The higher education market has become increasingly competitive as schools vie for a shrinking pool of prospective students. Print plays a big role in today’s higher education marketing campaigns because it works. It remains the foundation upon which multi-generational marketing is built.

The audience is larger than you think

Prospective and enrolled students aren’t the only audience that higher ed institutions must reach. Community members, businesses, parents, alumni, donors, faculty and staff comprise a school’s broader support network. Colleges and universities have a unique challenge when it comes to developing a brand that appeals to a wide-ranging network of audiences and generations: to reach many and to resonate deeply. Whether it is promoting online education programs, increasing application and enrollment rates, engaging non-traditional learners, informing accepted students, promoting campus events, motivating current students, or engaging with alumni, strategic and integrated solutions are the right answer.

Cross-channel marketing

Not only is print a tactile and personal experience, but its message to a specific audience also can be amplified through digital media. And in higher education marketing, it’s more powerful than ever. Colleges and universities have been harnessing this power of print in reaching new students, their parents and other audiences for as long as they’ve been around. Utilizing tactics like personalized direct mail, marketing materials, fundraising campaigns and signage, higher ed institutions are well-versed at connecting and engaging with their extensive network. And with “digital fatigue” becoming a major concern, audiences appreciate the lasting tactile experience that a quality print piece delivers.

Anyone doing it on their own?

While some colleges and universities have on-site print shops, they’re often not the best fit for large-scale print campaigns. The vast array of print products used in higher education marketing makes it difficult for in-house shops to handle both the volume and the varied/complex processes required. Some of the more complex or long-run products that need an experienced partner often include:

• Variable Data Postcards
• Envelopes
• Folders
• Booklets
• Calendars
• Badges
• Architectural Signage
• Window, Wall and Floor Decals
• Large Format Signage
• Awards and Gifts
• Promotional Products
• Labels and Packaging

Having a trusted resource that helps plan, execute and deliver multiple elements within the marketing program saves the day. From prepress through digital and offset printing, finishing, kitting and shipping, a trusted partner helps take the complexity out of the print experience and delivers quality results.

The bottom line

Higher education marketing influences audiences at every level, from attracting prospective students to enhancing the enrolled student’s experience while on campus and encouraging alumni engagement. It can also be instrumental in drawing top-tier staff and donors. Print marketing is vital in order to make the greatest impact. Education institutions need marketing support from vendor partners that not only offer expansive print marketing capabilities but also provide personalized service, integrated solutions, and quick turns, all competitively priced.

To learn more about how Navitor can help you, we’ve compiled support materials like our Education Sale Sheet, Product Images, and Education Social Toolkit content that you can use to go to market today. Check out all the material on Education and more on our Content Calendar page here.

There was a time when getting wholesale printing services meant going to a brick-and-mortar facility, speaking with a staff member, and placing a manual order for whatever you needed. Seems like ancient history, doesn’t it? It’s no question that the digital age has changed the world completely, especially when it comes to our reliance on e-commerce for obtaining goods and services. Additionally, in today’s fast-paced business world, time is a valuable commodity. Ordering print products such as custom folders, custom business cards, envelopes, and brochures is a necessary task, but it can be time-consuming. Fortunately, distributors have a convenient and cost-effective option to order print products online at Navitor.com. In case you haven’t noticed yet, we aim to make your life easier, and your business more profitable. Here are some of the benefits of ordering wholesale printing online versus calling in or emailing your orders.

Speed and Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of ordering print products online is the speed and efficiency with which you can complete the transaction. With just a few clicks, you can quickly and easily order the products you need. This process can be completed from anywhere, at any time, which is especially suitable for those who work remotely or have a busy schedule. Additionally, you can complete the entire process of looking through the options, picking what you want, paying for the order and selecting your delivery options – all online.

Convenience

Ordering print products online is much more convenient than traditional ordering methods. When ordering by phone or email, you may have to wait for someone to answer the phone or respond to an email. This can take up valuable time that could be better spent on other important tasks. With online ordering, there is no waiting or delays in the ordering process. You can simply log in to Navitor.com and place your order whenever it is convenient for you.

