Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner. Warmer weather means the start of backyard barbecues, fishing trips, little league games and taking a stroke or two off your golf game. These are all perfect events for customers to show off your company’s logo on their newly received promotional product. Bottle and can coolies are a great way to create a springtime marketing buzz and can be used everywhere. This promotional product is the perfect cornerstone to almost every outdoor activity.

Coolies can be customized to reflect your brand, change the color, the size, the material, and add your brand name and logo or company slogan. They are also easily distributed at all kinds of public events like parties, sporting events, picnics and parades. A can or bottle koozie are economic to giveaway to a large bunch of group and are durable, meaning they will last. Your promotional coolie will be used over and over, providing your business with maximum exposure for a minimum price.

Besides the overall uniqueness of a can coolie as a promotional item, these products are great because they are budget friendly. This is extremely important for businesses looking to test the 'promotional product waters'. Your marketing budget will surely remain intact. By using promotional koozies, consumers are sure to be impressed with your company which in turn will bring new leads, increased profit and of course, growing success.

With the warm weather creeping in, it is easy to think about the hot, sunny summer days. There are many promotional products that can give your business the boost that it needs as the temperatures begin to climb. Most people look forward to the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, so why not let them do so with a logo imprinted item from your business such as a can koozie?

As our society is becoming more digital based and driven by technology, it is necessary for our clients to have a predominant presence on the Internet. Corporate website development is essential in today's electronic world but often times a website is not as effective as it should be. Ask yourself: are you getting everything you can out of your website or Is Your Website Working Against You?

Of course your website is incredibly clear and easy to use... to the person who created it. While you totally understand that "the magic center" link is where someone goes to purchase your services, your potential clients may be left confused and scratching their heads. 

One of the most effective ways to gain insight to problems on your website is to observe someone actually using it. I can promise you will be surprised at where they go and the conclusions that they jump to. Make sure to take off your defensive armor because I have to warn you, this can be an uncomfortable exercise. 

This week I want you to find a local friend or family member and ask them to use your website. The less familiar they are with your site and your business in general, the better. Ask them to perform specific tasks and speak aloud their thought process as they do it. Instruct them to do whatever you would want a customer to do on your site. Do not give them any hints! The whole idea is to see if your website is easy enough to use to complete the task without guidance. Some examples of tasks your volunteer could preform include:

• What service do I provide? 
• What is my phone number?
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Find the most popular product we sell.
• Make an appointment for a free consultation or get a free online quote.

You can also have them look through each page of your site and give their feedback on what they understand and what they find confusing. Again, remember, defenses must be down, this is valuable information and insight they are providing that will help your business better reach its target audience. 

The more beneficial a visitors' time on your site; the more likely they will be to convert to a customer. They will also be more inclined to pass on the details of your business service because they understand it. Continuing to add high quality content will enable your search engine rankings to improve as well as branding, an increase in sales, and improved customer loyalty. 

So I ask you, Is Your Website Working Against You?

Chances are you might be reading this post on a mobile or tablet device. If so, you are part of a larger group that is changing the way designers and developers think about building the web. The explosion of smart phone adoption has been an unique challenge for many web designers and developers. When and how to develop mobile sites is an evolving process that we continue to explore here at JH Specialty, Inc. 

One of the solutions to tackling mobile design is developing your website with a responsive design approach. I've been reading Responsive Web Design by Ethan Macrotte to learn how we begin to implement this process into our normal project pipeline. Many analysts expect that mobile and tablet devices will be the go-to device for web access. Is your site prepared for this transition?

 The web, more so now than ever, is an inconsistent experience throughout multiple devices and browsers. To help insure a better and more consistent experience, many designers are looking towards responsive design approaches to help create a similar experience between desktop, mobile and tablet browsing. 

What is Responsive Design?

Macrotte describes responsive design as a consistent approach where we "treat [both desktop and mobile device] as facets of the same experience... craft sites that are not only flexible, but can adapt to the media that renders them." Simply put, design your site so that it creates a similar experience on your mobile devices as it would on a desktop. 

