Is web-to-print software still the right choice?
Many decentralized companies are still looking for suitable web-to-print solutions to implement local print marketing, despite the ever-increasing digitalization and cross-medialization. Although print is still an important marketing channel with a tangible and lasting impact, marketing requirements are changing more and more. Many target groups can no longer be reached exclusively via printed media. Instead, cross-media marketing approaches that incorporate channels such as social media, video and online platforms are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, instead of a web-to-print system, a general marketing portal that covers all the requirements of modern companies and links print with digital channels could be the solution in future.
Why is print still so popular?
Printed materials continue to have a firm place in the marketing strategy of many companies, especially decentralized companies with numerous locations or branches. They have a tangible effect and leave a lasting impression on customers. In addition, printed materials are often seen as serious and credible, which gives them an advantage over purely digital content. Their offline availability is also particularly practical, which is particularly well received by older target groups.
Flyers, brochures and posters remain effective tools for customer acquisition and retention. At the same time, high-quality print materials such as business cards reinforce the visual and tactile identity of a company and help to strengthen its brand presence. Another advantage of print is that important content is not lost due to digital barriers such as loading times or technical problems. Print is therefore an important marketing solution for decentralized companies, as it offers local customization options, creates trust with customers and is valued as a reliable means of communication.
What is web-to-print software?
In order to make these print products available to local sales partners, many companies rely on the use of web-to-print software. Web-to-print software is an efficient solution that enables personalized print materials to be made available easily and centrally via a digital platform. Local users can adapt these to their own conditions and the local target group and have them produced directly by the connected print shops with just a few clicks. This software solution offers a variety of functions, including the design and printing of posters, flyers, business cards and other printed marketing materials. The system allows users to easily customize templates from anywhere without the need for design or marketing knowledge. The corporate design of the company and the brand is therefore always maintained.
Another advantage of this software is its automation: print data is transmitted directly to the print shops or made available for download, which significantly simplifies communication between head office and sales partners. Web-to-print solutions are therefore particularly suitable for companies that want to standardize their print marketing processes and at the same time adapt them regionally.
Why digital and cross-media forms of advertising are becoming increasingly important
In addition to print, however, digital forms of advertising are also becoming increasingly important. Younger target groups in particular, such as Gen Z and millennials, primarily use online platforms such as social media, streaming services and search engines. Thanks to smartphones, digital content is also available anytime and anywhere on the web, making online advertising indispensable for almost all companies.
Digital channels are not only available around the clock, but also offer simple interaction opportunities between the target group and the company. Users of digital platforms can like, comment on or share content and thus react directly to the brand's advertising and content. In addition, data-based approaches enable a targeted approach based on interests, behavior or demographic characteristics. In this way, personalized content not only increases relevance, but also the conversion rate.
Web-to-print software vs. cross-media marketing portal
This ever-increasing importance of digital forms of advertising raises the question of whether pure web-to-print solutions are still sufficient today. While web-to-print software focuses solely on the creation and ordering of printed materials, cross-media marketing portals offer a more comprehensive solution. They link different marketing channels such as print, online, video and social media marketing with each other and enable simple, uniform planning and control of marketing campaigns across all platforms.
A cross-media marketing portal also facilitates the consistent implementation of a brand message across all channels and offers numerous functions for planning, creating and analyzing these campaigns. By combining all forms of marketing on one system, marketing activities can not only be controlled in one central location, but also easily evaluated.
If you are interested in such a marketing solution and would also like to find out how it can optimize your sales partner marketing, please contact us at any time. contact with us at any time.