Printing your marketing materials can seem like a simple task. But if you’ve ever managed a print process, you know there’s more to it than meets the eye. And if you have local contacts that all need individual materials printed, the campaign can quickly grow in complexity and cost—and you can wind up with inconsistent, less-than-stellar results.
If you’re not there in person to review what’s printed, how can you make sure your local contacts are producing quality materials?
A marketing resource management (MRM) system can ensure a great outcome, and help you find efficiencies in the process to save time and money. Here are five tips we’ve found from working with companies to maximize their print budgets:
1) Group together print runs
When local contacts each print their own materials, it can be hard to ensure consistent quality, and you’re missing out on savings. Grouping together print runs is more efficient. A good MRM system can group together runs from your various contacts to keep costs down, even if they’re located in different geographies.
2) Schedule postage drops for bulk rates
Similarly, grouping mail drops and paying for postage in bulk will save you money. Find an MRM with this option to achieve the very best rate.
3) Get a high-level view
Seeing the bird’s eye view of your printing process will help you better understand and manage your system. Which materials do your contacts really need? Are they using the materials they’re supposed to be using? An MRM system can give you a high-level view to find efficiencies you wouldn’t otherwise be able to find.
4) Find a partner
Printing can be a complicated process that involves many time-consuming decisions and details. From choosing images, applying approved content and managing data, to proofing and problem solving—finding a partner to project manage the process for you saves valuable time and money, and ensures a pristine outcome every time.
5) Don’t settle for less than the best
How do you want consumers to think about your company? If your printed materials are anything less than perfect, that image reflects on your company’s quality. Find a partner with true expertise to give your company’s materials the attention they deserve. For example, we schedule daily production meetings to review each material that needs to be printed, to ensure we’re executing every detail to the highest level possible. Find out how your partner assures quality for your materials.
A good MRM system will more than pay for itself in helping you maximize your print budget. For more information, give us a call. We would love to learn more about your company’s unique needs.
