy logo. Too much information or intricate designs can confuse people. If there is too much happening in the image, it is easy for the logo to become a muddled mess when shown on a smaller scale.

2. Make It Original

Copyright infringement of any type is a serious legal matter. It is even more worrisome if someone uses a copied design as their own branding. This mistake makes a business vulnerable to a lawsuit and can instantly diminish the reputation of the company to anyone aware of the problem.

Companies that ignore the risks could face severe penalties. By law, anyone found guilty of a copyright infringement could face fines up to $150,000 for each infringement and have any business property seized that has the logo included. Never use trademarked images or a logo so similar in style to another company that the public could confuse them.

3. Ensure Its Versatility

Logos do not always stay the same size as the original design. People reduce images for letterheads and envelopes and enlarge logos for exterior signage and vehicle wraps. The artwork and lettering must be appealing at every size. One of the most common problems with logos is when people use digital images for their original work, only to have visible pixels after enlargement.

Another concern is logos that need some type of movement for effect. A website logo with flashing colors or animated features may not translate well as a still image. Even a company working only online cannot afford to make this mistake; at some point the logo will go on their packaging or another type of printed item.

4. Avoid All Trends

Trends can seem to take over everything. The popularity of these styles or images can make them seem like a great marketing tool. The problem is that they often disappear as fast as they arrived. Once a trend ends, any logo that used it will seem outdated.

Another concern with trendy logos is that the company risks ostracizing anyone that is not a part of the target group of that specific fad. The desire to only appeal to one gender or age group may seem okay if that is the target audience, but a logo with a more open and universal appeal may entice customers that the company never expected.

5. Check the Colors

Marketing experts, psychologists, and many others have explored the power of color . The studies reveal how color affects appetite, mood, and spending. The use of color in a logo can help to encourage an emotion that relates to the business. The wrong color choice could push away people.

For example, red is energizing. The bold color increases appetites and encourages impulsive behaviors and emotions. Red is not the best choice for the logo of a spiritual retreat. This situation is also why a gym or nightclub may avoid a serene blue and white pattern for their branding. Choose a color that corresponds with the emotions or experiences your customers should have in relation to your company.

At InkSpot Printing , we do more than print marketing materials. We can also help you to develop the design that will become your most recognizable form of advertisement. Contact us to see how our art department can help you to create an appealing, original logo for your organization.

When to Use a Printing Company for Promotional Materials

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

You might use your in-office equipment to print some of your own promotional materials, but chances are that your company could use the services of a printing company. These are a few signs it might be time to call a printing company for help with printing promotional materials for your business.

Your Business Is Just Starting Out

When your business is first starting out, you might not have all of the printing equipment that you really need. For example, you might still be trying to get by with a smaller printer until your business grows and you're able to upgrade your equipment.

Before your business can grow so that you can purchase all of this new equipment, though, you're going to need to advertise it. Until you're able to buy all of your own printing equipment, you can use the services of a printing company to make promotional materials. This will help you grow your business without having to spend a lot of money on buying equipment for your start-up right away.

You're Printing in Large Quantities

When printing smaller numbers of promotional materials, and if your business doesn't do a lot of mass printing, using your in-office printing equipment might be sufficient. When you're printing things in a bigger quantity, though, you might find that your equipment isn't really able to keep up.

Your equipment might not be designed to print out dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of flyers or other promotional materials at one time. You might also end up using a lot of ink, which drives up costs. The process might also be very slow, since your printing equipment might not be very fast.

Professional printing companies are accustomed to taking on big commercial jobs and printing many copies of promotional materials, though. This means that the job can be done a lot faster and with a lot less work on your part if you outsource mass printing jobs to the companies that are better equipped to handle them.

Plus, costs might actually be lower if you outsource these jobs. You do not have to worry about buying a lot of ink and paper; instead, you can just pay a flat price to the printing company without worrying about additional printing-related expenses. You also don't have to worry about added wear and tear on printing equipment that might not be designed for this type of job.

