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Can Coolies, the Perfect Summertime Promotional Product

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 by Allison Hook

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?

 

Is your Website Working Against You?

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 by Allison Hook

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?

Image via asteklog.com

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?

Designing with Mobile in Mind

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 by Allison Hook

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

Coolie Cube: Revolutionizing the Way to Buy Coolies

Thursday, April 19, 2012 by Allison Hook
JH Specialty, Inc. develops Coolie Cube, a new website to display the hottest coolie products on the market.
 
The convenience of buying branded coolies has just gotten easier. The newly developed, Coolie Cube website streamlines the coolie buying process for customers. Customers can view the most popular coolies in a timely manner. The new site simplifies the ordering process making it much faster and easier to purchase the specialty coolie for any event.
 
The best and most inexpensive way to efficiently reach the intended target market is by using the already existing customer base. By using promotional products and giving them to customers that are already brand loyal, the customers do the advertising. The existing customers just became more loyal, are showing off the branded promotional product and are spreading positive word of mouth. It does not get better than that.
 
With the summer months looming on the horizon, the perfect summer promotional product to create a buzz is the can coolie. Bottle coolies are the perfect cornerstone to almost every summertime activity. Clients and consumers love the thoughtful gift and proudly carry the custom coolie everywhere from the little league games, to the beach, to the neighborhood barbeque.
 
Good marketing is about establishing a relationship with a customer. When companies take time to consider customers in their marketing mix, it pays off in far bigger returns.
 
Marketing is a vital part of business. It is important to understand that even with the most innovative product and state of the art graphics, if consumers have a hard time deciphering the marketing message, then it's all worthless. Business owners often make the mistake of trying to be so clever and innovative with marketing, it becomes impossible for potential consumers to understand the marketing.
 
By using promotional products and giving them to existing customers, the advertising is done in an inexpensive manner. Give consumers a promotional product such as a can coolie; the branded product goes on camping trips, to the beach, barbecues, athletic events, and more. This results in an increase in brand awareness for years to come, all for a small price upfront. The can koozie provides an endless return on investment. The addition of Coolie Cube means the beverage coolers are easier than ever to make them apart of your marketing mix. Coolie Cube provides the most popular coolies and puts them all in one place, to view and compare easily and efficiently.
 
About JH Specialty, Inc 
 
Coolie Cube, a division of JH Specialty, provides a practical solution to all your promotional needs. It is a full-service marketing communications company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Founded by John Henry III in 1998, the company specializes in the utilization of technology in social media marketing applications including, digital marketing, email marketing, search engine optimization, events and promotional products fulfillment, website design, and web development. JH Specialty provides marketing solutions for a variety of clients from Fortune 500 companies to Mom and Pop shops across the United States.

Is your Logo Doing its Job?

Thursday, April 5, 2012 by Allison Hook

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.Famous Logo 1 

 

2. Famous Logo 2
 


3.Famous Logo 3

 

4. Famous Logo 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

 

Tips for Marketing on a Small Budget

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 by Allison Hook

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- 

Picture via Good Back Link: Soul of SEO

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

 

4 Things You can Learn about Business from Playing Bejeweled

Friday, March 30, 2012 by Allison Hook

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.

2.  Time is precious.   We don't kill time, time kills us. In bejeweled, you have one minute to rack up as many points as possible. In business, we only have so many hours in the day and often our work load exceeds time. So we need, no, have to prioritize ruthlessly to make sure we're completing the most important tasks.

3.  Embrace change.   The scenario in bejeweled in constantly changing. Isn't that just like our lives? In business we have to adapt to the market, the economy and our customers. We can make plans and forecast all we want, but it doesn't mean it will come true. We have to adapt.

4.  Turn off the noise.   The music, or sound Bejeweled makes, including the throbbing sound when you're almost to the end of your minute, is too distracting. You'll be amazed if you "turn off your sound" how much you can get done in a more efficient manner. You have to turn off or tune out the distractions in order to be successful. 

 

 

Your Competitors are Doing It, Are You?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 by Allison Hook
Marketing is mainly a top of the mind awareness. Meaning you want your business to be at the tops of your clients' minds when they need your service. They will not always need your service right away, so keep your name fresh in their minds and you will get their business sooner or later.

