We simply wish to give you the tools to promote our new products, and we think samples are the best way to achieve this. Take advantage of this special offer by sending through as many business card orders as you can!

Another recent change is the introduction of a 100% recycled 100gsm stationery stock and our 150gsm gloss ‘Flat Flyer 150’ stock. If you would like to receive samples of these new produces, please send an email specifying ‘100% RECYCLED’ or ‘FLAT FLYERS’ or for both, simply ‘SAMPLES’ to nvicary@ibscards.com.au and we will mail some to you.

Click here for prices, design templates and specifications.

These prices are only available until 31 August 2010.

These activities might include things like inviting your local MP to your office for a chat about the current state of the print and graphic design industry, approaching your local newspaper about submitting regular articles on running an SME, holding events that educate the public on the benefits of quality printed products or sending out media releases about newsworthy occurrences in your business.

The consistent theme to all of these is identifying the general public as a stakeholder to consider when conducting any business activities. For instance, when your business is busy and needs to hire another graphic designer, instead of just placing an ad in the newspaper, ring the newsroom and boast about how well your business has been growing. Have relevant statistics at hand, such as how many customers you’ve obtained in the past 12 months, the number of business cards you’ve printed and any forecasts you have for the next 12 months. This information provides credibility to any statements you’re making about the success of your business. Depending on the news day, there’s the possibility that your local paper may run a story on a great local business that’s just doubled in staff due to local businesses combating the economic turndown with printed collateral. This kind of exposure is priceless, as it’s being communicated through an independent channel.

There are numerous other facets to public relations, but the one that’s easiest is sending a media kit to introduce your business to the media and following up with media releases whenever you’ve got something newsworthy to share. The media kit should include some general background information on your business, so any flyers or brochures you have should be included. Provide your business card, media release, and if you want, a bookmark or notepad. This is also a good branding opportunity!

When writing a media release, try to keep it short and to the point. Have a look at the written style of newspaper articles for inspiration before putting pen to paper. Generally, a catchy headline should be followed by one paragraph describing the who, what, where, when, why and how. Quotes that expand upon this information should follow, finishing with the contact details for the media to reach you and your company.

Should you have any questions about public relations, please don’t hesitate to contact me by emailing kelly@ibscards.com.au

Good luck!

Collectible series of bookmarks
You may find a series of collectible bookmarks are just the thing your customers need to obtain and maintain their target’s attention. For example, a small bookstore may wish to give a free bookmark with every purchase over $30 as an ongoing promotion. By varying the artwork on the bookmarks into a series of five or eight different designs, the bookstore entices their customers to continue to purchase more books to collect the whole series of free products. This idea can be adapted to a number of different businesses, and not just with bookmarks – collectible postcards will work just as well too.