You Need Help With Your Design

The design of your printed promotional materials does matter. If you're new to designing promotional materials or if you are just having trouble coming up with new ideas, working with professionals can help. The pros at your average printing company have a lot of experience with graphic design and otherwise designing promotional materials for business owners.

You're Printing on Something Other Than Standard Paper

Even though you might have the capabilities to print on standard printer paper within your office, you may not be able to print on other materials. Printing companies have the equipment to print on all sorts of things, such as wide-format printers.

If you're hoping to make a banner or a sign, for example, your regular office printing equipment probably can't handle the job. Instead, this is a job for a printing company. A printing company may also be able to help with printing on things like vehicle wraps, T-shirts, and more. Before you think your options are limited, see what your local printing company can do for you.

Sometimes businesses need help with things like printing promotional materials for their businesses, and that's where we can help. Check out InkSpot Printing and the various services that we offer for our business customers to see how we can help you.

Planning Your Marketing Strategy? Don't Forget About Promotional Products

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Remember the Benefits of Promotional Products

The more items you have printed with your name and logo the more people will see them. Brand recognition is important when it comes to increasing sales. While people may not remember exactly where they saw your business's branding, they will remember it. The next time they are looking to buy the products or services you sell your name will pop into their mind.

If the product you give away is something people will keep and use, then your name will be right there, in front of them. Even if they are not thinking about your products or services they will have a reminder that may cause them to give you a call or visit. For example, a wall calendar from an HVAC company may remind people to call them for annual maintenance and servicing.

When someone has one of your promotional products on their desk or uses it regularly, other people are going to see it. These other people may even ask where your customer got it. A radio or television advertisement, or a website will not get the same type of exposure as a physical object. It is important to use a variety of marketing strategies to get your name out to the public.

Choose the Right Promotional Product

You can have anything printed with your name and logo. However, if you want the consumers to keep them, you need to consider a few things. The first thing is who your target audience will be, decide whether you want to give away something useful or something more whimsical, then think about items that can somehow represent your business.

If your product or service is used mainly by businesses, you should give away useful items. This can be as simple as a day planner, mouse pad, or a USB drive. When your customers are homeowners, you may want to give them wall calendars, sticky notes, or mugs.

If you opt for more whimsical items consider stress balls, small handheld games or puzzles, or a trending novelty item like fidget spinners. These items get used and passed around. They also grab people's attention.

Of course, having a promotional item that somehow represents your company is a good idea. Perhaps a stress ball in the shape of something you sell, or pictures on the calendar of your business. The more you remind consumers of who you are and what you do, the better the promotional product will work for you.

Next time you're planning your marketing strategy, contact a business that is capable of printing your brand on promotional products. Our team at InkSpot Printing will more than meet your expectations. Call us today to learn more.

3 Effective &2 Ineffective Promotional Products for the Modern World

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In today's digital age, many companies have replaced physical promotions with digital campaigns. Fortunately, consumers still love physical marketing; companies just need a proper strategy to ensure that their physical promotions make it into the right hands.

One of the best ways to create brand awareness is with promotional products. Logos and graphics are printed directly on these products in hopes that consumers use them and display your branding to others.

Professional printing of these products can really help promote your business, but it's important to choose the right products. In the modern world, there are some products that will work a lot better than others. Browse through our list and see what ones can help you promote your business and which products you should avoid.

Effective: Reusable Bags

As more people become aware of their carbon footprint, they are making changes to their daily lives in an effort to improve. One of the easiest changes people have made is the transition from plastic and paper bags to reusable tote bags. Not only do the bags reduce waste, but also they typically have more room than a standard grocery bag and can withstand dozens of trips to the grocery store.

Add your logo and branding colors to the exterior of these bags to provide a great way to promote your business. Every time someone shops with your tote bag, other shoppers and employees are exposed to your business. The tote bags may also be used for beach trips, the gym, and many other locations.

