Minuteman Press Bath

Direct Mail Still Top with Personalisation

2012-01-20T10:15:00.000Z

If you’re looking for a revenue-generating powerhouse for your business, you’re looking for direct mail. Direct mail campaigns are the Old Faithful of marketing—businesses count on them because they’re dependable and promise a consistent Return on Investment (ROI).
You can push direct mail’s ROI from consistent to record-breaking with a focus on personalization. Some online marketers mistakenly think their methods are more personal than direct mail. But thanks to Internet cookies, over-sent emails and Google Ad Words, consumers are turned off and tuning out. Direct mail bests digital marketing tactics in the area of personalisation because, to the consumer, it feels more human.

The simplest way to personalise direct mail is using variable printing to address your business’s leads by name. But you can go even further than that.

The key to effective personalised direct mail is to get as much useful information as you can from your customers and prospects. Use sales records, surveys and social media to collect good data about your mail leads.

Now it’s time to personalise your direct mail piece. To craft a message that’s relevant to the prospect without being creepy, you’ve got to use your data carefully. Let’s say, for example, that your jewelry store wants to market diamond engagement rings. You’re working form a list of young people who you assume—or hope, for your business’s sake—are single (and you should know that from your data).

It makes sense to write copy that speaks to a buying audience in the mail piece you will send to males. On the other hand, the mail piece sent to females should feature different photos and copy. Although who will buy and who will receive such a gift varies, catering the message of the direct mail according to gender is a subtle method of personalisation

The best marketers have to interpret the data and use it in a way that tactfully shows consumers that your business is just what they need. But you don’t have to be selling jewellery to personalise direct mail skillfully and in a non-intrusive way. Think about your audience and how their demographic information may affect their buying habits or business needs.

Work from your recipient data to go beyond names in personalizsing your business’s direct mail. When you personalise your direct mail piece with a name, you’re working to catch your prospects’ attention.

At Minuteman Press Bath with the latest in variable data software XMPie we can really bring your direct mail to life. Call Dave Dixon on 01225 442000 for a chat about how we might be able to help.

2012-01-16T10:28:00.003Z

Greeting Cards from Minuteman

2011-11-01T12:48:00.002Z

The Minuteman Press Bath 2011
Personalised Greeting Card Brochure is out now

DOWNLOAD YOUR BROCHURE NOW

Why use a standard "off the shelf" greeting card this Christmas?
Send personalised cards to your clients, friends or family.

Make Christmas special with Personalised Greeting Cards from
Minuteman Press.

Your company logo, a favourite picture or traditional greeting cards, wall planners or desk diaries.

Stuck for ideas?

Download our brochure and choose from our range of images or send us your own, and have a personal greeting, we can even scan your signatures.

Your company logo added
Your company colours used
Your personalised greeting Your signature scanned

You name it, we'll do it

Prices start from just £45+VAT
Have your own design?
We can print that too!

Order the full brochure to be posted to you or download it as a pdf here.

Email: christmas@minutemanbath.co.uk
Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk Tel: 01225 442000

Proud to Support Oxjam

2011-10-18T09:48:00.000+01:00

Again this year we were proud to have supported Oxjam.

A lovely email from our contact to say,

"Just a little note to say thank you so much for your donation of posters and flyers for Jam and Jokes for OXJAM.

With your help we managed to raise nearly £800 for OXFAM!!"

Always happy to help...

Hug a Tree

2011-09-22T15:49:00.000+01:00

Recycled Business Stationery

Twice as many for one times the price

Order from our range of recycled business cards, letterheads or compliment slips this autumn and we will double the quantity of your order at no extra costs.

Pricing examples below:

Full colour Business Cards
on 350gsm 9lives 80 Recycled Silk Card
order 500 at £50
you receive 1000!

Full colour A4 Letterheads
on 120gsm 9lives uncoated
order 500 at £125
you receive 1000!

Full colour DL Compliment Slips
on 120gsm 9lives uncoated
order 500 at £95
you receive 1000!

For a copy of our full range of recycled stationery price list, or for a quote on any printing need...

Recycled Stock Printed Stationery

2011-09-20T17:09:00.003+01:00

Leporello

2011-08-11T14:52:00.000+01:00

Now I have seen these before but never produced them. However I think we have a super result.

Litho printed on 350gsm Silk.

This is a row of five postcards with a perforation in between each so that they can be teared off. We currently have a small box in production to put these in. We will post that next week!

Tips for Productivity

2011-08-02T11:58:00.002+01:00

If it seems like more and more is added to your plate and you struggle to get everything done, you may be struggling from productivity paralysis. Don’t worry; some of the world’s top leaders face a similar problem. Inc. Magazine recently asked them how they stayed productive. Here are some of their secrets.

Larry Page: Cofounder and CEO of Google
Page found himself in too many meetings that he had no desire to be in. His solution: dump his assistant. He said that it was easy to ask his assistant to set up a meeting, but people find it harder to ask him directly, hence fewer meetings.

Richard Branson: CEO Virgin Group
When asked how he became more productive, Branson had a simple answer: work out. He said working out gave him four additional hours of productivity a day.

Stephen King: Author
While he may not be one of your typical business people, he has sold over 350 million books. He strives for consistency by trying to write at least 1,000 words a day.

Gary E. McCullough: CEO Career Education Corp.
Former United States Army captain, McCullough gives people half the time they ask for. You want an hour of his time and you will get 30 minutes. He says it forces people to be more clear and concise.

Summer Sizzling Offer

2011-07-12T14:53:00.000+01:00

Promote Your Business with our SUMMER SIZZLER

We can offer you some scorching prices on longer run brochures and large posters.

5000 Mini Brochures £249 (A4 Leaflets folded once or twice to A5 or DL)
Say it loud and say it big with some nice large posters to capture attention
50 A2 Posters £89 that's less than £2 each!
These prices are so hot that we will be pouring water over them to cool them down by the end of August.

Why wait? Get out there and promote your business this summer.

Gain New Business Through Effective Communication

2011-06-07T14:33:00.002+01:00

If you look at what makes a business successful, you’ll probably notice that the company understands how to communicate. Businesses need to tailor their communications to several audiences, such as employees and vendors. But communicating correctly to potential customers will likely mean an increase in sales.
Prospects need to know that you exist and that you offer unique products and services that can help them. Since June is Effective Communication Month, here are some tips to help improve your communications with your potential and existing customers.

Choose a channel please.
The technology of recent years has literally given you access to dozens of ways to reach your target audience—a website, Facebook, Twitter, direct mail, e-mail, signage and billboards, to name a few. You need to understand your target audience to know which of the communications channels will more effectively reach them, and within your budget.

We hear you loud and clear.
You will most likely choose more than one medium to reach your audience. It is now important to make sure you message is consistent across all of them. If a person looks at one of your direct mail pieces, then they should feel a similar tone and design on your website. This helps people remember your company and build your brand.

You have two ears and one mouth.
So often in conversation we focus on the speaking part. But we all know that listening is the number one rule of effective communication. Ask current customers how you’re doing, what they like about your business and how you can improve. Through this you will improve your customer relationships and find ways to better reach new customers.

Take Care of the Employees that Take Care of Your Brand

2011-05-19T09:23:00.000+01:00

When starting a company, many small business owners expend much energy to come up with the right name and logo. But to have an effective brand, you have to get the entire staff to make that logo mean something. Building a brand takes good, committed employees that are living what your marketing promises. In order to hire and retain employees that you want representing your brand, it takes a good corporate culture. Here are some ideas for creating a good work environment.

Get Flexible
The society of yesterday created the social norm that you must clock-in at 8 and stay until 5. In today’s world of connectivity, we can work virtually anytime from anywhere. If your business model can support flexible hours, that can be attractive to many employees. For instance, parents may have to bus children based on their schedule of activities. Or if you have creative people working for you, their creative ideas may spark in the evening. The point is to focus on the quality of work employees produce rather than when it’s produced.

