EAST COAST GRAPHICS

Do you ever feel like your company is a small fish in the big pond at trade shows? Don’t worry if you don’t have tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend for a trade show exhibit. Spending large amounts of money doesn’t guarantee you will stand out at a trade show. You can distinguish your company at a tradeshow and make a profit while spending less money. With a little ingenuity on your behalf and some of the following ideas, your trade show will be a success.

Tips:  Preparing For a Trade Show

Leave enough time as possible to prepare your signage: All too often do people wait until the last minute to get their trade show signage together.  Try to plan at least a month ahead of time to allocate an appropriate budget and proper specifications. When laying out your trade show booth, draw a mockup of the floor plan. It is important to consider table, chair, and drape placement when deciding sign placement. Another consideration should be foot traffic. Where are most of the trade show visitors going to be entering, exiting and standing in your booth? Although it’s important that our signs have a big impact, we don’t want to overcrowd an area and make an uncomfortable environment.

Do research on both the show and who will be in attendance: Although many of us want to express our creativity and uniqueness, make sure you research beforehand. A little subtlety goes a long way in creating a large impact and drawing the most amount of foot traffic to a booth. Here are some tips on how to research the show and the attendees when planning your trade show signage:

• Promotional signs should be large and straight to the point.
• List of services signs should be bright and clean looking.
• Backdrops should stand out and grab the audience’s attention.
• Many companies opt for interactive signage – Play a game and win, Spin and win, Take a picture in front

Although interactive signage is unique and effective when used properly, be cognizant of your audience.  If you have a prospect with whom you’ve been in contact for months that shows up at the show, don’t have them wait on a face painting line in order to talk to you!

Preparing for a trade show can be less stressful when you plan properly.  Effective planning includes allotting enough time (usually at least a month), researching the trade show, researching the audience, and using captivating visual signage.  Spending an exorbitant amount of money is not necessary to have successful trade show signage.

If you or your company needs large format signage for an up coming event and need a little help please feel free to contact East Coast Graphics, Inc. we are always happy to help.

East Coast Graphics, Inc.
Thomas Glenn
631.231.9300 xt.11
info@EcoastGraphics.com
631.231.9300 xt. 11

It is a known fact that not every printing company is right for every project.  This is also the case with companies that have their own in-house marketing departments.  So you or your company wants to put together a new direct mail piece to generate new business and you are in charge.  “Great, Right?” I bet most of you would agree that this does not sound like much fun at all.  Your boss has already bought his Porsche 911 Turbo in cherry red from the ROI on this piece, and you are his go to guy.  Fantastic!

Let’s get this party started! OK, we first need to come up with some great creative ideas and product images to catch the audience’s attention “Easy!”  At least we thought it was easy… Forget the creative process for now, let’s move onto copy.  Well, it is our product or service that we are speaking about so it must be child’s play to write something relative.  “Uhhhh” where do I start and where do I begin is more like it.  Forget the design and copy for now lets move onto the specs of the printed piece.  Hmmm, yes, that’s it the brochure will be printed in 4 color process + 2 PMS colors + PMS metallic + Spot UV and an overall aqueou “who?” coating.

How do you find enough time in the day to even start trying to tie all of these elements together to generate a successful direct mail campaign we ask?  The answer for most people: You Can’t!

Question:  Should I use a “direct” shop or use a Print Management firm?

Answer:  An in-house direct rep is committed to sell solely what their employer manufactures.  They are not interested in educating you on what they can not offer you.   On the other hand, the print management firm is independent, and not directly employed by the graphic arts companies that they rep. Management firms work as free agents and have the flexibility to rep several companies for you. Moreover, the print management firm has an incentive to deliver the services of a wide range of companies. Therefore, if you are a print buyer swamped with a variety of projects and overwhelmed with demands to produce, then the right print management firm would be a valuable addition to your production team!

Question:  Why should I choose to use a Print Management Firm rather than going to multiple vendors direct?

Answer:  Again “For the most of us, if you are short the resources needed to devote to the process, then enlisting the services of a Print Management Firm would be a good call to save you or your company money, prevent waste, and insure timely delivery of projects” says Thomas Glenn, VP Business Development of New York based East Coast Graphics (http://ECoastGraphics.com). 

“It is not unusual for a complex print project to run through four or more manufacturers for completion. The key to success in a fragmented manufacturing process is to plan so that each transition between specialized manufacturers is done with precision. A print management firm would coordinate all manufacturing services needed for the project. The print management firm that delivers this service offers a huge value for your company. They’ll prevent costly waste and delay” says Glenn.

