Small Business is the heartbeat of our country. Printers have the unique opportunity to enable the entrepreneurs that are at the core of it all. In turn, printers themselves are small businesses that need to practice what they preach.
Here are some key ideas to share with clients and implement for yourselves.

AI as a Powerful Differentiator

of SMBs are already using AI for marketing, recruitment, and customer service.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/2c7h9arj

believe AI helps them compete with bigger companies; daily users report saving $5,038 monthly and 14 hours weekly.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/44nfbh3t

An ActiveCampaign survey revealed 82% of AI users use it for marketing.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/44nfbh3t
Takeaway: Smart creative tools powered by AI can help small printers offer design support, speed campaigns, and level the playing field.

AI as a Powerful Differentiator

of small businesses use at least two marketing channels in their overall mix.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yu4m82ys

agree that multichannel marketing delivers stronger results.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yu4m82ys
Takeaway: Instead of focusing solely on brochures or flyers, help clients layer in supporting tactics—like QR codes, custom packaging, postcard mailers—that integrate print with digital.

Direct Mail Remains Strategic & Intentional

Only 14% of small businesses planned campaigns a year ahead…

29% ran ads as needed…

while 34% planned months in advance…

…and a mere 4% planned just one week ahead.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yu4m82ys
Takeaway: Encourage clients to adopt a more proactive approach—printing lead times can be leveraged as a selling point to help your clients plan seasonally and avoid last-minute rushes.

Print Marketing Still Packs a Punch

of small businesses consider physical marketing—flyers, banners, posters, loyalty cards—important for connecting with customers.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yu4m82ys

of small businesses consider physical marketing—flyers, plan to maintain or increase direct mail efforts over the next year.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yu4m82ys
Takeaway: Emphasize to your small-business clients the proven value of high-quality printed materials as part of their multichannel approach.

Compensation Best Practices to Drive Results
A well-designed commission plan can reduce turnover and enhance retention

of sellers experience burnout.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/39b39374

would leave for better pay elsewhere.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/39b39374
- Clear alignment with business goals is essential—comp plans should promote priorities like new customer acquisition, high-margin deals, or upsells.
- Commission tracking tools help avoid disputes and maintain trust.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/4vt2rxp2