Hang Out
Employees that work with people they enjoy can make employees more accountable because they don’t want to let down a friend. Create an environment conducive to a little fun outside the work day. Plan a company bowling tournament, go to a baseball game or grab some appetizers on the way home. Even a quick outing in the middle of the day is a welcome retreat. Take your team out to grab a cookie, a cup of coffee or walk around the block.

Perk Up
Sometimes it’s the little things that count. Think about a budget for some amenities in the office. Bring in lunch on occasion or have a potluck for employees to share their favorite recipes.

Dress Up
Some companies require a specific dress code because customers expect a certain look. A banker is going to wear a suit and tie to be taken seriously. But if you have employees that don’t have a lot of face time with customers, consider a more relaxed dress code. This gives employees a chance to show their personality through their wardrobe. Maybe one of these hot, summer days you can spring a surprise shorts day on your employees.

Knock, Knock. Who’s there?

2011-05-02T20:13:00.001+01:00

Most of us like a good laugh. We want to be entertained. While there are several approaches to create advertising, humor often gets people talking. Adding humour to your marketing can increase brand awareness. Here are a few ways you can leave your customers laughing.

Get a sense of humor
When you use humor in advertising, you’re typically creating brand awareness and buzz for your business. So you need to understand your brand essence. This is the heart and soul of your brand. It’s what makes you think of Disney as “family fun entertainment,” or Hallmark as “caring shared.” Your advertising efforts—and your humour—should reflect the emotional connection you want your customers to have with your business.

Ruffle some feathers
You’ve figured out your personality, now you need to know your audience. Comedy is a risky business. There’s a fine line between humorous and offensive. But you can’t play it safe if you want the buzz. Understanding your audience will help you determine how close to the line you can go. Humor in advertising usually provokes attention so expect the phone to ring. If you’ve done your job, the majority of calls will be for more sales.

Make me laugh
Ask any comedian. Comedy is no easy business. You can leave them laughing or completely tank. You may want to turn to a professional copywriter to help you set the right tone for your business. Consider testing your marketing with some of your current customers before sending it out into the world.

Humor in advertising can be employed in any medium, whether it is direct mail or radio. Social media is a great platform to test out your humor. Most people visit social media sites to be entertained so get out there and knock ‘em dead.

Can now also shop online with Shop Minuteman

2011-04-21T08:50:00.000+01:00

You can now use our online design and ordering service at Minuteman Press for our most popular of products.

Business Cards

Postcards

and

Letterheads

Design, proof and pay online prices and get a local service from a local printer. Something rather unique in the industry!

Visit Shop Minuteman today and find out how great our online service is.

It Can Be Taxing Keeping Up With Facebook

2011-04-20T16:22:00.002+01:00

Seems like just when you understand how to use Facebook to market your business, they change something. Here are some helpful tips to keep up with recent changes on Facebook.

Page Upgrade
If you’ve been to your Facebook Page for your business within the last month, you’ve probably noticed the changes to the layout. The most obvious are the five photos across the top of your page. If you don’t have interesting photos showing, you’ll want to load some now. It’s the first impression visitors have of your company. Also, check to make sure all of the tabs that were across the top of your page are in working order, now down the side of the page.

Question
There’s a new way to share on your Facebook Page through asking questions of those that like your page. What a great way to get valuable information about your customers. Consider asking a question a week. Make sure it’s engaging so people will want to participate.

Check-in Deals
Deals is the latest addition to Facebook Places, which allows customers to share that they visited your business. Now you can reward those loyal customers with deals to help boost in-store traffic and build customer loyalty. You’re probably used to the loyalty punch card concept for frequent customers. Now you can run a similar program through Facebook, and all of your customers’ friends will know they stopped by and got a deal. Make sure you’ve claimed your place and linked it to your page so you don’t confuse your customers.

Don’t forget to remind customers of your Facebook presence through all of your printed marketing materials.

2011-04-19T13:22:00.000+01:00

Go Beyond Celebrating Earth Hour With Green Business Practices

2011-03-22T13:18:00.000Z

This Saturday, March 26 marks the fifth year of celebrating Earth Hour. At 8:30pm local time you are encouraged to turn off your lights for an hour. The goal of Earth Hour is to raise awareness against climate change. This year’s campaign aims to get you to think beyond the hour and encourage you to take actions to make the world a better place throughout the year. Here are some ideas to take your business beyond the hour.

Print green
When it’s time to print your marketing materials work with a printer that employs green printing practices. Look for local printers that use recycled paper and a sustainable supply chain, and does everything possible to minimise their impact on the environment. Consider printing reports double sided.
Give green
If your company uses branded, advertising specialty items, choose products that show environmental stewardship. Reusable coffee mugs and water bottles reduce the amount of plastic and Styrofoam in our landfills.

Go green
This may sound obvious but recycle at your office. Just about everything from paper to computers can be recycled these days and many recycling services make it so you don’t even have to sort. Find a company and encourage your staff to participate.
Green speak
While your efforts to go beyond the hour will be appreciated, don’t miss out on an opportunity to capitalise on your efforts. Several people search for businesses that take actions towards helping the environment.

You and I Contacts Day Update...

2011-03-15T16:50:00.000Z

The You and I Contacts Day looks like it’s going to be a roaring success!

http://www.youandibath.co.uk/events/contacts-day

We have over 25 guests confirmed with 25 members already round the table, that’s 50 people taking advantage of the free breakfast at Bailbrook House.

This is a great opportunity for networking and to meet the members of the You and I group in Bath.
We are not going to try to make you join or sell the group to you. We are all grown-ups here and we know that if it’s a good match for you and your business then the value of the meeting and the group speaks for itself.

We can still squeeze one or two more in, so if you would like to come along this Thursday, drop us a line or contact one of the members directly. Just remember to bring lots of business cards!

Do you have an A Board In Bath and North East Somerset?

2011-03-08T13:11:00.000Z

For some time now Bath and North East Somerset Council has been considering how best to regulate obstructions on the highway (which include A Boards on pavements and a host of other obstacles).

They have drafted a policy and guidelines which seek to introduce clear controls by using the Council’s powers under the Highways Act 1980 to balance the legitimate aspirations of local businesses to attract customers, whilst at the same time safeguarding the pavements for their primary purpose. This is particularly important, for example, to wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, the elderly and those who try to get pushchairs around.

The proposal is that anyone wanting to put an object on the pavement would have to apply for a permit, and this would be advertised if it meets the guidelines (i.e. if it would not be an obstruction according to the policy). If they receive any legitimate objections to the proposal, we would refer this to the Council’s Licensing Committee for determination. This is similar to the process they have for authorising Tables and Chairs on the highway and fee would be charged for the application and permit. Anyone who puts an obstacle on the footway without a permit (or if the object breaches our guidelines in terms of size, position, etc.) may, after due warning, receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (a fine) and could have the object impounded and have to pay for its return.

The Council are therefore carrying out a consultation on the proposed policy and guidelines over the next few weeks (until the end of March) and this will culminate in a report and decision on whether or not to adopt the policy with, or without, any amendments in April.

A copy of the proposed policy can be found at the following web address:

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/business/LicencesStreetTrading/Pages/ObstructionsPolicy.aspx

Any comment on the proposed policy must be sent to Andrew_Jones@bathnes.gov.uk by Thursday 31 March 2011.

Lifestyle Brands

2011-03-04T10:22:00.000Z

Your relationship with a company’s brand is like dating. You may try out a few different brand names at first, then over time you become more loyal. Eventually you find out that you become hitched to a particular brand. In essence, you’ve fallen in love. A lifestyle brand becomes a part of you.

When you see a swoosh you instantly know it’s Nike. But lifestyle brands are beyond mere brand recognition. Lifestyle brands, like Nike, have a way of connecting to a person and making the brand a part of a person’s life. Achieving lifestyle brand status requires time, but the effort can pay off in a big way. Through the following examples, you too can become a lifestyle brand that will make your company something to love.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.
A lifestyle brand gives people a chance to be who they want to be. The Ralph Lauren brand allows people to associate themselves with a higher class. When you walk into a Ralph Lauren retail store, you walk into the lifestyle of Ralph Lauren himself. That’s something very few can relate to, but many aspire to be. Take a look at your brand and see what can make people aspire to be more.

