PostNet is a collection of entrepreneurs operating leading printing and shipping franchises across the country for the last 30 years. Our franchises provide convenient, high-quality design, shipping, and printing solutions all under one roof.
But we aren’t the only printing and shipping company in the nation. Marketing competition is a constant driving force in the future of the printing industry. Stand out or step out — that’s why our franchise owners need to go the extra mile. Business competition can be fierce, so stay on top of it. In this article, we’ll chat about all the important aspects of running a successful printing business for you to keep in mind as you attempt to beat out your competitors.
In order to set yourself apart from the competition, you first have to understand them. Spend some time researching other big brand printing and shipping companies as well as any smaller shops in the same area you are servicing. Think about what their strengths and weaknesses are. It will give you a platform for differentiating yourself. If the place down the street doesn’t print flutter flags, make sure you do.
Ask yourself: How can I learn from my competition? Are they doing something really great? Take notes, keep an eye out, and take what they do and do it better. By keeping an eye on your competition, you’ll see gaps in the market and find ways to stand out.
Part of your competition with other businesses is attracting and retaining customers. You need to understand who your customers are, what they want, and what will entice them to stick around. You can get to know your customers by doing research, looking into the analytics of your site and who’s visiting, you can conduct surveys, or, most importantly, talk to them. Figure out how to have a relationship with the people who walk through your doors — ask them questions, go the extra mile, give them a smile.
Use what you learn about your customers and what they like/need to inform your business decisions.
Why should your customers come to you and not your competitors? What is it about your business that makes more sense for them or makes them feel well taken care of? What is your unique selling point?
Differentiating your business from the competition makes it easier to promote your business. You can win over customers with a special offer, specific services competitors don’t have, a competitive price, or even something as simple as customer service.
PostNet franchisees stand out because of their dedication to helping customers succeed. Our owners support customers and their projects as if they were on the same team because they are. Our owners are driven by the following:
At PostNet, we’re on a first-name basis and dedicated to being a good neighbor.
It is important to have diversified printing techniques in the printing industry. So many businesses offer printing services, what do you have that they don’t? Embrace innovation and thinking outside the box. By expanding into new areas like digital printing, wide-format, 3-D, screen printing, etc., you can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive. Maybe you offer garment personalization or stickers for the local soccer teams. Or maybe you get into making magnets for local real estate agents — anything to set yourself apart and make something your customers need.
Constantly be thinking about how technology can enhance customer experience and make your business more modern and ready for the future of the printing industry. There is also room for you to leverage digital marketing as well as local marketing and community engagement to bring in new customers and ensure your community knows exactly who you are, what you can do, and what you have to offer them that no one else does.
Don’t drop the ball in any aspect of your business. Your competitors are always going to be on top of things and ready to look for weaknesses in your business. Make sure you are keeping high standards for yourself and your employees and being the best version you can be for your customers.
Be reliable, be attentive, be exceptional at communication, and be the best for your customers.
Franchises that plan for the future and for future growth are the most successful. Keep up with developments and the latest trends in the industry so you stay ahead of the curve, are relevant, and are at the top of your customer’s minds. Invest in new technology, as we talked about earlier, indulge in industry tools for growth and marketing, and have a clear idea of where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years down the road.
Be better, be smarter, be quicker, be cooler, be kinder, be different — emulate PostNet and be the best for your customers. When you join the PostNet family, you’re entering into a community of entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping others. That passion finds its way into every facet of what PostNet does, giving you a leg-up when it comes to standing out against the competition. But there is so much work left to be done for you to be the leading printing and shipping business in your community.
Reach out to learn more about what you can be doing to stand out if you already own a franchise, or chat with us about opening a franchise if you don’t have one already.
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