Customization

Customization doesn’t have to be complex. Simplify your ordering and get the print materials you’re looking for with complete customization – while maintaining uniformity and consistency. Get the best options to suit your needs when you couple high-quality product options with a series of design tools to accompany any skill level, and you’ll quickly discover just how easy it is to customize the materials to perfectly fit the brand and message.

Cost Savings

Another significant benefit of ordering print products online is the cost savings that can be achieved. Did you know that when you call in or email a product order that can also be ordered online it’s a little more expensive? Yep, typically around $15 more. Yes that fee will ensure your artwork is correct and specs align, BUT we have online ordering through at Navitor.com that saves you time and eliminates the manual fee. Instead of the additional labor cost for manually processing your order, online automation saves an expense, which increases your profits.

And We’re Still There for You

Rest assured, just because you choose to save time and money with our convenient and cost-saving online ordering, that doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to our good old fashioned one-on-one personal service. Let’s face it, some printing projects can end up being a bit complicated, and no one wants to run into problems during the production process, but sometimes issues come up and you will find yourself in need of help. Fortunately, we give you both the ease of using online ordering, plus the personal service you deserve.

Top Products Ordered Online

Recently, we’ve made Navitor.com even more user friendly, and a place where you can easily find all the products we supply. Our goal has always been to provide printing excellence at superb prices, and our website has been newly renovated, helping to make pricing print, uploading artwork and ordering even more quick and simple. Our wide selection of print products covers the gamut of wholesale printing needs, and some of the top products ordered online include custom business cards, envelopes, custom folders and brochures. These products are essential for any business, and ordering them online now saves you time, money, and effort.

The Takeaways

Ordering print products online at Navitor.com offers many benefits to our valued distributor members. These benefits include speed and efficiency, convenience, and cost savings. By taking advantage of online ordering, you can streamline your print product ordering process and focus on other important tasks for your business. When you order your print online you don’t have to spend valuable time on the phone or waiting for quotes and news on your job. You can do everything online – from getting instant prices to uploading your artwork and arranging delivery, all from your desktop or even your phone.

For a crash course on all that our online space offers, watch the Ultimate Guide to Navitor.com.

And don’t stop there – watch our webinar from July, “Mastering Navitor.com: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks” and learn how this platform can help you save time and money while also ensuring fast, reliable delivery for your customers. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, Navitor.com is your one-stop shop for personalized products that get results.

Are you looking to boost your revenue stream while bringing more convenience to your customers? Setting up an online store for your customers to easily order print products like business cards, postcards – and a bunch of other stuff – is simpler than you might think.

Old-school sales and ordering

This scenario has been played out in the wholesale printing game for decades. You have your list of repeat buyers. You reach out to them periodically to see if they need to order anything. They request a quote, you have some numbers run, you share a proposal, they review the pricing, they decide to order, they reach back out to you…whew, I’m getting tired and we’re not even to the order yet! Not to mention all the next steps, including the approval process. 

It’s a new day for ordering print

Digital rules. Selling goods online just makes ordering easier, and more than ever, people simply want the convenience of it. Ordering online eliminates many of the hassles associated with ordering print, and it’s an efficient way to save time and streamline processes. Not only does a Company eStore provide a user-friendly and seamless ordering experience for your customers, but it also brings in a steady flow of repeat web-to-print orders for you, ensuring a reliable and predictable source of income for your business.

Picture this

Your ideal customer has lots of locations, lots of employees, lots of products…. like a company with, say, 100 employees, and they are ordering things like custom business cards and custom postcards all year long. They’re doing around 20-30 orders per year. What if your customer could just order all their stuff from a site that houses it all? They click whenever they need anything, and you, well, you can spend more time prospecting. Or golfing. You choose.

Customers order a huge variety of product on these sites and here are the top three most popular: Custom Business Cards, Custom Brochures, and Custom Postcards.