One thing your competitors may be doing, and you should take advantage of, is marketing through the use of promotional products. Promotional products keep your company in front of consumers and helps to create a bond between the business and the client. Promotional products create a warm feeling within the consumer toward your business and in return, will be more likely to enlist your business to fill their needs instead of a competitor.

Promotional Products Your Company should have:

1. Give your customers a gift to say thank you like a promotional can koozie; perfect for keeping drinks cold in the summer, or your hand warm during football season.

2. Another great option is custom printed playing cards. Everyone buys playing cards at some point. Why not give your customers one with your logo on it. Every time they break out your deck of custom printed playing cards they will be reminded of your business.

3. A third option is a simple, yet highly effective, promotional magnet. Give your customers something that will surely keep you in the forefront of their minds. Everyone uses magnets to keep their most valuable documents, calendars, and works of art visible on their refrigerator or filing cabinet. Why not have your branded business magnet holding up their special documents.

Contact JH Specialty, Inc. in order to start your new promotional products campaign.

Ensure Your Company Sticks Around with Business Card Magnets

Monday, August 8, 2011 by Allison Hook

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 Card Magnets
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.

Successful Marketing Tips from JH Specialty, Inc.

Monday, August 1, 2011 by Allison Hook
What happens when you notice that your sales are not as strong as they once were? Do you start cutting costs, or do you focus on other ways to generate awareness for your company? While some modifications may be necessary, one place you should avoid cost cutting is with your marketing and advertising budget. We all know the phrase, "You need to spend money to make money." This holds especially true when it comes to marketing and advertising. If you aren't getting your information out, people will not know your company exists and they won't be able to provide you with the sales to keep your cash flow strong.

Here are some essential advertising tips you need to know.
Successful Marketing Tips from JH Specialty, Inc.
Market to your Existing Customers - One mistake businesses make is ignoring your existing customers. If you aren't showing them that you value their support and business, you might be at risk of losing them. Pay better attention to your customers and let them know you appreciate their business. Honor your loyal customers by providing them with promotional product gifts. For example, hand out custom printed playing cardspromotional magnets, or custom can coolies. Your customers will love the thoughtful gift and your company will gain added publicity through your customers' use of these products.

Attend Conference and Events - Advertise to people that already have an interest in your products or services by attending conferences and events. Building a relationship with and marketing to those that already have an interest in your products or services is much easier than trying to start a new business relationship. Attending conferences and events gives you an edge. Providing potential clients with a business card magnet is the best way to ensure that your company will stick in your prospects' minds.

Contribute to your Market - Don't just sit back and let competitors gain all of the attention. A great way to advertise without money is to start writing blogs and informative articles. Get involved in discussion boards and social media websites to connect with customers. Your customers need to know you have a voice and that you have some great information to share. If social media isn't your thing, take a look at your company website. If it isn't up to date and visually appealing you should think about contacting JH Specialty for a website design quote. JH Specialty will gladly help your company get the attention it deserves.

If it seems a bit overwhelming to create an effective presence for your company, or if you simply don't have the time, contact JH Specialty. At JH Specialty, Inc. we have the ability to create a marketing campaign for your company that is sure to get you noticed.

Promotional Items for Trade Shows

Monday, July 18, 2011 by Allison Hook

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 goinStand out with Promotional Prodcutsg 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.


Tee up Your Next Golf Outing with JH Specialty, Inc and Promotional Products

Monday, July 11, 2011 by Allison Hook
Let JH Specialty help you make your next Golf Outing on to remember.Golf season is in full swing. Now is the time when corporations and organizations arrange to get out of the office in order to support a cause, build business relationships, thank customers, or increase employee morale. Creating a successful golf event takes a lot of work and planning. Make sure your outing is remembered long after play is over by incorporating relevant promotional products into your event. Integrating giveaways throughout the day will give attendees repeat publicity and increase your company's brand exposure.

Below are some unique ideas, provided by JH Specialty, Inc., for utilizing promotional products to help make your next golf outing successful:

Before the event, send out invitations with a pack of tees printed with the event name and date on them. Or perhaps, send out a postcard affixed with a promotional magnet, people will put the event promotional magnet on their refrigerator, filing cabinet, etc. and will always remember the day of your outing. Both invitation ideas will create a buzz about your golf outing.