Apple
A lifestyle brand becomes ubiquitous in a person’s life. Apple has some of the most loyal customers. A customer starts with the iPod or the iPhone and suddenly they need the iPad and a MacBook. Soon they’re searching Google for someone to leak the next big release from Apple. They tend to seek out others using Apple’s devices just to talk about Apple. This type of loyalty creates early adopter mentality and typically higher financial returns because they’re willing to pay a premium. Take a look at your products and services and think about ways to make them irresistible.

Looking to these enormous lifestyle brands may have you thinking that there’s no way to achieve that status. Remember these brands started small. Nike sold shoes from a trunk of a car. Apple sold computers from a garage. If your goal is to remain local, take a look around your community. There are local lifestyle brands around you. All you have to do is have a vision, share it with your employees and share with the community through advertising. Deliver on the promise of your vision and soon you’ll have suitors lined up at your door.

Probably the Best Networking Breakfast, ever...

2011-03-01T14:50:00.000Z

The You and I Business breakfast club in Bath is organising an open networking breakfast on 17th March 2011.

The meeting will be thrown open to any business that wants to come along and enjoy breakfast and networking opportunities at Bailbrook House in Bath.

You and I is a business breakfast club that enjoys a relaxed friendly atmosphere for their members to conduct business without rules and restrictions.

Want to know more? Contact Dave on 01225 442000,

Do your customers love you?

2011-02-21T12:15:00.000Z

At Minuteman Press we have certainly felt the love from our customers this past month.

Do Your Customers Love You? Let Them Count the Ways.

They love you, they love you not. This month we demonstrated how you can show your customers some love. Now you should explore ways to gauge customer satisfaction and determine if the work you’re putting into the relationship is yielding results. Here are some ways to get inside your customers’ heads.

Where’s this relationship going?
If you want to know how the relationship is going, just ask. Gauging customer satisfaction is as easy as sending out a survey. Your customer satisfaction survey can ask a range of questions from what your customers think of your customer service, a new product or what additional products or services they’d like to see. Make sure you have an objective of what results you want to collect. You don’t want to make it too long, as your customers are busy.

Once you’ve determined what you’re going to ask, you need to plan a distribution method. You could provide a survey with every transaction, mail a postcard or conduct an online survey. Whatever you do, make sure you’re actually using the results to improve your customer service.

Make your relationship public.
It’s a good chance a majority of your customers are on Facebook or other social media sites. If they are, you should be right there with them. Listening is the foundation to a solid relationship. Set up social media listening tools like Hootsuite to see what people are saying about your company. Don’t be afraid to engage in the conversation and correct any issues publicly to show that you care about your customers. The key is to be transparent and authentic. If you have time, you should listen to what people are saying about your competitors.

Share the love.
If your customers sing praises about your company, share it on your website or even better on a third party site such as The Best of. If you’ve made a customer happy, they’ll have no problem putting their name online for you. Customer testimonials are a great way to attract new customers. Determine how you will collect your testimonials. Maybe there’s an open-ended question on your survey or you can have an online form. Don’t be afraid to ask, but always make sure you do. Testimonials are a true testament of your love.

Thank you from the Most Loved Printer in the UK

2011-02-15T12:32:00.007Z

We have had confirmation that we are officially the Most Loved Printer in the UK as voted for by our clients on the Best of.

Thank you to all those who have left kind words and testimonials. It is nice to be a nationally recognised award winning business by those that matter the most. Our customers.

This runs on from being recognised as the Most Loved Business in Town 2010.

Love your customers

2011-02-14T10:16:00.000Z

Love is in the air. There’s just something about this time of year. Valentine’s Day, for most, is a day to show those close to you that you truly care. You may not think of it in the same way, but your business has a relationship with your customers. How often do you show them some love? Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to think about how you can give your customers the service they love every day of the year. Here are some great customer service tips.

Give them your attention
It doesn’t matter if you’re working with the customer for the first time or you’re in a long-term relationship. You need to give customers the attention they deserve. Make each customer feel as if they’re the most important customer you have, simply by making their needs a priority.

Keep your promises
If you tell a customer that their project will be done by a certain day and time, you better have it done or at least keep them abreast of any delays. Remember, talk is cheap. People want results. If you don’t deliver what you said you would, your customer will find someone who can.

Show some appreciation, please
Customers expect when you thank them at the point of sale. But have you considered remembering those customers one week or a few months after the sale? Talk about cultivating a relationship that can yield repeat business by simply sending a thank you note. Take a look at your customer list and contact some of those that haven’t done business in a while. Send them a note that you miss them and maybe give them an incentive to come back.

2011-02-02T09:33:00.000Z

Minuteman Press - The Most Loved Business in Town!

2011-02-01T11:10:00.000Z

Thank you for all those clients who have left a testimonial on The Best of Bath, we have been awarded the accolade of the Most Loved Business in Town.

"This is great news, Minuteman Press Printers in Bath have always sought to be the best at everything we do and we can not thank all those who have helped make Minuteman Press the printing company that it is today."

Dave Dixon, Sales Director, Minuteman Press

For more information about Minuteman Press Printers in Bath visit our website www.minutemanbath.co.uk

2011-01-13T10:40:00.000Z

CLAIM YOUR EXCLUSIVE LOVE PRINTING DISCOUNT
(no free surveys, no dodgy links, just send us an email and we will post it out)

February is the month of love and it's fast approaching, and at Minuteman Press we want to show you how much we love printing. So this month we want to post you a discount which is just for you to use.

For us to send this out please email us on info@minutemanbath.co.uk confirming your postal address and we will get your personalised mailing out to you straight away.

If you are one of the lucky ones to have already received your discount, we

look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Recycled Business Cards - New Range for 2011

2011-01-05T10:09:00.000Z

We have new range of recycled business cards for 2011.

Minuteman Press Printers in Bath are delighted to offer 350gsm 9lives® 80 Recycled Silk business cards as a new product for 2011.

These are available from just £50+VAT for 500x full colour business cards.

For more details or to place an order email info@minutemanbath.co.uk

Published price is based on print ready artwork being supplied and a 5 working day turnaround.

Heart FM - Traffic and Travel

2010-12-23T08:38:00.001Z

Minuteman Press are proud to be supporting Heart FM Traffic and Travel, listen out for us in the mornings and afternoon on Heart FM 103.

Helping Heart, helping you keep moving.

Minuteman Press - Bath Life Awards

2010-12-21T09:43:00.002Z

Hope you are all looking forward to a well deserved break!

Minuteman Press has entered for the Bath Life Awards under professional services.

As every little helps may be you might consider helping out by voting for us at http://www.bathlifeawards.co.uk/apply-nom.php ?

Business Cards Digital and Litho

2010-12-07T13:17:00.000Z

Business card printing these days is cheap, fast and effortless. Although cards can be ordered online, the printing is still best done using professional printing machines – either traditional lithographic, or the newer digital presses.

Litho printing is a two stage process which involves offsetting the ink from plates onto rubber rollers, and then onto card. Unlike web-fed presses, which use rolls of paper, card presses are sheet-fed, making them slower. Added to this, they are complex to set up. For this reason, digital printers are preferred for business card printing. They have several advantages over the traditional method. For a start they are fast and easy to set up, requiring no printing plates. The card is created in digital form, using templates or an existing card design, and saved as digital file. This information is then uploaded to an ink-jet or laser-jet printing machine, which prints the cards direct using heat or UV-cured inks or toners.

Digital business card printing allows an on-demand service to be offered, with short print runs and a rapid turnaround time. It’s the ideal answer for small businesses, as card details can be altered with just a few clicks, and multiple designs can be stored – for example, a single design can be customised with the details of each member of a sales team. Cards may be single or double-sided – the latter being the ideal way to portray extra information in an uncluttered manner. With modern businesses having web, e-mail and postal addresses, as well as landline, mobile and fax numbers, this has become a necessity.