Consider all of the advantages Company eStores offer

Easy ordering, seamless proofing. Sound good? But the benefits don’t stop there. A Company eStore streamlines the ordering process, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the chance of errors. This means you can fulfill orders more efficiently, which allows you to take on more business and grow your customer base.

When your customers can order print quickly and easily from a custom site, you get more business. More business means more revenue…you get the picture. Here are some of the benefits Company eStore can bring to you:

• Automation of the order process
• Consistent revenue streams
• Increased order accuracy
• Repeat business
• Easier and more economical print management
• Increased revenue through a broad product offering
• Increased customer retention and annuity sales over time
• Savings on administrative expenses

But you’re not the only one benefiting. Your customers get in on the advantages too.

Why an online eStore is the way to go for your customers

A corporate or employee store carries your customer’s brand and makes ordering print products a snap for them. The advancement of online print ordering provides limitless on-demand options for your customers’ printing needs, and it benefits businesses and enterprises by providing them with: 

• Brand control
• Centralized procurement
• Resource conservation
• Flexibility
• Faster order turn-time
• Easy one-stop shopping

Larger companies with multiple locations, as well as franchises can utilize a custom store to save a great deal of time coordinating the distribution of new marketing materials. An online store makes it super easy for them to order, ensuring more brand consistency. All this saves them time and hassle, which in turn builds loyalty and trust in your business.

Let’s deep dive into a few of the benefits:

1. Easy customization: With web-to-print ordering, your customer can easily customize their print materials with their company’s logo, colors, and other branding elements. They can choose from pre-designed templates or create unique designs, covering all the creative bases.
2. Time-saving: With traditional ordering methods, there’s a lot of communication and waiting for proofs and revisions. With web-to-print ordering, changes can be made in real time and finished products are received much faster.
3. Consistency: When ordering through a Company eStore, you can be assured that all of the print materials are consistent in design and quality, which is essential for building a strong brand (and keeping your customers happy).
4. Cost-effective: Web-to-print ordering can be much more cost-effective than traditional methods, as it allows for bulk ordering and eliminates the need for intermediaries.
5. Convenient: Web-to-print ordering is simply more convenient for busy professionals. They can order print materials whenever and wherever they have an internet connection, and can easily track their orders and receive notifications as things progress.

Real estate and travel industries

For businesses in the real estate and travel industries, having professional print materials like business cards and postcards is essential for promoting their brand and services. But the traditional process of ordering print materials can be time-consuming and frustrating for them, with back-and-forth communication taking up their staff’s valuable time. Web-to-print ordering through an online eStore allows them to easily customize and order their print materials from the comfort of their computer, without any of the bother of traditional ordering methods.

If you have customers in the real estate or travel industry that are in need of professional print materials, web-to-print ordering through a Company eStore is the way to go. It’s fast, easy, cost-effective, and convenient, allowing them to focus on growing their business rather than worrying about ordering print materials.

The profitable weight of customer retention

Retention Science shares that 80 percent of your future profits will come from just 20 percent of your existing customers, and repeat customers spend 33% more than existing ones. So you can see how increasing customer retention increases profits and the value of your company, and how the “stickiness” of a site fuels repeat buying. In fact, web-to-print technologies increase retention by up to 95%.

Where do you go from here?

In a flash, we can set up an employee or corporate online store tailored to your customer’s unique requirements. These are dedicated sites for each of your largest clients, branded to them, accessible 24/7, allowing effortless management of all their marketing materials in one place. So why wait?  Start exploring your options for web-to-print ordering today.Top of Form Bottom of Form

If you’d like to make your customers’ lives easier and grow your business, let’s have a quick chat. You’ll get an account review and a demo of our technology platform, built to bring you more sales. Take advantage of this revenue-boosting opportunity and set up a 15-minute flash appraisal. We’d love to show you (in just a few minutes) how to grow business quickly.

Start your Flash Appraisal

But wait! There’s more.

