In today’s Information Age, people are constantly seeking information that will help them achieve success in their personal and business life, including information about their industry, competition, and new products and services. Newsletter marketing is a great way to create front of mind awareness, communicate news and information about new products and services, and stay in touch with your customers and prospects on a regular basis. Here are a few tips on how to create a successful newsletter:

• Create a consistent, well-designed template with a nameplate that is easily recognized issue after issue.
• Include articles to inform and educate, including helpful tips about your products and services. Readers who enjoy your tips are more likely to read for more information and contact you directly for help or to buy from you.
• Keep it short and sweet. Use short stories, bulleted information, lists, and other forms of concise information. If necessary, include a link to additional information in case the reader is interested to learn more.
• Include relevant graphics, such as charts, cartoons, illustrations, and sidebars, as well as your photo to personalize and create name recognition.
• Ask subscribers what type of information they would like to see, and ask readers to submit any industry questions they may have. Are they looking for new product information? How-to tips? Expert advice? Asking for input will not only help your business provide information by demand, but will also show them you care.
• Mail newsletters as a direct mail piece, hand them out at trade shows or at sales calls, provide them at your front counter for prospects and customers, include them in informational and media kits, and post current and archived issues on your web site, with a link to subscribe.
• Plan in advance. Create a spreadsheet of article ideas and a schedule for writing deadlines.  Not only will this help you save time, it will ensure your newsletters are delivered on a timely basis.
• Take a break when necessary, but be sure to let your readers know in advance if you plan on skipping an issue around the holidays or another time.
• Always include a call to action to request more information, place an order, or stop by to redeem a coupon or learn more about a product offer.
• Tell readers you value their feedback in any form. Consider creating a link to a short survey for customer ease.
• Invite readers to timely special events such as speakers, trade shows, and open houses. Focus on events that educate your customers on new products and services.
• Give away a prize in each issue and spotlight each winner. Not only does this encourage readers to look forward to your next issue, but it gives them an insight on your reader base.
• Use pull-quotes to draw attention and create interest in your articles.
• Commit to a regular newsletter schedule. Repetition is necessary to get people thinking about a company’s products or services, so regular readers are far more likely to become regular customers.

If you’d like additional tips on where to start when creating a newsletter, or ideas on how to update your existing newsletter, stop by today! Our creative team will help you develop a winning newsletter that your customers and prospects will look forward to receiving.

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Newsletters have become one of the most popular ways for companies to keep in touch with their customers. A well-written, interesting newsletter can establish expertise and credibility, inform and educate, as well as increase sales and influence positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some tried and true newsletter do’s and don’ts:

People Like:

• Interesting subjects
• Short articles
• Good visuals
• Easy-to-skim designs
• Bulleted lists
• Content telling how to make money, save time
• Clear organization
• Calendars
• Offers, benefits

People Don’t Like:

• Intimidating pages
• Disorganized information
• Long, continuing articles
• Overly frequent mailings
• Irrelevant content
• Impersonal tone
• Receiving multiple copies
• Chaotic page design
• Too many pages

If you’re looking for unique ideas or expert advice on how to create a newsletter, or simply spice up your current newsletter, stop by our print shop. Not only can we provide you with inspiring ideas and printed examples; we can also help you create a powerful newsletter that will boost sales and stay within your company’s budget.

Type effects are a good way to turn a headline into a visual element. One popular type trend, known as liquid or “aqua” lettering, is easy to reproduce in Photoshop using the steps below:

1. Create a 300dpi image in Photoshop, with dimensions that are large enough to fit your entire headline text.
2. Set the foreground color to R=0 G=51 B=222. This will provide the color for your text.
3. Select the type tool and choose a serif font, such as Garamond or Times New Roman.
4. Set the font size at 72px, and type the text you want to use in the headline.
5. Control-click (Mac: Command-click) inside the type layer to select the shape of the letters.
6. Reduce the selection by seven pixels, by choosing Modify > Contract from the Select menu at the top of the screen.
7. Create a new layer (with your selection still in place), and change the foreground color to R=31 G=82 B=255.
8. Using the fill tool, color your selected area with this new color.



9. Once that’s set, deselect the selected area, and duplicate the layer you just created, so you now have two copies of it.
10. Name the first of these layers “Color1” and the second “Color2.”