Although there are internet-commerce firms specialising in business cards which the customers design themselves from online templates, the best quality business card printing is that offered by “clicks-and-mortar” companies, such as us at Minuteman Press Bath.

Last Minute Marketing Tips for the Holidays

2010-12-03T08:50:00.000Z

It’s time for the final marketing push of the year. The holiday season usually means more consumers online. If you haven’t prepared for the rush, there’s still time. Here are a few last minute tips for online Christmas and New Year marketing.

Deck out your website.
If you’ve been putting off updates to your website, now is the time to make some changes. There’s a good chance your website will see more traffic in December, so you’ll want your prospects to be impressed. Give the products you’re trying to move the appropriate attention on your home page.

Think about being social.
While you’re making changes to your site, don’t forget to add those social media icons. Now that you’re directing people to your Facebook and Twitter pages you’ll want to get active. Make at least one post a day.

The search begins.
To get those last minute sales, consider spending some of your marketing budget on some search engine advertising. At the very least, take a look at where you rank on the products you’re trying to move before the end of the year.

Check your analytics.
Make sure all your website analytics are working before you get a rush of holiday shoppers. It is important to know whether your marketing efforts have paid off. Having good numbers also gives you a jump start on how to market your business for the coming year.

Promote with some last minute offers.
Complement your online activity with some printed leaflets or large posters for your window.

Don't forget to say thanks.
Believe it or not there is still plenty of time to order and receive greeting cards from printers sich as Minuteman Press. A great way to say thank to those customers who have supported your business during 2010.

You had me at hello!

2010-11-04T15:43:00.003Z

You’ve heard it before. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Think about the first time you did business with a company. If you had a bad experience, you may not give them another chance. What impression does your business give? Here are some tips to leave the right first impression with your customers.

Consistency
Whether it is with your marketing materials, your physical location or your employees’ appearance and service, you need to send a consistent message. If you want to portray a professional image it is important that your advertisements look professional and that your business and employees are presented in a professional manner. This is important because there are multiple ways for a customer to discover your business and with a consistent message they will know exactly what to expect from your company.

Employees
You aren’t the only one that works with your customers. So it’s important to train your employees to give the same level of service you would give. It is important to make sure each customer has a pleasant experience so they will want to do business with you again.

Get feedback
Want to truly know if you are making a good first impression? Then ask your customers for their opinion. Surveys are easy and effective in finding out what your customers think on a variety of topics. Ask them about their experiences with your business. Then you will know where you may need to improve.

2010-11-02T14:02:00.000Z

The Minuteman Press Bath 2010
Personalised Greeting Card Brochure is out now

We can make your greeting cards personal...

Your company logo added
Your company colours used
Your personalised greeting
Your signature scanned

You name it, we'll do it

Prices start from just £45+VAT

Have your own design?
Well we can print that too!

Order the full brochure to be posted to you or emailed as a pdf today
Email: christmas@minutemanbath.co.uk

Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk
Tel: 01225 442000

You Know It’s Time for a Rebrand When...

2010-10-13T15:21:00.000+01:00

Your customers don’t recognise who you are anymore.
Pull out your business card right now. Compare that to the last direct mail piece you sent. Now take a look at your signage. Are they all sending a consistent message? Would your customers understand what your company does if they encountered your marketing? If the answer is “no” to these questions, it’s probably time to consider a rebrand of your business.
Rebranding can be a scary process. It could take a lot of time, cause confusion with your customers and cost you some money to make the transition. But it may be worth it if you’re not delivering the right message to the right audience to get more business. Before you take the leap, consider these rebranding tips.

It’s not me. Or is it?

Many people think that their brand consists of a logo, some signage and a business card. While these elements are key in indentifying who you are, the brand goes well beyond a look. Your brand is your customers’ perception of your company, what their expectations and experiences have been in their interactions with you. Your brand is also the promises you make and deliver on everyday. Before you start making cosmetic changes, make sure you take a holistic approach to how you do business.

Get over yourself.

While it’s your brand, it’s not about you. It’s about your customers. Take a top-down approach and analyze your entire business, and who you want to be. Talk with the type of customers you want to attract and find out what they know about you and what they need from you. Look at what your competition is doing and differentiate, don’t copy.

Plan. Plan. Plan.

The rebranding process takes time and “flipping the switch” on a new brand could cause some issues. Make a transition plan and get key stakeholders involved such as customers and prospects. You have to get your employees behind the process and get them excited about their new image and, possibly, new attitude.

Finally, don’t cling onto your history, but make sure you take the good things you’re doing and keep them so your customers can still get a sense of familiarity. This will keep the customers you want coming back to do business with you.

Where we can we will!

2010-09-28T17:35:00.002+01:00

Even if that does mean stopping late tonight to get jobs out of the door.

Printing in a hurry? Give us a call on 01225 442000!

Improve Your Communication Skills and Influence Others

2010-09-24T11:51:00.000+01:00

All we’ve wanted to do since we’ve been a baby is make a connection with another human. If you thought it was hard when all you could do was babble, it can still be a challenge as an adult. It doesn’t matter what career path you’re on, your communication skills will be tested. Those skills may just determine whether you move up or stay put. Here are a few tips to improve your communication skills.

Listen Up. You may think that communication means you should do all the talking. But the key is in listening. Save your judgment until the other person has been heard. You don’t have to be ready to respond right away. Stephen Covey says, “seek first to understand.” Pause and listen without thinking what you’re going to say next. Repeat what they’ve said to ensure you have understanding.

You’re a Ventriloquist. You constantly give and receive wordless signals in your body language. Your facial expressions, posture, gestures and eye contact are often saying more than your verbals. Give your attention to the person with good eye contact. Show that you’re listening with good nonverbal gestures, such as an occasional head nod or uncrossed arms. Think about your nonverbal cues as you’re speaking.

Stay Present. If you’re not ready for the conversation because of other distractions, it will only cause problems. Ask to defer the conversation so you can both be emotionally available. Then, understand why you’re trying to communicate in the first place. There’s no need to bring up the past as it does nothing but confuse the issue at hand. If you’re having a difficult conversation, focus on “I Statements” that remove any accusatory tone.

Communication is often to blame for many issues. Be the one that makes a difference and practice good communication skills. Accept responsibility for poor communication, apologise and now the real communication can begin.

Thank you for the feedback!

2010-09-15T09:29:00.000+01:00

We always like to make life a little easier here at Minuteman Press. So following the phone call we have just taken it was mentioned that our opening could not be found easily on our website, they are currently two clicks from the home page to find them.

We have therefore made it easier by adding these details to our home page.

Our opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Of course ou can request a estimate or place a print order anytime day or night through our website www.minutemanbath.co.uk

We are feeling the love.

2010-08-23T09:48:00.001+01:00

Minuteman Press Bath are the most loved printer in the UK as voted by local people on The Best of!

Check out what our customers have to say here.

Google Places Puts Your Business on the Map

2010-08-20T17:09:00.000+01:00

First there was Google Maps that gave you a birds-eye view of the world. But that wasn’t good enough, so Google gave us Google Street that allowed us to place the little yellow figure on designated streets to see a 360 degree view of the area. Now you can add valuable information about your business while prospects are standing right in front of your virtual door step. Everyone should set up this free listing for their business. Here are some helpful tips for Google Places.

Get your place in Google Places.
The first thing you need to do is set up a Google Places account for your business. This free directory displays your business phone number, website, operating hours and additional photos directly in Google Street view. Now customers get essential information without leaving the map. To set up your Google Places account, visit http://www.google.com/places.

Offer a reward.
Create a promotion that is specific to your Google Places entry. If you’re the type of business that uses coupons, here’s an opportunity to distribute one at no cost to you. From your entry you can drive people to your website for additional interactions with your business. With this information you can find out exactly how many visitors have come to your website through Google Places.

