4 Strategies Guaranteed to Increase Your Company’s Revenue

What if you could simplify growing your business and profits by focusing on 4 easy to understand principles?

Marketing is the mechanism and driver of new business, but you can simplify increasing your company's revenue by focusing on 4 strategic and very narrow metrics.

In this clashgraphics.com article, presented are marketing strategies and the four ways to increase revenue and customer engagement.

Marketing Strategies to Increase Revenue

Strategies to increase revenue can be guided by four distinct business growth principles; customer count, average transaction, transaction frequency, and price.

Whether the marketing or advertising strategy is a buy-one-get-one, door hanger promotion, email, direct mail campaign, flyer, holiday special, or social media campaign, its underlying goal or purpose is one or a combination of the categories mentioned above.

One of the most important and fundamental aspects of a marketing strategy is a clear understanding of its intended purpose and how it will accomplish this.

1 - Increase Your Customer Count

Attracting more customers to your business is typically one of your core business goals. Right?

Sure... As long as you have the staff or the means to maintain excellent customer service and the product inventory to satisfy your new sales volume.

In relation to revenue growth and increased profitability, growing the customer base is most often a business owners first thought.

If your business was not first to market and doesn't own 75%+ market share, then increasing your businesses number of customers is a solid revenue growth strategy.

The following strategies are very effective when the focus is on increasing your business’ customer count:

• Search Engine Optimization
• Radio Ads
• TV Ads
• Newspaper Ads
• Online/Social Media Ads
• Community Event Participation
• Grand Re-Opening Event
• Billboards
• Flyer Distribution
• Door Hanger Campaign
• Direct Mail Campaign

By adding a discount coupon or promo code to your marketing material, you give potential and returning customers a reason to pay your store or site a visit again. This leads us to the next category to grow your business.

2 - Increase Customer’s Average Transaction Amount

Building on your current customer base is smart business. This is where customer service becomes personalized service, and knowing the needs of your customers helps you put the right products in their hands.

The more products you carry which offer solutions to the needs of your customer, the more they are likely to purchase.

If your business has 200 customers per week that spend an average of $50 per week, that’s $10,000 in weekly revenue. Now, if through a promotion, demonstration, or sale, you can get half of your customers to spend an extra $5 per week, you’ve increased your weekly revenue to $11,000 or a gain of 10%.

Merchandising also plays a massive roll in increasing the average transaction. End caps or displays can be used to suggest a combination of products, while popup suggestions and instant discounts can be very effective for online stores.

The following strategies when coupled with customer engagement, smart merchandising, discount coupons, BOGO, buy x amount get y% in savings, etc. can be used to increase your customer’s average transaction:

• Email Advertising Campaign
• Instant Online Savings
• Social Media Ads with Coupon Codes
• Direct Mail Coupons, Flyers, and Newsletters
• In-Store Coupons, Flyers, and Newsletters
• Free Samples (when possible)

Note: Anyone who ever shopped at Kmart probably remembers the random (over the p.a. system) “Blue Light Specials.” This is a classic example of how to entice your customers to get something extra in their basket.

3 - Increase Frequency of Customer’s Transactions

How do you get your customers to visit and buy more frequently? In this category, your strategies must be focused on two specific targets:

Customer Experience - What keeps your customers coming back? Whether online or in-store, it’s the experience they have and value they derive from interacting with your business.

Value and experience can be expressed and appreciated in different ways. For some, speed and price represent value, while others see personalization as a more compelling value proposition.

The better the service and seamless checkout is, the easier customers can shop, and more likely they are to do so more frequently.

Engage Your Customer Base - The very same strategies used to increase the average transaction size can be modified to increase your customer’s transaction frequency.

Take yourself for example. Why do you keep going back to specific locations?

• Is it the customer service?
• Could it be the convenience of the location?
• Is it an irresistible offer or monthly promotion?

More than likely, it is a combination of all these and a few more reasons.

To help strengthen your customer’s loyalty and get them to your location or website more often, make them feel that they have a say! You can encourage and invite their input and feedback through satisfaction surveys using the following:

• Email
• Pop-Up in the Online Store
• Direct Mail
• In-Store

When changes are made that result from customer feedback, you have another opportunity to build on customer loyalty. By letting them know (individually by thank you cards or collectively by banners and signs) that they were the catalyst for improvements, they will be more likely to patronize and frequent your store.

Note: It is not wise to ask for customer comments, feedback, or suggestions if you are unwilling to accommodate and make changes.

4 - Increase Product or Service Prices

This is undoubtedly the least popular of the four categories, and the easiest to backfire if not handled properly.

If the time comes that you must raise your prices to increase revenue, or compensate for rising costs, the following strategies can help prepare your customers and avoid significant decreases in your number of customers and average transaction:

Run a Promotion - Before prices go up, run a promotion on the affected items and advise your customers of the coming price changes.

Be Forthcoming - Explain why the prices are going up. Consumers, in general, will absorb reasonable price increases for items they see as essential. Especially when they understand why the price went up.

Show Results - If the prices are going up for an expansion project, give your customers periodic updates. If it is to hire more employees to serve your customers better, make sure it happens.

You could simply raise your prices and “cross your fingers” that no one notices. Besides having potential complaints and bad online reviews, you will have lost an opportunity to display your empathy and commitment to customer’s feelings and experience.

Growing Your Business Through Customer Engagement

The four ways to increase a business’ revenue all boil down to customer engagement. With honest and consistent communication, you can naturally boost your revenue, even if it means having to raise your prices.

In this article, you discovered the top four ways to increase revenue, the strategies that help you achieve it, and the importance of customer engagement throughout the process.

With a well-structured marketing strategy, guided by exceptional customer engagement, increasing the customer count, average transaction, transaction frequency, or even increasing prices can translate to increased revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction and satisfied customers.

Sources:

http://web.stanford.edu/group/instr_design/cgi-bin/case_study/strategicthinking/module3.html
https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/expert-perspectives/top-3-ways-to-increase-revenue-with-existing-customers/

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: https://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/4-strategies-guaranteed-increase-your-companys-revenue/

Use Door Hanger Advertising and Marketing to Grow Your Business

Tired of expensive marketing campaigns with mediocre results? Give door hanger advertising a try! This low cost method of advertising is easy to implement and can grow your business immediately.

Besides being straightforward and practical, door hangers attract customers to your business and open the door to immediate and future marketing opportunities.

In this article, clashgraphics.com discusses the many benefits that may make door hangers an essential part of your company’s marketing strategy, how they are able to generate both immediate and future income, and the limitless options you have in creating them.

Benefits of Door Hangers

Like direct mail marketing, door hangers present your company and its product to a targeted consumer. Where door hangers differ is that they aren’t mixed in and lost in a pile of mail, but have to be physically removed from a door handle. This act provides an extra second or two for you to get individualized attention of the potential customer.

Here are a few ideas you can use to guide the designing and distribution of your door hanger:

Shape - Rather than the typical rectangle “Do Not Disturb” sign, use a shorter, rounded edge door hanger, or consider having them cut in a shape which represents your company, or the product you are marketing.

Thickness - Use a sturdy 12pt or 16pt cardstock. Door hangers with this thickness will withstand the elements and give a professional appearance that can distinguish your company or brand.

Color and Finish - Bright and lively full-color printing will enhance your design work, while UV coating will give it a high gloss finish and captivating aesthetic.

Using a Matte finish on one side will give your door hanger a writable surface, which is convenient for personalization or note taking when the consumer calls for more information.

Perforation - Elevate your campaign’s effectiveness by using door hangers with a tear-off perforation that incites a direct response.

This enables you to include a business card, coupon, membership card, or free pass. The possibilities are limitless.

Content - Since this type of marketing campaign is targeting specific consumers, it is of the utmost importance that you identify their problem and offer a solution.

