It’s one thing to plan for a traditional printing project for your small business, such as new business cards, branded stationery, banners, posters, promotional items, marketing brochures, etc. It’s something entirely different when your printing ideas AND needs are a little bit outside the box. For instance, perhaps you do custom paintings and need your art printed and collated on card sets, inserted into a clear bag, and sealed with a unique label. Or better yet, let’s say you need custom boxes that fit the product size, quantity requirements, and your unique branding needs. While those custom printing projects sound amazing, having a plan to turn them into a finished product is often easier said than done. And even if you have a plan, you still need the right commercial printer in your corner.
Custom printing projects are becoming increasingly popular, especially among small business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs interested in going beyond the norm for brand merchandising. The problem is that many print shops require print orders to fit into pre-defined criteria for size, quantities, paper stock, bindery, and more. Some are also limited in how far they can stretch their commercial printing expertise.
So, what do you do when your custom printing project doesn’t fit traditional requirements?
Step 1: Determine your specifications. If you’re unsure what specs to define, here’s a guide.
Step 2: Partner with a commercial printer that can help—regardless of size, quantity, or uniqueness.
Leveraging the Power of Custom Printing
The beauty behind custom printing projects for small businesses is that they push traditional boundaries. Could you make a statement by putting your logo on a few boxes of pens? Sure. But what if those pens glowed in the dark, came in a unique color, and could be ordered in different quantities and sent to clients in custom packaging? What if you’re a local coffee shop wanting scratch-and-reveal cup sleeves that reveal an interactive QR code? These types of custom printing projects don’t just promote your brand—they can accomplish all of the following:
- Tell a unique story
- Evoke emotion
- Spark conversation
- Leave a lasting impression
- Build brand loyalty and customer engagement
- Support sustainability efforts
- Add value to everyday items
Statistics show that 82% of people who receive a corporate gift feel more optimistic about a business after the fact. Their relationship with you is no longer predicated on transactional exchanges. It’s about loyalty, trust, and deep connections. By setting clear goals, creating a plan, choosing the right products, and partnering with a reliable commercial printer, you can create custom merchandise that’s uniquely yours and check all of those boxes.
5 Tips To Plan Your Next Custom Printing Project
Knowing all this, how do you successfully plan a custom printing project? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you design and execute your dream marketing plan, complete with real-life examples and practical tips.
1. Determine your goals and target audience
The first step with any custom printing project is to define your goals and target audience. After all, you need to know who you’re talking to and where you want to be in the end. Are you simply promoting a new product or service or boosting brand awareness? Or is your goal to shine an important light on a special event or corporate campaign? Are you talking to existing customers, new customers, or both? Knowing the answers to these questions ensures whatever print job you choose aligns with your broader marketing strategy.
A local graphic illustrator promotes his unique work to potential clients by creating intricate drawings of cocktails. He uses Brumley Printing to print his drawings on wall art with the cocktail recipe beneath them.
2. Choose the right products
You don’t want to choose just any promotional item for your next custom printing project. You want something that speaks to who you are, complements your brand, and is a shining example of what makes you incredibly amazing at what you do. You also want something that resonates with your target audience and that they will use regularly. Popular options include tech accessories, tote bags, and Tumblers. But you can also think outside the box.
One of our loyal customers creates inspirational and religious cards. They use Brumley Printing to print the cards and box these items up with custom packaging that they can then sell in person or online.
3. Partner with the right commercial printer
Once you have defined your goals, target audience, and the right product to meet your marketing needs, you must align yourself with the right commercial printer. As we said before, many print shops require print orders to fit into pre-defined criteria for size, quantities, paper stock, bindery, and more. If the customer’s order does not fit the requirements or includes promotional items or ideas they can’t fulfill, the print shop will either tell you they aren’t interested or accept the job despite not having the knowledge and experience to do it right.
Brumley Printing may be one of the last few print shops in Fort Worth that can meet and exceed your custom printing needs for almost any print project, no matter how small, large, or unique the specs. For instance, did you know we have an entire CD/DVD production department? This includes handling the outer jacket, burning the CD, and fulfilling it inside the sleeves for a complete turnaround.
4. Create an attention-grabbing design
Once you have a commercial printer that can handle whatever custom printing needs, you should focus all your attention on a bold, simple design that aligns with your brand’s identity. Your printer can help ensure your colors align with your brand for consistency and that there is meaningful artwork that resonates with your audience.
One of Brumley Printing’s customers creates custom paintings. We print her branded art on note cards, print and collate the card sets, insert them into clear bags, and seal them with a unique label. These sell online and are doing well.
5. Manage your costs
Commercial printing can get pricey and overshoot your budget if you’re not careful. This is true whether you’re doing a standard order or something more customized and unique. Either way, talk to your commercial printer about your specs and if there are additional fees for orders that don’t fit in traditional bulk ordering requirements. Test new ideas on smaller orders to determine overall client interest. That said, larger orders often reduce the cost per unit, so please keep that in mind as you move forward.
Brumley Printing Wants To Be Your Custom Printing Partner
When it comes to making a statement with your printed materials, partnering with a reputable printing company is essential. Custom printing projects are a great way to show off your creativity, create brand awareness, and connect with your audience in relatable ways. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, customization, or sustainability, Brumley Printing is a local Fort Worth custom printing company that can meet your needs.
Ready to make your next custom printing project a success? Brumley Printing’s experts can assist you in selecting the best gifts for your clients, vendors, and employees. We provide high quality services at affordable prices and a range of methods to meet your project’s unique needs and demands. Brumley Printing has been helping Fort Worth businesses with their printing and promotional product needs for over 30 years.
If you would like to learn more about our custom printing services and how it can improve your business, call Brumley Printing today at (817) 336-5551 or contact us.