Support is key.
Customers can rate their experience with you in Google Places, and the difference between a four star and a five star business can be a deal breaker for some searchers. If customers have a great experience with your business they’ll share it. Conversely a bad review is just as likely to seep out onto the web. So give your customers the service and experience you want shared with the world. Don’t be afraid to encourage customers to write a review.

Check out Minuteman Press Bath on Google Places!

Your business card is your first impression...

2010-08-03T17:30:00.000+01:00

...so be sure to get it right first time.

If you have a good business running full time and it is flourishing every moment then surely you will need business cards for various reasons pertaining to your business. They are a good source of advertisement and you can get business card printing done at very low rates almost anywhere. Nevertheless, it is better to get business card printing done by the best in this business. Professionally, if you want your business cards to promote your business well then it is better to deal with a person than a website.

Avoiding Traps:

There are several common mistakes that people make while getting business cards printed. Some of them use sub standard materials - wrong paper or wrong ink – remember these cards are a showcase to your actual business. Hence, you must design them so that they are appealing and at the same time a good advertising source too. So, get professionals to design your business cards.

Avoid creating cryptic cards. Just getting your business name and e-mail address or phone number printed on the card not enough. Clearly define what your business all about so that people get a good idea about your business. Unless people are impressed they won’t become your clients.

Sometimes it happens we try cramming as much information as possible in a small card. This is a bad move. It is a bad idea to get your business card over crowded. This will ward off any prospective client and won’t help in any way.

Incorporating Unique Elements:

Creating a good business card involves the incorporation of unique ideas. It should be eye catching and should give your message in short and effective manner. It is also very important to have proper colour contrasts so that the card is easy to read for one and all.

Reasons not to Print Online:

It is best to get your business card printing done by a business with a personal touch, with someone who will look at your design and advise on the best colours, stock and finish. One of the reasons is that with this method you can easily avoid all the common issues that will arise. Moreover, they will have good and experienced professional who will provide the best solution according to your requirements. It also saves a lot of time that would have been spent if you had to keep running all around to buy stuff you require.

If you want to get the best business cards printed to advertise or expand your business then you can get it done only with the help of companies like Minuteman Press.

Getting to know your customers...

2010-07-19T11:07:00.002+01:00

What would your world be like without customers? Some may have answered, “a lot easier!” But truth of the matter, without customers you wouldn’t be in business very long. Customer service has always been key to growing your business. Remember how important those customers are to your success! Here are some ways to really get to know your customers.

Make it personal
Pick up your phone and call some of your best customers. This will show them that you truly care about their business. You may be amazed at the personal connections you can make, and also how you can help each other professionally. Another option is writing a few personal thank you cards.

Conduct a survey
Get inside the heads of your customers. A survey is a great way to find out what your customers think of your business. Knowing what your customers want is usually half the battle. A survey will give you insights into new directions for your business to go.

Do some research
Lastly, do some market research. Do you know your target market? What types of customers are producing the best revenue for you? Research lets you learn how to keep your best customers and how to reach more like them.

50% Extra Free - Special Offer - Minuteman Press

2010-07-07T09:27:00.003+01:00

http://www.45walcot.minutemanpress.co.uk/companyinfo/offers.html

- The very best digital presses in Bath -
- 24 hour turnaround available at no extra cost -
- Fixed pricing -

Look at this example price:

1000x A5 Leaflets
Printed full colour single side
on 140gsm Silk
£125

we will then add in 500 extra free leaflets, giving you 1500 full colour leaflets for £125!

Contact us today for a copy of our full colour digital printing price list

Email: info@minutemanbath.co.uk
Tel: 01225 44 2000
Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk

THE SMALLS PRINT:

* Offer available on full colour digitally printed leaflets and folded brochures placed in July and August 2010.

Offer applies to quantities of 250, 500 or 1000 maximum. 48 hour turnaround - 24 hours on request, from signing off your proof.

Printed on 140sm FSC Silk or Gloss

Boxer shorts are for illustrative purposes only and are not included in this offer.

Where has the time gone?

2010-06-29T11:15:00.000+01:00

Seems like we were just getting through New Year’s weekend and now this week we turn our calendars to the second half of 2010. On July 1 we celebrate Second Half of the Year Day. It’s a holiday that passes without a champagne toast, but it could be important for your business. If you’re reviewing your revenue goals for the year and you’re coming up short, have no fear. Here are a few simple steps to generate some business.

Get direct with your customers.
Sometimes people need a little reminder that they should come see you. A well designed direct mail piece gives your customers and prospects a reason to stop by your business. A good call to action, such as a special offer, helps you track the success of your mailing and gives a higher probability for increased sales. Remember to segment and clean your lists to get the right messages to the right people for better success.

Put something in their in-box.
An e-mail marketing campaign can be deployed quickly and reach a large number of people, if you’ve been collecting e-mail addresses. Offer a special to drive people to your store or website. Remember, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Have an e-mail strategy that ensures you have something to offer every time you hit send.

Don’t forget your business card.
With every encounter there may be an opportunity. You never know when you’ll run into a future customer. Go to a networking event or two and try to drum up business the old fashioned way, face-to-face. Take along some business cards and maybe your direct mail piece to encourage business.

Socialise with your customers.
Do your Facebook and Twitter accounts need a little love? Many have jumped onto social networking sites, so it’s a perfect location to get your customer’s attention. Become active in that realm and you could build brand loyalty. Give them a reason to refer your business to their friends and colleagues to help spread your word.

Stop reading and get busy. Before you know it, we’ll be popping the corks for 2011

Reports!

2010-06-24T10:36:00.001+01:00

8 large reports jobs ordered today for super quick turnaround. Well that's just what we do I suppose. All needed in a Minuteman!

Business Cards - Special Offer

2010-05-27T15:16:00.003+01:00

DOUBLE SIDED BUSINESS CARDS FOR
THE PRICE OF SINGLE SIDE

Presentation is everything and now there really never has been a better time to order Full Colour Business Cards with our
FREE Reverse Offer!

Offer is available on any quantity up to 5,000 Full Colour Business Cards printed on 400gm Card. Offer does not include double sided lamination.

Offer ends 30th June 2010

Look at this example price:

500x Business Cards
Full colour double side
on 400gsm FSC Matt Artboard
£60+VATthis is a saving of £35+VAT off our usual retail price!

Contact us today

Email: info@minutemanbath.co.uk

Tel: 01225 44 2000
Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk

Programme Notes!

2010-05-27T13:19:00.000+01:00

Busy again printing 1000's of programme notes for the Bath International Music Festival, which Minuteman Press are proud to be sponsoring once again this year.

Super quick turnaround as always on our super fast Xerox 4112 B/W digital press!

Hot hot hot.. deal of the week!

2010-05-24T11:36:00.000+01:00

Our presses are running hot today and if the weather is anything to go by will be hot all week.

So come and get your flyers this week, literally hot off the press and we will discount 20% off our usual price.

How does this sound?

1000x A6 Flyers
Full colour double side
on 140gsm Silk
£99 (usually sold at £125)

Turned around within 24 hours! Sign off your proof by 2pm and these will be ready by 2pm the following day!

Offer valid until Friday 28th May 2010. On all digitally printed full colour flyers. Quote HOTFLYER when ordering!

Print Deadlines

2010-05-18T16:22:00.000+01:00

When producing company literature such as newsletters or magazines, meeting printing deadlines is essential in order to avoid costly mistakes, but in some situations your company may be working right up to the wire and there is a fine balance between having the most up to date information in your company literature and missing the printing press deadlines. You only need to look at the newspaper headlines on the morning after the election to see that the deadlines of the country’s printing press meant that the newspapers struggled to meet the public’s need for the most up to date information possible. Headlines were uncertain as Britain faced a hung parliament but, as results were still trickling in, the newspapers could not call for certain what was happening before they had to go to press and some relied on speculation.

Businesses in Bath should know the benefits of working with a local printing company in Bath, rather than a larger printing house, when looking to get their news out to consumers in order to build up a strong relationship and receive a more personal service. You may not be on such tight deadlines as the national press with the whole nation hanging on your written word and expectations high for the most newsworthy scoop, however, for a professional appearance, your company information must be as accurate as possible. Building a close relationship with a local printer will ensure co-operation should you need to work to extend deadlines or negotiate on costs.