We also have a webinar coming up where we will dive deep into everything eStore. Our upcoming webinar, “LIKE A BOSS: How to Dominate the Print Game through Company eStores” on March 22 will show you how easy it is to set them up and answer any questions you may have. 

In conclusion

Ready to find out how easy it is to get a site set up so any one of your customers (or all of them…hey, go big or go home) can order business cards, stationery, marketing collateral and more? Set up your Company eStore today and start reaping the benefits of a streamlined, efficient, and profitable web-to-print ordering process. Your customers will thank you, and your bottom line will too!

Let’s Get Started!

Going out to eat is back in full swing. And more than 660,000 restaurants across the country are cooking up tasty fare for hungry foodies. That’s a lot of cafés, bistros, grills and diners. The landscape is a competitive one – patrons can only eat so much in a day. Restaurants have to balance keeping customers satisfied while dealing with skyrocketing prices on products and fuel. The bottom line: they need to have the highest return possible for every dollar spent. There’s no question how impactful the role of print communications is for restaurants to gain new patrons, engage their guests, encourage repeat dining and keep their eateries top of mind…and very visible.

Restaurant marketing objectives include promoting specials and events, upselling menu items, and generating a buzz, just to name a few. Print remains the go-to medium when it comes to conveying personality, telling a story, welcoming visitors and developing an ambiance. Here are five big ways that print tastefully markets restaurants of all sizes:

1. Signage

There’s no better way to turn foot traffic into sales, and transform spaces into showcases than with indoor and outdoor signage. Getting customers in the door takes bold and innovative options. Durable Banners can be hung from buildings to attract attention from a distance and Sail Signs can be positioned near a building or along a busy boulevard. Using interchangeable sign inserts to update messages on the fly, list specials and advise of open/closed seating areas or special parking areas takes full advantage of the versatility of signs. Erasable signage used as a Menu Board in a central location can work together with individual menus at tables, and Communication Boards can be used for assigning tables to wait staff or posting work schedules.

2. Labels, stickers and decals

Restaurants can shape the atmosphere, clearly direct traffic flow, and show off specials and new items with bright, full-color imagery on Window, Table and Floor Decals. Using QR Codes on decals serves up quick reference and easy online ordering. Wall Decals feature seasonal specials and easily transform the décor. Branded Labels and Stickers create a marketing message on the go. Available in a wide variety of sizes, they are perfect to have on hand to dress up various restaurant provisions like take-out boxes, paper bags, coffee cups and giveaways.

3. Print to hold on to

Brochures, postcards, flyers and door hangers are just a few examples of tangible pieces that inspire action. Take-Out Menus and Rack Cards can be placed at nearby businesses and hotels to promote patronage. Whether boosting repeat business through direct mail Postcards, canvassing entire areas with Door Hangers, or offering loyalty program perks like Fridge Magnets, the tactile nature of print keeps brands front and center while prompting response.

4. Tableside marketing

Table Tents are one of the best ways to promote special deals, recommend food combinations and show off food photography. Table tents are so prolific because they WORK! The most powerful complement to any menu, tableside marketing elements bridge the gap between print and digital, and help maximize market share. Convenient, self-standing promotional powerhouses, table tents are an exceptional way for restaurants to encourage upsells, promote new items and special deals, attract repeat business, and market products and events.

5. Branded apparel

Sometimes used to show employee appreciation and create a team environment, sometimes used to generate additional revenue streams, branded aprons, shirts, uniforms and other Apparel always creates roving marketing opportunities. Cohesiveness in dress code can improve customer experience and enhance the setting. Selling branded restaurant merchandise is a fantastic way for eateries to strengthen their connection with customers and increase sales. Sweatshirts, jackets and hats decorated with a restaurant’s logo not only make great gifts, they also help the business stay top of mind whenever a customer puts them on.

The takeaway

Even though the restaurant industry appears pretty overcrowded, promoting a brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of cost-effective techniques to help restaurants get people through their doors (and coming back) so they can better stay afloat in inflationary times. Being creative and employing some of the methods above are fast tracks to satisfaction. Help restaurants meet all their marketing objectives with the product ideas and strategic solutions that we cover in our latest flyer. Download and share with your customers and prospects today!

