Utilizing Variable Data Print Technology To Control Branding

By Steven Harrison


In today's fast paced world, highly competitive world it is becoming extremely important to use technologies such as variable data print services in order to control and create a brand reputation. The software and services that are available now provide the ability to do everything from creating corporate documents to mail merges with the click of a button. Without some sort of control, this document creation can quickly become unmanageable.

Marketing must employ brand recognition in order to compete. History has allowed several brand names to become the common name for the product. Not many people use the words tissue paper. Instead, they use the brand name that has replaced the product name. This type of recognition is extremely valuable, difficult to achieve, but a product of strong marketing efforts.

Individual product campaigns were important in the past. If a new car or television was introduced into the market, the entire marketing effort focused on the specific product. As television, print, web, and now mobile marketing have progressed, people associate certain brands with quality regardless of the product introduced. Now, placing a familiar logo in front of consumers grabs their attention.

Creating a consistent brand is aided by the advances in technology. Marketing departments struggled to keep up with material changes and requests in the past. If they allowed any sense of freedom to other departments, they quickly lost control of the brand. The layout and even logos began to change without their approval. Using templates in variable data print software puts the freedom and control back where it should be. The layouts and logos can be locked to prevent changes. Other sections can be used to allow the freedom to customize according to the product marketing needs.

Customers require professional and consistent marketing. There is less patience in the global market for anything that my cause confusion. Though products may develop their own brand, customers generally want to recognize these brands very quickly. If the marketing efforts do not employ this consistency, customers will think a new product has been introduced.

Creative leeway is allowed while the brand is controlled. Affiliate programs are a perfect example of a need to create customized documents that still meet brand specifications. Using the technology, affiliate members are able to create a customized set of material without worrying about making sure they have used the correct logo.

Cost savings are realized through simplified efforts. Using an online service provider, marketing departments can create and offer the templates to those external to the corporate network. This is especially helpful for affiliates and outside staff. Software used internally provides the same template controls. They can then be placed on common servers for every department to use. If an update happens, everyone using the templates will have the newest version for their own document creation.

Companies no longer need to struggle with keeping their branded materials consistent. Using variable data print technology allows the control and creativity to exist at the same time. Customization of these documents is nearly as important as controlling the brand layout. Simply updating the templates makes sure everyone is using the correct logo and layout for their material creation.




About the Author:



Popular Posts