Marketing

The biggest mistake companies make in Customer Experience is trying to be like everyone else.

As a smaller business, when you try to compete on the big guys’ fields, you are doomed. You do not have the same resources at your disposal that the big guys do. And customers don’t have anything to differentiate you by. Your company becomes a commodity and has to compete on price against those with greater resources.

To counter and avoid this mistake, Embrace What Makes You Different! Whatever it is that makes you different in the eyes of your customers, flaunt it. Even if you think it’s a flaw, you may not want to “fix” it. You may have an opportunity instead to embrace it and flaunt it.

When you have done that, then accentuate and maybe even exaggerate your differences. Again, even if you don’t think they are good differences.

Check out Buckley’s cough syrup.

Four original bottles of Buckley's syrup

Or Alamo Draft House’s response to a customer complaint.

Be different! Then be more different!

Digital Marketing takes many forms, however, one of the most used formats has been retargeting online. When someone visits your website tagging them with a cookie is common so when they go back out on the web you can show them a nice image ad. Cookies are going away as privacy concerns and abuses have increased. Consumers shy away from sites that may compromise their personal information and need assurance their private information stays private.

Enter FLOC or Federated Learning of Cohorts which is a secure aggregated method for marketers to use first-party data from their customers to help fill in the gaps as well as take advantage of the latest Google technologies. Later this year when many browsers and operating systems on phones and computers begin to block cookies you will need to be ready.

Google made a cartoon strip to help explain this new technology. When you have about 15 minutes take a look and if you have questions, please contact US Marketing, Inc. We'll be happy to help.

 

Jim Bilello
President at US Marketing, Inc.
A  100 S. Saunders Rd., Ste. 150, Lake Forest, IL 60045
P  847-574-6940 
M  847-951-1819 
E  JamesBilello@USMarketing.bz
W  www.usmarketing.bz
 

Schedule a Meeting with me

 
App Banner Image
App Social Buttons Image  

Top 4 Print Marketing Strategies for Small and Midsize Business'

When it comes to presenting your brand in front of your customers, there is no better avenue than print marketing. There are many different ways to use this channel but there are 4 specific strategies which have stood the test of time and continue to convert prospects into customers.

I have been in the print industry for over 40 years and have weathered the ebbs and flows of the market. Throughout my career, I have identified 4 key strategies which all companies should be utilizing; small/medium business as well as large corporations.

#4 Stationery

Letterheads, Envelopes and Business Cards are 3 essential products to invest in early. Have a graphic designer create your "brand" and stay with a consistent look to help build your brand. Basic information (address, phone, social identity, etc) should be on all items. If you have a logo - use it. A LOT. Get your clients used to seeing your logo or color scheme on everything you do.

 

#3 Postcards

Direct mail postcards are a very easy and affordable way to get you message out to your clients and/or the general public. Get creative with your message, but never forget to include the basics:

- Key contact info (name, address, phone, URL, etc.).

- A testimonial.

- A reply deadline.

- An offer of some kind.

You can also get very specific and target-market any segment of the population you want to reach (example - young professional men aged 25-40 earning $150k+ and living in a specific zip code). The possibilities are endless!

 

#2 Newsletters or Magazines

This is a great way to reach out to an existing membership, client base or constituency with a lot of information at one time. Staying with a consistent format (4 or 8 pages are the most common) and timeframe (monthly, quarterly, etc) will keep your clients up-to-date on your latest trends and what you are doing and/or offering them currently. Consistency is key here, as your clients will learn to "expect" your newsletter on a regular basis!

 

 

#1 Brochures

The simplest and easiest way to reach out to someone in a concise, small format. Keep the information as simple and easy as possible. Standard information should include a company name, at least two types of contact information, a logo and a tagline. It should also include a headline on the front and two or three brief items outlining benefits your organization can provide. You typically hand these out or mail them. Go a step further and create a "series" of 3 or 4 different brochures (each one highlighting a particular topic)!

 

 

If you struggle with converting your prospects to paying customers or even struggle with getting PRINT in your marketing mix, I'd be happy to chat about any one of these four or anything else on your mind. Just reach out!

 

For more information, you can reach me at:

John@JBsPrintServices.com, 713.504.2033

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Podcasting is a trend moving upward with alternative platforms and enlarged audiences. Individuals listen to podcasts to learn techniques to grow their business, improve their marketing skills, or hear their favorite authors and motivators. It is so easy to start up your own podcast with the right equipment and platforms for listeners.

Read more: Position yourself as an Industry Expert with Podcasts
Page 2 of 2