Hey folks! Dani here. Today, I want to take you on a journey down memory lane and share the story of TPH. Our journey began with humble beginnings and has grown into something truly remarkable. I’ll also share some strategies to help you strengthen your local business and make a lasting impact in your community, so stay tuned! Grab your cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into it.
TPH: A Proud Canadian Legacy
Our history began in 1961 when Earle O’Born, a skilled journeyman typesetter, purchased an old letterpress shop in downtown Toronto. This humble beginning started a remarkable journey filled with notable firsts. TPH was the first printing company in Canada to market instant printing and initiate ‘branching’ by opening various corporate locations. In the 1990s, we broke industry norms by switching to a PC-based platform to digitally connect Xerox printers. This was a huge shift from physical discs back in the day! TPH also established the first digital print network across Canada. We enabled digital files to be sent from coast to coast, with locations in major Canadian cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Niagara, the GTA, and Halifax. As the print industry evolved, so did we. We have come a long way and are proud to be a Canadian company.
Steal Our Strategy: How TPH Celebrates Being a Local Company
Want to increase brand visibility and highlight your business as a local company? Steal our strategy! Consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing from and supporting local businesses. The key here is to help them find you. Try using these tips and strengthen your strategy:
- Display your love for Canada and that you’re a local business through unique window signage and decals. This will be evident to everyone who passes by your location. You can incorporate the same artwork into your digital signature or even share it on social media, making your branding cohesive.
- Send out customer orders with fun postcards or stickers showing your local pride to thank your customers. Your customers will appreciate this small gesture, and they will keep you on top of mind for future purchases.
- Change your messaging to remind your customers that you’re a locally owned and operated business. At TPH, we share our commitment to working within and serving our communities, contributing to our local economy, and celebrating our Canadian heritage. This simple message will go a long way.
- A tip from Dani (me!): Your strategy should feel authentic to your audience. This can involve gathering the community together, partnering with another local brand for a collaborative product, or offering a discount on their next purchase. Always prioritize your customers’ needs and preferences in your strategy. You will also want to consider what touchpoints are relevant for your customers to give you a clear idea of where to include your local strategy.
Homegrown – Celebrate Local Businesses
There are countless creative ways to celebrate local businesses and integrate these ideas into your strategy. By showcasing your local roots and community involvement, you can build stronger connections with your customers. Here are more engaging ideas to get you started.
- Apparel: Create custom t-shirts, hoodies, or hats featuring local symbols, landmarks, or slogans that resonate with your community. You can make them available for purchase or have your staff wear them to reinforce your local identity.
- Flyers: Highlight your local roots and sourcing in your promotional materials. Tell your company’s story and show customers if you support local suppliers. Add them to customer orders or have them handy in your physical location.
- Business Cards: Transform your business cards into mini billboards. Incorporate “Canadian Company” and other community-focused elements. Use vibrant colors and local symbols to make it more memorable.
- Brochures: Share your local values, messaging, and heritage through beautifully designed brochures. Highlight what makes your business unique and rooted in the community.
- Labels: Add local symbols or “Made Locally” to product labels. This can attract customers who prioritize supporting local businesses.
- Posters: Advertise your participation in local events or community achievements with vibrant posters. This can draw attention to your business and its community involvement.
- Menus: If you’re working with restaurants, mention local ingredients to emphasize your support for local farmers and producers. This can appeal to customers who value fresh, locally sourced food.
- Coupons: Integrate fun local imagery and colors into your coupons to make your promotions stand out. This can encourage customers to choose your business over others.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively showcase your local pride and strengthen your connection with the community.
I hope you found this blog useful for your strategy! Join us in supporting local businesses. Together, we can help Canada shine. Ready to start?