To help designers and developers create responsive designs, Macrotte suggests that we begin to examine three key components: flexibility, grid-base layouts, media queries, flexible images and media. 

To tackle these components, designers must design with a MOBILE FIRST mentality. We must discover the more critical concepts and informative of the design. Working with clients, we try to discover the hierarchy of their message. What is the call to action – is it to promote a marketing message? Is the purpose to have people join an online newsletter? Is it about getting customers to buy a particular product? 

These types of questions lead us to discover the "truly critical aspects of our designs" and help create the foundation of a website that elegantly delivers the client's main message. Designing for mobile first allows us to concentrate on the best part of a website and helps eliminate unnecessary information.

Designer Luke Wroblewski, makes a strong case for mobile first design, "If you design mobile first, you create agreement on what matters most. You can then apply the same rationale to the desktop or laptop version of the website. We agreed that this was the most important set of features and content for our customers and business - why should that change with more screen space?"

Luke makes a great point. Why do we spend so much time designing elements for the desktop web space; just to fill it up? By establishing the mindset of mobile first we can build the foundations for more richer and important content. Mobile first doesn't necessarily mean less information; it just allows us to focus on the information that is most critical. 

As a designer, it is my role to help set the tone and hierarchy of how we visually build our digital spaces. This new responsive approach, with mobile first mentality, will allow us to create flexible and dynamic sites across multiple web platforms.

Cheers,

Michael Vaughn Green, Director of Digital Design

You can purchase an e-book version of Responsive Web Design here. 

When it comes to the way in which you are marketing, you have to check out all the different elements that will impact your ability to make a dent in your industry. It is a smart idea to consider using branded merchandise in order to help you strengthen the brand of your company. People are instantly able to recognize a brand that has a quality logo or uses colors in a certain way.

Can you recognize these famous logos; to what brand do these logos belong?

1. 

 

2. 
 

3.

4. 

If you have been alive for more than five years, you probably recognized the logos instantly. The first logo belongs to Nike, the second to Pepsi, the third to the Olympics, and the fourth to NBC. 

When you focus your efforts on using branded merchandise in the right way, you will be able to see a huge increase in the visibility for your company, in the hopes of becoming a household name. One efficient and cost-effective way of making your brand and logo well known is to use branded merchandise or promotional products. 

Promotional products are not just for Fortune 500 companies, all businesses have the ability to see increased sales and returns by utilizing promotional products. 

The easiest way to see return using promotional products is to utilize the effectiveness of business card magnets. Business magnets are economic enough to hand out to your loyal customers as well as potential leads. The easiest way to get your contact information in the hands of your potential consumers is by giving out business card or promotional magnets. 

Another effective promotional products is the beer koozie. The can koozie is especially effective during the summer and fall months. Give can coolies to your customers as a thank-you for their loyalty and in return they'll pack your koozie for trips to the beach, picnic lunches, and other athletic events, meaning your brand gets extra, free publicity.

Start your journey to becoming a household name today with a wide selection of promotional products from JH Specialty, Inc. 

Many times business owners feel that it is impossible to market effectively due to a limited budget. However, if you are willing to use some creativity and planning, you can market quite effectively and still stay within your marketing budget. Keep in mind that the way you market needs to be more about reaching your customers then spending money. Here is what you need to know about how to market your business with a limited budget- 

Use postcard magnets- Studies show that if you are sending out direct mail marketing you should consider using postcard magnets. Not only is a postcard cheaper to produce, by adding a business magnet your customers are far more likely to take a minute to stop and read the postcard. Your potential customer will also save the promotional magnet. In fact, the rate of return for your marketing dollars is much higher with a postcard magnet than any other direct mailer. 

Consider using a newsletter- This can be a highly effective way to market to your customers. While many businesses are discontinuing a printed newsletter more and more businesses are turning to using an e-newsletter. The only cost for this type of newsletter is the time that someone will have to spend putting together a marketing message. It is important to understand through that you will first need to capture the email information for your customers and potential customers. Then you will need to focus on making sure that you are offering something of value to your customers. If they begin to feel that your e-newsletter is just spam, your message will soon be blocked and your marketing efforts will be lost. 