Less is more! Remember, you have only a matter of seconds to catch your customer’s attention. Whether it’s a question, a statement, a picture, or an offer, the design should be simple and convey the value that your product provides.

Example: In a neighborhood with a severe beetle infestation, a tree care service could use full-color door hangers shaped like a tree or a beetle with a tear-off business card or coupon.

Distribution - As mentioned above, professional distribution companies will charge an average of .20 cents per door hanger. Also mentioned was using your own employees, community group, volunteers, etc.

By using local groups for your distribution needs, you help them through your donations, contributions, or even the camaraderie fostered in a pizza party. The other potential return is a broader acceptance of your advertising and product or service within the community.

Ultimately, you are building a reputation in the community, helping others, and saving money.

Watch this video for more door hanger distribution ideas.

Door Hanger Marketing Response Rate

A variable of any marketing efforts success formula is its response rate. As with other media, door hanger marketing response rates are dependent on how well targeted they are and how relevant they are to the targeted consumer. Results can range from 1% to 5% or more, but on a general basis, you can expect an average of 2% ROI (return on investment).

While this number may seem low, let’s take a closer look at cost, ROI, and how that 2% can grow your business.

Cost - The expenses you can expect for design, print, and distribution of 5,000 door hangers are as follows:

$300 (or more) is about what you can expect to pay for 5,000 high-quality door hangers.
$1,000* for having them professionally distributed (average of 20 cents per hanger).
$200 for graphic design and copy.
Free demographic research at the United States Census Bureau.

$1,500 is the total cost of this example campaign.

*Distribution expenses can be dramatically reduced when you use your own employees, volunteers, church group, Girl Scout troop, or boys and girls club to distribute the door hangers. It may cost you a donation or a pizza party, but you will still be saving.

ROI - Your return on investment can be seen or valued in one of two ways. There is the immediate return or response, and there is the lifetime value of the customer.

For the immediate return, as an example, a house cleaning service distributes a coupon on the door hangers and tracks the number of responses.

For the lifetime value of the customer, the house cleaning service tracks the immediate return, as well as considering the value of the customer over their lifetime (how many total transactions they will make in the present and future years).

In this example, the house cleaning service sends out a coupon which will earn them $25 net profit with the 5,000 door hangers at a cost of $1,500.

At 2% return, the cleaning service can anticipate 100 customers taking advantage of the coupon. The campaign’s gross profit would be $2,500, with a net profit of $1,000.

The formula to calculate your immediate return is as follows:

Percent of Return X Profit = Gross Profit Gross Profit - Campaign Cost = Net Profit

A core variable in the above formula is the percent of return (how many customers out of the total marketed to actually buy). By raising and lowering this percentage, you can create a range of expectations for your campaign.

Growing the Business - While the immediate return may not seem like a big win, the perspective changes when you calculate the lifetime value of the new customers.

Conservatively speaking, let’s assume that the lifetime value of the cleaning service’s newly acquired customers is $4,000. Those 100 new customers equate to $400,000 from a campaign that cost only $1,500.

Primary Advantages of Door Hanger Marketing

Door hanger marketing is surprisingly full of benefits. Here are a few for you to consider:

Cost-Effective - More often cheaper than other comparable marketing strategies (including direct mail), door hangers possess the potential to grow your business in the short and long-term without substantial investment.

It’s a Can’t-Miss - Consumers are greeted at their door, and they must handle the door hanger individually. This increases the likelihood that it will be read and responded to.

Limitless Options - Your door hangers can be printed in any shape, color, size, and finish.

Targeted Consumers - Nothing random here, you are attempting to solve a specific problem or share an offer with a specific group of people.

Extras - Refrigerator magnets, coupons, business cards, and other items can be added to your door hanger to encourage an action or increase its appeal.

Campaign Tracking - Coupon, discount, or promotional codes can be added to door hangers to track and provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of your campaign.

If these benefits aren’t enough to persuade you to consider a door hanger campaign, consider and compare the time, effort, and cost of your other marketing campaigns. You will certainly discover a large disparity between the costs of the campaigns and their respective ROI’s.

Door Hangers in Your Marketing Strategy

Elevating your marketing strategy with door hangers is a cost-effective way to grow your business, local reputation, and revenue.

In this article, you’ve discovered how door hangers can increase your immediate and long-term revenue. You’ve also uncovered many of the possibilities and benefits found in a door hanger marketing campaign.

Straightforward and impossible to ignore, door hangers provide immediate and long-term results. With limitless options and cost-effectiveness as some of the benefits, door hangers should be a consideration in many company’s marketing strategies.

Sources:

https://www.integratedmarketingassociation.org/blog/average-cost-per-lead-by-industry-and-marketing-channel-are-you-overpaying/
https://www.mbda.gov/news/blog/2016/12/22-holiday-marketing-ideas-local-businesses
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: https://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/door-hanger-advertising-marketing-grow-your-business/

How to Plan and Throw a Block Party

Neighborhood block parties are a blast to attend. You get to mingle with your neighbors, build friendships, discuss the health of the community, talk about how the kids are doing in school, etc. But organizing one can be a tremendous responsibility.

Deciding on a theme and organizing a neighborhood block party can be a great experience with the right knowledge, timeline, and checklists. The result will undoubtedly justify the effort you are about to embrace.

In this article, Clash Graphics put together an easy to follow checklist and sequence of events, along with some helpful tips to help you throw an unforgettable neighborhood block party.

Block Party Theme, Organization, and Permit Application

As with any event, preparation and marketing are the essential factors in its success or failure. The further in advance you can start this process, the better the block party will be.

Ideally, having the permit in hand 60 days before the event will allow ample time for any necessary or surprise adjustments to be made.

The following 9 steps, timeline, and checklist will help you keep things flowing smoothly throughout the permit process and block party.

Step 1 - The Reason for the Block Party - Defining what the block party is for “or the theme” is the most crucial detail of all that is to follow. Without a definition, you will be hard pressed to gain support from community groups and potential event sponsors.

Step 2 - Form an Event Committee - While this may sound too formal, the formation of a committee will facilitate the organizing process. It’s much easier to multi-task a committee than it is an individual. Your committee should include the following:

• Chairman (Event Coordinator) - Responsible for the overall event and task assignments. One of the primary duties of a Committee Chairman is to secure sponsorships, grants, and donations for the event.
• Vice Chairman - Assists the Chairman in setting and meeting fundraising goals, securing permits, organizing a marketing strategy, and when the chairman cannot be present, assumes leadership of the committee and event.
• Treasurer - Establishes an accounting method or opens an account in the name of the block party to cover the costs of the event, and to receive funds, grants, and donations.
• Community Liaison - Attends community group meetings, communicates with the city and municipal officials, and law enforcement to garner support for the event.
• Activity Coordinator - Defines the type of activities, events, contests, and games that will be present at the block party. This position is also responsible for the coordination of food and beverage being distributed at the event.
• Security Coordinator - Assumes responsibility for assembling or assigning security details to keep your venue safe and how they will communicate, react, and respond to situations throughout the event.

Step 3 - Choosing the Date - Look at the calendar and narrow your options to 2 or 3 viable dates for the event. Try to choose a date that doesn’t conflict with other nearby events or city celebrations (This may affect whether or not a permit is approved).

The date(s) you decide upon should be a minimum of 60 to 90 days ahead of the event for permit approval and event structuring.

"No rain please!" While there is no way to make an absolute prediction of the weather, you can visit intellicast.org/Local/ to find your location and click "historic averages" which will give you an idea of the chances of bad weather for that date. Once you and your committee have agreed on a final date, move on to number four.

Step 4 - Acquire an application for a block party, community event, or street use permit (the name of the permit may vary). Depending on the city or municipality, these applications and subsequent permits may be issued by:

• Office of Special Events
• Department of Transportation
• Traffic Engineering Department
• Department of Public Works
• City Engineering Division
• Police Department

To find out which department in your city issues this permit, reach out to your City Hall, or police department.

