http://www.potomacprint.com/ en-us Mon, 6 Jun 2011 11:07:55 GMT Mon, 6 Jun 2011 11:07:55 GMT http://www.potomacprint.com/Potomac-Printing-Latest-Newsletter-and-Promo-Items.asp Check out our latest newsletter for great printing and promotional ideas! http://www.potomacprint.com/Why-Promotional-Products-Work.asp Promotional products are a highly cost effective way for companies to engage existing and potential customers. If youve used promotional products before you know the incredible brand recognition and recall power they have. If youre new to promotional products, you are making a solid decision to include them into your marketing strategy. Research has shown time and time again that promotional products are an effective tool in creating brand awareness and recollection of your business. Unlike traditional business marketing materials, such as brochures, postcards and other printed materials, promotional items are designed with the idea that the customer will retain the item and put the product to good use, while being continually reminded of the business branded on the product. In late 2009, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) designed a study intended to evaluate a cross-section of the American consumer population about the effectiveness of promotional products and how customers reacted to receiving them and what they did with them after wards. The study, fielded through independent research company MarketTools, Inc., surveyed more than 1,000 respondents who recalled receiving a promotional product in the past 24 months. The first part of the study focused on promotional products and evaluated the action, reaction, and relationship of products and their recipients. The study concluded the following about the survey respondents: * 94 percent could successfully recall a promotional product they had received in the past two years * 89 percent could recall the advertiser of the promotional product. * 83 percent reported that they liked receiving promotional products * 48 percent would like to receive promotional products more often * 69 percent typically keep the promotional product Besides the overall effectiveness of promotional products there are strategies that companies must considering when selecting the right kind of promotional product. Its important that the product is something that the customer/client will find a use for - something that will not be discarded upon receipt. Aligning the product with the customers needs is important to the overall effectiveness of the product. Additionally the item must be suitably aligned with the businesss products or services and positively reflect the companys image.brand in terms of quality - if a company wants its clients to associate its brand with quality products then should not always select the cheapest and lowest end promotional product. These strategies are particularly important at trade shows, which are a great platform for companies to create brand recognition and recall. At tradeshows there are dozens of other companies vying for the same business so If a company does not stand out with their offerings (which includes selecting relevant, quality, memorable promotional products) then the likelihood of customer retention from a trade show is much lower. Promotional products will continue to be one of the most effective, affordable, and creative ways for a company to both hold its ground in the competitive world we live in, as well as evolve as the world changes. As long as companies understand that there are strategies for choosing the right kind of promotional product in alignment with the company goals and branding initiatives, it is safe to assume that these companies will succeed in their endeavors to grow their business. Promotional products range in price from less than a dollar to several hundreds of dollars each, and there is virtually no end to the kinds of promotional products available.Youre already familiar with promotional items such as pens, calculators, and key rings, but did you know you can get TV remote controls, microwave popcorn, and even executive leather desk chairs with your logo and contact information printed on them? Here is a short list of the many promotional products available. * Apparel, Caps, and Hats * Automotive Accessories * Awards and Recognition * Backpacks, Bags, Totes * Badges, Buttons, Magnets * Business, Desktop, Office Calendars * Clocks and Watches * Computer Accessories * Diaries, Journals, Notepads * Drinkware, mugs, travel mugs, ceramic mugs * Electronics, key chains, LED key chains * Fitness, Health, and Safety * Food and Edibles * Games and Novelties * Home and Housewares * Jewelry * Luggage and Travel * Outdoors, Sports, Leisure, jackets, sports shirts, compression shirts, * Pocket amp; Purse Accessories * Tools * Writing Instruments, Pens, pencils, markers Given the variety of promotional products available, theres no reason you couldnt find a product to fit your particular marketing need and budget. If you let us spend little time searching, well be sure to find a great price on a great promotional product that will significantly increase the effectiveness of your marketing plan generating sales and leads for your business. So, what are you waiting for? Let Potomac Printing Solutions of Northern Virginia find promotional product that is right for you! No matter what the occasion: * Promoting store or facility openings * Introducing new products * Motivating salespeople, employees, and customers * Opening new accounts * Team building * Marketing items for conferences, trade shows and sales meetings * Activating inactive accounts * Changing names of products, companies, and