Ineffective: Calculators

Large tabletop calculators used to provide a great way for businesses and homes to display a logo. Now, the product just takes up space and is obsolete when compared to digital options. Calculators are built into phones, computers, and tablets. With easy access, consumers are less likely to grab or want the free calculator with your logo printed on it.

Effective: Universal Charging Cables

While the calculator may not have much use, people are always looking for a new charging cable for devices. A universal charging cable typically features a USB port on one end and several connection ports on the other side. Your logo may be printed in multiple areas on the cable along with a specific color finish for the exterior of the cable.

These cables may be used in the home, office, or car, often exposing your business and branding to personal consumers and others. People constantly need to charge various devices and a universal cable works with a majority of them.

Ineffective: Phone Cases

Phone cases provide a large area to print your logo on, but it's hard to determine who will actually use the case. There are so many different phone models out there that it's hard to determine exactly what size case to have made. By the time you start handing out the cases, there may be a new phone model, making your case design obsolete.

Other factors, including charging ports or additional phone accessories, make the use of a phone case a challenging product to hand out to customers.

Effective: Pens

No matter how advanced our digital technology gets, people still use pens to write by hand - especially when the pens are free. Pens are used daily by people filling out papers, writing notes, or doing simple tasks like making grocery lists. Newer pens also feature stylus tips for use with digital devices. Your business logo and contact information can be printed directly on the pen for every who uses it to see.

Plan all of your promotional product printing needs with us at Inkspot Printing . We have professional printers and graphic designers ready to cater to all of your needs.

Effective Business Signage and Graphics

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As a business owner, you want your signage and graphics to provide current information about your business, attract customers, and persuade customers about the merits of your business. You also want your signs and graphics to be consistent and establish a recognizable image and brand. You can have all of these qualities with strategic planning and printing. Here are some things to consider when you design and print your business signage and graphics.

Signage That Is Consistent

For effective signage that consistently promotes your business, design your signs with the entire year in mind. All signs and banners should relate to each other to make your brand recognizable with a familiar logo, consistent colors, and identifiable typography. They can also display additional current information and messages.

Vinyl signage is a good choice to use for business signs and graphics as they can be interchanged often, can be hung in any weather, and are easy to maintain.

To facilitate sign interchanges, have your vinyl signs installed with metal grommets on the top and bottom edges. The top grommets can be used to hang the signs while the bottom grommets can be used to attach smaller seasonal signs.

When not in use, vinyl signs can be rolled up and stored on cardboard or plastic tubes.

Signage Placement

Here are some locations that you can use to display your business signs and graphics:

Window Graphics

Vinyl window graphics are eye-catching and can attract customers to come into your business. New customers can be invited to become acquainted with your business while returning customers can be invited to come in to see what is new.

A large window sign can be hung high from the top of a window. Smaller vinyl signs can be hung from the bottom of this large window sign or hung with suction cups with hooks.

Door Graphics

Vinyl door signs can be printed to hang on the interior of a glass entrance door. Door signs can be displayed when your business is open and rolled up when you close your business for the day.

Vehicle Graphics

Vinyl signage can also be displayed on the exterior of a company van or car to advertise your business wherever you travel.

You can make these magnetic signs in sizes that fit car doors as well as van and truck side panels. You can change these vehicle signs whenever you change your business signage on the exterior and interior of your business.

Interior Graphics

Interior vinyl wall signs can be printed to announce your business identity as well as special events. These interior signs can often be changed to pique customer interest.

Vinyl signs can also be hung from the ceiling in the interior of your business to announce special messages and direct customers to other sections of the building. Smaller signs can be printed on poster board to use on point-of-purchase displays and free-standing easels.

Signage in Flyers, Brochures, Decals, and Business Cards

Business flyers, brochures, decals, and business cards can be printed for customers when they visit your business location. These handouts can be updated and often changed to keep them current and announce new products and special events.

Signage Regulations

When designing signage and graphics for your business, check with your local city and county government offices for applicable sign regulations and building codes. There may be size restrictions in effect in your location, and you may be required to obtain a permit to hang your business signs.

