As times change and technology advances, the needs and requirements of clients change.  To keep up with technology and the ever-increasingly sophisticated customer, businesses must constantly revise and update their marketing strategies.  Every marketing campaign has one common goal: obtain a response from the target audience.  Not too long ago, the preferred method for marketing campaigns was a mass marketing approach where a specific offer would be sent to as many prospects as possible.  While that may have increased visibility, conversion rates are very low.  Recently, sophisticated technology has made a case for the superiority of a one-to-one marketing approach. ...

Variable data printing (VDP) and digital printing technology allows business owners to target customers more specifically with the aid of specialty data and mailing lists.  With VDP, business owners can define a target market based on income, lifestyle choices, interests, marital status, gender, and an almost infinite number of categories.  Business owners are able to actually imagine the "perfect client," the customer most likely in need of their goods and services, and then systematically and specifically target individuals who fit that description in their direct mail marketing campaigns. These highly targeted direct mail marketing campaigns are even more effective when they ...

During a recession, the business owners that survive - and even thrive - are those who take advantage of the unique opportunities of the times.  In a business climate in which many marketers are cutting expenses by slashing marketing budgets, some are using the latest advances in variable data and digital printing to make the most of every marketing dollar spent. In the past, the owner of a brand new neighborhood restaurant may attract customers and increase awareness in the community with a generic direct mail marketing campaign. The business owner might design an attractive and informative postcard inviting customers. He ...

A long-held truth amongst marketing professionals is that an accurate, clean, well-populated database of client info is key to connecting with your customers.  This is especially true when it comes to utilizing variable data printing and personalized URL marketing.  If you are looking at VDP and PURL you already know that every customer is different and you want to find a way to tailor your sales pitch as much as you can (we have explored in previous posts just how beneficial this area of marketing is).  Database management will greatly increase the effectiveness of your project. There are many creative ways ...

Segmentation in business; is the method of dividing business into correlated groups that enhances the business view. For structural growth in business, segmentation is an imperative and effective means to achieve the end result. With emerging smaller franchises the need to find 'that subtle' difference to bring forth the marketing edge is very important. Opportunities in marketing increase when segmented groups of clients and customers with varying needs and wants are recognized. Markets can be segmented or targeted using a variety of factor. The bases for segmenting consumer markets include: Demographical bases (age, family, gender, occupation, ethnicity) Geographical bases (cities, states, regions, countries) Behavior bases ...

As a business owner, it might seem enticing to send an e-mail blast about the latest product or service your company offers to everyone on your list. However, before you do, take a few minutes to see how segmenting your customer base provides more-focused advertising, as well as more sales and marketing opportunities. Here are a few categories to consider when segmenting your e-mail lists: Gender-Not to wage a battle of the sexes, but many times taking into consideration the gender of your customers is well worth your time and effort. Age- How much of an impact does age have on your products ...