I have to qualify however, that you can make your profits sky rocket if you have the right marketing plan. And do not be afraid to produce one for your business. Contrary to popular belief, a good marketing plan does not have to cost a lot. You can always rely on a goof marketing plan even without spending a lot of your budget.

Let me give you some tips to help you grow your business this 2008.

In the color printing business, marketing has been about getting new people to do a sales call, phone marketing, set up appointments, or coming up with effective marketing collateral to promote your business. Let me just say that this is not just the only way to do effective marketing. There is so much more that you can do.

Take this for example: A new sign or business logo can go a long way toward introducing your shop. I am sure that this new sign will not make a huge dent on your advertising budget.

Do you have a new service or product? If so, how are you getting the word out?  You are probably still using old strategies, right? Why not try to become more aggressive? I mean, you can use direct mail; or if

 you want to use modern communication channels, you can use an e-mail marketing campaign. Color printing your ads in publications and newspapers are also another option.

Nevertheless, when you decide to use the traditional and conservative direct mail approach, try to remember these strategies:

Direct mail marketing, as opposed to blind, generally non-creative junk mail, can help you sell more. With the right message to the right people, you can take advantage of its power to promote a special event, a new service, or announce new hours, location, personnel, or anything that will draw attention to your business.

It is important however, to have the right message. I cannot overemphasize this point. Direct mail works with the right message for your target audience. It separates this strategy from traditional junk mail that clogs up your mailbox. You will produce a lot of creative work to get your direct-mail piece perfect. Writing and designing your direct mail or postcards are the real challenge.