Did you know there are 1.54 million nonprofits registered with the IRS? And since December is the most popular month for charitable giving, now is a perfect time to seek out and have some conversations with the nonprofits in and around your community.

Nonprofits by the numbers

Over 80% of all donations to charities and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. come from individuals. According to The Philanthropy Roundtable, six out of ten American households participate in some sort of charitable giving. Giving is on the rise and the tally shows total giving grew 4% year over year, revealing that Americans continued giving more generously than before the pandemic. In 2021, donors returned to their favored causes, with many of the sectors that struggled in 2020 making a recovery in 2021. The $466.23 billion contributed in 2020 was outpaced as U.S. charities received an estimated $484.85 billion in 2021. Significant increases were found in the following areas: giving to public-society benefit organizations, giving to arts, culture and humanities, and donations to environmental and animal organizations. Here are some additional stats that are good to know before consulting your customers:

• Younger donors prefer recurring donations – almost 48% of 18- to 29-year-old donors and more than 33% of 30- to 44-year-old donors give monthly
• Nonprofit Source reports that donors who set up some sort of recurring monthly donation give 42% more than one-time givers
• Gen Z and Millennials want to receive updates from nonprofits at least monthly
• Boomers are the most likely to donate to religious organizations
• Average age of the U.S. donor is 64
• Boomers far prefer to donate by mail than other channels
• Boomers want to know where their money is being used – of the Boomers that stopped donating to a cause, more than 40% said it was due to feeling their money was not being used strategically

People are generally more philanthropic toward the end of their lives, when they tend to have more savings, time and motivation to help others. Giving peaks at ages 61-75, when 77% of households donate, compared to just over 60% among households headed by someone 26-45 years old. The top contributions by organization type are:

• Religion – 27%
• Education – 14%
• Human Services – 13%

How you can be of service

When it comes to nonprofit organizations – whether fundraising, notifying of upcoming events, attracting sponsors or thanking donors – print continues to further worthy causes, even in a world driven by digital communications. Print materials feel more personalized; they allow nonprofits to reach precise audiences, they inform donors and volunteers, and they help bring in fundraising revenue. Segmentation and personalized campaigns will become even more targeted by marketers as we head into 2023.

Whether your nonprofit customer is preparing for an upcoming event, announcing new sponsorship opportunities, or striving to keep the general public and local communities involved in what they do, keeping the organization top-of-mind is key to getting the support it needs.

How can your customer set themselves apart and continue to grow? Below are some proven print marketing tips that will help your nonprofit customers more effectively attract supporters, engage with their donors as well as local community members and sponsors, and thank their constituents.

Tips and trends

Inflation and economic conditions have increased need and decreased buying power. Fundraising efforts must ramp up to close the gap. Attracting attention, communicating the mission, identifying staff and engaging with volunteers, donors and sponsors require an integrated approach and a versatile vendor partner. Using personalized, targeted campaigns will increase donation dollars. Bright and bold graphics on windows, floors, banners and signs will command attention, and print marketing materials like calendars, notebooks and sticky notes make ideal gifts – branded with the cause near and dear to the recipient’s heart. Plus, the practicality of them guarantees they’ll be used and appreciated.

Attraction

Attract and promote sponsors with indoor and outdoor signage prior to and during charitable events. Spread the word about a campaign or event through postcards and door hangers. Let the support base know about new opportunities to give and/or volunteer with flyers, letters and brochures. Reach as many supporters and prospects as possible with yard signs, vinyl banners and A-frame signs. Digital print is perfect for creating materials and resources with multiple language versions.

Engagement

Engage the community year-round, grow the donor base and update supporters with calendars, direct mail and invitations. Share facts about meeting mission goals and milestones with annual reports. Get more personal with donors, raise more revenue and retain donors by articulating what your donors care most about through segmentation and personalization. Bring in fundraising revenue and further the cause with fundraising letters or water bottle labels that include a link or QR code to the online donation form or social media accounts. This is an ideal way to bridge the gap between tactile and digital channels.