If you have more questions or if you would like to receive more information about East Coast Graphics’ (http://ECoastGraphics.com) services please contact:

Thomas Glenn
VP Business Development
East Coast Graphics, Inc.
tom@ecoastgraphics.com
631.231.9300 Ext. 11
http://ECoastGraphics.com
Blog: http://ecoastgraphics.com/eco-friendly-promotional-products/

With over 40 years of combined marketing and design experience we have positioned East Coast Graphics to help businesses like yours strengthen your brand, improve sales and increase bottom lines. Whether it’s planning your marketing strategy, developing a direct mail campaign, or simply updating existing materials, East Coast Graphics can help you meet and exceed your marketing goals.

Our areas of marketing expertise include:

• Marketing services—strategic planning, research analysis, brand positioning
• Complete graphic design capabilities
• Brochures, catalogs, sales collateral
• Direct mail
• Product sheets
• Advertising campaigns
• Photography  (studio or on location)
• Model Procurement

To find out more about how East Coast Graphics can help you with your marketing efforts please contact us.

Thomas Glenn

VP Business Development

East Coast Graphics, Inc.

tom@ecoastgraphics.com

631.231.9300 xt.11

http://ECoastGraphics.com

We do more than design and produce award-winning work! We make sure you maintain control of the storage and distribution of your printed products.

East Coast Graphics manages inventory, ensuring that our customers have adequate supplies, sparing them time and administrative costs. Our print management services gives you the extra edge you need for improved work flow, greater satisfaction, lower costs, and freedom to focus on your business.

We organize, store, and monitor all your printed materials. Your materials are labeled and kept in a secure atmosphere, ready for easy retrieval. When you need a product, one phone call or e-mail is all that it takes.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE TODAY!

With our print management, we provide:

• Fast Turn Around Time and Shipping
• Eco-Friendly Printing
• High Quality Results
• Sheet-Fed Printing up to 8 Colors
• Web Capabilities up to 10 Colors
• 8 Color Label Printing with UV Finishes
• Friendly and Helpful Staff with Years Of Experience

We understand the dynamics of managing a successful print program and provide the quality, consistency and rapid turn-around times necessary to ensure that your objectives are met. Whether your needs include catalogs, brochures, annual reports, product packaging, business forms or labels, East Coast Graphics is the company that can make you look good on paper.

Additional Features:

Varnish, Aqueous and UV Coatings, Embossing, Die-Cutting, Foil, Stamping and Numbering

Business Forms Printing:

Laser Forms (Cut Sheets and Continuous), Snapsets, Checks, Pressure Seal, Mailers up to 8 Colors

Bindery Services:

Collating, Stitching, Folding, Cutting, Binding, Padding and Laminating

Green Printing:

East Coast Graphics is working to protect our environment through sustainable business practices that are protecting our world for present and future generations. By working with FSC-certified vendors, using recycled papers and vegetable based inks, and implementing environmentally responsible practices in our printing operations, we are bettering our world today for a healthier tomorrow.

CONTACT OUR NEW YORK PRINTERS TODAY

Intelligent, Efficient, Your Go To Guys!

For over 40 years East Coast Graphics has been providing premium quality commercial printing services for our clients in a host of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. And because printing is a part of East Coast Graphics integrated approach, our clients reap the benefits of that full supply line service. For example: East Coast Graphics can design and print the product guide, that fits in the customized free-standing retail display; and to drive customers to the aisle, we can also design and print the window clings and posters that promote the new product in store; backing up one more step, we can design and print the packaging for these new product kits that we store in our warehouse and distribute to retail outlets nationwide.

East Coast Graphics is your one-stop-shopping resource for all of your commercial printing needs—and so much more.

• Prepress and bindery services
• Stationery products, corporate brochures and identity systems
• Marketing and promotional material
• Newsletters and annual reports
• Pocket folders and binders
• Posters, flyers, banners, signage
• Magazines/catalogs, manuals
• Packaging and POP

To learn more about how we can help you with your Commercial Printing needs please contact us.

East Coast Graphics, Inc.
Thomas Glenn
Vice President Business Development
tom@ecoastgraphics.com
631.231.9300 xt.11

www.ECoastGraphics.com

In an annual survey conducted by Exact Target on effective media channels, the results came back rather surprising to most, but not to all. This survey is probably one of the most un- biased reports completed in recent years, especially considering that it was written by an email marketing provider. Here’s a direct quote from this report:

“Still wondering about the best channels through which to deliver your messages when you’re trying to boost your bottom line? Consumers are more likely to purchase based on messages they receive through traditional media. In this year’s study, we included direct mail, television commercials and infomercials as channels through which consumers may have been directly influenced to make a purchase.

The research shows: Direct mail has directly influenced more consumers to purchase than any other channel. “76% of consumers have been directly influenced to purchase products through direct mail.”

Some of the findings from this report were the statement that email is obviously very popular, but only 15% of people like to receive marketing messages via this channel! This confirms our view that email is more of a communication medium and not ideal for ‘push marketing’ purposes.

