If you are a business owner, there is no doubt that you would like to spread the word about your business. Even though most new entrepreneurs try to focus on advertising methods that utilize technology such as the Internet and radio, traditional advertising methods are as effective as they were decades ago.

One of the most effective advertising methods is direct marketing. This can come in many forms such distributing flyers, brochures and other promotional material within a small geographical area. The advantage of this method is, because of the small distribution area, the advertisers can target specific psychological and emotional needs in that specific area. Therefore it is very effective.

Spreading word-of-mouth is probably the most effective and least expensive marketing method of all time. It relies on delivering services that exceeds customer expectations, so that they tell about it for others. Even though the advertisers have very little control over this, there are ways to influence what the customers say about you. The best place to start is to delight the customers when you offer your product or service. However, inevitably it is not possible to do this accurately 100% of the time.

Another way to influence word-of-mouth is how you respond to customer complaints. The most effective entrepreneurs understand that customer complaints are a part of the business and it is an opportunity to understand them better and to improve their service. When the after-sales product service delights customers, they will tell others about the quality of your product or service.

This is a guest article by Roger Spence of Airless Spray Gun

Over the ages, man experimented with several mediums to record ideas and thoughts. The discovery of papyrus and ability to write on it then led to man wanting a more practical way to reproduce the writings. Thus, printing was born.

The invention of printing took place sometime between the 4th and 7th century A.D during the Tang dynasty (618 – 906). The first form of printing began with blocks of wood which is known as wood-block printing. This paved the way to the western printing revolution which was sparked by Johannes Gutenberg, a goldsmith and businessman from the mining town of Mainz in southern Germany. Gutenberg invented the printing press with replaceable/moveable wooden or metal letters between the years 1436 and 1440.

The first book Gutenberg printed in volume using this technology was the Bible, also known as the Gutenberg Bible and the 42-line Bible (the number of lines on each page).

Here’s a brief and laid back look on how western printing came to be.

A look at printing technology through the years.

Image Credits: Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin

Aesthetics has become vital element in packaging. Gone are the days where you just stuffed your product in a plain old box or plastic cover. Packaging has risen into an important aspect in making your product more sellable.

Subconsciously or consciously most consumers also judge and decide on a product by its packaging. Attractive and creative packaging gives your product perceived added value. Consequently, eye catching packaging helps in your marketing efforts. Here are more reasons why packaging could be a worthy investment:-

• Aids in brand identification and recognition;
• Helps your product and brand name stand out;
• It is a form of advertising in itself;
• Instills brand recall;
• Innovative packaging appeals to the creative in individuals;
• The consumer will more likely pick up your product on an isle;
• Gives consumers that extra nudge to purchase your product over others, i.e as a gift for family and friends. This is especially true during festive and holiday seasons.

So, get the juices flowing for packaging ideas – Packaging Design Inspiration.

Image Credits: Talia Cohen

Your Hero in Print is kicking off February with discounts site-wide on all print products. There’s so much you can do with customised printing products. Choose any one (or two even) and make it work for your needs.

Enjoy 30% discount on all these products. The best bit is you can print as low as 10 pieces/sheets.

• Announcement/Invitation Cards
• Business Cards
• Flyers/Brochures
• Postcards
• Paper Bags
• visit here to view complete range of print products

Happy Printing!

To avoid contributing to unauthourised individuals, here are few pointers to keep in mind:-

• Contribute directly to known organisations, rather than to others who claim that they will channel the donation to the organisatons.
• Be vary of individuals claiming they are representatives of establised organisations asking for donations through social networking sites.
• Do not respond to unsolicited e-mails that require you to, “Click to Donate”.
• Do not to give out personal or financial information to anyone who approaches you for contributions.

If you would like to help the earthquake victims in Haiti, here is a list of organisations helping in Haiti.

Have your customers walking out in style with their purchase in hand, all in a beautifully designed Paper Bag. Print your business name and logo on them and turn your Paper Bags into a walking advertisement – advertising on the go! Your Paper Bag will carry your advertising dollar a long way!

You can also use Paper Bags to hand out party favours to your guests. What’s more, it works as a keepsake as well.

Cheers to you, Neil. You did it!

We would also like to thank everyone for participating in our Survey Contest.

The honour was ours.

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays from all of us at Printfac3.

]]> http://blog.printfac3.com/index.php/2009/12/high-five-to-neil-ayres/feed/ 7 http://blog.printfac3.com/index.php/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving/ http://blog.printfac3.com/index.php/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:05:03 +0000 Leslie http://webserver:36/?p=145

To you who is celebrating,

Wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving

with near and dear ones.

Happy Thanksgiving