Networking: You Don’t Have to Be the Centre of Attention to be Effective

2010-05-14T10:31:00.000+01:00

If you’re like most companies, you’d probably like more revenue. More money may come in the form of more customers. More customers may come through more networking. More networking may make you want to run to the nearest wall and take the form of a flower. Don’t run! Take a deep breath. Introverts can master the art of networking with a little help from these tips.

Host an event. Seems like we’re throwing you into the fire? In a way, it is. But think about the duties of a host. You need to make sure everyone is taken care of and feels comfortable. This gives you a natural topic to discuss. “Can I get you anything?” is so much easier than trying to come up of another opener.

Get in their Facebook. Face-to-face is the best way to truly build relationships, but technology has allowed for people to network without even leaving their desks. Establish some acquaintances in person then work to build that relationship through Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media websites.

Advice breaks the ice. Offer up advice on subjects you know well. Watch that you don’t overstep your bounds and offer unsolicited advice. But if you can provide them with some information that they find useful and will establish you as an expert in your field then you’ve achieved your goal. If they are looking to do business with a company like yours, hopefully you’ll be the first to come to mind.

Take up the offer of Business Mixers. In most towns and cities across the country you will find business network groups which offer evening mixers, a place where business people can wind down once a month and catch up over a drink and they are usually mixed in with a speaker and focal point. We love the Best of Bath, but their are Best of network in many towns across the country.

As the good saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” The more you work on networking skills the easier it will become. Just because networking may not come natural to you doesn’t mean you will be less effective than that gregarious person holding court in the center of the room.

Well if there's space...

2010-05-11T11:22:00.000+01:00

Every now and then we get a point on our presses when we think we could squeeze just a little more out of it.

So now at 12pm each day we are going to take a look at what we might have room for over the following few days, and if there's space we'll fill it. It just makes economic sense...

Every deal will be at half the usual price. You will have to be quick though as we will be offering this on a strictly first come first serve basis and once it's gone it's gone.

Free Compliment Slips Offer - May and June!

2010-04-29T10:29:00.000+01:00

Order letterheads and get FREE compliment slips.

Take advantage of this fantastic offer to revitalise your business stationery.

Order any quantity up to 10,000 Full Colour Letterheads printed on our 100gsm Paper and get up to the same quantity of Compliment Slips FREE!

Look at this example price:

500x A4 Letterheads

Full colour single side

on 100gsm FSC Bond

£108+VAT

YOU CAN GET UP TO 500x MATCHING COMPLIMENT SLIPS FREE

SAVING YOU £81+VAT

Contact us today!
Email:info@minutemanbath.co.uk
Tel: 01225 44 2000
Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk

* Offer available on full colour litho printed A4 Letterheads placed in May and June 2010.
Maximum order quantity is 10,000. 5 working days turnaround.
Litho printed on 100gsm FSC Bond

Happy to Help

2010-04-22T14:25:00.000+01:00

We have been really pleased to be able to help with some very last minute printing recently for PJ's Farm, a local company who have been selling top notch pork products at Green Park Station.

We love helping small businesses and we wish Ross and the team all the best with their new venture!

Find out more about their pigs here!

Bath Business Show Business Card Draw Results

2010-04-20T10:32:00.004+01:00

Thank you to those who entered our business card draw at the Bath Business Show last week.

We are pleased to announce the following winners...

Design Makeover

2 hours of our in house designers brushing up business stationery goes to

Alan at Croyde Associates

Bottle of Champagne

Claire, Loud and Clear Marketing

1000 Free Letterheads

Jane, Media Clash
Julie, Radio

500 Free Business Cards

Nina, Audience Systems
James, Gradwell

20% Off next Print Order

Matt, Level Films
Phil, Planet Gold
Mark, Butterfield Morris Bushell
Ed, Edify Studio
Nina, The Forever Friends Appeal
Kiki, Simple Recruitment
Hannah, Emerald Resources

CONGRATULATIONS!

9 days left - 25% off

2010-04-20T08:51:00.000+01:00

Dont forget you have 9 days left to take advantage of our great offer for 25% off business card and postcards.

We have had a really good response to this promotion so thank you to all who have taken advantage so far. We are now racking our brains trying to think up a promotion that could match this next month!

A Great Day Out

2010-04-15T09:55:00.004+01:00

We had a great day out the the Bath Business Show yesterday and met lots of very interesting people and picked up some great print orders.

We have over 200 people enter our business card draw - the results will be announced later today!

25% Off Offer Extended...

2010-04-01T09:24:00.000+01:00

You told us how much you love our 25% Off Business Cards Offer.

So we thought why not extend it to our Postcards for the month of April?

So now if you order A6 or A5 Postcards OR Business Cards you will receive 25% Off our usual price!

Offer applies to digital and litho printed postcards, including our luxury gloss or matt laminated range.

OFFER applies during April 2010.

Look at this example price:

500x Digitally Printed A6 Postcards

Printed full colour single side

on 350gsm Silk

WAS: £80+VAT

NOW: £60+VAT

* Offer available on full colour digital and litho printed business cards or A6 and A5 Postcards placed in March and April 2010.

Maximum order quantity is 2500. Litho printed postcards and business cards require 5 working days (turnaround longer if laminated).

Litho printed cards on 400gsm Artboard

Digitally printed card on 350gsm Matt or Silk

Offer ends Friday 30th April 2010

One of the Bath's Most Loved

2010-04-01T09:09:00.000+01:00

Last night was yet again a great Best of Bath Networking Event hosted at Inigo Serviced Offices on Queen Square.

Minuteman Press were very pleased to have picked up an Award for the 7th Most Loved Business in Bath as voted during the 14 Days of Love by local Bath companies.

Don't forget to check out what our clients have said about us at on our Best of Bath testimonial page.

Easter Opening Hours

2010-03-31T11:08:00.000+01:00

Please note our opening hours over the Easter Weekend.

Thursday 1st April - 9am to 5.30pm

Good Friday - CLOSED

Saturday 3rd April - CLOSED

Sunday 4th April - CLOSED

Easter Monday - CLOSED

Tuesday 6th April - 9am to 5.30pm

Enjoy your weekend and for those who are going away over Easter have a great time!

Dave and the team at Minuteman Press Bath!

Another promotion...

2010-03-30T20:54:00.000+01:00

...oh dear Dave has got carried away and is plotting another promotional printing offer for April.

Keep your eyes peeled on 1st April - and it wil be no April fool. Although the way Dave's giving away print he is a fool!

Don't forget you can find out about the offer first by signing up to our enews below:

For Email Marketing you can trust

Or visit our Facebook Page to find out now!

Go ahead given!

2010-03-29T11:57:00.000+01:00

We have just been given the all go on the Paulton Rovers game for this evening. This means finalising the content, printing and booklet making the programmes for collection by 5pm!

All systems go - a usual day for Minuteman Press, probably the quickest printer in Bath.

A superb quote..

2010-03-22T11:23:00.001Z

...from Jan our Shop Manager.

"Is everything alright Jan?"

"Yes everything is fine David, there was a small fire but the burst pipe put it out!"

Now that's how to reassure the boss when he's on holiday!

On Facebook?

2010-03-20T08:58:00.001Z

At Minuteman Press we try to make sure that we have a presence where ever we can. This includes our Facebook Page so if you're on Facebook why not become a fan. We'd love to see you there!

A Welcome Addition to the MMP Team!

2010-03-16T17:25:00.002Z

We would like to welcome Andy Trollope to the Minuteman Press Team!

Andy joins the team with 26 years years of litho and digital print experience, he takes up the role of Production Manager and will certainly help raise the game in print quality and finish at Minuteman Press.

Andy's role is to head up digital print print production and pre press.

