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Building it is not always enough to make them come. Many businesses work very hard to maximize search engine optimization on their websites. They then sit back and expect increased traffic flow. But SEO alone isn't enough anymore.While SEO is a very important part of building a professional website, marketing is also crucial to the success of your site. Emphasize your web address on all your print marketing pieces, ads, giveaway items, email signatures, and the like. Here are a few additional creative ways to entice visitors to your site:Offer a free, unique tool at your website. For example, a walk-in healthcare clinic could offer a "View Current Wait Times Online" feature. Promote coupons and special discounts available only through your website. This will encourage prospects and customers to revisit your site frequently. Create a free local online listing for your business through Google, Bing, and/or Yahoo! Post informative or creative how-to videos that are relevant to your business on YouTube. This will not only promote your business but also drive traffic to your site. Publicize a contest or giveaway, with a sign-up on your website. Not only will you draw people to your site, but you can also increase your database for future marketing. Submit news releases to print and online publications in your industry, and include a link to your site on each release. Some of the best ideas for drawing visitors to your website might come directly from your coworker team. Consider creating an internal contest to encourage ideas for an innovative website promotion, and reward the winner of the best idea. The more valuable the prize (such as a cash gift or PTO), the more thought your team will put forth.

Joe Gass @ Printing & Graphics  _  5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28269  *  704-551-0700  _  www.heritageprinting.com  _  22725 Washington St., Leonardtown, MD 20650  *  301-475-1700 _ Wide Format signs, banners & banner stands, displays, posters, wall and window graphics, vehicle and floor graphics, decals, backlit signs, point of purchase, end caps and toppers, on-site installation and fulfillment Offset and Digital newsletters, magazines, publications, catalogs, conference and meeting materials, brochures, rack cards, presentation folders and direct mail Veteran Owned and Operated

In today's fast-paced business world full of instant technology, most people expect an answer to their email messages in one day or less. This can become challenging when you consider the volume of email many businesses receive. If checking your email throughout the day isn't ideal, consider blocking a chunk of time on your calendar each day to respond to email messages. Even if you don't know the answer or need to find additional information, you should acknowledge the email and let the sender know you are working on it. If you plan to be away from the office, remember to use an auto-responder. Include information such as how long you will be away and when you will return messages. Also provide your contact info or an alternate contact for those who need an immediate response. If you're looking for an even faster way for your customer support team to answer questions and interact with online shoppers, you may want to consider a live chat support service. Visitors who receive quick answers and responses are more likely to stay longer and buy more products. The personalized interaction will also help them develop more confidence in your business. The speed in which you respond can easily affect a potential buyer's perception of you and your business. Always remember that the sender emailed you for a reason and is expecting your prompt response. Don't give them time to find the answer, or a faster response, elsewhere.

Joe Gass @ Printing & Graphics  _  5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28269  *  704-551-0700  _  www.heritageprinting.com  _  22725 Washington St., Leonardtown, MD 20650  *  301-475-1700 _ Wide Format signs, banners & banner stands, displays, posters, wall and window graphics, vehicle and floor graphics, decals, backlit signs, point of purchase, end caps and toppers, on-site installation and fulfillment Offset and Digital newsletters, magazines, publications, catalogs, conference and meeting materials, brochures, rack cards, presentation folders and direct mail Veteran Owned and Operated

   

Companies lose an average of 10 to 30 percent of their customers each year. Much of this loss can be attributed to poor service. Companies that focus on customer retention tend to see profits grow anywhere from 25 to 100 percent annually. Nonprofits that focus on customer retention often see reductions in turnover and better results. In business, we all strive to provide outstanding customer service. Unfortunately, we donâ??t always live up to those ideals. Here are four keys to unlocking richer, more meaningful relationships with your customers:

 