Depending on the expected attendance, a special event permit may be required. Block parties are typically limited to 300 attendees at any given time. This should be determined when requesting the permit application.

It is essential that all questions, requirements, and details of your application be filled out clearly and accurately. Some of the following items are sure to be among the required documentation for your permit application.

Step 5 - Make a detailed map of the venue which designates the following:

• Location of fire hydrants
• Emergency vehicle access
• Sidewalks
• Train tracks
• Highway on-ramps and off-ramps
• Fences
• Trees
• Where street barriers will be
• Where porta-potties will be
• Where vendor or activity tents and structures will be located.

Step 6 - Petition the neighbors, not only should each home within the venue be identified on the map by its street number, the property owner or tenant of each property should approve of the event by signature.

Step 7 - Create a basic itinerary for the block party including when the street(s) will be closed, any major planned events, when the teardown and cleanup will occur, and when the street(s) will be reopened for traffic.

Step 8 - Submit the Application and fee at least 30 to 60 days prior to the event. Once the city or municipality approves the event, be prepared to present the following:

• Payment of any special events fees applicable to your event.
• Proof of liability insurance coverage and endorsement from the responsible party or organization for the event, as required by the city or municipality.
• Proof of coordination with Traffic Engineering or the Sheriff's Department for traffic control, if applicable. Additional costs may be incurred to hire Sheriff’s or city staff to monitor traffic.

Block Party Marketing and Notifications

Step 9 - Begin marketing your block party once your permit is issued. Now that the date of the event and the venue are confirmed, the following will help you notify the neighborhood and properly market the event.

• Parking restriction notification (in most cases) must be visibly posted one week prior to the event throughout the area of the venue (the timeframe for this posting and a template for it should be included with your permit - if not, ask for it). Be prepared to have a few vehicles towed on the morning of the event.
• By this time, you and your committee should have settled on a logo and theme for the event. These should be used with the date, time, sponsor logo(s), and event schedule to produce flyers that will be distributed throughout the community.
• Posters and banners for the venue with the event logo, location, date, and sponsor logos can be produced and distributed to local merchants and hung along the event venue.
• Custom raffle tickets can be produced for the event (if you intend on having prize giveaways)
• Have trophies and certificates made for any contests that will occur during the block party.
• Sponsor recognition posters can be produced to let the community know who made the event possible.
• One of the last flyers that can be produced is a "fun" map of the venue showing the locations of booths, first aid, food, recreation, etc.

Note: The more professional custom printing you can have done for the event, the more credibility you and your committee will have when producing the next event. Partner with a professional and well reviewed printer like clashgraphics.com.

Vendors, Contributors, and Services for Your Event

In most municipalities, all amenities and activities within a block party venue must be free of charge to the attending public.

Food and Beverage Distribution - Whether it be a potluck (neighbors providing food) or catered, make sure that all food handling and temperature regulations are adhered to at all times. You may need to acquire the proper holding equipment for either hot or cold food items. Depending on your municipality, a permit may be required.

Alcohol - The distribution and consumption of alcohol during block party and other events is usually heavily regulated (if not prohibited) and may require a separate set of permits and requirements.

Booths - Allow local businesses, community groups, church groups, sponsors, and vendors to set up booths in designated areas within the venue. They can talk about what they do, hand out their swag, and will certainly add an element of diversity to your block party.

Waste Disposal - Your local waste disposal company may be willing to provide and pick up waste and recycle bins for the venue.

Bounce or Jump Houses - Fun for the kids is always a must. Be aware that the vendor for the bounce or jump house must provide proof of an independent insurance policy - regulated by the event permit (the company you contract with should be aware of this requirement).

Porta-Potty Rental - Delivery and pick up of porta-potties should be arranged at least one week in advance of the event, arriving the day or morning prior to the start of the event and removed immediately after the event comes to an end.

Roadblocks and Barriers - Your local transit authority may be willing to lease, rent, or loan roadblocks and barriers to the event. Working with them will all but ensure compliance with the guidelines in the event permit.

Entertainment - Local bands and talent may be eager to come out and perform (announcing them in your promotional material is another way to generate interest in the event). Putting on a talent show may bring some of your neighbors' skills to light as well.

Sound and Stage - Consider building or renting a stage for your venue. This provides a central focus point and gives your entertainment a place to perform. Professional sound equipment can be easily rented through a sound equipment rental company or provided by a local radio station that may be interested in hosting or sponsoring your event.

Security - Whether volunteer or paid, the safety of your event needs to be handled professionally. Your security coordinator should have extensive knowledge and background in crowd control and event security.

Your local police should have a presence at your venue as well. Coordinate with their liaison in advance to have an occasional patrol do a walk through and meet & greet. This is great for everyone.

Volunteers - Volunteers in community events are priceless and should be recognized for their efforts. From distributing flyers to handing out water, and picking up trash, your volunteers are just as responsible for the success of your block party.

First-Aid - The hope is that you will never need to call a paramedic or use a first-aid kit. But the reality is that you will likely need to. Many companies specialize in first-aid for events, and your local fire department may be willing to volunteer a paramedic or two.

Photography and Video - Contract with or recruit a photographer to record performances and take pictures of people and activities. These can all be used to create a visual record or report of the block party you can easily distribute in the days, weeks, and months following the event.

Ending A Successful Block Party

The above checklist, tips, and timeline will help you throw a successful neighborhood block party while reducing the number of unexpected occurrences and potential problems. Once the party has ended, be sure to send or hand deliver thank you cards to your sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff.

In this article, you learned how to form a committee, plan a block party, apply for and acquire an event permit, and successfully market a neighborhood block party to your community. 

By establishing and following a timeline for your event, you will benefit from not having to rush through any of the preparations, miss any important deadlines, and be able to enjoy yourself during the block party you've masterfully orchestrated.

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: https://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/how-to-plan-and-throw-a-block-party/

Using Custom Printed Tote Bags in Your Marketing Campaign

Free Swag! The attention grabber that gets noticed at a convention is the booth handing out tote bags filled with fun and functional promotional products. But wait! Custom tote bags aren't just for the convention floor anymore.

Custom printed tote bags are a powerful, reusable tool for branding your business and should be included in your promotional campaign for your storefront, trade shows, public events, direct mail, giveaways, and of course, conventions.

In this article, Clash reveals the origin, varied uses, and power of implementing custom printed tote bags in branding and marketing campaigns.

Promotional Tote Bag Origin

In 1886, the advertising industry was forever changed when Jasper Meek produced the first customized tote bag for Cantwell's Shoes in Coshocton, Ohio, and sparked the entire promotional products industry.

The original idea behind the tote was to attract more customers to Cantwell's Shoes, while Meek kept his printing press running during the slow season by printing these tote bags.

Custom Printed Tote Bag Uses

While handing your custom totes out from behind your booth at the trade show may seem like their only use, it only takes a bit of creativity to turn basic totes into a branding powerhouse.

Take a look at the following innovative applications for your branded tote bags:

Guerrilla Marketing - This advertising approach uses inexpensive and unconventional marketing strategies intended to capture attention and produce results. In this case, fill your totes with swag, coupons, and flyers, grab a megaphone, and find a crowd of people.

As soon as you bellow the word "FREE" through the megaphone, people will take notice and make their way to you. If your impromptu presentation is interesting enough, you may even entice people to film, post and share your popup branding event online and to social media.

Direct Mail - Instead of a simple flyer, why not include a branded tote bag with the direct mail piece. Functional and clever promotional products added to a direct mail campaign have the potential to increase response percentages significantly.

Donation - Find a reputable charitable organization or school in your neighborhood, and support their food or clothing drive with your totes. When the bags are handed out, your name gets distributed with them, and any media attention is an added boost.

