This page contains stories that can be used as filler or "any time" matter for your newsletter, web site or other promotions. They are separated by horizontal lines.

Do's and Don'ts of web Site Design

• Do keep it simple. Overloading your site with images, animations, colors and different text sizes will slow your site's download time and confuse and annoy your visitors.

• Don't use too many frames. Using frames hampers your business's ability to be found easily in search engines.

• Do keep the content fresh. Your visitors may have a reason to come to your site once, but why should they return? Updating your site frequently with special offers, breaking industry news, and your latest products and services will give your site value and credibility.

• Don't begin with unreasonable expectations. Creating and promoting a web site can be a slow, ongoing process. Don't expect to receive a wave of hits overnight.

• Do include your contact information on the site. Your web site should list all of the traditional information like phone, fax, email and physical addresses in an easy-to-find location.

• Do collect email addresses of visitors. A web site is passive marketing, but email is active marketing. You need both working for you.

• Do offer downloadable PDF files and/or text-only formatted files. Give viewing options. Prospects can gain easy access to your sales brochures, and salespeople on out-of-house visits would not have to carry as much material with them.

Design Tip of the Month
If you are ordering documents that will be faxed to other locations, be sure to tell your sales rep. We know ways of designing documents to minimize transmission time, saving you money and freeing up your phone lines.

Email Tip: Creating a User-Friendly Signature File
When sending email, be sure to use a signature file. A signature file is automatically appended to the bottom of every email you send, saving you typing time. Plus, it provides valuable contact information to anyone who receives your email. Signature files should contain your name, address, phone and fax numbers, email address and web address.

When creating your signature file, be sure to list your company web address like this: http://www.yourcompany.com, not www.yourcompany.com. Adding the "http://" makes the address an active hotlink to your web site. Your mail recipient merely clicks on it to go to your site. If you write only www.yourcompany.com in the signature file, your email recipient must copy and paste the link into his browser—if he wants to take the trouble. The same technique applies to your email address. Instead of writing yourname@yourcompany.com, make a hotlinked automatic reply by writing mailto:yourname@yourcompany.com.

Defining Your Image
As a business products distributor, we can provide you with forms, letterhead and envelopes, presentation folders, binders, promotional products and apparel with your name and logo. Keep in mind that different substrates and a variety of printing methods can affect the appearance of the printed job. Talk to us about the best ways to achieve a unified look among your printed pieces, especially if a variety of products will be used at the same time, such as in a trade show booth.

Tech Tip: Minimizing Prepress Problems
When supplying PostScript fonts with a job, be sure to supply the printer fonts (also called outline fonts) and screen fonts (bitmap fonts). Both must be available for proper output. If you forget one, your sales rep will call to tell you, "I can't output this file because some fonts are missing." This is not necessary for TrueType fonts as the screen and printer descriptions are contained within a single file.

Quick Quiz

Q: On a perfect bound book cover, the primary advantage to specifying paper grain perpendicular to the spine is:

A. The book opens easier
B. Strength
C. The position of gripper edge
D. A clean folded edge

Answer: B—strength

Q: Thermal direct printing employs the use of a:

A. Ribbon, printhead and plain paper
B. Dry toner that fuses onto the paper when heated
C. Special paper stock that changes color when heated
D. Special paper stock and a heated ribbon

Answer: C—special paper stock that changes color when heated

Q: What is the primary advantage to duplexing on a high-speed laser printer?

A. Toner savings
B. Paper savings
C. Improves back print quality
D. Reduces number of impressions

Answer: B—paper savings

What have you done lately to acquire new business?
It’s never too late to launch a smart marketing program. Most firms employ some sort of marketing strategy—sending direct mail pieces, advertising in industry publications or the Yellow Pages, participating in community events, maintaining a web site—but many don't have formal programs with a yearly plan and tracking mechanisms. Here are four ideas to help you start:

• Take an active interest in community events. Sponsor a local festival or parade, or offer to speak at a chamber of commerce meeting.
  
  
• Create a presentation folder with promotional inserts. Include a history of your company and a list of phone numbers in the left pocket. The right side can contain tiered informational sheets, which can be mixed and matched depending on what you want to promote. Leave room for sheets with blank headings that can be personalized. (It could read, "We know you're interested in security features, so here's the latest information.")
  
  
• Write a simple, inexpensive direct mail letter. It should include an attention-getting opening, a credible promise (make sure the recipient knows how you are going to do what you say you're going to do), your products’ benefits (simply telling prospects what you sell doesn't let them know why they should buy from you) and a call to action (make sure the letter provides a phone number, fax number, email address and contact name).
  
  
• Launch a monthly or quarterly newsletter that includes short articles featuring information about your new products. Occasionally, include coupons for discounts on orders and drawings for prizes. And don’t forget to spice it up with graphics and your corporate logo. Other newsletter ideas: a letter from the company president on where the company or industry is headed; a section devoted to customer's comments so the newsletter is interactive; features or case studies about customers; an advice column from a customer service rep, warehouseman or other employee; and business articles reprinted with permission from business experts and industry publications.
  
  

We Offer Value
A lot of companies sell business forms, labels, envelopes and other printed products, but your company deserves more than just a printed products supplier. We offer value. We'll take time to learn about your business and your individual printing needs. In addition to solving your printing problems, we offer in-house design, fulfillment services, warehousing, distribution, pick and pack services, print management, online ordering and proofing, and more. Depend on us to be more than just your printed products supplier.