	Learn your customersâ?? names. Everybody appreciates being recognized when they walk into a place of business, particularly if they visit that company frequently. As the theme song to Cheers puts it, â??Sometimes, you want to go where everybody knows your name.â?? Make a concerted effort to learn the names of the people you come into contact with regularly, and greet them by name whenever possible.
	But start with last names first. Of course, before you start addressing customers on a first-name basis, make sure theyâ??re comfortable with this practice. Some customers might find it disrespectful or â??tooâ?? personal to have you greet them by their first name. Follow the customerâ??s lead, if possible, or try starting with â??Mr. Johnson,â?? before calling your customer â??Bob,â?? particularly if they are not your peer.
	Show genuine appreciation. Let your customers know youâ??re glad to see them every time they walk through the door. Make an effort to greet people with a warm smile and an enthusiastic hello. Then back it up with outstanding service and a â??can doâ?? attitude. Thank your customers when they buy from you, and keep in touch to let them know theyâ??re on your mind... and appreciated for everything they do.
	Avoid judgments and negativity. Weâ??ve all heard the adage, â??You canâ??t judge a book by its cover.â?? The same is true of people. Strive to approach each new or prospective customer with an open mind and positive attitude. Donâ??t rush to judgment based on a first impression. Many times, those initial reactions and snap judgments donâ??t hold up to the test of time.

 

Joe Gass @ Heritage Printing & Graphics

Heritage Printing & Graphics 5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Ste G, Charlotte, NC 28269 * 704-551-0700 * www.hpvisual.com  22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650  *301-475-1700      * www.heritageprinting.com Wide Format â?? signs, banners & banner stands, displays, posters, wall and window graphics, vehicle and floor graphics, decals, backlit signs, point of purchase, end caps and toppers, on-site installation and fulfillment Offset and Digital â?? newsletters, magazines, publications, catalogs, conference and meeting materials, brochures, rack cards, presentation folders and direct mail  Veteran Owned and Operated

Most online consumers turn to the internet for information before they buy. One of the most common frustrations for these shoppers is having unanswered questions. The way your business answers questions can easily make or break a sale.  Whether your customers ask questions via e-mail, "contact us" forms, or a live chat support service, here are a few tips to help boost your customer support:

• Answer all inquiries as quickly as possible. Don't give them time to find the answer, or a better price, elsewhere.
• Include the original message thread that shows the customer's request or question(s).
• Answer all questions and pre-empt further questions. If you are able to pre-empt relevant questions, your customer will be grateful and impressed with your efficient and thoughtful customer service.
• Use professionalism including proper punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc. Avoid casual conversation tools, such as online abbreviations (Ex: BTW â?? by the way), slang, and emoticons (such as a smiley face).
• Include contact information such as a name, e-mail address, and toll-free phone number where they can direct additional questions or ask for clarification.
• Follow up to be sure all questions were answered clearly. Offer to send visitors a packet of additional information if they would like to learn more about your products.
• Highlight your dedication to customer service by including a convenient link for customers to ask questions, as well as a FAQ (frequently asked questions) or Q&A (questions and answers) section on your website. Update those pages regularly based on incoming questions and requests.

If you have any questions about a current or upcoming project, drop us a line today. Our friendly team will ensure that none of your questions go un-answered Joe Gass @ Heritage Print & Visual 5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Ste G, Charlotte, NC 28269 * 704-551-0700 * www.hpvisual.com  22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650  * 301-475-1700 * www.heritageprinting.com Wide Format â?? signs, banners & banner stands, displays, posters, wall and window graphics, vehicle and floor graphics, decals, backlit signs, point of purchase, end caps and toppers, on-site installation and fulfillment Offset and Digital â?? newsletters, magazines, publications, catalogs, conference and meeting materials, brochures, rack cards, presentation folders and direct mail  Veteran Owned and Operated

Just because you donâ??t own a "smart-phone" doesnâ??t mean itâ??s dumb. Here are a few helpful tips and tricks on how to expand the features of a basic cell phone (remember that regular message rates do apply):