Giving Thanks

Show donors how much they are appreciated with branded promotional products or labels and stickers. Thanking and identifying donors, supporters and volunteers with branded apparel gives them an opportunity to spread the word with pride each time they wear it. Let major donors see the work they are funding with appreciation gifts in tuck boxes. Add a personal touch to thank-you notes, making donors feel more valued.

Moving forward

The strategies covered above represent some of the ways nonprofits rely on print materials to further their mission. Choosing the right partner will help your nonprofit customers find the best print marketing strategies for their messaging to ensure they get results. Together, we can help your nonprofit customers reach, raise and retain. Rely on us to help solve some of the challenges they face. Discover more detailed information on top product ideas and industry stats in our latest flyer for nonprofits.

Never stagnant, the alcoholic beverage industry has proven itself to also be one of the most crisis-proof consumer goods categories. When COVID restrictions shut the doors of bars and restaurants, off-premise sales of alcohol soared. Conversely, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages are growing in popularity, prevalent among Millennials and Gen Zers – who are drinking less than other generations did at their age – as well as the “sober curious.” Significant supply chain issues, climate change and even a pandemic has not slowed the growth of this resilient industry.

A market on fire

Although more and more people are becoming health-conscious, pulling back on their alcohol consumption, or stopping altogether, as well as a steady rise in the use of cannabis products, the industry remains unscathed by folks opting for drinking less. Industry experts anticipate the growth rate to be as much as or greater than four percent each year for at least the next five years. According to prnewswire.com, the craft spirits market share is expected to increase by more than $36 billion from 2020 to 2025, and that segment’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of more than 22%

From 2001 to 2020, the winery industry gained nearly 4,000 new establishments, which represented a 371% increase. The brewery industry opened almost 4.7K new establishments (1,185%), and the distillery industry netted more than 1.1K new establishments (1,789%).

Market trends

Some very interesting developments are taking shape with beer, wine and spirits, and now more than ever, alcohol brands are being forced to re-examine their target audience, the products they offer, their image and how they are showing up in the marketplace in order to effectively compete.

Smaller portions and moderation

With the rise in cannabis consumption and the competition it brings, the alcoholic beverage industry needs to reconsider how products are packaged, and apply more thoughtful features that will appeal to customers. Cannabis is touted as a healthier alternative to alcohol, and for the beverage industry to compete, they’ll need to use strategic measures like introducing smaller packaging sizes and serving options. The industry also faces a moderation movement. By offering smaller serving options, brands can balance the consumer moderation desire in both new and mature drinkers.

Consumers are looking for ethical brands

Solidarity with local brands and businesses was a key trend during the pandemic, and is one that is closely associated with consumers’ preferences around sustainable product packaging and ethical practices. IWSR’s consumer research shows that 48% of U.S. alcohol drinkers say their purchase decisions are positively influenced by a company’s sustainability and/or their environmental initiatives. Sustainable packaging solutions have been at the top of corporate and social responsibility agendas in the drinks industry for many years. Consumers are increasingly looking for alcoholic beverage companies to show a clear commitment to sustainable practices. Local brands can reinforce their status for the long term by emphasizing sustainability, quality and community values on their packaging.

Plenty are ready for ready-to-drink

You may have noticed pre-mixed cocktails are taking over store shelves and commercial ad space. A burgeoning fourth category of alcoholic beverages, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, have seen sales increases from seven percent in 2019 to 11 percent for the first half of last year, with several sources indicating that the market will continue to grow. Checking out the latest goings-on inside the beer, wine and spirits industry you’ll definitely stumble across the increasing popularity of RTD selections. Interestingly, these options have been around for a long time, but they are really gaining popularity right now. To give you a better idea of just how popular alcoholic RTD beverages have become, Nielsen notes that the sales of malt-based cocktail variants have grown by 597 percent compared to last year. Also on the rise, hard seltzer RTD sales are at 193 percent growth, while canned wine sales increased by 77 percent.