With all your layers in place, you’ll now need to make the following adjustments:

Color1 — Set the Blend Mode to Multiply

• Double-click the “Color1” layer on the layers palette to bring up the Layer Style dialog box.
• Set the Blend Mode to Multiply, and hit OK.

Color2 — Add a Gaussian Blur

• Highlight “Color2” on the layers palette, and choose Blur > Gaussian Blur from the Filter menu at the top of the screen.
• A dialog box will appear. Set the radius to 5px and hit OK.

Color2 — Add an Emboss Effect

• Double-click the “Color2” layer on the layers palette to bring up the Layer Style dialog box.
• Highlight and select the Bevel and Emboss style.
• For the Style setting, choose Emboss.
• Change the Depth to 441% and the Size to 10px.



• Set the Highlight Mode to Normal, with an Opacity of 100%, and the Shadow Mode to Color Dodge, with an opacity of 40%.
• Press OK to continue.

Color2 — Adjust the Curves

• With the “Color2” layer still highlighted on the layers palette, choose Adjustments > Curves from the Image menu at the top of the screen.



• Another dialog box will appear.
• Insert stop points at the following coordinates (input/output): 50/160, 200/90, and 233/180.
• Once you have these coordinates in place, click OK.

Text Layer — Add a Drop Shadow

• Right-click (Mac: Option-click) on the text layer in the layers palette.
• Select Blending Options from the dropdown menu that appears.
• Highlight and select Drop Shadow in the Layer Style dialog box.



• Set the color (the swatch next to Blend Mode) to R=0 G=32 B=186 and the Opacity to 75%.
• Choose a Distance of 5px, a Spread of 0%, and a Size of 9px.

The effect is now complete.

Direct mail is a great way to break through the clutter of e-mail overload, internet pop-up ads, and television commercials that are often skipped through TiVo. A great way to add a creative twist to your direct mail messaging is by sending lumpy mailers.

By plumping up your direct mail pieces, they are more likely to get noticed, opened, and remembered. If you receive a pile of mail mixed with bills, credit card offers, and a bulky envelope or package, which will you open first? Lumpy mailers are engaging because everyone loves receiving gifts, and human curiosity will drive the recipient to wonder what’s inside. When it comes to getting someone’s attention, there are few better ways than sending them a curiously shaped package in the mail.

Here are a few ways to ensure your next lumpy mail campaign is a success:

• Send to a quality list. The more targeted your list and familiar the recipients are with your business, the higher response rates because they know who’s sending it.
• Clearly identify your business. People may be cautious to open an unmarked package, so be sure to identify your business with your logo and business address.
• Craft your message to keep the recipients’ attention after the package is opened. Try a hand written note with a professionally printed brochure that clearly explains what product or promotion you are advertising, and include a call to action which will also enable you to measure the effectiveness of your direct mail piece. Or consider sending a series of mailings that reinforce your company’s identity through repeat exposure.
• Send an item relevant to your campaign messaging. For example, a flashlight could be sent with a campaign that ensures your company will light the way… send a can coolie to tell prospects to keep their cool since your business will handle their business stress, etc. Other basic items include logo pens, key chains, pencils, magnets, rulers, notepads, calendars, etc. They key to effective lumpy mail is to tie your gadget or promotional item in with your marketing message.
• Experiment. Try a test run if you’re not sure how your bulky mail will go over with recipients. Instead of sending your item to 1,000 people, try sending it to 10 or 100 and check your results. Also be sure to send the same item to your own company to see how it will make it through the mail system.
• Get ready for results. Make sure your staff is prepared for additional calls, e-mails, and web traffic. Ensure your trade show booth has adequate staffing to spend quality time with prospects who show up as a result of your mailing. If a prospect gives your company a chance, don’t drive them away with inadequate service or slow follow-up.
• Follow-up. Whether you send a follow-up mailing, call, or e-mail, it is crucial to follow-up with your target audience and offer to answer any questions, provide additional information, etc.

Before launching your lumpy mailer campaign, bring a sample mailing to the post office to be sure it fits postal regulations. Since scanners read addresses and mail is handled by machines whenever possible, it can sometimes be tricky putting an irregular-shaped object into the mail. There are postal regulations on exactly what can be mailed and how, and rates change based on shape and concept. While postage will likely cost more for a lumpy mailer, you can rest assured that it will be a great way to stand apart from your competitors and be remembered.

If you’d like ideas on how to create a direct mail campaign that will get opened, stop by today! We can help you develop ideas and create messaging and mailing materials that are sure to get your company noticed.