Start the event off right by giving your guests a promotional product that is useful on the course. For example, give guests a welcome bag filled with golf goodies such as a professional golf towelgolf balls imprinted with your company logo, tees, a bag tag and a ball marker.

Load golf carts with coolers filled with bottled waters, sports drinks, or any other of your favorite drinks. Even have a contest or drawing to see which attendee will receive the embroidered cooler at the end of the day.

Whether its a country club meal or a backyard BBQ, your post-game meal should continue your theme for the day by including a gift at each place setting. Consider providing a can koozie for your guests to keep their drinks cold. JH Specialty, Inc. provides can and bottle koozies, and even has a can coolie related specifically to golf.

The awards ceremony is a great place for promotional giveaways. Regardless of your budget, your prize can be meaningful- from divot tools, to brand name golf balls,golf shirts, there are a numerous options out there to give as prizes for the winner of any contest- hole in one, longest drive, closet to the pin, etc.

Take pictures of each foursome or of the entire group and send a follow up thank you with an imprinted magnetic photo frame for each attendee of the event.

Regardless of your budget, JH Specialty, Inc. can mix and match ideas and products to create a combination that will bring great success and fun to your upcoming golf outing.

Business Card Magnets

Thursday, June 9, 2011 by Allison Hook
Business cards are essentially the face of your brand. As such, they must accomplish something of value. Your business card must relay a message; it can be subliminal or perceived. If your card represents nothing of value, it's pointless to hand it out and even more pointless for your potential clients to keep. The business card magnet solves this problem in a variety of ways.
Business Card Magnet
Promotional magnets have always been one of the most practical items available. For generations magnets have been holding up shopping lists, recipes, coupons, homework assignment, report cards, and children's masterpieces on refrigerators everywhere. Can you think of a refrigerator or another appliance in someone's home or at the office that did not contain at least one, even inconspicuous magnet?

The primary function of business cards is to spark conversation and be memorable. The business card magnet is a way to stand out from the boring, ordinary, white business cards being circulated every day. A business card magnet helps you establish yourself in the mind of your potential customer and perk their interest.

Business card magnets give an impression of long lasting and wealth. If someone hands you a worn, creased business card that at one time was white, will you be very impressed? If their business card looks old and worn, maybe their business in out dated and worn too. Instead, if you hand your potential customers a business card magnet, you are giving off the message that you take care in what you do, you put the extra time in to making your magnet great and stand out. Your potential clients will think of you as up-to-date on all of the market trends and professional. In return those potential clients will be more likely to trust you with their business.

While ordinary business cards may get misplaced, business card magnets will find a lasting place on your clients' refrigerator or filing cabinet and definitely in your clients' mind.

Interested in creating a custom business magnet for your company? Contact JH Specialty, Inc. today and get started designing your own promotional magnet. Our artists will help you design a one-of-a-kind magnet to hand out to your potential clients that will surely get noticed.

How to Successfully Market your Business

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 by Allison Hook

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 innovatiMarketing you small businessve 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.

Summertime Promotional Products

Friday, May 27, 2011 by Allison Hook

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 otGolf her 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.

Low Cost Marketing Tips

Monday, May 23, 2011 by Allison Hook
Businesses everywhere are looking to save money. This is especially true in marketing. Marketing dollars have to be carefully allocated where they will bring the most return. Unfortunately, many business owners make the mistake of trimming their marketing dollars when times get tough. The reality if that instead of saving money, cutting back the marketing budget can doom it to fail. It's crucial to keep this basic fact in mind- how do you see to your customers, if they don't know where to find you? Marketing is crucial to keeping a business growing and making money.

The good news is that there are several ways that you can market your company without it costing a small fortune. While these "low cost marketing tips" won't be able to form your whole marketing plan, they can make up a significant portion of it.

Here are some low cost marketing tips:

Network, network, network. Many times business owners think of networking and marketing as two different creatures, when actually they are very much the same. What you are doing by networking/marketing is getting your name out there and letting potential clients know what you can offer them. Basically, networking is free marketing. Promotions

It can be helpful to attend Chamber of Commerce meetings. After attending meetings and talking with other business owners, follow up with an email or a phone call. Be sure to exchange contact information by giving your new contact a business card. Give out business card magnets to all of your newly made contacts and ensure they will remember you and keep a hold of the business magnet. Give them a couple and encourage them to pass it along to their friends that may benefit from your products or services as well.