Use your customer base- By using promotional products and giving them to your loyal customers, they do the advertising for you. By giving your customers a promotional product such as a can coolie, they will take your company name and logo on camping trips, trips to the beach, barbecues, athletic events, and more. This means your company will receive an increase in brand awareness for years to come, all for the small price upfront. The can koozie provides an endless return on investment. But if can coolies aren't your thing, you can always choose from the endless supply of promotional products offered by JH Specialty, Inc. 

I used to think playing Bejeweled Blitz (that one-minute, gem-moving, maddening game that many of us have on our cell phones) was a complete waste of time. That is, until I started playing. Now I find myself reaching for my cell phone any chance I get.

The good news is I haven't found it a total waste of time. I have actually picked up a few tips from playing Bejeweled that can actually help in business. 

1.  A fresh perspective is good.   Bejeweled is all about a fresh perspective and sometimes, the best thing to do is blow up a portion of your puzzle to gain a new perspective. In business, stepping back and looking at the problem from a different is crucial to finding new leads, new strategies and innovative strategies. If your current marketing mix is losing its luster, maybe it's time to shake things up. Look into new markets, add a new marketing campaign, or redesign your website to better appeal to your target market.

Let's face it, the truth is that most business cards end up getting lost or tossed. Business magnets, on the other hand, will hang around forever, literally! Handing out business card magnets to your professional contacts is one way to ensure your company stays on their minds.

Business cards themselves are an old idea. During the rise of the Industrial Revolution, businessmen saw a need to be able to retain contact information for one another. Entrepreneurs developed the idea of combining the once formal calling cards and trade cards into a newer, yet effective means of staying in touch, the business card. The 1950s saw paper business cards become a familiar practice throughout our country.

The problem with paper business cards is that they become misplaced, ending up with the laundry, in between seats of your car,  the bottom of desk drawers, and unfortunately all too often, the waste basket. Paper business cards are also easily torn, crumbled, creased, and look worn quickly. You wouldn't present your customer with an old, worn out idea or product, why present them with a worn business card?

In the early 1970s a new fad emerged, the refrigerator magnet. Not long afterward, someone had the brilliant idea of combining the business card and the refrigerator magnet in which the business card magnet was born.

The simple fact is that business card magnets are more effective than regular business cards because they are useful to the customer. Business magnets offer value and sturdiness, making it more difficult for a contact to simply "misplace" it. Not to mention, people love using magnets to keep important papers visible and close at hand like permission slips, artwork, and other various documents, at home and at the office.

When the time comes that your customer is in need of your service or product, who are they most likely to call? The company they have to look up in the phone book, or the one whose contact information is right in front of them on your business card magnet?

Give your company the advantage, order business card and promotional magnets today.

Do you have a conference or trade show coming up? If you have a trade show booth you would like to promote, there are a few things you will need to do in order to make sure the trade show is going to be a success and to ensure your company will stand out from the crowd.

First and foremost, a trade show booth needs to be attractive. The booth has to bring people to it right away, as this is the only way you are going to find new clients to push your company forward and to bring out greater revenue for your business. A trade show is a place for you to display your products and services to your customers. It needs to be big enough to showcase the positive aspects of your company and also provide some products that you can giveaway to your potential clients so they remember you.

That brings me to my second point. Promotional products. Often times, businesses bring the same promotional products to trade shows, the disposable pen, a notepad, or promotional magnet, etc. Your company would surely make an impact and stand out at a conference or trade show if instead of the boring, ordinary promotional items your company gave away unique products like custom printed playing cards, customized can koozies, and business magnets as your business cards. Once word gets out of what your promotional items are, people will be flocking to your booth, giving you the perfect opportunity to tell them about your company, and how great it is!

Contact JH Specialty, Inc. today to get set up with your unique promotional items for your next conference or trade show. You will definitely leave a good impression in the minds of your future clients.

