Does it feel like your print marketing is outdated, looking worn, or not in line with your branding anymore? Don’t worry! Reviewing your marketing will help you save money, improve brand consistency, make a stronger first impression and prepare your business for growth.

Now what should you review in your print marketing at the start of the New Year to accomplish these things? Brand Consistency, Materials needed for upcoming events, and Condition of your most used materials.

Brand Consistency Across All Print Pieces

The brand of your business is a way for your customers to pick you out from among the crowd. Consistency in your branding helps connect your marketing pieces so from business cards to signage your customers know it’s you without thinking too much and potential costumers feel comfortable in giving you their business because you appear professional and here to stay.

The elements that make up a consistent brand support your business and reassure current and potential customers that you are an expert in your field and will help them with their problem. These elements include logos, colors, fonts, images and the services or offers that you list. Look out for inconsistencies that will trip up your customers experience by making sure the elements mentioned are included in all your marketing pieces.

There may be a time when one or more of these elements need to be updated as your business grows, where something feels out of line with your message. If so, do so with a plan in mind and input from your team.

Inventory Levels and Materials Needed for Upcoming Events

Avoid the stress of running out of materials at the wrong time!

Shows and events are coming up and there are many things to do beforehand. Don’t forget to check what printing materials you need to make sure you have those pieces on time, an important way for customers and potential customers to remember you after the event.

How do you know how much of your print marketing to order? One way is based on your year’s calendar (trade shows, seasonal sales, community events, etc.). If this is the first time you are using a piece or going to an event, order more than you think you need…you don’t want to run out. If the marketing piece is not connected to a certain event or offer look into the quantity price breaks: it may be worth ordering for more than one event at a time.

When you plan ahead for your printed materials, it can save you money, reduce your stress, and give you the time you need for proper design/printing to make sure you look and feel professional and put together.

Condition and Quality of Your Most-Used Materials

The pieces you use the most — like business cards, rack cards, flyers, or signage — have the biggest impact on how people view your business. Refreshing these items now helps you put your best foot forward and ensures your materials match the quality of your business.

Worn, outdated, or low-quality materials affect customers first impressions of your business. But when should you toss and order more of your most-used materials? Frayed edges, faded colors, smudges, outdated pricing/services & old brand visuals are your clues and the earlier you check up on these signals the more time you have to replace them and be ready for the upcoming events on your calendar. Be aware of where and how you store your materials to prevent sun fading, bent corners, water damage or rips.

Now is the Perfect Time to Refresh Materials!

Make sure your brand consistently shows up in all your print marketing pieces showing your customers you are professional and here to stay. Check your marketing inventory to make sure you do not run out right before an event. Double check the quality of your most used marketing so you have time to replace damaged or outdated pieces.

Contact me to order printing for refreshed or updated materials and start the new year strong.