For a complete selection of professionally printed business signage and graphics, contact Inkspot Printing . Our technicians can design and print a complete year of exterior and interior signs for your business. Call us or come in to discuss how we can create custom business solutions for your specific business.

Tips to Take Your Business Card to the Next Level

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In a modern world where nearly everything is digitized and people can search for loads of information at the touch of a button, business cards are still a reigning way to get your craft or service noticed. You'd be amazed how much power a tiny piece of cardstock carries when it comes to promoting and maintaining your business.

Your business card certainly contains pertinent information that potential customers need, such as your name, contact information and possibly a logo or slogan, but if you really want this form of marketing to stand out, you need to take your business card to a new level. Here are some ways that you can transform your business card so it creates wider awareness for your company.

Upgrade Your Font

The font on your business card should be bold, easy to read at a quick glance and clean in appearance. Too many swirls and loops or shadowing can crowd your business card and make it too busy for people to bother reading. Consider the following fonts when you have your cards printed at a professional printing company:

Impact
Elephant
Tahoma
Rockwell

Keep in mind that the number of words on your business card will affect the type of font you can choose. For example, elephant is a very bold print and works best for singular statements, whereas Tahoma is more widespread and subtle, which is best for slogans or website addresses on your business card.

Make Your Card Useful

A business card can (and should) be more than a simple piece of cardstock. You can transform your business card so it can be used for a number of purposes with the help of your printing specialist . Consider having the following transitions made to your current card:

Business card magnet/sticker
Business card bookmark
Business card coupon
Business card calendar

People are more likely to take notice and hold onto your business card if it can be useful to them.

Add a Picture

Your current business card may come with a stock photo or no photo at all. Your card should have something memorable about it to associate your potential clients and customers to you. Consider adding a current photo of your business to your card to use as a backdrop or adding your own updated photo to its design.

The goal of a photo is to create recognition with your customers. By being able to put a face or an actual building with your company name, logo or website, your business card can stay in the minds of customers for longer periods of time.

Add Texture

Business cards are often designed in a matte or glossy finish. Take your business cards one step further by having texture added to them to make them stand out among other cards. Consider recycled paper (which contains a natural grit), a wooden finish or even high-gloss metal to change the way your business cards both look and feel.

Upgrading your business card is a smart move to make your company more recognizable among customers. Since business cards are one of the best marketing tools you can use, investing in a new and improved card can pay off with higher customer retention, greater sales and a leg up on your competition.

Discuss the ways you want to make your business card stand out with your printing specialist. They can help you choose fonts, color backgrounds, photos and other techniques to make your business card more memorable.

When you choose InkSpot Printing for your advertising and marketing needs, you choose a company with years of experience. Allow us to assist you in your business card design today.

10 Tools From a Professional Printer to Grow Your Business

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

1. Customized Logo Design

Having a recognizable logo is critical to helping your business grow. After all, it is what prospective clients and potential customers see first. Printers offer design services that can create the brand for your company that consumers recognize and identify when seeking your services, products or offerings.

2. Banners

When you own a new business, you rely on the local community for patronage. Show your neighbors, friends and competitors that you are here and open for business with professionally printed banners. Look for high-quality vinyl banners that will last. That way, you can use them again for upcoming events, promotions and celebrations.

3. Business Cards

Every business, staff and team needs high-quality business cards to disseminate to potential consumers, clients and colleagues. The right card can convey your company's personality and distinguish you from rival businesses, products and services.

4. Postcards and Flyers

Traditional mail marketing is still an effective way to target and reach potential consumers. Have printers make bright, bold postcards and informative flyers that you can schedule to mail or disseminate at trade shows, events and other functions to spread the word of what your business has to offer.

5. Promotional Products

Promotional products, like pens, apparel and notepads, can serve many purposes. These inexpensive items boost morale, convey a sense of diversity and allow you to truly see your brand. Show your customers some appreciation with customized products that have use value and bring attention to your business.