Marketing is a crucial and vital part of your business. It is important to understand that even if you have text that is innovative and state of the art graphics, if your customers can't understand the message you are saying, then it is all worthless. Sometimes, business owners make the mistake of trying to be so clever and innovative with their marketing, that they make it impossible for their customers, to understand their marketing. Every aspect of your marketing should compel your customers to buy your product or service.

Good marketing is about establishing a relationship with your customers. Within your relationship, you want to be able to educate them about why they should pick your company’s product or service. When you take the time to consider every aspect of your marketing plan, it can pay off in far bigger returns. Here are the steps for more effective marketing-

1. Create a marketing budget. True or False: Spending more money will get you better marketing? The answer is false. Many businesses make the mistake of thinking that they have to match the marketing budgets of their larger competitors. No matter the size of your company, if you don't have a marketing budget, it is unlikely that you will create effective marketing. Remember that the core of your marketing should be about finding your niche marketing and then educating them about why they should buy your product or service. With some creativity and planning you can make that happen, even without a sky high marketing budget.

2. Be an attention getter. Everyday consumers are confronted by literally hundreds if not thousands of marketing messages. You must be able to find a way to position yourself above the competition. Every company has competition no matter how unique their product or service. The key is to find a way to position your business above the competition. It is only when you can do this successfully, that your target customers will understand that they should buy from you.

3. Understand your target market. If you have taken the time to find out about your customers likes, dislikes, habits, demographics and buying preferences, you are much closer to knowing how you should market to them. Once you have done sufficient market research to understand what your target customers are after, you can then design a marketing message that addresses their needs or wants. It is important to understand that no one company can be everything to everyone, however, you can find the potential customers who are far more likely to buy your product. Finally, your marketing message must present a sense of urgency, as you offer the solution to their need or want. You should keep in mind that your marketing message must be compelling enough so that your customers will not leave your site or your store without making a purchase.

4. Keep it fresh. If you are constantly putting out the same old, stale, marketing message, most likely your customer will quickly get bored with what you have to say and move on. You want to make sure that your marketing presents both your company and your products or services, in the newest and freshest way possible. If you have no new information to share with your customers, you need to make sure you are sharing old information in a new and innovative manner. One possible solution is to think about using promotional products such as, custom printed playing cards, promotional magnets for your business, or custom can coolies which are always a summer hit, as one way of getting your business noticed.

Contact JH Specialty, Inc. today to start a successful marketing campaign for your business.

Close your eyes and picture the warmth of the sun, the cool breeze coming off the lake, or the rustling of the leaves during a quiet picnic in the park. Feels good, huh? Now picture these same scenes with your company logo on golf balls, coolers, and can koozies. Can you imagine the amount of exposure your company would receive?

Summertime promotional products create some of the best values, as opposed to disposable pens, or other traditional promotional products that everyone gives out. Promotional products are things that people could buy on their own and want to use. These types of products are useful and provide your customer with added benefits. This means your customized products will stick around for a long time, providing maximum exposure for your company everywhere they go.

So what are some of the best promotional gifts for the summer season? Start with golf related promotional products. Advertise your company on the golf course by giving products to your employees and favorite customers. Custom tees, ball markers, divot tools, a custom beer koozie, an embroidered towel, golf club head covers, include all or some of these in a custom promotional golf set. Every time your favorite customer goes golfing, your logo and company name will be flaunted for everyone to see. If someone asks him or her about your company, they will have had the best experiences and give a great recommendation. Promotional products mean maximum publicity for your company.
 
Not a big golfer, or still wanting a few more ideas? How about giving drink coolers, water bottles, bottle koozies, or custom can coolies? These products will ensure drinks stay cool while the temperature is on the rise. Providing your customers with can koozies, water bottles, and coolers will ensure your company logo be toted to every beach trip, picnic, and sporting event.

There are many other summer items that can help you reach your captive summer audience. Let JH Specialty, Inc. help you develop a plan for your summer promotional products. View all of our promotional productshere to inspire your own ideas for this summer.

A successful direct mail marketing campaign can quickly skyrocket business profits. That's why so many companies take advantage of direct mail marketing. The key to a successful campaign lies in your approach; proper planning goes a long way to creating a large investment.