So you ask yourself this question? I have been sending out direct mail (postcards, catalogs, flyers, brochures) pieces for years only to see a decline in response rates. Yes, you are right! Response rates have hit all time lows in direct mail, but “why” we ask? The all holy answer is: We are too set in our “old school” ways declares Thomas Glenn, VP of Business Development for East Coast Graphics (www.EcoastGraphics.com) of New York. The idea that the more we send out, the more we will reap in rewards is not true anymore!

The truth, as stated earlier in this article, is that “direct mail” is still the MOST effective marketing channel today! But direct mail and print is changing, just like everything else we have grown accustomed to in this world. “It is more important today than ever that direct mail campaigns be integrated with multichannel online campaigns,” declares Thomas Glenn.

Two Tips to Increase Direct Mail Response Rates
1: Targeting a specific audience: Targeting is the forgotten secret to really high response rates. Look to send out different messages to different audience sectors. It’s just TOO hard to create one compelling copy that suits everybody. You are better off sending out four different pieces than one “one size fits all” printed mailing piece.

2: Be creative and different: Send out pieces that catch your audience’s attention. Way too often I come home to open my mailbox only to find a sea of white #10 envelopes says Glenn. Be different think “out of the box.” Think of a good commercial you saw on TV during the Super Bowl or a great radio commercial you heard on the way to work. You would probably agree with me, that 9 times out of 10 those advertisements were imbedded in your head because they were different but clever in their own little way. This is how you and your company should be approaching your direct mail. Don’t be afraid to be creative or different in your direct mail. Use oversized postcards, catalogs with catchy images on the cover or an envelope with a lot of bright color to help grab people’s eyes. Make your logo and website address easily visible. Remember you want your direct mail piece to stand out from that “sea of white #10 envelopes!” Even if the intended audience does not act on that offer at that time, make your brand be remembered just like that Super Bowl commercial!

To learn more about how we can help you or your company with your direct mail needs.

Contact: Thomas Glenn Vice President Business Development
East Coast Graphics, Inc.
Telephone: 631.231.9300 xt.11
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.ECoastGraphics.com
tom@EcoastGraphics.com

Here’s a story from Marketer David Frey in the US. The lessons are clear.

Not long ago I made a trip over to the local Radio Shack to purchase an electronic plug for my cassette recorder. As I paid for my item the retail clerk asked me for my name, address, cellphone number, birth date, and even my email address (something every retailer should be asking for today!).

Although I felt a twinge of discomfort giving out my personal information, I went ahead and gave it to him and went on my way.

Driving home I reflected on Radio Shack’s checkout process and was reminded of the power of information gathering at the point of sale. I had just given Radio Shack three ways to contact me, not to mention, information on what I had purchased. In the hands of a skilled marketer, this information is powerful.

Database Marketing

The recent economic slowdown has brought increased competition to small businesses. And with that, retailers across North America have described their sales as “flat.” Small businesses should be looking for low cost, high impact marketing activities to drive prospects to their business.

One of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to add profits to the bottom line is the use of database marketing, which uses information collected at the point-of-sale.

Using personal data, purchasing data, and contact information from a customer database, a spa and pool retailer can make offers to customers for complimentary products and services and engage in loyalty marketing activities.

Database marketing has four key elements:

(1) gathering customer data
(2) building a customer database
(3) creating targeted offers for specific customer groups
(4) tracking results to improve responses

• Step 1: Gather customer data. The easiest way to begin this process is to develop a simple form for customers and salespeople to fill out every time a customer purchases a product or service. Include personal information such as names of spouses, children, profession, and birthdays, as well as product information such as manufacturer, make, and model.
• Step 2: Build a database to store your customer information. Start simple using off-the-shelf software such as Microsoft Access. Later on you can begin to modify the database to either include different types of information or to print special reports.
• Step 3: Start sending offers and personal messages to your customers. Don’t wait until you have a large mailing list. Begin sending notes to customers right away thanking them for their purchase, to celebrate birthdays, share holiday messages, and inviting them to come in and take advantage of special offers. There is an old saying that goes, “Business goes where business is invited, and stays where it is appreciated.” A personalized invitation to drop by the store to take advantage of a specific incentive is sometimes all that is needed to keep your customers coming back into the store. Instituting a program of personal, hand-signed notes that coincide with birthdays or special events addressed to the customer’s significant other that offer gift ideas, can have surprising results.
• Step 4: Track the results of your database marketing efforts. By knowing who you sent offers to and who responded will help you identify your best customers, allow you to more effectively allocate your marketing dollars, and help you tweak your marketing pieces to get higher response rates.

What Information Do I Collect?

It’s important to determine in advance the type of information to collect. To do this, make a list of common special offers you might be presenting to your customer.

For instance, if you sold a product in the health industry and many of your customers have lower back problems you could joint venture with other businesses to develop special promotions on products that help to relieve lower back pain.

