


“For example, after forming the ideal physical brand, there is no latency or potential misinterpretation when moving to digital if done under one company. “Consistency is crucial for any kind of branding, and by developing a physical and digital presence all with the same service, micro businesses can streamline their identities more easily,” Bowen says. Bowen says this type of consistency is critical for small business owners, and it’s a big reason why Vistaprint believes its existing print marketing clients will be persuaded to stay with the company for their digital marketing needs. Any design components, like logos and images, that businesses have used in their printed materials will automatically appear in the image library. The company’s website builder includes templates to match multiple industries and goals, with customizable content blocks so businesses can add elements like menus, photo galleries, calendars. This is the group Vistaprint is looking to target with Vistaprint Digital. Nearly 70% of businesses with fewer than 10 employees take advantage of both online and offline marketing. “They’re not designers, marketers or technologists and so they need their website builder to make these aspects effortless.” “Micro business owners have an endless set of responsibilities, and the process of establishing an entire website is often nothing more than a hassle.” Bowen says. According to a poll the company conducted earlier this year, 36% of consumers say they first find out about small businesses through their websites, and yet one-third of small businesses still don’t have websites setup. But Bowen still sees space in the market. The market for DIY website building tools is especially crowded, with Squarespace, Weebly, WordPress, and Wix having some of the greatest name recognition.

“It’s clear they understand the importance of both online and offline marketing, and our job is just to help them connect the two as seamlessly as possible,” he says. He says more than 90% of Vistaprint Digital customers use Vistaprint for print marketing materials, as well. “No matter how good the quality of your website and business cards, a cohesive look is what really makes a business stand out and look professional.”īowen is careful to mention that this latest step into digital doesn’t mean Vistaprint is abandoning its roots, but adding to the services it offers to small business owners. “What really bridges our online and offline marketing products is an understanding of how visual elements can turn businesses into brands,” says Scott Bowen, VP & GM of Digital Services at Vistaprint. It’s designed to help very small business owners create a professional-looking online presence, and it’s a marked departure for a company that has traditionally specialized in the mass customization of physical products. Vistaprint Digital’s website building platform now joins and supports the company’s existing digital marketing services, which include social media marketing, local listings, email marketing, and business email. Vistaprint is expanding beyond its roots as a provider of custom printed products today, with a newly launched website building platform aimed at “micro” business owners.