Here are 10 tips you should consider when planning a successful direct mail marketing campaign.

1. Create a list.
Part of the direct mail marketing is knowing who your audience is and being able to target that audience with your direct mailers.

2. Add value.
The key is to give your audience a reason to keep your direct mail piece. Make your offer truly unique and provide great value to your customers without breaking the budget. Make the offer time-limited to maximize your return and measure the success of your campaign.

3. Create a professional appearance.
Having a great design that stands out and also works to reinforce your message is essential to direct-mail marketing success. Make sure your follow basic design rules, but don't be afraid to get creative. Not up to the creative challenge yourself? The creative graphic design team at JH Specialty, Inc. will design you the perfect direct mailer for your business and your audience.

4. Write effective copy.
Great promotional copy identifies with the target audience through features and benefits. You need to be able to tell your audience the benefit they will receive by purchasing your product or service. A call to action must motivate prospects which directly relates to your great offer.

5. Choose the right medium.
Will your target audience respond better to a business card magnet, promotional magnet, postcard, letter, greeting card, or brochure? Choosing the right medium for your message's delivery is as important as the message itself and pulling it off in a professional and creative manner is even more essential in helping your direct mailers stand out from the crowd.

6. Be the customer. 
Take a step back from your direct mail marketing efforts and approach them as your customers would. How would you react upon receiving this piece in the mail? Does the piece look credible and catch your eye? Is it too used car salesman? Don't try to oversell your product, customers pick up on the overselling and are often times turned off and will throw your mailer away, rendering it useless.

7. Follow up. 
This is another often ignored policy that can yield huge dividends. Following up with your customers can snag a large number of sales in a short amount of time. The more personal you are, the better. People love when they are recognized, they'll remember that warm-fuzzy feeling the next time they need your product or service and think of your company first.


JH Specialty is a top direct mail marketing company in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From conception and development, to finished product and measuring the success of your campaign, JH Specialty will take your concept and make it a reality. JH Specialty will help you create a successful direct mail marketing campaign for your business.

Custom printed playing cards used as advertising? Actually, yes! Playing cards are a fun, effective and unique way to promote your company, birthday party, wedding, or any special event.

Think about it, many companies use the typical pen, calendar, and mug to promote their business. When you come in with a new promotional product with a professional appearance and something your customers will actually enjoy using, the possibilities are endless.

Using JH Specialty to supply your custom printed playing cards allows you to customize the playing card designs. Customize the backs, the faces and the boxes to your exact specifications, allowing for maximum exposure of your company's logo and all of your products, existing and new.  

Custom playing cards are good to give in several different situations, for example:

1. Conventions
At conventions, everyone hands out the same old boring promotional pieces in hopes to get their company noticed. You get pens with the company's logo, the occasional bag with their logo, and maybe an exciting pad of paper. It doesn't make sense to give the same old promotional product that everyone else is using in hopes of getting noticed. Why not stand out, by using custom playing cards to promote your business?

When convention-goers head back to their hotel room, what better to do than play a game with one of your company's packs of printed playing cards? Everyone will want your promotional product meaning people will be happy to stop by your booth. This means your company gains maximum exposure.

2. Employees and Clients
Chances are that most of your clients and employees enjoy playing cards, whether by themselves or with friends. When you give them a pack of promotional playing cards, you will find that they are going to happily use them at their next gathering. This simple gesture allows your company's logo to be seen by numerous people, and your company will maintain a good place in their mind.

3. Company Events
Promotional playing cards are a good item to give out to people who attend company events, such as open houses. They can be given one to a family, one to a person, or even given out as door prizes. Everyone loves to win something, especially something they will use and enjoy.


Custom playing cards are a great item to use to promote your business or your products. They are in expensive, small, something that everyone likes, and they are something that will be used.

Custom printed playing cards are items that will help your company get the word out about the products or services your company provides. JH Specialty, Inc. will help your develop a great item to give out to everyone, for any occasion. When you are looking for an item that is going to give your company a lift, custom printed playing cards are the right promotional product for your company.