Is web-to-print software still the right choice?

Despite the ever-increasing digitalization and cross-mediaization, many decentralized companies are still looking for suitable web-to-print solutions to implement local print marketing. Although print is still an important marketing channel that impresses with its tangible and lasting effect, marketing demands are changing more and more. Many target groups can no longer be reached exclusively via print media. Instead, cross-media marketing approaches that include channels such as social media, video and online platforms are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, in the future, instead of a web-to-print system, a general marketing portal could be the solution that covers all the requirements of modern companies and links print with digital channels.

Why is print still so popular?

Printed materials continue to have a firm place in the marketing strategy of many companies, especially in decentralized companies with numerous locations or branches. They appear tangible and leave a lasting impression on customers. In addition, printed materials are often seen as reputable and credible, which gives them an advantage over purely digital content. Their offline availability is also particularly practical, and is particularly well received by older target groups.

Flyers, brochures and posters remain effective means of acquiring and retaining customers. At the same time, high-quality printed materials such as business cards strengthen the visual and tactile identity of a company and help to strengthen brand presence. Another advantage of print is that important content is not lost due to digital barriers such as loading times or technical problems. For decentralized companies, print is therefore an important marketing solution because it offers local customization options, creates trust with customers and is valued as a reliable means of communication.

What is web-to-print software?

In order to make these print products accessible to local sales partners, many companies rely on the use of web-to-print software. Web-to-print software is an efficient solution that makes it possible to make personalized print materials available easily and centrally via a digital platform. Local users can adapt these to their own conditions and local target group and have them produced directly by the connected printing companies with just a few clicks. This software solution offers a variety of functions, including the design and printing of posters, flyers, business cards and other printed marketing materials. The system allows users to easily adapt the templates regardless of location, without the need for design or marketing knowledge. The corporate design of the company and the brand is therefore always maintained.

Another advantage of this software is automation: print data is sent directly to the printers or made available for download, which significantly simplifies communication between headquarters and sales partners. Web-to-print solutions are therefore particularly suitable for companies that want to standardize their print marketing processes and at the same time adapt them regionally.

Why digital and cross-media advertising forms are becoming increasingly important

In addition to print, digital forms of advertising are also becoming increasingly important. Younger target groups in particular, such as Gen Z and Millennials, primarily use online platforms such as social media, streaming services and search engines. Thanks to smartphones, digital content is also available anytime and anywhere on the web, which now makes online advertising indispensable for almost all companies.

Digital channels are not only available around the clock, but also offer easy ways of interacting between the target group and the company. Users of the digital platforms can like, comment on or share content and thus react directly to the advertising and the content of the brand. In addition, data-based approaches enable targeted communication based on interests, behavior or demographic characteristics. Personalized content not only increases relevance, but also the conversion rate.

Web-to-print software vs. cross-media marketing portal

Due to the ever-increasing importance of digital forms of advertising, the question arises as to whether pure web-to-print solutions are still sufficient today. While web-to-print software focuses solely on the creation and ordering of printed materials, cross-media marketing portals offer a more comprehensive solution. They link various marketing channels such as print, online, video and social media marketing and enable simple, uniform planning and control of marketing campaigns across all platforms.

A cross-media marketing portal also makes it easier to implement a brand message consistently across all channels and offers numerous functions for planning, creating and analyzing these campaigns. By connecting all forms of marketing on one system, marketing activities can not only be controlled in one central location, but also easily evaluated.

If you are interested in such a marketing solution and would like to find out how it can optimize your sales partner marketing, please feel free to contact us at any time.