Is web-to-print software still the right thing to do?
Despite ever-increasing digitization and cross-medialization, many decentralized companies are still looking for suitable web-to-print solutions to implement local print marketing. Although print continues to be an important marketing channel that has a tangible and lasting effect, 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 include 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 could be the solution in the future that covers all the requirements of modern companies and links print with digital channels.
Why is print still so popular?
Printed materials continue to have a firm place in the marketing strategy of many companies, especially among decentralized companies with numerous locations or branches. They are tangible and leave a lasting impression on customers. In addition, printed matter is often considered reputable and credible, which gives it an advantage over purely digital content. Their offline availability, which is particularly well received by older target groups, is also particularly practical.
Flyers, brochures and posters remain effective means of attracting and retaining customers. At the same time, high-quality printed materials such as business cards strengthen the visual and haptic identity of a company and contribute to strengthening the 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 customer trust 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 web-to-print software. Web-to-print software is an efficient solution that makes it possible to make personalized print materials available simply 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 printing companies with just a few clicks. This software solution offers a wide range of features, including designing and printing posters, flyers, business cards, and other printed marketing materials. The system allows users to easily adapt the templates from anywhere without the need for design or marketing knowledge. The corporate design of the company and the brand is therefore always guaranteed.
Another advantage of this software is automation: print data is transmitted directly to printers or made available for download, which significantly simplifies communication between headquarters 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 such as Gen Z and millennials in particular 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, which now makes online advertising indispensable for almost all companies.
Digital channels are not only available around the clock, but also offer easy interaction options between target groups and companies. Users of digital platforms can like, comment on or share content and thus react directly to the advertising and content of the brand. In addition, data-based approaches enable targeted targeting 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 creating and ordering printed matter, cross-media marketing portals offer a more comprehensive solution. They link various marketing channels such as print, online, video and social media marketing and enable easy uniform planning and management of marketing campaigns across all platforms.
A cross-media marketing portal also makes it easier to consistently implement 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 at a central location, but also easily evaluated.
If you are interested in such a marketing solution and would like to find out at the same time how it can optimize your sales partner marketing, feel free to contact with us on.