Point of Contacts - How many can you hit?

I originally posted this on another forum but thought to share it here too.

POC - Point Of Contact Marketing


In an effort to create brand visibility I've taken to trying out different types of packaging such as stickers and embossed print boxes with my logo upon them and also protective vinyl wraps with my logo and website emblazoned upon them.

Not just limited to packaging but to envelopes and stationary. E-mails were the easiest, just include a quick signature. Stationary is a bit harder. I use open office so don't have all the nifty features and technicals of microsoft word's office (I also have $700 more in my pocket for not buying it - thanks to Stefano Brunesci for OO's link).

This is just one tiny example of POC marketing - the game is to hit as many interaction points with your audience as possible to fuel them towards becoming a consistent client. This could be email, uniform, packaging, phone call, anywhere your client can interact with anything that reminds or associates them to you.

A case study for your own use, For example: I've a corporate headshot this evening, how many points of contact can you think of that will make a connection with your client? This is how I would handle it, note the * where a POC is being attempted:

Case Study - Corporate Headshot

* Initially on the phone, being a # I didn't recognize I answered formally, name and business name.

If it were e-mail, however, your first point of contact to appeal to the client would be having elements of your branding appear in the signature line.

Now throughout the shoot itself I don't really do anything. Would like some ideas there from you guys and girls.

In a headshot session I'm giving out the digital files usually.. It may seem like overkill but depending on the budget I like to give a *branded CD or flashdrive.

In this case it's going to be the cd (-2$ instead of -150$). I picked up the tip from KMR's blog here: http://www.exposingfas​hion.com …ng-delivering-your-image/

Then it's just the paperwork train, which I like to start early in the day and fill out as info becomes readily available. *Change orders, *invoices, *receipts and *e-mails again, or *envelopes.

Branded flash drive or cd in the mail or dropped off with a *brochure or *business card, or *promo card. In my case perhaps a *personal invitation to an exhibit I'm hosting. (speaking of which if you can make it it would be cool: https://www.facebook.c​om …d=1826903184365​45&index=1)

Your turn. What is it that you do in your POC marketing ? How many can you hit? Share any tips, tricks, etc.

It's quite fun, or at least, I think so.

During the shoot, how about shirts and jackets tastefully embossed with your branding

Working with wall portrait clients--which turn out mostly to be women in their thirties and older--I send out quite a bit of snail mail on stationery customized with my images.

This includes canvas-finish photo cards after every meeting or session. There will be a card sent out after the scheduling meeting or conversation (confirmation of plans and excitment builder), another sent out after the photo session (thank you and excitment-builder), another after the sales session (thank you and excitment builder), and another after the product delivery (thank you and a request for a testimonial and referrals).

I don't know what Net Generation women will want ten years from now, but X-Genners and older still get giddy over personal greeting cards in snail mail.

I have't done this yet, but I'm investigating having customized US postage stamps made bearing some of my signature images. These can be easily ordered online, but they're rather pricey (adds about 50 cent to the regular first-class stamp).

Custom US postage stamps is cool, that would be interesting. Never seen one of those before. About greeting cards; is it okay to send them with every or do you personally need to get a consent signed (something like you would when people "subscribe" to your newsletter).

I haven't tried that yet, but it sounds like it would work.

Karl Johnston wrote in post #12084125
Custom US postage stamps is cool, that would be interesting. Never seen one of those before. About greeting cards; is it okay to send them with every or do you personally need to get a consent signed (something like you would when people "subscribe" to your newsletter).

I have model releases for the "generic" cards. After the photo sesion, I'll use an image from the session for that client. While a lot of my clients do not want me to use their images online, I have not had any balk at my using their images in any hardcopy format.

Karl Johnston wrote in post #12084125
Custom US postage stamps is cool, that would be interesting. Never seen one of those before.

Canada Post offers them, too. I believe you can do everything online through their website.

Oh really? I'm going to look into that now then thanks