• Use text messages to send and receive status updates on social networks such as Facebook. Visit your account settings page and select "register for Facebook text messages" under the mobile tab. This will enable you to receive texts for friend requests, messages, wall posts, and your friendsâ?? status updates, as well as update your own status via text message.
• Search Google via texting. Text GOOGLE (466453) with your search query and you will receive results via text. Simply start your text with the type of information youâ??re looking for such as "Weather: Houston, TX."
• Free 411 Search. Google (GOOG-411 or 800/466-4411) and Microsoft (Bing411 or 800/246-4411) offer free business directory assistance services, and will connect you to the number you look up for free. Bing also provides other services such as driving directions, horoscopes, weather, sports, news headlines, and finding a taxi. For residential phone numbers, try 800/Free411 (800/373-3411) which offers both business and white pages listings (although you have to listen to an audio ad).
• Retrieve directions without GPS. Text GOOGLE (466453) your starting address, followed by "to" and your destination address. Keep in mind your response may be sent in several separate messages due to text character limits.
• Receive Major League Baseball scores on demand. First sign up on the MLB.com website and then text the MLBGO (65246) with the name of any team and youâ??ll receive a free on-demand scoring update (or you can sign up for automated team alerts for $4 per team).
• Send a text to a landline. Your message will be converted into a computerized voice recording that can even leave a message on voicemail if no one answers. Check with your wireless carrier for fees and availability of this service.
• Get weather on demand by texting your zip code or city and two-letter state abbreviation to The Weather Channel (42278 or 78676).
• Receive news, Craiglist postings, sports scores, and more by texting 4INFO (44636) with your desired keywords.

When you look to us for your printing needs, youâ??ll always get more for less. Give us a call today â?? we guarantee itâ??s a smart move you wonâ??t regret!  _____________________ Heritage Print & Visual â?¦. Improving Your Image in the Marketplace Signs, Banners, Posters, Displays, Decals, Wall, Window & Floor Graphic, Backlit Signs, Brochures, Booklets and Publications, Marketing Materials & Direct Mail 5900 Harris Technology Blvd., Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28269,  704-551-0700  22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650, 301-475-1700 www.heritageprinting.com  

By Joe Gass at Heritage Printing & Graphics To be successful, a brochure needs to be produced with a precise objective and a target reader in mind. It's best to create the least elaborate brochure likely to achieve its objectives. Deciding on Your Purpose Brochures fall into two broad categories â?? those that introduce a new product or service to a likely customer and those that turn an already interested customer into a buyer. Using Color Full color is more costly but is justified if the product or service you are offering needs color to show its features. For example, a wallpaper brochure or a brochure of knitwear would not work effectively in anything other than full color. Another reason for using full color may be to compete head-on with a rivalâ??s color brochure. 10 Ways to Create the Wrong Brochure

1. Being concerned with the looks, but forgetting the sales objective.
2. Giving the printer poor artwork, but expecting excellent results.
3. Forgetting to emphasize the unique selling proposition of your business.
4. Omitting (or hiding) prices if they are critical to the readerâ??s decision-making.
5. Printing too many brochures with details that date too quickly.
6. Giving insufficient thought to how the brochure should best be distributed.
7. Using text on the brochure that is too small to read easily.
8. Including poor-quality or inappropriate illustrations.
9. Allowing a fussy or complex design to distract from the key selling message.
10. Forgetting to monitor the response.

Heritage Printing & Graphics, Inc.                                                  Improving Your Image in the Marketplace Banners, Signs, Displays, Decals, POP, Wall and Window Graphic Brochures, Booklets, Publications, Marketing Materials & Direct Mail 5900 Harris Technology Blvd, Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28269 704-551-0700  www.HeritagePrintingCharlotte.com 22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650 301-475-1700  www.HeritagePrinting.com *We specialize in wide format, offset and digital printing. *Veteran Owned and Operated. *Our house papers are recycled, FSC certified & Made in America. *We have received over 100 print quality awards during the past 15 yrs *GreenWorks certified for environmental responsibility.