Making the Most of Your Facebook Profile

2010-03-09T19:53:00.000Z

Over 350 million people are doing it. Are you? With over 700 thousand local businesses setting up shop on Facebook it’s time to make sure you’re making the most of your customer’s online experience.
If your company doesn’t have a page yet here’s how Facebook works. There are personal profiles and there are pages. As a company you’ll want to set up a page. You’ll want to enter some information about your company and add some photos. Now you’re ready to start gaining fans of your company page. But what else should you know before jumping in?

Don’t Sell.
If you have ever been to a store and had someone constantly trying to sell you something you know that it gets annoying. The same holds true for Facebook. This is not the place for you to try and sell something to your clients. If you do they will just get turned off and quit doing business with you.

Listen.
As the saying goes, we have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we talk. Facebook is a place where you can learn about your customers. What they like and dislike. Knowing what your customers are thinking is half the battle for businesses.

Respond.
If a customer should ever have a problem Facebook is a great way to help them. Use Facebook as a customer service tool. If your customers aren’t happy than you won’t be happy and this is just another way for you to keep your customers satisfied.

Stick With It.
Once you make the commitment to use Facebook make a daily habit of logging on to make post, listen and respond to your customers. Facebook is a great marketing tool and if used correctly can grow your business.
To build a fan base, you may consider Facebook Ads. This service allows you to set a daily budget on a pay per click basis that directs potential consumers to become fans. Whatever you do with your ads, ensure you keep Facebook users in their Facebook experience. Redirecting them to another website from your ad will get you less play. Let them choose to visit your site from your Facebook company page.

25% Off Full Colour Business Cards

2010-03-03T14:31:00.008Z

Order up to 2500 Business Cards and receive 25% Off our usual price!

Offer applies to digital and litho printed business cards, including our luxury gloss or matt laminated range.

OFFER Applies in March and April 2010

Your business card is one of your most important sales tools, so let us help you get it right.

Look at this example price:

500x Digitally Printed Business Cards

Printed full colour single side

on 350gsm Silk

@ £36+VAT

Take advantage of this very special offer and contact us today to order or enquire about all the special prices.

Marketing is not monkey business

2010-03-01T11:32:00.000Z

One thing is constant in marketing—it’s constantly changing. Once limited to traditional media like television, radio and print advertising, a company has more options to get their name out there. So let’s talk about the 200-pound gorilla in the room, and no, we’re not talking about King Kong. It’s Guerrilla Marketing that may make your company a giant in your market.

What is Guerrilla Marketing?
Jay Conrad Levinson gave birth to the concept in 1984. Ever since then, this fringe movement in the world of advertising has gained some steam. Specifically geared towards the small business, Levinson argued that instead of money, investments in marketing should be time, energy and imagination. Much of that energy should be expended on building relationships with customers to get more referrals, and focusing on larger transactions, rather than on gaining new customers.

Guerrilla Marketing may encompass a number of tactics but each campaign should be laser-focused to one technique. Other terms associated with this movement are viral marketing (engaging social networks), buzz marketing (generating word of mouth), undercover marketing (subtle product placement) and experiential marketing (getting consumers to interact with your product).

Memorable examples from well-known companies
Nikon used a billboard at a subway station that had images of paparazzi on it. As you would walk by on the red carpet that led to a Nikon store the cameras would flash making you the celebrity.

Ikea decided to show that their furniture can brighten up any setting. They put some of their furniture at bus stops in New York.

Red Bull has relied heavily on Guerrilla Marketing through their soapbox races, Flugtag (building human-powered flying machines) contests, or driving around in a Mini Cooper handing out samples of Red Bull.

What can you do with Guerilla Marketing?
These are some pretty big examples of how to generate buzz for a product. If you’re looking for something a little less monumental but equally effective, consider tactics along these lines to make a statement about your company.

Send out an empty envelope with an enticing headline on the outside. Make sure your contact information is in the return address. This should generate calls that can turn into an opportunity to talk about your products.

Get away from the windshields and find other relevant places to stuff a flier such as with a complimentary product at another company (in return for you doing the same), at a public transportation stop or other creative locale.

Include some candy and a comment card with each order and watch the cards and repeat customers come back in.

Dream up an inexpensive but creative event associated with your business. Start the buzz and get the press involved. Include a charity component. Give proceeds to a charity and watch your pockets grow.

Order an interesting specialty advertising item that you can distribute with a clever message to pique your customers’ interest about a particular product or your service.

One last piece of advice, when planning your Guerilla Marketing campaign, do your homework. Cartoon Network’s Aqua Teen Hungerforce placed light up boxes around Boston that were intended to generate publicity. They got it in the form of generating bomb threat calls from around the city.

Best of Bath

2010-02-24T15:23:00.001Z

Find out why Minuteman Press use the Best of Bath network.

The best of Bath (website film) from Mollyfilms.com on Vimeo.

Vacancy at Minuteman Press

2010-02-15T11:34:00.002Z

At Minuteman Press we believe in having the right tools for the job. That's why we have had a little rejig here, and in order to maintain a high level of customer service we are now recruiting for a sales person.

Interested or know someone who is? Click here to find out more!

Buy One Get One Free on Leaflets in February

2010-02-10T11:08:00.002Z

 Buy one get one free on full colour printed leaflets*
 Order litho printed leaflets this February and we will double your order for free.

Offer applies to orders of 250, 500, 1250 and 2500 leaflets giving a maximum required
quantity of up to 5000 leaflets.
 Offer includes folding of leaflets if required.

Take advantage of this very special offer and contact us today.
for a quote email

 info@minutemanbath.co.uk

Tel: 01225 44 2000
Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk

* Offer available on 115gsm, 150gsm, 200gsm and 280gsm Silk or Gloss litho printed
leaflets. Maximum order quantity is 2500x to receive 5000x leaflets. Offer includes
folding where requested. Litho printed leaflets require 5 working days turnaround.
Offer ends February 28th 2010
All prices are plus VAT if applicable and from print ready pdfs being supplied.

Make sure your Business Card hits the mark

2010-02-03T16:49:00.002Z

You’re starting your business and of course you’re excited to talk about it. While out networking you get a bite. Someone wants your contact information and you’re stuck holding a napkin and asking to borrow a pen. Business cards should be one of the first items you print as you’re building your business.

Business cards are an affordable way to make you look professional and legitimise your company. Business cards are convenient. You should carry them on your person at all times. You never know where or when you’ll meet your next customer.

What should be on your business card? A pitfall of first-time business owners is to attempt to cram absolutely everything you do on your card—after all you want to conserve your budget. Remember the primary goal of your business card is to provide your contact information. Let a brochure, sales sheet or website do the work of listing your services.

Consider how you want to be contacted. Your name, e-mail, primary phone numbers and website address should suffice for most. Some may want to select their Twitter or other social media account if that’s more conducive to the business model.

If you must, include just a service or two as a reminder of what you do. But remember you run the risk of looking less professional. The more you add, the smaller the type and the more cluttered your card will appear, rendering it nearly impossible to read.

When you’re ready to print your cards, you may want to head to a printing company. Spend the little extra and ask for about various options available. An impressive weight, or laminating will will surely get good comments and screams professionalism.

Minuteman Press offers the whole range of business cards printing and also designers who can really make your card work for you.

Now that you have your new business cards you’re ready to go out and get new clients. So use that napkin to wipe your hands and give them that confident handshake.

Direct mail can still work!

2010-01-28T21:36:00.001Z

There’s something about Royal Mail that is a little romantic. There’s still a little anticipation in your heart as you head when the post arrives. You still wonder, "Did I get anything cool in the mail today?".

Even special offers from companies get people excited.

Direct mail is still a powerful tool and here is why:
Reach your target market. Direct mail gets its name because of the likelihood of your message reaching the intended audience. It has far greater odds than the shot gun approach of mass media (also aptly named). Even Millennials (consumers aged 18-24) are into receiving direct mail. BIGresearch reported in 2007 that 26% appreciated and responded to direct mail.

Get one-on-one attention.
Mail is personal. People open the mail on their time, when they’re ready to engage. Pitney Bowes reported in a 2008 Direct Mail Survey that 85% of people will open, sort and read mail; and 75% of those consumers look more closely for special sales.