Another way to support and raise money for the cause is to fill a bag or two with gift items to raffle off in a fundraising drive, in which case is a win-win scenario.

Watch this video to see custom printed tote bags ready for donation.

Custom Print on Your Totes

The message on tote bags can be customized to meet the needs of practically any business. Your goal is to be creative and add value so the tote bag gets used and attracts attention. Take inspiration from the following examples:

Lawyers Office - Instead of just using the logo and name of the law firm, print instructions on how to handle being pulled over by the police and what to do if there's trouble.

• Pull over safely and as far out of traffic as possible
• Turn the engine and radio off
• Turn on the cabin lights (when dark)
• Roll the window all the way down
• Keep your hands in plain sight
• Be respectful and let the officer speak
• Politely respond when necessary
• Never argue with a police officer
• Hand over requested documentation
• If you receive a ticket, sign it
• If you believe there was a mistake, fight it in court

Restaurant - Give your customers a free canvas tote bag with a simple signature recipe and ingredient list printed on the bag, like “How to make your own Caprese Salad”.

You will need the following:

• Fresh Tomatoes
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
• Fresh Basil
• Olive Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar

1 - Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella in 1/4 inch thick slices.
2 - Alternate layers of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
3 - Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Vacation Products Company - Deliver the products in a tote with a helpful beach checklist printed right on the tote bag.

• Sunscreen
• Beach Towell
• Sandals
• Beach Umbrella
• Cold Drinks

Hair Salon - Give a custom canvas tote bag to your clients with a "salon checklist" printed on the side.

• Magazines
• Phone
• Charger
• Towel
• Snacks
• Drinks

Each of the above examples illustrate clever ways to produce a functional tote that is unique, ensuring its use and value.

Promotional Product Statistics

The value of promotional material is measured by many standards, according to Promotional Products Association International, the top three reasons people keep promotional items are when they are:

"fun"
"functional" and
"trendy"

If you are successful with your tote bag, remember that repeat brand exposure occurs as 81% of recipients will keep promotional items for more than 1 year, with 18% of them keeping the items for more than 11 years!

Promotional Canvas Tote Bags and Your Marketing Strategy

Tote bags are a potent marketing tool for branding and brand recognition. Dating back campaigns to late 1800s, they've since been used in marketing and events across the world displaying brand’s logos, business names, mottos, and clever messaging.

Regardless of your business profile, high-quality printed canvas tote bags can be designed to fit your company’s or campaign's message. They can be used with direct mail, as donations, giveaways, and even as reminders of what can go in them.

The ultimate goal of marketing with tote bags is for people carry your tote at events or in public, which captures exposure and visibility for your brand. The users are essentially walking advertisements that spread the word and bring value to your company or product.

Sources:
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/promo-university/history-of-tote-bags.htm
http://www.promotionalproductswork.org/media/1199/law_2017propro-factsheet.pdf

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: https://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/custom-printed-tote-bags-marketing-campaign/

7 Steps to Running Facebook Ads

With over 2 billion active users, Facebook tracks every action, reads every post, and even follows what you do on 3rd party sites. With this volume of data and resources, it has become one of the top social media platforms for advertising worldwide.

This platform is a gateway to efficiently reaching your target customer and attracting them into your sales or marketing funnel. Your digital marketing campaign will be missing deals and leaving money on the table without the addition of Facebook ads.

In this article, the team from Clash Graphics offers the simple steps to setting up and running a successful Facebook ad campaign.

Step 1 - Installing Pixel

Running Facebook ads without having Pixel installed is like playing a game of darts while blindfolded. You may luck up once and hit the target, but you won't have references to better your aim for your next attempt/ad.

Considered as Facebook’s equivalent to Google Analytics, Pixel will track visits and conversions, while providing the information to build your audience, and to optimize your advertising campaign. Here how you install the pixel.

Retrieve and install Pixel Code - On your Facebook brand page, locate and click on "Ads Manager" then:

• Select "Pixels" in the drop-down menu, then "Setup Pixel."
• Select "Copy and Paste the Code" for regular websites.
• "Use Integration or Tag Manager" is for e-commerce sites.
• Copy the code and paste it into the "Header Script" of your website's theme.

If your site's theme doesn't have a "Header Script" option in the theme, use an "Insert Header and Footer" plugin.

• On your site’s dashboard, go to plugins and select “add new.”
• Then search for “Insert Header and Footer.”
• Install the plugin
• Open it and paste the Pixel code in the header.

To verify that you have successfully installed Pixel:

• Download and install the "Facebook Pixel Helper."
• The Helper icon will show on your browser's taskbar.
• Go to the site where you installed Pixel and click on the icon.
• A window will open verifying "Pixel found on www.yoursite"
• You can use this feature to see if Pixel is running on any website.

Watch this video to learn how to install the Facebook Pixel.

Step 2 - Facebook Ad Manager

Go to Facebook. In the drop-down menu on the Facebook taskbar, click on “Advertising on Facebook” or go to https://www.facebook.com/business/ then click on “Create An Ad.”

Step 3 - Choose Marketing Objective

On the objectives page, there are three categories of options to choose from:

Awareness – Objectives meant to generate interest in the product or service.

Consideration – Objectives that prompt potential customers to begin thinking about the business and seeking more information.

Conversions – Objectives meant to encourage people to purchase the product or try the service.

• Select “Traffic” in the consideration column – This is the most common selection, and all you need at this point.

Step 4 - Name the Campaign

To keep your campaigns organized, name them using the client’s name and the goal of the campaign.

Examples:

1. Soap Dish New Customers
2. Ortho South New Patients

Note: Naming your campaign is one of the most important steps in this tutorial, as will become evident in the last steps. Eventually, the formula will be:

“Client Name + Goal + Target Demographics + Ad Description”

For new accounts, click the “Set Up Ad Account” button. You will be asked to set country, currency, and time zone.

Once done, click “Continue.”

Step 5 - Set Ad Targeting and Budget

The first field is “Ad Set Name.” leave it blank, for now, the information to create the name will be determined below. We’ll get back to it.

Traffic – should be preset to “Website.”

Offer – should be preset to “Off.”

Audience – You will create a new audience (in the future you can use this segmented audience group if you save it). Here’s how to create a new audience group:

• For location, choose the geographic area of your ideal customers that you would like targeted; add the address, postal code, state, or country.

When using a specific address (for a local business), set the reach around that address (up to 50 miles).

• Specify the age, gender, and language of the target audience.
• Under “Detailed Targeting,” you can narrow down the audience or exclude people that will see your ad.

Excluding certain people is helpful in situations such as: when your ad targets a specific group within an age group, income, job title, or education level.

Click the “Browse” button to select from Demographics, Interests, and Behaviors. You can make multiple selections.

• Expand Interests and Connection Type are optional settings which may affect the ad’s reach.

Example: You can have Facebook serve your ad to an audience interested in photography, gardening, traveling, etc. Furthermore, you can determine which type of device the ad will appear on.

Placements – You will find this already set to “Automatic Placements.” Select “Edit Placements” and deselect all of the platforms. Now you can choose the desired locations (Facebook Feeds is the most common).

Budget – You can set a daily or a lifetime budget for your ad.

Schedule – You can run your ad continuously or set a start and end date.

Name the Ad Set – Now that you have the demographic information, you can name the ad set following the previously mentioned formula.

Examples:

1. Soap Dish New Customers 18 35 single
2. Ortho South New Patients 35 75 recently moved

Once you’ve named the ad set, click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.

Step 6 - Create the Advertisement

Again, the first field is “Ad Name.” leave it blank, for now, the information to create the name will be determined below. We’ll get back to it.

Identity – Here, you will connect the appropriate Facebook page to the ad.

Format – This is where you determine the appearance of the ad.

Images – Upload Image(s) for the ad. (Tip - it is always recommended to use real client images for better results)

Links – This is where you will build the ad.