Driving shelf disruption and creating a stir

In order for beverage alcohol brands to compete in an overly competitive market, deliver exceptional experiences and differentiate their brand, they must pull out all the stops at every avenue possible. Starting with labels and packaging, moving through points-of-purchase at retail stores all the way to designing the right atmosphere at on-site tasting rooms and events, print materials set the tone, build excitement, tell a story and make that vital impression with retail customers. Additionally, many alcohol brands find incredibly receptive customers at music festivals, sporting events and large seasonal gatherings. By enhancing an attendee’s enjoyment, these brands know how to secure their place in the memories of consumers. Use of their product during festive and meaningful events makes an impression that lasts.

According to Forbes, presenting a brand consistently across all platforms can increase revenue

by up to 23%. Ensuring that a brand’s products, packaging, online presence, POP advertising and marketing materials all send a uniform message about the brand’s identity and its core values is essential.

Top print products

Opportunities for print are really brewing in this market. The top print products listed below merely scratch the surface of what’s needed for the alcoholic beverage brands to show up front and center.

• Packaging – single-serve packaging, branded cans, pouches and folded cartons for products and mix-ins
• Labels – hang tags, bottle-neckers and stickers for branding, displaying nutritional information, QR codes and special promotions, as well as tracking ROI
• Marketing Materials – folders, brochures, booklets, rack cards and flyers are effective tools for on-site marketing
• Signage – interior and exterior signage to attract attention, and mass-merchandise displays to highlight specific products
• Graphics – floor and wall graphics to market new products and for seasonal promotions, and window clings to inform consumers and advertise brands
• Promotional Products – branded apparel, drinkware, writing instruments and bags make lasting brand impressions
• Wraps – can wraps as an alternative to printed cans, and vehicle wraps to advertise brands while transporting

Conversational tips

To open doors and have relevant conversations with your beer, wine and spirits customers and prospects, there are a few topics you can cover with them to get a solid dialogue rolling:

• Mention the rise in competition within the industry and externally.
• Explain that the top buying segment is consumers aged 45-64 – which is an age group who prefers shopping in-store and physical advertisements.
• Emphasize the increase in consumer demand for sustainable products and the need for the brands to react.
• Learn about trending beverages in the market such as non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink and high-end spirits.

The takeaway

As we enter a new year, the trends we covered above should help you better understand the opportunities within the market and some of the challenges the alcohol industry is facing. To propel your sales within this growing market, there are a couple of next steps you can take:

• Gather background industry information
  Research the industry and top players. Keep up with new and emerging trends. Reports like the ones on IBISWorld contain industry background info, revenue, outlook and jargon necessary to be mindful of when entering this industry for the first time.

• Learn about innovations and trends for alcoholic beverage packaging
  With sustainability and brand image being a growing priority, offering new ways to combine aesthetics and sustainability without sacrificing quality is key. Here is an example of a website that offers a ton of good information about packaging trends.

Together, we can help your beverage alcohol industry customers get noticed and we can solve some of the challenges they face. Discover more detailed information on top product ideas and industry stats in our latest flyer for the Beer, Wine & Spirits industry.

Did you know that almost 50% of our country’s total workforce is employed by small businesses? How about the fact that even though in the last decade it is typical for approximately 600k new businesses to be registered each year, American entrepreneurs started over 5.4 million new businesses in 2021? This is the highest total on record. Startups and small businesses present ample opportunities for print sales. Before we get into what they are buying, let’s take a look at what differentiates the two.

Startups and small businesses

Startups are young companies founded by entrepreneurs who have developed a unique product or service for which there is likely demand. Rooted in innovation, startups are ventures that are focused on a single something that aims to remedy deficiencies or to create entirely new categories of goods and services. Regular companies, for the most part, duplicate what’s been done before. A startup aims to create an entirely new template. Another key factor that distinguishes startups from other companies: speed and growth. Startups aim to build on ideas very quickly. Generally, the intent of the startup founder is to disrupt the market with an impactful business model, and then take over the market.

