Affordable Marketing Materials: Vistaprint, UPrinting, and Canva

Marketing doesn’t have to break the bank! In this episode of From Vision to Business Roadmap, Mira explores budget-friendly ways to create impactful marketing materials using platforms like Vistaprint, UPrinting, and Canva. Learn how to design and print professional-quality materials without exceeding your budget.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to From Vision to Business, your roadmap to success, a podcast offering the tools,

(00:06):
strategies and insights you need to succeed.
Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to level up, each episode delivers valuable
advice to help you overcome challenges and build a business that works.
Your host, Mira Jefferson, brings 25 plus years of business experience as an entrepreneurial
consultant and is here to guide you.

(00:27):
Your journey to success begins now.
Hi and welcome to From Vision to Business Roadmap.
I'm your host, Mira Jefferson, and today we're diving into one of my favorite topics, affordable
ways to create marketing materials and how those can help you make a strong first impression.

(00:48):
Let me take you back to the year of 1999.
Vistaprint had just launched online and they were offering their iconic deal, which was
at that time 500 business cards for free.
And all you had to do was pay for shipping.
I remember placing my first order.
The cards were for my eBay selling account.

(01:09):
I was absolutely hooked from the very first moment.
Vistaprint made me feel like I was running a real business, even though I was just a
solo seller on eBay.
And that's what I would like to talk about today, how websites like Vistaprint or Uprinting
and others like it can give you a professional, low-cost marketing materials to elevate your

(01:32):
business without breaking the bank.
Let's start with the basics.
Question, why are marketing materials so important?
Whether it's for a business card, a flyer or a branded tote bag, these items are often
your first introduction to potential clients or customers.

(01:52):
They give people a tangible way to remember you, which is a huge plus in today's digital
world where most things feel like they're fleeting away.
Having professional material says, I am serious about my business.
And trust me, that confidence is contagious.
It helps other people see that you're taking it seriously too.
And when they see that you're taking it seriously, they will take you seriously as well.

(02:17):
All right, so let's talk about websites that make it easy to create these materials without
blowing your budget.
And I'm going to tell you about my first choice, which is my favorite, which I've, like I said
before, I've been using ever since 1999.
So that's 26 years.
Amazing, huh?

(02:38):
Number one, Vistaprint.
Vistaprint is still one of my top recommendations for small businesses.
They've expanded way beyond business cards.
You can get brochures, banners, rap cards, t-shirts, hats, mugs, and more.
What I love most about Vistaprint is their user-friendly design tools.

(03:00):
And their user-friendly design tools make it easy for people to have no designing experience.
All you have to do is they have several different templates.
And you can find a template that goes well with your business, and then you can just
go from there, just add your information, and voila, you have a business card.

(03:20):
So even if you're not a designer, Vistaprint makes it easy for you to create something
that looks very, very polished.
Another thing, they're always running sales.
I recommend signing up for their emails because they'll send you discount codes for things
like 25% off or 15% off or 35% off your first order or even free shipping.

(03:42):
Free shipping is my favorite.
And here's a pro tip regarding Vistaprint.
Take advantage of their bundles.
There are a lot of times they offer bundling deals like getting your matching business
cards and letterheads and envelopes.
Do that because it'll save you a lot of money and it also creates a cohesive look for your
brand without spending a ton of money.

(04:04):
Number two, Uprinting.
Uprinting is another fantastic option, especially if you're looking for high quality prints
at reasonable prices.
They're great for items like posters, banners, and custom packaging.
One thing I appreciate about Uprinting is their focus on small businesses.

(04:24):
They have lots of customizable options that make your products stand out.
Plus, they offer free file reviews.
If you design something on your own and you're not sure if it's ready to print, they'll
check it for you free of charge.
And that's a nice little extra that saves you the potential of having some printing
mistakes.
Number three, Canva.

(04:47):
All right so those of you who have used Canva before, you're probably saying Canva for a
printing service?
Okay, Canva isn't technically a printing service, but it's a game changer when it comes to creating
designs.
The templates are modern, professional, and easy to customize.
Once you've designed your materials, you can either download the files to print at home

(05:08):
or upload them to sites like VistaPrint or Uprinting.
What is the best part about Canva?
Canva has a free version, and even their pro version is super affordable, something around
$13 a month or $14.99.
I can't actually remember off the top of my head, but do your research.

(05:30):
Overall that's my list of recommended websites to get some affordable marketing materials.
VistaPrint is the highest recommendation because they've been around for a while, and I've
used them for over two decades now.
I've dealt with VistaPrint, and also whenever there's a problem, they're really good about
replacing it or just solving the problem without giving you a hassle.

(05:53):
I've noticed also I had a problem with Uprinting, and they were really quick to fix the problem.
So, my highest recommendation is VistaPrint, and my next one is Uprinting.
So give them a try.
Go online at www.vistaprint.com and look at what they have to offer.

(06:13):
Also go online for Uprinting at www.u-p-r-i-n-t-i-n-g.com.
Well that's it for now.
Thank you for listening to From Vision to Business Roadmap.
Have you found this episode helpful?
Share it with someone who's thinking about starting their own business.
And as always, thank you for tuning in.

(06:35):
I'm Mary Jefferson, and I'll see you next time with more practical tips to turn your
vision into a thriving business.