To capture the fact that your customer experiences lower back pain, simply place a check box on your form that says, “Do you experience lower back pain?”

If your customer has small children, consider presenting follow-up offers for products targeted for small children. Imagine being a consumer and receiving a letter from your business with an enclosed birthday card for little Joey who just turned eight years old and a discount offer for a basketball hoop or other relevant products.

You think to yourself, “What a great gift. Joey would love that!” This is the power of database marketing.

Collecting Accurate and Consistent Information

Database marketing all starts at the point of sale. Without accurate, complete, and consistent data this type of pinpoint target marketing can’t be done. To ensure that your information is accurate and consistent, help your customers fill out the data collection form and review each information form for completeness.

You might experience a hesitancy from your customer to give out all their personal information, similar to how I felt at Radio Shack. However, after explaining that the information will only be used to send out special offers during important events, is completely confidential, and will not be shared with anybody else, you’ll find that most of your customers won’t have any problem giving out their personal information.

Cost Effective Loyal Customers

Marketing to your current customers is one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies you can do to reduce your marketing costs, enhance your customer / retailer relationships, and produce long-term loyal customers who, over a period of months or years, become your biggest source of referrals.

Thanks for the tips David. Today even the CRM technology is easy. In fact for those starting with nothing it’s actually better. Those big Corporates with their legacy databases inevitably have to spend lots of time and money cleaning things up first. Small businesses can start within a few weeks.

To get started, email East Coast Graphics today!

Thomas D. Glenn
East Coast Graphics, Inc.
p. 631.231.9300 xt.11  |  f. 631.231.5159
ECoastGraphics.com

Exact Target just released their annual survey on media channels. It’s one of the most enlightening and unbiased reports I’ve read in years, especially considering it was written by an email marketing provider. Here’s a direct quote from the report:

“Still wondering about the best channels through which to deliver your messages when you’re trying to boost your bottom line? Consumers are more likely to purchase based on messages they receive through traditional media. In this year’s study, we included television commercials and infomercials as channels through which consumers may have been directly influenced to make a purchase. While this approach does not take important factors like branding into account, it does give us a basis for comparison where branding may be the primary goal—as is often the case with social media.

Our research shows:

Direct mail has directly influenced more consumers to purchase than any other channel.

76% of consumers have been directly influenced to purchase through direct mail.”

For the first time in years, someone has actually taken the time to look at media channels in an objective way. And what media channel came second as an influencer of purchases? Television. Email came in third, which considering email marketing is a tiny fraction of the cost of TV advertising, is an excellent result.

Another gem in the report was the statement that email is still very popular and we love it, but only 15% of people like to receive marketing messages via this channel!

Thomas D. Glenn
East Coast Graphics, Inc.
p. 631.231.9300 x.11  |  f. 631.231.5159
ECoastGraphics.com

Allowing customer feedback via mobile text messaging is the latest trend overseas, especially if your target market is in the 15-25 year olds. But now, it’s not just having people respond via an SMS code as we’ve seen in TV ads.

New Cool Print-to-Mobile Tools

Instead having people attempting to key in those long text messages or website addresses on their phone, we use the mobile phones’ built-in camera to do it all for them. i.e. To start, the phone instantly captures specific instructions from any printed item. e.g.:

Just snap a photo of the barcode which then:

1. tells the Phone web browser to go directly to the product provider’s webpage for more information, even to buy the product or

2. prepares the phone to email or forward a special message on, with a link back to the suppliers web page with a special offer or

3. simply tells the phone to just save the details into it’s built-in address book or perhaps use the message as a discount voucher.

All this could be very handy if say you see a promotion on a magazine ad, website page, on a building, even street, realty or bus sign, and don’t have time to take down all the details. Now you’d just snap a photo of it and the special QR barcode included in the photo. This provides the information for the phone to do its special ‘thing’, like sending you to the corresponding website on that product or property or translating it into readable text. This will really come into it’s own this year as more people upgrade their phones as the newer 3G networks expand.

Call us on how to add your personal QR code to your next website, brochure, flyer, poster or business card.

East Coast Graphics, Inc., 631.231.9300 xt.11 or info@ecoastgraphics.com

Unfortunately those within the internet community are only considering solutions from within – Unable to see the forest, for the trees. Sometimes, the solution is right in front of us, if we look ‘outside the box’…

Today no media can work well in isolation. Not print, TV, Radio or the net. As case studies have shown, email can be dramatically enhanced by other media, especially direct mail to a targeted, local audience. What’s more, this simple cross-media strategy is self-funding, giving a real return on investment.

CONTACT EAST COAST GRAPHICS TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DIRECT MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

P.S. Looking at the average 10% open rates for eCommerce storefronts, it’s easy to see why old fashioned direct mail provided such a huge boost in sales for online shop Bare Necessities Necessities featured earlier HERE.