A small business, on the other hand, is a self-sustaining organization that has a business model that isn’t something that simply will work down the line, instead generates revenue from day one. To operate a small business, you don’t need a big market to grow into. You just need a market and you need to be able to reach and serve all of those within that market in an efficient way. Examples of a small business are a local deli, coffee shop, plumber or electrician. None of these are disrupting an industry, instead they are attempting to be profitable within it.

The differences and similarities

A startup wants to scale up quickly. Startups are often fresh, innovative, collaborative and focused on growth, while small businesses typically fall into an already proven and established model, and are focused on cost efficiencies and productivity. The commonalities that small businesses and startups do share are the requirements to introduce their brand, build their brand and make their brand stand out.

Top industries for startups

Researching the best startup industries can not only help you identify some sectors you can connect with, it points you in the direction of emerging industries that will provide you with more opportunities for success. To follow is a snapshot of the industries that are getting underway.

The top ten startups of 2022:

1. Health Care & Virtual Med
2. Accommodation & Food Service
3. Art, entertainment and craft
4. Personal Trainers (online)
5. Site Building & Web Design
6. Local Auto Repairs
7. Second Hand (online) stores
8. Pet services
9. Dropshipping
10. Real estate

Marketing essentials and branding products are crucial for introducing a small business or a startup to the market, helping to build the brand and make that brand stand out.

Introducing brands

Exhibiting originality with branded business identity products helps tell a brand’s story. Business Cards legitimize a business in very fun and unique ways, ranging from high-end features like emboss, foil and geometric shapes, to budget and DIY options like painting, dipping and watercolor splotches. With variable print, they no longer need to all be the same, brands can try different colors or patterns that continue across the run to create a sort of puzzle of business cards.

Thoughtfully designed Packaging can deepen a brand’s impact. From Folding Cartons to Pouches, the container itself is a valuable part of the customer experience. Adding a branded Sticker to internal wrapping or a cute Stamp seals it all together.

Including a branded Notecard Insert, Postcard or Post-it® can help build an immediate connection with customers. Tactile finishes such as raised gloss and raised foil will add an elegant and memorable touch.

Building brands

Product Labels also tell a story. Research shows that well-designed labels have the power to build brands, create preference and drive impulse purchases.

High-quality branded Apparel and Merchandise can turn employees and customers into walking, talking endorsements of a business or product line. Brands can build loyalty and engagement through promotional giveaways, including Branded Gifts for events and sponsorships.

Yard Signs, Banners, and A-frame Signs are instrumental in attracting passersby. Interior signage like Window and Floor Decals help expand the retail square footage without increasing the rent. Table Tents and Pedestal Signs provide necessary contactless payment options like Venmo, ApplePay and more.

Setting up an Online Corporate Store with branded products like Business Identity Products for both marketing and operations, and Badges for new employees, Apparel and Promotional Products for big events and much more, helps establish a brand’s foundation. Products can be ordered from inventory or printed on demand.

Making brands stand out

A brand can diversify their strategy to make it as visible as possible with Variable Print or they can defy norms by trying different colors or patterns on customer-facing materials. Show the boldness of a brand’s personality by changing up Envelopes and Letterhead with options that help brands stand out from the crowd. Brands can increase visibility for grand openings or for operating business as usual with signage products like Feather Flags, and Window and Door Decals that showcase the value they are bringing to the community.

The takeaway

There’s no question the proliferation of startups and small businesses presents tremendous opportunities for print sales for you and we’d like to help. Are you ready to cultivate new business in this exciting market? Whether introducing the brand, growing brand visibility or exhibiting the brand’s originality, this sector is a hot market ripe for print sales. Find out more about your opportunities for sustainable revenue by checking out our Startups and Small Businesses flyer, loaded with information to help you jump start selling to this worthwhile industry.