• Add website URL
• Add headline and ad text. The text is the most critical part of the ad, followed by the headline. Your audience will decide to engage (or not) by reading these.
• Choose a “Call To Action.”
• Click on “Advanced Settings.”
• Add display link (must match the website URL).
• Add news feed link description (more of a reason to visit the page).
• Turn on Facebook Pixel.

Name the Ad – Now that you have the ad information, you can name the ad following the previously mentioned formula.

Examples:

    1. Soap Dish New Customers 18 35 single blonde woman smiling

Client Name + Goal + Target Demographics + Ad Description

    2. Ortho South New Patients 35 75 recently moved older happy couple

These names may seem long, but they are important, intentional, and will allow you to identify your ads without having to open each one.

Step 7 - Publish the Advertisement

Click on “Confirm” or “Place Order” to launch the ad. If you wish to review your work, click on “Review” or “Review Order” to save the ad and make any necessary changes.

Once you confirm the ad, Facebook will either let it go live or refuse it. In the event of a refusal, Facebook will send an explanation of that refusal to you.

Make any necessary corrections and resubmit the ad.

Facebook Ad Guidelines

Keeping your Facebook ad account active and in good standing depends on your adhering to a series of strict guidelines.

If you should violate Facebook’s guidelines and find your ad account suspended, it will be complicated (next to impossible) to get that suspension lifted.

As well, all of your information, the credit card used, and all profiles associated with the suspended account will no longer work in the creation of Facebook ads.

The following are mostly common sense guidelines:

• Your landing page must link to your Terms of Service “TOS” and Privacy Policy.
• The ad must match the content of the landing page it links to (No Bait & Switch tactics or trickery).
• Do Not directly call out your target audience. (e.g.: men over 50, or women in Atlanta Georgia)
• With ads related to Facebook advertising, you must use a claim, which clearly states “No association with Facebook.”
• No sexual or sexually suggestive images or text.
• No tobacco or drug products
• No cursing or vulgarity
• Do not make bold claims “You’ll Make Millions” or “You’ll lose 20 lbs,” etc.

The Wrong Way to State a Claim - Phrases like “Let me show you how you can make…” or “With my fitness course, you’ll lose 30 lbs” are not acceptable.

The Acceptable Way to State a Claim - The way to present these ideas is “Let me show you how I made…” or “With my fitness course, I was able to lose…”

Facebook frequently updates its ad guidelines. It is imperative to not only read them but to stay up to date with them.

Creating and Running Successful Facebook Ads

Adapting your marketing strategy to exist on a platform that has over 2 billion active users seems quite obvious, and using the steps above, you can create and run a Facebook ad campaign.

From these steps, you’ve learned how to install and use the Facebook Pixel, navigate Facebook’s ad manager, choose objectives, strategically name your campaign, ad set, and ad. Then we covered how to set targets, a budget, and finally create and publish ads that follow Facebook’s ad guidelines.

Businesses unwilling to invest in creating and running Facebook ads are potentially limiting their companies grow and leaving vast sums of revenue on the table for their competitors to steal.

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: http://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/7-steps-running-facebook-ads/

What is a Marketing Funnel

When implemented correctly, a marketing funnel can increase sales and revenue for your business. Also referred to as a sales or conversion funnel, a marketing funnel is defined as:

"The process and experience from being introduced to your company up until eventually doing business with your company."

Marketing funnels are used by businesses across all sectors regardless of size. Generally people do business with companies and brands that they know, like, and trust, and a funnel is a mechanism that enables multiple interactions while fostering rapport and trust.

In this article, the marketing experts at Clash Graphics identify how companies use various media strategies to create marketing funnels and grow their businesses.

Stages of a Marketing Funnel

The complexity within a funnel depends on the resources invested in it. Some reach their conclusion within four or five steps, while others may have an intricate system of emails, text messages, and printed marketing material.

Here is a breakdown of a funnel’s stages and basic components:

1 - Awareness - This is when and how people are exposed to your brand (when they see, read, or hear something about it).

The goal in this stage is to educate, identify a problem that can be solved, show value, and begin building a relationship with people new to your brand.

Awareness may occur via:

• Television Ads
• Radio Ads
• Newspaper Ads
• Direct Mail
• Word of Mouth
• Text Messages
• Emails
• Billboards
• Flyers
• Business Cards
• Bumper Stickers
• Online Pop-up Ads
• Online Sidebar Ads

 

Building your strategy involves knowing the demographics of your desired clientele. Not only does this help you understand when and where to advertise, but it also helps you craft a perfect irresistible offer.

We see and hear these ads everywhere. “Click here for your free sample,” “Call now to take advantage of this great offer,” “Only twenty spots available,” and “Time is running out...”

2 - Lead Capture – (Often referred to as “Consideration”) When your traffic successfully interacts with your ad/pitch, by visiting your location, engaging and submitting info via your online sales page, downloading a coupon, or making a reservation for a product or service, they are getting to know you and your business.

As this happens, a primary goal is to acquire as much of the following necessary information as possible:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Home Address
• Company/Title

Attaining this information allows the funnel to "go to work”, wherein you send strategically personalized messages, reminders, and promotions to your new lead.

By this time, the need, curiosity, or desire for your product or offer is such that the lead is taking steps to engage and acquire it. Creating desire is easier once you have successfully built trust and the lead has gained confidence in your product as a viable solution.

3 - Conversion – (Often referred to as “Decision” or “Customer”) When your funnel effectively articulates the problem that a lead has and how your product solves it, the probability is greater that they will decide to make a purchase. Voila, this is conversion, and the lead becomes a customer or member.

4 - Retention – Repeat and longtime customers will play a significant part in your success. After conversion, follow-ups are an opportunity to further engage your customer without necessarily pushing a sale.

The following are ways to follow-up digitally or by printed media with your customers:

• Send a “Thank You” note or email, thanking them for their purchase and inviting them to see other products, use a special discount code, participate in a free webinar, etc.
• Send a questionnaire about their experience. This will give you valuable insight to better the customer experience.
• Send educational material regarding the item or service your customer purchased.

Without a retention component, your business risks losing cash flow and customers – which are more expensive to acquire and then to retain.

5 - Advocacy – If your funnel has sufficiently engaged and satisfied your customer, they will likely become a repeat customer, and some will instinctively rave, thus creating awareness to their coworkers, friends, and family.

In essence, your customers can become a fundamental part of your previously paid for “Awareness”, as they introduce people to your brand – starting them down the funnel.

The more customers that are advocating for you, the more potential your company will have for exponential growth.

Funnels are Used Everywhere in Marketing

The following is an example of a marketing funnel that most everyone can relate to:

Credit Cards - All of your credit cards use funnels to get new members and keep existing members excited about using them. Let's break down the components and actions of this funnel example:

• “Awareness” – Credit card companies will use TV, online ads, billboards, radio, etc. to present celebrities and catchy slogans in advertisements to create a sense of familiarity and trust.

• “Lead Capture” – When you (the prospect) call, write, or request online more information regarding a service or product.

• “Conversion” – When you apply for a service or product. In this case a credit card.

• “Retention” – Once you are a customer, you will receive reminders and promotional offers via regular mail, email, and even by phone.

• “Advocacy” – With great offers, ease of use, rewards, and seamless customer service support, credit card companies (like all companies) rely on you to rave about them, and many will offer incentives or bonuses for referring new customers.

All of this is meant to build a relationship of trust and familiarity, which are leveraged to get you to commit to new products and services.

Can You Afford to Not Have a Marketing Funnel?

Without a marketing funnel, even the most attractive business ends up handicapped in attracting and converting new customers, and is subsequently leaving revenue on the table.

It’s straightforward. For your business to be highly competitive and successful, there must be a funnel in one form or another.

