For many printers web to print is the process of using customisable templates to generate print ready PDF’s, and this is certainly an important feature. However, we work to the definition that web to print encompasses all requirements for a printer to boost print sales, reduce costs and improve customer service using a whole range of web technology.
Introducing web to print to your business can be a gradual process which can be progressed as the various solutions contribute to growing your business. As your business changes parts of a web to print system can be upgraded and new features added as quickly or slowly as required.
So what goes into creating a complete web to print solution?
A new printer website
The starting point to building an online presence is the creation of a high-quality website using a responsive design to ensure it looks great of any device. Having a professional online presence is crucial in today’s print marketplace where consumers and businesses alike research products and businesses online before making a purchase.
Digital marketing
Having a great looking printer website is not enough if no potential customers can find it. A successful digital marketing campaign will build search rankings both in your local area and further afield and attract qualified visitors. There are many ingredients to a digital marketing campaign and the world of search engine optimisation is an ever changing one. You’ll need expert advice and proven techniques are essential in order to build visitors to your website who are looking to order print products.
View our printer digital marketing infographic
Generate enquiries
The key opportunity presented by a print website is to generate enquiries. This can only be achieved if firstly a potential customer can find your website, and secondly if the design, content and ease of use entices them to place an enquiry.
An enquiry could be in the form of a contact form submission, email, quote request, sample request or telephone call.
Web to print eCommerce
eCommerce is a term that is widely accepted to be the process of buying products online and encompasses all functions that are required to achieve this. So in short the use of print eCommerce on your website introduces the opportunity to sell print products online.
Print specification
As you’ll no doubt be aware due to the shear variety of print products, ensuring you’re offering customers both the product and specification they require is essential to attracting orders.
In many cases a potential customer will have created their own print ready designs, and using an online ordering process they will be able to select from a range of print options in order to achieve the standard of print they desire.
Web to print templates
Online templates introduce an easy way for individuals to create high quality designs using easy to edit templates which can then be instantly processed into print ready PDFs. In many cases your customers may be a small or new start-up business owner who has little time, skill or resource to create bespoke designs themselves.
Online templates allow for simple edits to text and imagery so that users can introduce their own branding and content.
Online Orders
Accepting online orders involves providing a secure environment to accept online payments and send instant order confirmations via email.
Your customers will only process a print order on a system that is easy to use and they can trust. Your customers are likely to go elsewhere if a website provides confusing information or unnecessary extra steps.
Private storefronts
For important customers the use of private storefronts provides a quick way for them to regularly order print products. Using customised templates customers can make quick edits before processing with a new order.
The use of web to print storefronts ensures your customers can keep a tight control of their stock levels and guarantee consistent branding and design across all marketing literature.
Back office system
A back office system enables print businesses to control and manage all their online operations in one single interface. All products can be managed and created as well as viewing and processing new orders.
Web to print experts
Flex 4 have been providing best-in-class W2P solutions and digital marketing services for print and graphic design businesses since 2004. We have many satisfied customers right across the country. We are UK-based – all of our team work out of our office in Kendal. We pride ourselves on our customer service, flexibility, and desire to please – we would love the opportunity to show you what we’re capable of.
If you’d like more information on our services visit our contact page, and we will be delighted to answer all of your questions and give you all the help that you need.