News - R&R Printing and Graphics

Starbucks Giftcard Winner - Dan Huggins

2011-07-15T13:29:35Z

Congratulations Dan! Thanks for the "Like" on Facebook! Dan is Director of Donor Relations for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene.

You can learn more about the great things happening at the WT Rehab Center here > http://www.westtexasrehab.org

Get Ready! .com is about to get .complicated

2011-06-20T17:58:46Z

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has just approved the expansion of generic top level domains... what that means is that companies, or individuals for that matter, can register and create any number of top level domains (the text that comes AFTER the DOT). For instance a web address could be .coke or .printing - so instead of coke.com they could have drink.coke as their new web address, plus anything else they could think of!

However, with a price tag of $185,000 (just for the application fee) and then a $25,000 a year fee to maintain the name - you can bet only the big boys will be getting in this game!

You can read the full story and get more info at Mashable.com.

Connect with Print

2011-06-17T15:18:52Z

Using print design and marketing to connect with people.

Print marketing is still a vital part of the overall sales effort for both small business and global corporations. In fact, print is usually the first point of contact for many business relationships. From business cards and brochures to direct mail campaigns, print continues to have a strong hold on how companies promote themselves.

The top four communication mediums for 2010 were direct mail, flyers/flat sheets, email marketing and web/social media. So even in a world that is moving at the speed of light, traditional print marketing is still at the top of the list!

Direct-mail campaigns can range from postcards to elaborate personalized letters and catalogs. And with the recent integration of QR (Quick Response) Codes into printed pieces, you now have the perfect mix of print and electronic media at your finger tips.

QR Codes can be printed on a variety of pieces, including business cards, direct mail, brochures, billboards, print ads and even promotional products.

These unique graphical elements can be scanned with a variety of cameras, including smart phones, and create an instant link to a company’s website, Facebook page, Twitter account, contact info, etc. If you haven’t noticed these little codes, take a closer look —they are all over your mail, your groceries, magazines advertisements and are even popping up on t-shirts.

The marketing mix is certainly changing, and we are always learning about new ways to integrate print design into the ever-changing marketing machine. But in a world where every point of contact seems to be an electronic one—don’t forget that initial point of contact is usually a printed one, and that means print is still #1!

R&R Printing and Graphics specializes in digital and offset printing, standard and wide format. We also provide complete print design services, online marketing communications, direct-mail services and promotional products.

We can design a custom QR Code for your business or organization!
Request a Quote for more info.

The Sales Game

2011-06-09T16:34:18Z

Create multiple points of contact with your customers and prospects.

The way businesses interact with their customers has changed. It is time to retool your thinking—act in terms of spreading ideas and information instead of figuring out how to generate leads. These days, content is king. Your ideas will deliver potential customers to your doorstep as long as those ideas are targeting your ideal prospect.

The key thing to remember is that the majority of customers will use you and your company because you are filling a need or want that they have. Earn expert status in your field and you will gain the respect and business of your customer. Being the go-to company is invaluable to how both your existing and future business will be generated. You want to create multiple points of contact with these customers so that your company maintains the “top-of-mind” status that businesses covet.

These multiple points of contact come in the form of a mixture of marketing efforts, including online, print and referral-based contacts.

Your online efforts include your website, blog, social media connections, email marketing and overall online reputation established by both you and your customers.

Print marketing offers a way to contact customers in a more tangible manner. A great print campaign can cut through the clutter and deliver a highly targeted message. And in a world where online advertising and promotion is becoming even more saturated, print can provide that extra point of contact to distinguish yourself from the rest. Print is also a great place to establish your company’s identity, which is a vital part of any successful marketing plan.

Referrals have been and always will be a great source for building new business. Never underestimate the impact of how your customers view your business and how and why they share those experiences with friends, family and business associates! Remember, your customers are talking about your company—both online and in the real world—so make sure you are giving them something great to talk about!

We have a Winner!

2011-06-03T16:02:16Z

We have a winner! The first $25 Starbucks Gift Card goes to Bethany Clements! Thanks Bethany! We will give away the next card at the end of June... You can get in the action for the next drawing simply by "Like"ing us on Facebook or "Following" us on Twitter.

Video: You and Your Business Card are Best Pals!

2011-05-23T19:28:10Z

If you are having a hard time seeing the video... click here for a direct link on CBS's Website.

Be Social

2011-05-20T15:47:27Z

Social networking is a great way to build relationships.

If you haven’t already done so, it is definitely time to jump on the social media bandwagon! Just in case you were wondering, social networking sites are here to stay. We have passed the “fad” time frame and the world is heading in this direction faster than you can say “friend me!”