Spend less.
With a more selective target, your cost per client acquisition is relatively low compared to other marketing channels. For a postcard and a stamp, oftentimes you can reach a prospect for under a dollar each.

Get action.
After your direct mail piece is sent out you will know whether the campaign was successful in a short amount of time. According to the DMA, 33% of consumers will respond to direct mail by going to your website. If your target is going to make a purchase, they will do so shortly after receiving the mailing piece. This is important for tracking your ROI. When cash is tight, it is nice to know how effective your message was so you can adjust.

Make it personal.
OK so you can send out a standard mailer, may be with their name on the envelope and then leave your prospective client disappointed when they see it's a random mailshot. At Minuteman Press our digital press and variable data software can bring your mailings to life through customising them. Why not give one of our team a call on 01225 442000 or email Dave on info@minutemanbath.co.uk tell us what message you want to send and who you want to send it to, and we will help you get a better return on your investment.

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Oh my!

2010-01-26T17:11:00.000Z

If you’ve spent any time online in the last six months you’ve probably stumbled across a social media site or two. Facebook – once a place for college coeds to hook up – has gone mainstream. LinkedIn has taken the art of networking to the next level. And the new kid on the block has many atwitter micro-blogging – or at least signing up for an account and trying to figure out just what to do with Twitter. So as a small business owner why should you care? Here are some reasons why your company should get involved:

Exposure
If you’re looking to grow your business, you can enhance your traditional marketing efforts, such as mentioning your Facebook or Twitter accounts in your direct mail, to gain more prospects and their information. Additionally, having social media pages for your company, especially LinkedIn, oftentimes improves your search engine rankings.

Learn about your target market
Just as important as reaching your target market is learning about them. Social media tools allow you to learn what your customers like and dislike. These are important insights and can help you develop your marketing plan.

Monitor reputation
Along with learning how your target market thinks, it’s important to learn what people think about your business. Through social media you can read what people are saying about your company and can handle possible damaging situations in a timely matter.

Free
Social media is the new press release. Marketing professionals always advised business owners to work with their local media to get some free publicity. Now you can generate your own at no cost. But social media sites take time and can be addictive. So think strategically about how you want to use each of the tools.
Before you jump into social media, think strategy before technology.

So many companies set up a page not knowing exactly what to do and after it hasn’t been touched in a month it reflects poorly on their company. Take a look at what your competition is doing locally. Look at the trends in your industry. Social media is a give and take relationship anyway. You have to participate in the conversation and give people a reason to be interested in you before you can expect to get anything out of social media.

Minuteman Press - follow a successful printer in Bath - thebestof Bath blog

2010-01-21T11:40:00.000Z

Thanks to Best of Bath for adding a story to their blog about our blog.

James and the team at the Best of Best are great at looking after their members, and we find that the Best of Bath is truly more than just another directory.

The our relationship with the best of Bath we have brought on lots of new clients who have been happy to recommend our services to others.

New customers have welcomed being able to read testimonials from other clients.

Go Green with Minuteman Press

2010-01-18T09:18:00.001Z

At Minuteman Press Bath we believe in sustainability and do more than just say it.

As a printer we get through a great deal of paper and other waste materials as part of the printing process, so controlling what we use and where it goes is important to us.

All of the paper stocks we buy are either FSC or PEFC certified paper. Further more the toners we use on our Xerox 7000AP Digital Press are recyclable as is the toner that ends up on the paper.

You can find out more about that environmental credentials of the standard Xerox paper we use here.

Xerox printer toner employed in digital printing is manufactured using an embrittling agent with the result that a reduction of 25% - 35% in energy employed per kilogram is made. The toner creates no hazards, exposure issues, toxicological complications and requires no special precautions. Ecotoxicity is zero and no special disposal actions are required.

No inks are used in the digital print process. Xerox toner composition is >60% Resin, <15% Frits, 5 - 10% Polyethylene wax, 3 - 8% Pigment (CMYK), <15% other additives.

100% of toner cartridges and bottles are recyclable. All toner is non-toxic and non-hazardous.

We also send all of our waste paper goes off for recycling through Evergreen for secure shredding and recycling.

Minuteman Press Bath You Tube Channel Launched

2010-01-14T09:13:00.004Z

We have just launched our new You Tube Channel for Minuteman Press Bath.

At the moment it only shows a short clip of our shop during yesterday morning's snow. We hope to soon show you some interesting projects that we have printed for our clients to give you some food for thought when it comes to coming up with ideas for your own printing.

Find our channel here and if you think there's something useful that you would like us to show you let us know and we will do our best to video it for you and publish it.

New Wide Format Price List Available

2010-01-13T08:42:00.002Z

We have updated our wide format price list for full colour posters. Minuteman Press has one of the biggest poster printers available in Bath. The HP DesignJet Z6100 poster machine prints using light resistant inks and prints on many stocks including scrim and banner material up to 60" wide.

We love this machine and with all our finishing options such as laminating, mounting and eyeletting, there's not much we can't do. This includes bannerstands and graphics for pop up displays.

Why not ask us for a quote or for a discussion on how our big printer can help you email info@minutemanbath.co.uk.

What a day!

2010-01-12T16:43:00.001Z

It seems as though people are definitely back to work today.

We have been busy with orders quotes and printing all day, so it seems by the volumes of calls and emails coming in that many of our clients are back to work and catching up on print orders that they would have placed last week.

Back to normal.

2010-01-11T08:56:00.017Z

The weather is almost behind us and we are expecting business as usual this week. Our paper merchants have caught up with their deliveries to us so we will be catching up with any delayed orders because of this today.

We are printing some stunning mailers today for the Motorexpo, we use a rich black on these to give a great finish and look and we have printed on a nice 280gsm Silk. I know our client will be really happy with the final result.

Phew

2010-01-08T15:45:00.021Z

Today has seen many of our customers getting back to work and now having to catch up the the printing they would have ordered over the past few days.

Our Xerox 7000AP Production Digital Press has been working flat out (along with Mike our Production Manager) to get everything printed, I cannot praise enough our finishing team for getting through all the booklets that we had to get done today.

A job well done.

Almost all in!

2010-01-07T09:20:00.001Z

Good morning. We have a almost have a full team in at Minuteman Press Bath today and will be busy printing and designing stationery, booklets and business cards today.

Our designer Ali is working from home thanks again to the wonders of the internet and to a very helpful piece of software from Log Me In so she can access her Mac and do design as if she were working here in the office.

So in short get in contact and we will get printing.

We made it!

2010-01-06T13:32:00.001Z

Well at times this morning the team here at Minuteman Press did wonder if we were going to make it in today. However most of us did and we have been actively open for business.

Dave walked it from Southdown, Mike strolled in from around the corner and Ali planned the day before and stayed in Bath last night rather than trek out to be stranded in Devizes. Wayne got in on the train from Chippenham and Jan made it in from Oldfield Park. Good show!

David (The Boss) is working from home today.

So in short we have been busy printing, copying and designing for all our customers.

Lets just hope that we can make it home again later.

Three for the price of Two on printed Stationery!

2010-01-06T12:00:00.000Z

So the snow got us thinking what could we do to cheer people up who have missed out on time at work or have been struggling through the snow to get there?

Well here it is.

Order 3 different items of your company stationery and we will give you the cheapest item completely free of charge*.

So if you order letterheads, business cards and compliment slips the cheapest item in that will probably be the compliment slips, which you will not pay for.

It's snow joke, we must be losing it.

Free stationery? Yep!

We are running this until 28th February 2010 and applies to full colour stationery, the letterheads and compliment slips on 100gsm Executive and the business cards on the 400gsm Luxury Artboard.

Email us at info@minutemanbath.co.uk for a quote!

*Needless to say that maximum order quantities will apply - just to make it fair.

Two Times the Postcard, One Times the Price

2009-11-11T09:52:00.000Z

2 TIMES THE POSTCARDS
1 TIMES THE PRICE!

Sorry this great offer ended on 31st December 2009