Now that you understand what a funnel is in its basic components, it's time to start developing and benefiting from your own today. Sign up below while supplies last… (wink wink, see what we did there?!)

Sources:
https://buildfire.com/marketing-funnels/
https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/33711/The-Steps-You-Need-to-Define-the-Stages-of-Your-Sales-Marketing-Funnel.aspx
https://autogrow.co/best-sales-funnel-examples/

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: http://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/what-is-a-marketing-funnel/

Branded Promo Materials and Give-Aways to Promote Repeat Business

Custom promotional items are an easy and effective way to market and brand your company. They can also be an effective delivery system for promotions, create repeat business, and potentially increase your customer lifetime value (CLV).

Branding is by definition “The creation of a name, symbol, logo, or design which identifies and differentiates one product from its competitor’s products.” Making your brand visible, memorable, and useful through customer experience and promotional materials is an effective brand strategy that can attract new business and entice repeat business.

If your marketing strategy does not include the use of branded give-aways and promo items, you may be missing an opportunity to be seen and remembered when your customer needs your product or service.

In this article, the team from Clash Graphics offers valuable insight on how attracting new customers, the customer experience, and the CLV can be greatly influenced by the use of custom branded promotional materials.

Perfect Promotional Products for Your Customers

In any field of business, knowing the demographics, habits, trends, routines, and tendencies of your customers is fundamental to building an effective marketing strategy.

To illustrate how promo materials can be incorporated strategically, we will act as if we are marketing a local taco shop

TACO SHOP PROMO EXAMPLE -

Let's imagine this taco shop is in a busy business district, and the majority of their customers work in an office environment at a desk. Here are a few branded promotional materials their strategy could utilize:

Pen & Sticky Notes - Every Friday, all lunch deliveries would include a branded pen and pad of sticky notes. The majority of their lunch deliveries will be to offices, so including functional items that can be used every day is a no-brainer that keeps their brand in plain sight and on their customers minds.

Mouse Pad Monday - One Monday each quarter, everyone that orders to-go gets a branded mouse pad. The taco shop logo, lunch menu, and a compelling discount code is printed on the mouse pads. This incentive encourages repeat business, while allowing you to assess and track the effectiveness of the campaign using the promo code.

Punch Five Card - The customer carries a branded punch card (similar to a business card) and gets a punch with each entrée purchase. Once the card is full, it can be redeemed for a free entrée and another punch card. Numerous studies show this strategy is effective because humans want to complete incomplete loops, especially when it leads to a reward.

Taco Tuesday Office Kit - On Tuesdays, ten random lunch deliveries leave with an office kit (packed in a branded tote) including a pen, pad of sticky notes, mouse pad, note pad, coffee mug, lanyard, silicone wristband, and keychain, all branded with the restaurant’s logo, website and phone number. Also in the tote is a hand-written card from the manager thanking the customer by name.

Coffee Shop Placemats - The taco shop courts a nearby and popular coffee shop and strikes an agreement to print placemats for the tables of their coffee shop.

Printed on the placemats are product and strategic branding information for both the coffee and taco shop; include a fun game, puzzle, and a free item from the menu that is claimed using a promo code and their cell phone number or email address. Direct customer contact info is the best way to stay in touch and nurture a long-term relationship. Done properly, and this leads to repeat business and an increased customer lifetime value.

If the coffee shop needs more convincing, include a branded “free coffee” coupon in the delivery bag of every to-go order. This example shows how two non-competing companies that share a customer base can work in partnership to increase repeat business and reduce the expense of their marketing campaigns.

The following video shows statistics on a variety of promotional products.

How Give-Aways Can Promote Repeat Business

The message you are leaving with your customers after giving them relevant and useful promotional material (swag) is, “Thank you! Enjoy this token giveaway, and we welcome you to please come again.”

By using these materials, the customer has your brand in their hand, or within sight as it’s creating an impression. As long as their experience with your staff and product was pleasant, the grader the chances of them returning to your business.

When those items are interactive, like the “Punch Five Card” mentioned above, you have successfully added “renewable” incentive to the marketing formula. This is a vital component because of acquiring a new customer can cost you a magnitude of order more than the cost of encouraging an existing customer to return.

Watch this video to see how this restaurant attracts both new and repeat business.

Acquisition and Retention Statistics Prove the Value of Repeat Business

Customer acquisition can be far more costly than customer retention. According to research by Frederick Reichheld of Bain & Company a 5% increase in customer retention produces more than a 25% increase in profit.

Simply put, returning customers feel more comfortable purchasing from a company they have already done business with if they had a pleasant experience. They are willing to spend more, try new products, and when impressed, they refer their friends and family.

Consider acquiring new customers typically involves a much more expensive and involved marketing campaign including advertisements, billboards, digital marketing, direct mailers, etc.

Depending on the market and demographics you are targeting, a new customer can cost anywhere from 5 times to 25 times that of a returning customer.

Best Practices for Customer Retention

Return business can be inexpensively fostered by perfecting the following:

Customer Service - From from your business’ first contact with a patron, customer service must serve and exceed their necessities. Listening to them and getting their order or needs handled right, the first time, is a key factor to their subsequent return.

Staying Connected - For customers that have provided you with contact information, drop an email or text message ever-so-often - just to say hello, thank them, and reward or encourage them to provide you an open channel of communication to them.

You can sell them on a promotion or discount another time. This initial contact is to further the connection and forge a more personal interaction.

Once a deeper rapport is initiated, you can invite them to follow and engage on social media. Through your social media platform, engage, offer incentives, invitations, discounts, and reminders for upcoming events and invites to exclusive experiences.

Promo Strategies

There are several methods for generating sales, but capturing customer information and creating loyalty are also goals very important. To get the most from each promotion, ensure that your campaign is strategic and optimized. Here are a few promo strategies to accomplish this:

Promo Code Incentives for a New Account - By offering promo codes for your customers to access exclusive discounts and pre-release products, you create an exclusive appeal where they feel part of something special and compelled to return to your business.

To join and claim the deals, required that they create a new account. In doing so, you have the opportunity to gather their contact information, sales data, and buying habits.

Promotional Events and Customer Appreciation - Organize a customer appreciation event in which custom promotional products and branded merchandise are given away or raffled.

For the event, incorporate a “Bring A Friend” component where your existing customer is incentivized with a free product or discount, when they bring their friend.

This is a very efficient, low-cost new customer strategy that you can depend on to deliver. The idea is that everyone tries something new, has an enjoyable experience, and equally as important, leaves with something branded that will keep your company visible and in your customer’s mind.

BOGO - The “Buy One Get One” promotion can be used as a powerful tool to draw in both existing and new customers, because who doesn’t like free stuff?

However, have a purpose to the promotion, and use the offer in a way that will allow for deeper future communication. Capturing social media profiles or Mobile devices is the most direct and meaningful contact information.

What Is the Lifetime Value of Your Customer?

Known as the Customer Lifetime Value or CLV, this is the predictive sum of the net profit from the entire relationship with a customer. Knowing the CLV allows business owners to adjust their marketing campaigns to either generate more repeat business, attract new customers, or increase the sales of returning existing customers.

Research by market experts like Shopify have shown that the average lifespan of a customer with an establishment or service is 1 to 3 years.

However, before calculating a customer’s lifetime value, you must first know a customer’s single transaction value. For this example, we will take the average transaction value and multiply this figure by the average number of transactions of a customer in a year.

In our simple example, we would then take that customer value and multiply it by 3 to attain a net customer lifetime value (CLV) for that individual.

The above is a simple equation to aide in the understanding of the importance of CLV. For a more comprehensive look at calculating CLV, Harvard Business School has a downloadable Lifetime Customer Value Calculator tool

Watch this video to further understand how a customer's lifetime value is defined and calculated.

Customer Experience and Promo Materials Can Promote Repeat Business

When your customers are given a reason to return, they will. In some cases, it is the rapport that is built with your team. In others, it is the convenience of the location in combination with the quality of the product or service.