Twitter is a free, social networking service which offers a new-age way to enhance brand recognition and build relationships with your prospects and customers. Twitter enables users to micro-blog, or communicate through small, quick spurts of content and reach thousands of people every day.

Here are few tips on how to use Twitter as part of your online marketing strategy.

• Create a list of topics for posting before you get started. The more you plan out your endeavor, the more you’ll benefit from marketing on Twitter.
• Follow your competitors. Your competitors will have already sought out a similar target audience you want to reach, which enables you to catch up quickly. You can also track your competitors’ marketing tactics and messaging.
• Make a commitment to Twitter before starting. Twitter requires constant involvement and timely follow-up. Without this, Twitter loses its credibility. Successful Twitter marketing also requires intelligent message writing. With only 140 characters at your disposal, choosing the right message and responses is crucial to your success.
• Strengthen your brand image. Create an interesting profile by posting photos and information about your company. Be sure to seek out people, companies and groups that you are interested in on a personal level, too, even if they are unlikely to use your services. This helps create a personality for your company, which can help make you seem more accessible and friendly.
• Participation is key. Users must be willing to participate in online conversations and communicate with other businesses, consumers, and individuals. Not only can you share your industry knowledge, but it gives you the opportunity to spread the word about your business and share something about yourself with the rest of the community.
• Inform people of new products and services offered by your company. The Twitter community is a great way to stay on top of industry news, as well as promote your new products and services. However, don’t to make product or service promotions the sole focus of your Twitter account. Twitter is a social network, not a medium for spamming. Be sure to post only meaningful, relevant content that readers will look forward to reading.
• Drive traffic to your web site. You can add links to your website, blog or press releases, which is also a great way to increase your company’s exposure.
• Promote events. If your company is throwing an event or attending a conference, you can tweet (create a status update or post) about it to generate interest in the event. Pre-networking can add value to the relationships you then create in person.
• Create unique ways to interact with readers. Engage others in your field by asking thoughtful questions, request feedback on your products, take polls, and facilitate conversation.
• Follow relevant Twitter feeds. The owner of a feed will be notified when you follow their feeds, creating awareness and building traffic for your own company as well.
• Use it as a back-up form of communication. Twitter is a reliable tool for communicating with customers if your website or email servers go down.
• Read feedback about your company without a formal survey. If you search for your company’s name using twitter search, it will return all the tweets where people mention the terms you search for. This is a great way to gain insight on opinions behind the scenes.

Whether you are selling a product or a service, or want to make your company’s name more visible, Twitter is an advantageous way to attract interest in what your company is all about. If you’re looking for other ideas on how to communicate with your prospects and customers, stop by today! We’d love to show you examples of marketing materials that will create a significant impact on your business.

Understanding the Benefits of Going Green for your Business

Has your business gone green yet? If not, your business is behind this growing international trend. While many business owners perceive going green as beneficial for the environment, many are unaware of how this transition can benefit their business.

Why Should your Business go Green?

The most obvious reason for your business to go green is to protect the environment, as green practices work proactively to create a more sustainable environment. Due to this impact, many businesses and individuals perceive going green as a responsibility, not an option.

When businesses go green, positive impacts are experienced by the surrounding community, not just for the business itself. For example, new industries are attracted to growing green communities as well as quality employees. A recent study conducted by staffing firm Adecco USA suggests that 1/3 of workers would be more inclined to work for a Green company. Employees and industry are not the only groups impacted by a decision to become green; whether a consumer completes purchases is also impacted.

Consumers want to do business with environmentally responsible companies. In fact, a recent study by Alloy Media found that 90% of consumers believe that it is important for businesses to act in an environmentally friendly manner. And, 53% of consumers now factor a company’s social and environmental practices into their purchasing decisions.

Not only does going green impact business revenues directly, the negative impacts of not acting in environmentally responsible ways can be significant. For example, 40% of consumers are likely to speak out against a company when they learn that they are not environmentally friendly. And as business owners all understand, word of mouth is a crucial component of a business’s long term sustainability. So, if your business is not proactively working to become greener, you are likely missing out on a large percentage of the consumer market share.

Where does your Business Begin?

Begin by implementing basic green behaviours within your business. Small steps over time will create a large impact on your business, your community and your bottom line. Using an eco-friendly printer is one of the changes that nearly every business can implement when starting a green initiative. When choosing green business methods, it is important that your current customers and potential customers know that you are taking these steps. Be sure that you advertise in your current marketing materials both online and offline what your business is doing to become greener.

