We work with some awesome clients and one sector that we work particularly closely with are freelance marketing consultancies, design and digital marketing agencies. There is a natural synergy between what we do. So, in our blog this month we interview one of our existing clients, Sophie Comas from RIMU Marketing, to find out more about her perspective on why it is so important to find the right print partner and how they can add value. Here is what Sophie had to say:
1. Sophie please tell us a little about your business and the clients you work with?
RIMU Marketing is a fractional marketing consultancy, dedicated to helping small business owners across the Thames Valley to grow with clarity and confidence. By working closely with our clients we provide strategic marketing leadership, bringing structure, direction and commercial focus to drive sustained growth. We can then move to tactical implementation and work with our clients to deliver the campaigns we define.
We think of ourselves as a trusted marketing partner and as such we bring in our Associate colleagues to help with individual projects when needed, print is a great example of this. We work across a diverse range of client sectors including coaches, boutique hotels, a coffee brand, virtual finance team, charities and sports professionals, but we have a specialism in working in the travel and tourism sector.
2. What role does print marketing play in your clients’ overall marketing strategy?
In a fast paced digital world, there is still a place for print. Actually I think that some things have come full circle, because we are bombarded by so many digital messages every day, a carefully thought out direct mail piece or leaflet can really achieve strong cut through. From our perspective, because there is naturally a higher cost element to any print project, when done well in a considered fashion it can be really powerful.
In short, once we have our marketing foundations in place, we do often then recommend some form of print activity, depending on the goals and growth ambitions of the business owner. The activity we might look at ranges from staff uniform, branded merchandise for events, outdoor signage, leaflets and lots more. I think one of the best items Raina has helped us to create is a mini booklet of post-it-notes that we used for RIMU at a recent conference.
3. Before we started working together, what challenges were you facing with print?
The challenge is always working with people that you trust and who you know will do a good job. We have worked together for years and I know you are an expert when it comes to all things print. I dislike signing off print campaigns as you know, it always feels so final. By working with someone that I know is going to read the proof and put another pair of eyes on something is really valuable, especially when we are moving at pace to meet a deadline.
4. What made you start looking for a print partner rather than simply online?
Given how much print activity we do with our clients, it is not enough just to order online, we need more than that. The expertise does not just come by looking over creative but also in recommending the best solutions for a particular project. By working with someone you trust and is supporting you makes all the difference.
5. What made you choose us over other printers?
You initially came highly recommended from a colleague at a networking event, from there I trusted you with the first project and the rest they say is history!
6. Was there anything about the way we work that stood out from the beginning?
Yes your pricing is competitive, you have a calm approach, attention to detail and patience to get the project right. These things have not really changed, even six or so years later.
7. Have there been any occasions where we’ve solved a problem or gone above and beyond?
Yes there is quite a recent example actually. One of our clients needed to update a poster. Because things were moving quickly and it was a last minute project for various reasons, something got signed off by mistake. We came back to you, explained the problem, you very quickly and efficiently arranged for a replacement. In reality the poster still reached the venue in time for the deadline and no one was any the wiser.
8. How important is it for you that your printer understands marketing rather than just print?
I would say really important, because when you are looking at piece of print artwork you need to think about the impact it will have and how it will be received by the audience. This influences how you review things. If you do not have that knowledge, it becomes a functional action and does not work so well.
9. What has our partnership made to your business or your clients?
The impact of our partnership has been huge. It is really nice to be able to discuss with a client printed collateral, door drops or DM pieces with confidence, knowing that you are there in the background supporting me. You are also really good at brainstorming and coming up with lots of good ideas for brand merchandising to fulfil a particular client objective.
10. What would you say to another marketing consultant who’s still using multiple printers or ordering everything online?
Online portals have their place but if you have quite a high demand for good quality printed solutions, they are not enough. As with all areas of marketing it is important to build a team around you that you can trust and that you know will not only do a good job for you but also bring a specialism and level of expertise.
“I have worked closely with Raina for more years than I can remember, she has become part of our team. She is proactive, flexible and always on hand to add an extra pair of eyes on any print creative. Highly Recommended!”
Sophie, Founder | RIMU Marketing
Thank you Sophie for taking the time to speak with us. If you are a freelance marketing consultant, design or digital agency please get in touch to see how we can help you with your next print project.