6. Stationary

Exude a professional image with customized stationary for billing and correspondence. Your printer will be able to fulfill all of your paper-stock needs and provide estimates for you to consider when budgeting.

7. Catalogs

Depending on the type of business you operate, catalogs may be a crucial element of your outreach and revenues. Work with printers to find high-definition images and captivating copy that will capture the attention of anyone browsing your products.

8. Signage

Signs are another integral part of building your brand and growing your business. Invest in high-quality signage that clearly conveys your logo, contact information and company message. Designers may offer some input regarding the most effective way to use your logo to help make your business stand out and get noticed.

9. Forms

It is important to track sales and provide forms to your team that will provide an accurate snapshot of all aspects of your business. Time cards, consent forms, billing invoices, contracts and expense reports are a few of the forms that you may need in your day-to-day operations. Make sure that your staff and team has the forms that they need to identify areas of potential growth.

10. Brochures

Brochures provide a tangible way for visitors, consumers and clients to get a feel for your business and what you offer. It is important to put time and effort into these, as your first impression is what counts when it comes to attracting new customers and building your company.

Printers will offer you a slew of options, including paper-stock, color, images, folding and finish to project a favorable and professional image to anyone who picks it up.

Increase traffic and foster growth with professional printing tools and services from InkSpot Printing . Request a quote and take advantage of online resources to find clever strategies and quality products to bolster your business. If your company is concerned about its carbon footprint, request eco-friendly products using recyclable materials, soy-based ink and recyclable aluminum printing plates.

Creating A Postcard Mailer: Tips to Make Your Mailer Stand Out

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

There are many benefits to advertising the old-fashioned way via mailer inserts. A postcard is one of the most effective marketing strategies you can use if you are going this route because they are colorful, easy to read, and can be visualized nearly completely at first glance.

Postcards are not only cost-effective to produce, they can yield great customer relationships with your current and potential clientele if you create them right. Here are tips you can use to make your postcard mailer stand out.

Always Provide a Reader Benefit

In bold, vibrant print, your postcard mailer should showcase an immediate benefit the reader can enjoy to keep their interest. This benefit can be something simple, such as a discount for presenting the mailer at your business, a free consultation, or a list of new services and products you are offering.

Use colors that evoke excitement and cheerfulness to highlight or bold your reader benefit, such as:

Yellow
Orange
Red

These colors on the color spectrum mean, respectively, cheerfulness, excitement, and passion or pride. Your printing specialist can help you design your postcard mailers so they evoke the correct call-to-action in the readers you reach out to.

Personalize Your Message

Make sure each postcard mailer is addressed to an actual last name or person, rather than "current resident". People are more likely to read mail that is directly sent to them, rather than "junk mail" that could be for anyone. Even if you are simply sending out postcard mailers blind to everyone in your community, you want them to appear more personal in your presentation.

If you have a current customer base, send your clients postcard mailers several times a year as new sales, promotions, or changes occur in your business. Mailing postcards directly to customers who have provided business for you in the past helps keep your business name relevant in their minds.

Use Exciting Imagery

It doesn't matter if you are promoting teeth cleaning or taxi services, the right imagery makes your postcard interesting and piques curiosity. You don't need to use imagery that directly relates to your business (such as a person brushing their teeth or a driver inside a taxi cab), rather, use imagery that nearly anyone can relate to, such as a happy family strolling in the grass or a group of people gathered laughing around a table.

Imagery that incites happiness and exploration stick with consumers and allow them to wonder just what your postcard mailer is about. This in turn causes them to actually re ad the message you are trying to promote, which can lead to greater customer retention and return on your investment.

Your printing service company can help you choose the right imagery for your postcard mailers that will be both attractive and appealing to the demographic you are trying to reach. Many printing companies work with digital artists and marketing experts to help people like you create mailers that are not only relevant, but actually work the way they are intended to.