Websites, blogs, Twitter and Facebook are connecting consumers and businesses like never before. People are no longer sitting around waiting on you to contact them. They are engaging in and demanding two-way communication with the companies they do business with.

Building social relationships with both your current and future customers is becoming the norm. Everyone in your organization should be working toward harnessing and building these relationships both online and in the real world.

And just because you don’t have a Twitter or Facebook account, don’t discount the fact that your customers are probably already talking about you. Search for your company online—what you find might surprise you.

If you are not involved in the conversation, you need to get moving. Create a company Facebook page to communicate with your customers. Make social media marketing a part of your daily routine. Listen to your customers, respond to their needs, build relationships and build your business!

We are here to help you build an online presence, whether you need a complete online identity or just help getting moving in the right direction.

Connect with Us
On Facebook:
facebook.com/rrprinting
On Twitter:
twitter.com/rrabilene

MARKETING TIP:
Stay on top of social media trends by following sites such as mashable.com.

In the Know

2011-05-13T18:12:24Z

Know your target market and develop a core message.

The key to any marketing effort is, of course, identifying your target audience. Be selective —choose your prospects wisely and then pursue them in the most efficient and effective ways to produce the greatest return.

A great way to start developing this target audience is to start with your current customers. Who are they? Why do they buy from you versus your competitors?

Create a physical list of your customers. Determine what they have in common. Ask them questions. Know their needs and wants. They are your customers for a reason. Nail that down and use that information to target future customers.

Your efforts will be more worthwhile and will generate a greater response when you have identified your ideal customer. Tailor your message to them, and focus your efforts on building a relationship with them.

If your business is new to the market, look at your competitors for inspiration. Who are their customers? How are they marketing to them? What can you do to improve on what they are doing? What problem can you solve with your new business? If people don’t need or want what you have to offer, you won’t have any customers!

After you have your ideal customer in mind, tailor everything about your business to identify with them. Your message not only includes the content of your marketing materials but also your overall identity. Your company logo, print collateral, website, social networking presence, direct mail and even the way you answer the phone are all important parts of your marketing message.

Also, remember that your ideal customers likely will travel in the same circles. Having a great relationship with your existing base leads to referrals. Referral based marketing creates a high impact and is an extremely positive way to aquire new business. Allowing your customer to spread your message for you is vital to reaching your target market.

Click Here to Order your FREE "New Rules of Marketing" Workbook!

The New Rules

2011-05-13T17:59:40Z

The way you market your company is changing!

The new rules of marketing will drive you to market your products or services much more frequently than in the past. Large campaigns such as direct mail, media buys, etc., are still an integral part of your marketing mix, but you have to be constantly marketing to your base and target customers. Social media and online marketing are providing this immediate connection. By identifying your target market, you can start building this relationship with both traditional and new marketing techniques.

This guide is just an introduction —a way to get a conversation started in your company or organization. Use it to start thinking about and developing a marketing plan. Establish an audience and start building relationships with them. Living in a digital world has its advantages. You can act on your ideas and start creating a dialogue with your customers almost immediately. It is time to stop thinking about how to reach your future customers and start thinking about how to get them engaged in your company!

Social networking, relationship marketing, online PR and creating a print-to-digital connection are just some of the new ways companies are connecting with their customers and prospects. The new rules of marketing require you to pull business in with information and content. Engage them, develop relationships and then convert them into customers!

Focus on what you know
Most small-to-medium-sized businesses are so focused on the day-to-day operations of their companies that marketing almost “gets in the way” of what they are trying to accomplish during a typical workday.

Of course, no one knows your business better than you do, so building it has to start with you! Use this guide and the Marketing Checklist (inside back cover) to get started. But when you are ready to move forward, give us a call.

R&R Printing and Graphics is more than just a printer. We build relationships and in turn build businesses!

Click Here to Order your FREE "New Rules of Marketing" Workbook!

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2011-04-27T18:53:34Z

"Like" R&R Printing and Graphics and you could WIN a $25 Starbucks Gift Card! Exciting things are happening at R&R - we are launching new marketing initiatives, rebranding the company with a fresh new look and updating our products and services! Stay in the loop and get regular updates and info - via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

We will award two $25 Starbucks Gift Cards over the next couple of months (we will do a drawing at the end of May and at the end of June). Winners will be selected randomly from our Facebook friends. Once you have "Liked" us once - you will be eligible for both drawings. If you have already "Liked" us - you are already eligible. We will notify and announce the winners on rrprinting.com and on our Facebook page. You can also "Follow" us on Twitter and you will get an extra chance to win!

Use these official links:
Facebook.com/rrprinting | Twitter.com/rrabilene