locations * Using sales aids as door openers * Improving customer relations * Introducing new salespeople * Building an image * Logo clothing for men and women * Employee recognition gifts * Sales incentives and reward programs * Executive gifts http://www.potomacprint.com/How-to-Effectively-Hire-a-Graphic-Designer.asp The smallest details have the greatest impact on how your business is perceived. Whether itrsquo;s the materials you use or the employees you choose every decision made is a reflection of you and your business. Itrsquo;s important to take the time and spend the money to ensure that your customerrsquo;s first impression is as professional and polished as the business you run. Your brand and companyrsquo;s collateral are particularly important in projecting your business sense, quality of work and professionalism. If you arenrsquo;t willing to spend the time on your own business why would you be willing to spend the time on your customer? Although itrsquo;s not always feasible to have all of your collateral professionally designed at one time its important to pick a few and build a good foundation of brand identity and design to work from. Here are a few suggestions of where to start when you are trying to build a professional business with a graphic designer. Logo design is particularly important because itrsquo;s the name, font or image that your customers are most likely to associate with your business. It is important that your identity complements your mission and exemplifies what sets you apart from everyone else. By establishing your business with a clean professional logo it increases the effectiveness of your entire business. Your business cards and website look more professional, your polos and company uniforms become more inviting. Even the brochure or sales sheets that you design yourself become more appealing. "Do it yourself" brochure design may seem like an ldquo;easierrdquo; or ldquo;less expensiverdquo; design option, but its probably not the best option for a couple reasons. First, since you are not a graphic designer you may find yourself struggling for days on a design project that may have only taken a fraction of the time for a professional designer to complete. Next, itrsquo;s likely that after going through the trouble of designing it yourself the files you have created just simply cannot be professionally printed. More often then not, yoursquo;ll end up paying a designer to set up your files if not recreate the entire project. Do yourself a favor and be open and honest with your graphic designer ndash; give them an idea of your budget and let them put the man-hours into creating effective brochures and sales collateral that you can be proud of. Website presence is becoming an increasingly more valuable tool for your customers to learn more about your business and what makes it tick. Its important that your website is functional, effective and reflects your brand. Your time is valuable - in the countless days you would spend to get your website up and running you could have been out securing new customers and growing your business. This is another project that we suggest you leave to the professionals. Spend the time to gather information that you would like to share about yourself and your business, find websites of your competitors and other sites that you like, and hand it over to a professional. By preparing the information and guiding the designer in the right direction it will help the process run smoothly and get you on the web faster. Potomac Printing Solutions has the resources to take your project from concept to completion with our group of dedicated graphic designers. Our creative and production teams work with our clients to uncover the messages that will expose the essence of your company and deliver these key messages to your audience. We will develop tailored branding solutions that not only look good, but also are also effective and cost efficient. So if you are looking to move your business forward consider Potomac Printing Solutions for all of your graphic design needs. Here are just a few of the design projects that we can help you with. Logo Design, Business Card Design, Letterhead, Envelope Design, Mailing Labels, Internal Stationery, Direct Mail Pieces, Newspaper Advertising, Pamphlets, Catalogs, Billboards, Bus Advertisements, Signs, Banners, Posters, Handouts, Postcards, Newsletters, Annual Reports, Magazines, Booklets, Marketing Campaigns, Email Blasts, Website Design, etc. We are happy to be serving all of the DC Metro area from Northern Virginia to Baltimore Maryland. Including Ashburn, Alexandria, Annapolis, Arlington, Baltimore, Bethesda, Dulles, Washington DC, Fairfax, Herndon, McLean, Reston, Rockville, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Owings Mills, etc. http://www.potomacprint.com/Reach-30000-Homes-for-Under-3-Cents-a-Home!.asp Are you looking for a cost effective way to reach home owners throughout Loudoun County? Potomac Printing Solutions has recently developed an advertising piece that will help 20 businesses reach 30,000 homes throughout Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling for less than 3 cents a home. This innovative door hanger allows businesses to reach residential homes throughout Loudoun County for a fraction of the cost of other individual marketing campaigns. With the unique design and high quality appearance this 6.5" x 27.5"door hanger is sure to catch the attention of any and all homeowners thus leading to greater exposure for your business. Here are a few reasons why this innovative new advertising vehicle is not only cost effective but lead effective as well. Exclusive - We are offering exclusive rights for each industry to ensure that no other competing business will be on the same door hanger with you. 30,000 homes to yourself...sounds good! Get Noticed - The unique design of the multi-advertiser door hanger stands out among a direct mail world of community magazines and coupon packets. It will certainly get you noticed! Local Target Marketing - Reach the audience that you want to reach. This opportunity allows you to reach the audience that is most directly effected by your business and most likely to contact you for your services. Reliable Distribution - Audit Managers are in the field with GPS access checking (TLAs) Tracking Locating and Auditing of distributors. Emails are sent at the start and end of each delivery day. Also, delivery photographs are taken to ensure that your distribution will be 100% complete. Stand Apart - With a limited number of spots available, you will not find yourself in a sea of direct competition. Save Money - Save hundreds of dollars compared to traditional advertising methods like newspaper ads, radio spots, and community magazines. Even single business direct mail efforts can be expensive. Lasting Results - Coupons are stored on refridgerators or kept in wallets and purses for future use. The coupon size and paper stock allows for easy storage and accessibility. Highly Visible - The nature of the piece allows everyone to get the best possible exposure. Very little effort is required to locate your advertisement. No more opening coupon packets and no need to sort through pages of ads. If you are interested in learning more about the Multi-Advertiser Door Hanger please contact cduhaime@potomacprint.com or jpehlke@potomacprint.com or give us a call at 703-723-2511 http://www.potomacprint.com/Newsletters-Can-be-a-Valuable-Asset-to-Growing-Your-Business.asp Whether looking to reach your audience through a traditional or digital approach, Newsletters can be an effective technique for engaging your target market and enhancing the overall success of your marketing strategy. Newsletters provide a way to connect and build trust with your current or potential clients and offer valuable information about your business and the services you provide (some of which they had no idea you provided!) There is no standard look and feel to newsletters, and there shouldnrsquo;t be. Itrsquo;s important that your newsletter, whether printed or digital effectively represents your brand and business. When creating a template for your newsletter, it is important to strategize with a graphic designer to ensure that your information is organized effectively and professionally. Once you have ironed out the design details it is important to select a method or methods for distributing to your audience. Each method has its pros and cons so it is important that you research your options and select the technique that provides you with the largest return on your investment. Traditional printed newsletters can bring a lot of value to your marketing strategy. One of the biggest advantages to this method is the reassurance that it will reach its final destination. Unlike digital methods there is no spam filter at the front door that prevents your audience from receiving your printed newsletter. Another benefit to printed methods is shelf life. Your audience may find something interesting and hold onto or pass along your newsletter to a friend or family member (i.e. another potential client). The largest disadvantages to printed newsletters is the cost to print / mail and the time needed to get from the design process to the doorstep. Emailed newsletters are a much less costly solution but have a few disadvantages, as well. Digital newsletters are less likely to be read, never received, or skimmed over very quickly. Unless the subscriber is very interested in the subject, they will not spend as much time with the e-newsletter as they would with a printed version. The two biggest advantages to this method are the low cost and ease of re-directing clients to your website, blog or social media outlets. Its important to use your website to promote your e-newsletters by offering visitors the opportunity to sign up easily. This will provide you with a list of potential clients that are interested in your business and secure business in the future. Anyway you go, Printed, Emailed or Both, the biggest thing you can do to ensure the success of your newsletter is provide valuable information that your current or potential clients will find relevant and interesting. Remember this is a marketing strategy designed to build confidence and trust in your business so if there is no value, your client/customer will quickly unsubscribe or toss the newsletter in the trash without a second thought. Newsletters can be an effective approach to new business if executed effectively. Remember the keys to a successful campaign are a clean and well-organized design and content that is hard-hitting and relevant to your audience. Good luck! http://www.potomacprint.com/Potomac-Printing-Launches-New-Website.asp Potomac Printing Solutions launches new website. http://www.potomacprint.com/New-Leesburg-Veternary-Internal-Medicine-Website-Launches.asp Leesburg Veterinary Internal Medicines website went live July 2010. A special THANK YOU to Dr. Miller for helping expedite the process by providing her content so quickly. Her diligence allowed us to design and take her site live in 2 months. www.internalmedicinevets.com http://www.potomacprint.com/Local-DC-Company-Increases-Sales-by-9-percent.asp Local DC company saw a 9% increase in sales just by switching from a 4 x 6 postcard to a 6 x 11.