Incentives like punch cards, functional and branded promotional items, BOGO’s, give-aways, etc. all serve the same purpose. That purpose is to create an environment in which your customer feels appreciated, rewarded by their loyalty, thus returning frequently, and adding to their CLV and your bottom line.

Sources:

https://blog.smile.io/easy-way-to-calculate-and-increase-customer-lifetime-value
https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymyler/2016/06/08/acquiring-new-customers-is-important-but-retaining-them-accelerates-profitable-growth/#5838b20f6671
https://www.invespcro.com/blog/customer-acquisition-retention/
https://hbr.org/2014/10/the-value-of-keeping-the-right-customers

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: http://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/branded-promo-materials-giveaways-repeat-business/

Screen Printing, Heat Transfer and Direct to Garment for Custom T Shirts

Whether you’ve been tasked with ordering custom printed t shirts for an organization, upcoming event, or you are starting your own t shirt line, this article will help you make an informed decision and eliminate potential mistakes and expense.

Depending on the quality and number of shirts required, heat transfers or “heat applied film” can be more economical than screen or even direct to garment printing. , screen and direct to garment boast huge value in speed and scale.

Below we will explore their differences, advantages, and disadvantages to help you get the best results for your project.

The team at Clash Graphics compiled this guide to help you determine how to get the best options for custom printed shirts, and how to get it at the greatest value.

Screen Printing T Shirts

Also known as silkscreening, this process involves applying ink or paint to the shirt using a prepared screen. This method (in some form) has been in use for more than a thousand years.

With this process, each color in your design will require a different screen, increasing the initial cost. However, since this process works like a stencil, the higher quantity of shirts you order, the lower the unit price will be.

Because the media is transferred to and permeates into the fabric, your design will last much longer than that of a heat transfer. Take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of this process.

Advantages:

• Colors used in screen printing are vibrant
• High quality image
• Long lasting results
• Cost effective for large quantity orders

Disadvantages:

• Setup costs are high when compared to other methods
• Most printing companies will have require a minimum quantity order
• Multiple colors require multiple screens, adding to the initial cost
• Small quantities can be very expensive

Setup costs for this method are relatively high. For larger quantity orders, screen printing is ultimately the better option for its speed and efficiency. For lower quantity orders, the cost (in this case) may not justify the means.

T Shirt Heat Transfers

There are two primary methods utilized for heat transfers. The first involves using a heat press to transfer your custom vinyl cut out designs onto the shirt. The second uses specialized ink to print the design onto transfer paper, which is then placed on the shirt and heat pressed to the fabric.

Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of using heat transfer to create a custom shirt or garment

Advantages:

• Different shirts in the same order can be customized
• Designs with multiple colors are easy to execute
• Complicated designs can be easily transferred
• Great option and extremely cost effective for small quantity orders

Disadvantages:

• The design will fade over time
• The design will likely crack after several runs in the dryer
• This method’s results won’t last as long as screen printing or DTG (direct to garment)
• Heat sensitive fabrics cannot be used
• If there is shrinkage (in the shirt) after washing and drying, the design will likely have wrinkles or a warped appearance

If your job is a small one which requires multiple colors or customized shirts, heat transfer may be the option for you.

Direct to Garment (DTG) T Shirt Printing

DTG printing is ink jet technology and works very similarly to the way an inkjet printer does. This technique uses specialized water-based ink which is absorbed directly by the fibers of the material.

This process allows images to be printed in greater detail than screen printing, and there’s no limit to the amount of colors you can use.

For those working with limited resources, and in need of smaller quantities, DTG offers excellent results without heavy setup costs.

For low quantity five color orders, the prepping, printing, and curing process for direct to garment takes minutes. When compared to screen printing, the same job would require hours.

Outlined here are some benefits and drawbacks of using DTG for your next custom T-shirt printing project.

Advantages:

• Full color high detail printing
• The finished product has a professional appearance
• This method preserves the soft feel of the garment
• One-off or single shirts can be produced easily
• Low cost per printed unit

Disadvantages:

• When compared to screen printing (for larger quantities) DTG is slow.

T Shirt Quality, Color, and Design

The quality, color, and custom design of the t shirts you order will have a major impact on how much your project will cost. A single color print on a basic white t shirt is the most inexpensive option, and prices increase from this baseline dependent upon the projects’ requirements.

Depending on what you are promoting, celebrating, or selling, the quality of the shirt itself will play a large roll in how the end user or customer will treat and use it. You can have the most incredible and vibrant print, but if it’s printed on a flimsy or cheap shirt, you risk losing its intended impact.

Varied T Shirt Printing Methods for Your Project

For screen printing, the larger the quantity, the lower the unit price will be. Taking this into consideration, the following combination of printing methods is recommended for events and projects requiring large quantities:

Heat Transfers or DTG usage examples:

• Security Staff shirts
• Event Staff shirts
• Entertainment events
• Brand merchandise

Screen Printing for:

• Attendees and guests
• Quick turnaround

Watch how screen printing compares with the heat press process:

Shirts for Smaller Groups:

In the case of small groups or gatherings looking for the best price, purchasing the shirts separately and having them embellished with heat transfers can be a more economical option. DTG is also popular for its longer-lasting, visually appealing results.

Watch the direct to garment process:

Quality Printed Custom T Shirts Make an Impact

The shirts you acquire for your clothing line or event will not only make an impression, in many cases they will be kept as treasured mementos and worn on occasion to relive a cherished memory.

It is worth noting that a large portion of the cost involved is associated with the shirt itself. Shirt quality, size, and color will all have a direct impact on the overall bottom line.

Take your time when selecting the shirt type and color (we recommend having a copy of your design to see it against the shirts you are considering).

Once you have chosen the best printing process for your custom printed shirts, get several bids. Different print shops may have specific or limited equipment that may not allow them to be versatile when attending your needs.

Find a printing company that is flexible, and has the equipment necessary to accommodate your custom t shirt project.

Source(s):
https://heatpressguide.com/types-t-shirt-printing-methods/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_printing
https://www.hamblyscreenprints.com/heat-transfer-vs-silk-screen-printing/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_jkNM4gFeo
https://www.impressionsmagazine.com/digital-decorating/dtg/dtg-vs-screen-printing/
https://www.printful.com/blog/printful-101/dtg-vs-screen-printing/

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

To view the original version on Clash Graphics, visit: http://www.clashgraphics.com/printing-tips/screen-printing-heat-transfer-direct-to-garment-custom-t-shirts/

Graphic Designer Salary, Software and Portfolio Tips

With the explosion of digital devices, industries and businesses are relying heavily on the Internet to market and promote themselves. To remain relevant, both companies and individuals need to produce compelling content consistently.

This movement has created demand and vast opportunities for graphic designers. Creatives with design ability are being hired for in-house positions, as contractors, and as freelance designers.

When contemplating a career as a designer, it is important to look ahead and assess future demand, where the industry is headed, and the potential ROI (return on investment).

First off, you should consider the cost of a graphic design or arts degree. Next, compare the salary of working in-house for a firm or corporation, to the cost of starting a freelance design business.

Our team of designers at Clash Graphics has compiled a guide to help you further understand what it takes to become a graphic designer, and detail the various opportunities within the profession. Hopefully, the insights we outlined here will help you determine if becoming a graphic designer is - in fact - the right choice for you, and how to go about it.

What Is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the creative vision and artistic execution to encapsulate and project ideas, concepts, and experiences through visual mediums. In short, it is conveying an idea, message, and feeling to a desired audience using visual design and typography.

Graphic design work exists in the form of virtual or physical media, and can include graphics, images, or words to create its experience. The visceral and visual experience may be instantaneous or one that progresses subtly over time.