So here’s my first attempt at video, let me know what you think?

OK, this was actually my first attempt! You know what they say; If you can’t laugh at yourself…

If you want to learn how incorporating Eco-Friendly Printing Methods with Social Media Tactics and Internet Marketing Strategies into your business can help increase your sales, come visit us at Phillips Printing.

Are you a twit? I used to think twitter users were until I discovered the marketing power behind the online platform. Twitter is a revolutionary social media platform attracting millions of worldwide users, taking the Internet by storm. Social media platforms were originally created to provide a format for individuals to exchange ideas. However, it did not take long for businesses to learn how to leverage social media as a marketing tool. If you want to grow your business, follow the ideas outlined below.

1.       Build a Strong Following- The quantity and quality of followers on your twitter profile is crucial to your business’s success. To build followers, begin by inviting your current email contacts. Then, build your list of followers through searching organically and following those people who interest you, many will follow you back. One method gaining popularity to quickly establish a large group of followers,  is by utilizing an automatic friend adder program. The use of these programs is somewhat controversial however, so be sure that you research the systems fully before implementing them into your business’s marketing strategy. Personally I don’t subscribe to this method but it may be beneficial in certain circumstances.

2.       Engage your Followers- To generate leads from Twitter, you need to be visible to your list of followers, and to the Twitterverse in general. Ask questions of your followers. Post links to powerful and informative content that you stumble across in your Internet searches. Announce promotions or discounts your business is currently offering. If you post new content to your company website or blog, post the link and a description within your twitter profile. Vary your twitter posts in order to engage your followers and to stay regularly visible.

3.       Leverage Keywords- Just as in other marketing techniques, keywords matter on Twitter. If your business leverages or targets specific keywords, you can search for twitter posts that include those specific keywords on a daily or hourly basis. Set up an automatic search function on twitter so that you are notified when your specific keywords appear. For example, if you provide eco-friendly printing services, by identifying that keyword phrase in a twitter search, you will be notified of any post containing that exact phrase. Following up with those posts can often generate additional lead traffic for your business. Consider it a form of targeted marketing.

Twitter can be a powerful lead generation tool for your business when leveraged effectively and consistently over time.

GreenPrint eliminates wasteful pages in any printout automatically, saving you time and money, and maybe more importantly, saving trees, reducing greenhouse gasses, and decreasing waste.

GreenPrint’s patent-pending technology does this by analyzing each page of every document sent to the printer and looking for typical waste characteristics (like that last page with just a URL, banner ad, logo, or legal jargon).

GreenPrint also incorporates an easy to use PDF writer, a fantastic print preview called GreenView, and a reporting feature which keeps track of the number of pages and the amount of money you have saved.

Our product line includes two options for home users: Greenprint World, our free version of the software, and GreenPrint Home Premium. For companies of any size, GreenPrint’s Enterprise Edition provides insight into waste reduction through a company wide printing overview, as well as tracking the number of trees saved and the CO2 reduction. It also provides an easy way to reuse paper that has already been printed on one side before recycling it.

Having a meaningful impact on the environment has never been so easy. To learn more about GreenPrint, click here. or watch a demo of GreenPrint

One of my goals with this Blog is to help my clients increase their sales, by incorporating Internet Marketing Strategies and Social Media in addition to Eco-Friendly Green Printng. I know that many of my Phillips Printing clients, have products that would benefit from incorporating some of these methods with their traditional marketing strategies and it has always been my goal to provide more value than my competitors.

One thing I’ve found during my journey into the world of Internet Marketing and Social Media is that while there is a great opportunity to increase your exposure, there is an equally steep learning curve. Without going into great detail, I’ll just say that it can be overwhelming. My plan is to continue to research and test the various methods and strategies and present and implement what I feel are the most effective for a particular situation.

I will start listing the programs, courses and strategies that I feel are the most helpful and easy to use under the headings they pertain to, such as Printing, Social Media, Internet Marketing etc…  In addition, I will try to review and recommend only those strategies that will have the biggest impact on your business success.

Please let me know if there is anything in particular that you would like information on, or if you have any questions or ideas to improve this site. Like I said in my first post. I’m new at this Blogging thing, but I learn fast!

Hang on and enjoy the ride!