Rochester, NY - PODi, the Digital Printing Initiative, has launched its newest program for Service Providers, Self-Promo-in-a-Box. Designed to help companies promote their digital print and marketing services, Self-Promo-in-a-Box combines the latest ROI-building technology from four PODi industry members who have donated their services to help other PODi members: direct2one, EasyPurl, USADATA, and Xerox/XMPie. The concept is unique – companies can use customizable, professionally designed templates, choose a targeted list, add PURL technology and tracking services, and utilize the latest in VDP support to create a lead-generating direct mailer. All they need to do is add the printing and mail.

"Creating a self promotional campaign often gets pushed to the bottom of a busy service provider's priority list, but there's nothing as vital to their continued success," says Dave Erlandson, GM of Caslon and PODi. "This is an easy, no-cost way for them to connect with customers and create buzz for their digital print services."

Bernie Bahn, PODi member and President of Creative Imaging Inc., agrees. "We know PURL campaigns deliver results. Like everyone, we are always looking for more qualified leads, and Self-Promo-in-a-Box is a ready-to-go, turnkey program that requires no development time on our end. We'll definitely be implementing the campaign."

Self-Promo-in-a-Box is the first such collaborative effort between PODi and vendor members. "We hope that more of our vendor members will take the opportunity to connect with our Service Provider community in this way," says Erlandson. "It's a chance to demonstrate their commitment to helping clients build their businesses."

The creative concept, messaging and graphic design for the Self Promo's mailer and landing pages was provided by direct2one, experts in 1:1 strategy. "The templates are customizable and the messaging is personal – 'See how we can make your life easier'," says Todd Crosland, Marketing Strategist at direct2one. "There's no better way to demonstrate what you can do for your clients than by doing it first for yourself."

EasyPurl is supplying the personalized url and landing page technology, as well as access to a web-based reporting dashboard for tracking campaign results. EasyPurl's VP of Marketing, Rio Longacre, explains, "In today's environment, it's vital that service providers use the latest marketing technologies like Personalized URLs in their own promotions to establish expertise in the eyes of their clients. I think people will be amazed by the results they can achieve for themselves and for their customers."

"We're pleased to give service providers access to one of the most important parts of any direct mail, a highly targeted list," says Dominic Le Claire, VP of Client Partnerships for USADATA. "Narrowing a list to exactly the right people can make or break a campaign and we give people the tools they need to do that." (If members prefer not to use the supplied campaign templates, they can still get a list of 1000 names.)

And finally XMPie and Xerox are providing their support to the campaign. One essential component of XMPie's complete cross-media offering is its variable data software. And for service providers who don't have their own VDP software, or who would like to try out one of the leading providers of variable data Xerox and XMPie will host a solution through Global Services. They will take the list from USADATA, creative elements from direct2one and PURLs from EasyPurl and compose personalized print ready files. Says Nicole Heinsler, Global Program Manager of Xerox, "You can get markedly better results by leveraging the power of relevance and 1:1 communication through multiple channels. Self-Promo-in-a-Box is a great opportunity for people to try targeted marketing and see how it works!"

Self-Promo-in-a-Box is currently available to new and to renewing PODi service provider members in North America. For more information about the benefits of PODi membership, visit www.podi.org or contact [email protected]