Design work ever-present in our daily lives, and can be used personally or commercially. For example, an individual would use a flyer in announcing a community cook-out, whereas a business in displaying meal choices on the menu of its’ national restaurant chain.

Potentially seen by millions, such creative work serves the needs of clients in the varied private, commercial, political, and educational fields.

What Education, Qualifications and Design Software are Needed?

If you are looking to secure employment as a graphic designer with an ad agency or commercial organization, they typically seek the following requirements and skill sets:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art Design, Marketing or related discipline
• Extensive experience with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and/or CorelDraw
• 3+ years in professional commercial design
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to absorb and apply constructive criticism from both peers and clients

Bonus Skills that Can Increase Your Design Job Salary and Value

• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS or JavaScript
• Experience with WordPress or Joomla CMS platforms

As with any profession, there are individuals that do not have formal training, but acquired the skills and are self-taught. Acquiring design skills through personal experience only requires an immense passion, dedication and persistence to learn the discipline and relevant software platforms.

For an individual that is considering going this route, they should be highly motivated and possess an advanced skill or talent in:

• Art / Design
• Computer Platforms
• Determination in task completion

In freelance or in-house design, the more experience and complementary skill sets brought to the table, the better equipped and successful a designer will be. Ultimately, the ability to produce desirable results will determine your demand and the value of your creative design services.

What it Costs to Start a Basic Graphic Design Business

For an individual choosing the entrepreneurial path, it will cost somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000 to get your freelance design business up and running. Some of those expenses include:

• Business Incorporation and Licensing
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Bank Account
• Computer
• Design Software (CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)
• Printer
• Phone
• Website
• Business Cards

To fully equip your business, another $3,000 to $5,000 can easily be invested in the following:

• Graphic Pen Display or Tablet (Wacom Intuos or Cintiq)
• Advanced Software (Adobe Master Collection)
• Professional Camera
• Scanner

NOTE: As you launch your business and exchange services for money, you will want a business entity (LLC, Inc., etc.) to limit your liability while providing tax benefits. As the sole proprietor, it will be your responsibility to adhere to local, state, and federal tax codes and regulations.

• Hire a lawyer to prepare or audit the contracts your clients will sign.
• Consult an accountant to fully understand the advantages / limitations of your business structure, how to account for all allowable expenses, and the total amount of taxes to withhold and submit each quarter.

Graphic Designer Job Salaries and How Much to Charge for Freelance Services

A salaried graphic designer is like any other salaried employee. You get paid a set amount, regardless of how many designs or creative assets you produce. With time and as you gain experience, your salary potential increases. The following salary ranges display entry level to highest level salaries by city:

Graphic Designer
Atlanta GA - $33,000 to $61,000
Houston Tx - $31,000 to $58,000
New York Ny - $34,000 to $71,000
San Diego Ca - $35,000 to $60,000

Senior Graphic Designer
Atlanta GA - $44,000 to $78,000
Houston Tx - $43,000 to $72,000
New York Ny - $50,000 to $93,000
San Diego Ca - $45,000 to $85,000

While the security of a salary provides certainty, some individuals opt for more upside potential, and are attracted to the freelance route where you can earn more over time if you're willing to put in the work.

However, placing a price tag on your work can be a difficult task when starting out as a new designer. The time you are investing in a project is your sole source of revenue, thus your prices should reflect your level of experience, the quality of your work, and the value you produce.

Take for example: An in-house designer with mid level experience makes approximately $50,000 as a yearly salary, which translates to $24.00 per hour. That’s $50,000 divided by 2,080 working hours in a year.

As a freelancer when bidding or quoting a project, you must…

First:

• Define an equivalent salary based on your experience and work quality.
• Divide the annual SALARY by 2,080 which equals $/HOUR.

Second:

• Estimate the number of hours required to design, revise, and complete the project.
• Multiply that by your $/HOUR value to give the project an estimated value.

Third:

• Define the costs for all materials, travel expenses, stock photos, or other digital assets needed for the project.

Finally:

• Add the “project labor value” to the “material value” to arrive at a “full project value”.
• Local, State, or Federal taxes may apply, so consider this if you are required to collect tax

A skilled and experienced freelance designer willing to put in the work has the potential of making $5,000 to $10,000 per month. Reaching said earning potential will require an aggressive print and digital marketing campaign, consistent referrals, retainer fees, and monthly contracts.

As a freelancer, you are only paid when you have a client or project, so your marketing ability must be as strong as your design skill. Otherwise, you will be forced to accept cheaper rates and projects to stay busy and earn an income.

Watch this video to see how this freelance graphic designer makes his income.

What You Need To Know Before Becoming A Freelance Graphic Designer

Of the many difficulties a freelance graphic designer will face, we identified several that - if understood from the beginning - can greatly improve your chances of creating a successful design business.

Your Portfolio - The face of your business is your portfolio. Having your portfolio in print and published online (on the Internet) will allow potential clients to see your capabilities, and provide a reference of the quality and implied cost of your work and time.

Do not cut corners with your portfolio, the beginning and future of your business depend on its excellence and ability to convey your value.

You Will Work With Difficult People - At times, your clients may approach you with an undesirable attitude or unreasonable expectations. It is their view of perfection that matters, and despite how they make you feel, it is ultimately your job to fulfill their needs, or reach a resolution that leaves them completely satisfied with the finished product.

As a graphic designer you are an artist, but if you are a freelance contractor, this means you are in the service business also.

Learning to effectively overcome obstacles and please your clients will help you establish a strong reputation; as a result you will increase the flow of referrals and generate new business opportunities.

You Work for Your Client - The work you do is not all about your artistic abilities and preferences. It is in fact more about delivering a product that satisfies the vision that your client possessed before they even hired you.

At times, you may have leeway to make suggestions; just remember you are a conduit that creates their vision, not your own. Likewise, since they control the check book, your job is to effectively discern their taste, and intuitively produce the creative that will appeal to them and their customers.

Efforts to ensure a smooth business transaction

Being a successful designer means working well with clients or project managers. This is key, and having clear terms and expectations will help you limit misunderstandings.

Here are a few considerations and ways to ensure a smooth and more pleasant design process.

Require A Deposit Before Beginning Any Project - When negotiating a contract, define the price, what’s included, what’s not included, payment terms, options, and finally require a non-refundable deposit. This will protect your time in the event the client backs out of your contract prematurely.

Ask Questions for Clarity - Although your clients are not designers or may have had little experience in creative production, it is important to ask questions and clarify anything that seems ambiguous or ill-defined.

You will find many clients are unable to fully and/or clearly articulate what they want. Often it is easier for them to say what they don’t want and point out designs that they dislike. Thus, your job calls for paying close attention to their responses, becoming intuitive, reading between the lines, and learning their true taste.

Without clarification, you will risk presenting a project outside of the client’s parameters. The result of this is wasted time, resources, and the potential loss of the client.

Start intentional dialogue to get the information you need, ask the right questions, help your client identify their design goals, and further clarify their expectations.

Your Graphic Design Business

Starting your own business requires a defined and well-known target audience. Next you must convey who you are as a brand, and the differences or unique advantages that set you apart from their other options.

Your print and digital marketing campaign should accomplish this goal while showcasing the experience of working with you, your professionalism, and the quality of your design services.

The success of your career as a graphic designer freelancer ultimately lies in your hands. Keep yourself up-to-date with cutting edge software releases, the latest in design trends, and remain flexible enough to make changes in your approach and delivery methods.

Being a successful designer requires flexibility, effective communication, and great interpersonal skills. Be honest, audit yourself, and think whether you will fit best in an agency or as a freelancer. Choose the path that best suits your personality and provides growth and opportunity in the future.

We live in a dynamic world that is quickly evolving, so continue to educate yourself and improve your skills daily.

Clash Graphics Print Shop Atlanta Flyer Printing

2233 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 202 Atlanta, GA 30309

(678) 235-3464

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