Get into the public eye by attending or sponsoring, attending town meetings, informal business gatherings, and sponsoring business a little league team, are all ways to get your business into the public. Even providing fun promotional products when asked to donate for a fundraiser is a great way to get your logo seen by the public. However, you should make sure that you only provide products with a professional appearance, like custom printed playing cards or a custom can koozie, as you want others to perceive you as the expert in your field. This can be a great way to get your business known in your community and for potential clients to want to learn more about your business and what you offer.

Go for co-op marketing. Other businesses are more than likely looking for inexpensive ways to market too. Talk to other businesses or even your vendors and see if they would be interested in co-op marketing. This marketing can be as simple or as intricate as the two parties determine it to be. You can offer to include the other company's business cards in your successful direct mail campaign and then they would do the same for you. Another idea is creating a promotional magnet for the two companies and splitting the cost, or creating a deck of custom printed playing cards.

Finally, you should prepare to put time into these marketing efforts. While they may not require a big cash payout, they will require someone to put in some effort behind making these strategies work. However, if you commit to even doing one of these strategies every week, within a short period of time, you will see your company gain both name recognition and additional business.

7 tips for a Successful Direct Mail Marketing Campaign

Friday, May 20, 2011 by Allison Hook

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 JH Specialty direct mail marketing pieceyour 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 Playing Cards used as Advertising

Monday, May 16, 2011 by Allison Hook

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.Custom Printed Playing Cards

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.

Keep Selling, Even in a Slow Economy

Monday, May 2, 2011 by Allison Hook
Increase your salesSome companies just give up when times get hard. The US economy maybe slowly picking up, but it is still rather sluggish. You don't have to give up because of a slow economy. You can find a way to stay in business and keep your company moving forward.

So what do you need to do in order to keep growing in a slow economy? Here are some ways to focus on selling when times are tough:

Marketing
You may need to trim your marketing budget slightly. Notice I did not advise to get rid of your marketing budget all together! Marketing is the only way in which to keep your name out there and to constantly remind people that you do exist and you aren't going anywhere. Instead of worrying about the high costs of traditional marketing, look to other nontraditional approaches, such as promotional products like promotional magnets, can koozies, and custom printed playing cards. These items are cost efficient and give your company maximum public exposure for less.

Another thought is to try talking to some companies that have an interest in your company about the possibility of teaming up for a marketing campaign and splitting the marketing expenses. This will be able to provide you with an opportunity to continue marketing as well as reach out to a new customer base of the other company.

Customer Service
If you really want  your customers to become brand loyal, you have to focus on working on your relationships with your customers. Customer service is a vital part of building relationships. When a customer has a good experience with your business, they are likely to return in the future as well as spread the word about your company to their friends and neighbors.

Research
Another big factor when the economy is slow is seeing how well you are meeting customer expectations. Are you able to provide the right types or products and services to your customers? Research comes down to listening to what your customers want and responding to their needs and what they are saying.

Custom Coolies: The Summertime Promotional Product

Monday, April 25, 2011 by Allison Hook

As the summer months loom on the horizon and the temperatures climb (much too slowly in Northeast Indiana), people being to embody that summertime vibe; soaking up the sun, heading to the lake, and enjoying cookouts with family and friends. Everyone loves an ice cold beverage on a scorching summer day no matter how you spend it.Custom Can Coolies

Coolies, or koozies, are the perfect summer cornerstone to almost every outdoor or summertime activity. Why not play into this and gain priceless public exposure with custom can coolies. Can coolies are one of the most cost-effective promotional items you can buy and in the hot summer months, you are sure to be getting more than your money's worth of advertising.

Everyone loves can koozies, and so will your customers. Coolies can be used everywhere; picnics, the golf course, a little league game, the back deck, the beach, the boat, the options are endless. This means your custom designed coolie will be shown off all summer long, gaining maximum exposure for your company and brand. A custom designed coolie is the most efficient summer promotional item.

JH Specialty, Inc provides a wide variety of can coolie types from the original foam coolie to zipper bottle jacket coolies and everything in between. Let JH Specialty help renew your selection of promotional products just in time for summer!