If you think postcard and direct mailers are obsolete, guess again: up to 65% of consumers have followed through with a sale after receiving such an advertisement. Postcard mailers are excellent, cost-effective marketing techniques for creating consumer awareness for your business.

Your printing company can help you format and design your postcard mailers so they are impressive and stand out among the rest of the mail your customers receive every day. Our team is able to help you produce high-quality marketing materials to help boost your business. Call our experts at Inkspot Printing so you can begin designing and printing your beautiful postcard mailers and other marketing materials today.

First Impressions -- 3 Steps To Creating A Great Flyer Even If You're An Amateur

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Creating business advertising materials when you're on a budget can be hard. You may find that you have to do some of the legwork yourself in order to save money for things that you can't do on your own.

Creating a great flyer to attract clients' attention is one of those things. If you're tackling the design of a flyer to promote your company, you may want to do some of the creation yourself. This allows you to use a higher quality printing service to give it a professional finish.

So, how can you create the outline of a great flyer? Here are 3 basic steps anyone can manage.

Make a Plan

Before you get out a computer and start creating a draft layout, take the time to make a plan. You'll want to determine exactly how much information is absolutely necessary to convey. Trim down the wording as much as possible to make it easily digestible by passers-by.

Sketch out a few ideas, paying attention to the layout of words, dates, prices, and the like. You can play around with specific pictures and other details later. Giving attention to the information you need to convey will help you focus on the function of the flyer rather than get bogged down with its style.

One simple trick to create a more professional look is to create a grid. Divide the page vertically into three or four sections. Use each section to house a different part of the information. For example, place an image in the top third, then add the product details in the center with your company information or another image in the bottom third.

Find Images

You'll need some high-quality photo images to work with. Ideally, these will be something personalized from your business -- such as photos of your product or your location. Most flyers look best with a limited number of photos -- often only 2 or 3 -- to keep customers focused and not get into too much detail.

Photos for any advertising materials should generally be simple and clearly defined. Avoid pictures that require a lot of focus to understand or discern details. If you have mere seconds to attract a client to your advertisement, you can't afford a picture that's unclear.

If you don't have high resolution images available, using lower quality photos is probably not a great solution. You may be better off locating some stock images on the internet. Look for photos that can be used freely and reflect the feelings or impression you want to relate.

Combine Images and Text

Increase the size of your selected images to take up much of the page and add text over them. This reduces boring white space on the flyer and makes you less obligated to be creative with the page design. If the images are too dark to place text on top, reduce the opacity to 75% or less so that it forms a good background for text.

Be judicious about the use of multiple photos to avoid a flyer that's busy and distracting. Allow image and words to have space to breathe, keeping them simple and clearly understood. You may want to ask a few objective people to look at your draft to determine if they can glean the relevant information from it quickly.

As you get an idea of what you want your flyer to look like and what you need it to accomplish, you may benefit from completing the final design with a professional printer . They can help you polish its look and choose quality materials that will make it look as good as possible.

Using Brochures to Market Your Business

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Even in this age of online advertising, a printed brochure can be a powerful marketing tool for your business. When you’re considering new ways to spread the word about your organization, think about the advantages of using professionally printed brochures:

Cost-effective – When you own a small business with a tight budget, you need to make every dollar count. Getting great-looking brochures printed in bulk allows you to maximize your advertising budget.
Informative – Compared to internet or print ads, where you have limited space to highlight only one or two aspects of your business, brochures provide more room for you to familiarize your potential customers with all of your products and services.
Portable – Whether you’re on a sales trip or at a trade show, brochures are an effective way to educate people about your organization when you’re on the go. Clients can take your printed materials with them so they have a tangible, informative reminder of your business.
Focused – Unlike many other forms of advertising, your brochure doesn’t have to share space with ads for other businesses. By focusing solely on what your organization has to offer, your brochure will have your audience’s undivided attention.

An eye-catching brochure can make a lasting impression on your customers. Contact InkSpot Printing to request a quote on our professional brochure printing services.