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    3 Benefits of Using eCommerce for Your Brand

    How a Smarter Online Store Can Drive Growth, Engagement, and Efficiency

    In today’s digital world, a powerful eCommerce platform does more than just facilitate purchases—it becomes a key driver of your brand’s success. Whether you’re managing internal operations or engaging with customers, using eCommerce strategically can streamline processes, reinforce your identity, and create stronger connections.

    Here are three key benefits of using eCommerce to elevate your brand—and how platforms like ProStores can set you up for long-term success.

    1. Streamlined Ordering Saves Time and Reduces Hassle

    Managing branded products and company swag doesn’t have to be complicated. With a centralized eCommerce platform like ProStores, you can simplify the entire process—from product selection to checkout. This efficiency means less time managing logistics and more time focused on growing your business.

    2. Personalization Builds Stronger Connections

    Custom products do more than represent your logo—they express your brand’s personality. Whether it’s a team tote, a customized uniform, or event giveaways, personalized items create emotional touchpoints that build loyalty and engagement. ProStores makes it easy to personalize a wide range of products and fulfill them quickly, so you can make every interaction more meaningful.

    5. Feature-Rich Platforms Drive Sales

    Whether you’re refreshing business cards, printing signage, or launching a new apparel campaign, having an organized and secure online store simplifies your workload while boosting your sales. ProStores offers convenient features like print on demand and guest checkout, while prioritizing security measures like maintaining SOC2 Compliance standards. Every aspect of ProStores has been thoughtfully developed by the Proforma tech team to optimize your sales.

    Ready to Power Your Brand with eCommerce?

    At the heart of it all, eCommerce is about more than transactions—it’s about creating experiences. ProStores gives you the tools to simplify operations, strengthen your brand, and scale with ease. Whether you’re launching a basic PopUp store, or building an enterprise-level Advanced store, ProStores offers flexible solutions to meet your needs.

    Explore how smarter eCommerce can help your organization thrive—today and into the future. Browse our look book here.

    Proforma Color Press is Now a Certified Green Business!

    At Proforma Color Press, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a core part of how we do business every day. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we are now a certified Green Business by the California Green Business Network!

    This certification is a reflection of the values that shape everything we do here in Ventura. The California Green Business Network sets standards for businesses that actively conserve energy and water, minimize waste, reduce pollution, and operate in an environmentally responsible way. Earning this recognition means that we have taken measurable steps to reduce our environmental footprint and support a healthier future for all.

    Why does this matter to you, our valued customers?

    By choosing Proforma Color Press, you are partnering with a company that cares deeply about preserving our local community and the planet. This certification ensures that:

    • We offer eco-friendly products — from recycled cotton garments to paper free journals.
    • We work closely with suppliers who prioritize eco-conscious initiatives, helping to extend sustainable values across the entire supply chain.
    • We integrate more environmentally friendly solutions into our day-to-day operations, such as using energy-conserving light bulbs and recyclable paper products.

    Whether you’re a small business, a nonprofit, or an individual with a creative vision, you can feel confident knowing that your print and promotional projects are backed by a company dedicated to doing the right thing for the planet.

    We’re honored to be part of a growing movement of businesses that are taking meaningful action for sustainability, and we are excited to continue expanding our green practices in the years ahead.

    Thank you for supporting a greener future with us. To learn more about what it means to be a California Certified Green Business, visit greenbusinessca.org.

    To check out some great eco-friendly items click here.

    Cultivate, Curate, Captivate: Building a Corporate Culture and Beloved Brand

    Whether you’re aware of it or not, your business has its own distinct culture. Though the composition of each company’s culture is unique, the occurrence of its formation is not. Wherever people spend time together, work together, and depend on each other, culture will naturally form – just look at all of human history.

    Though culture itself is inevitable, that doesn’t mean you have no control over the type of culture you want to nurture. Try this: consider the companies you adore and what draws you to them. Chances are, it’s not just what they do; it’s how they do it.

    These companies that are successful in building a strong, admirable culture recognize that when looking at your company as a collective force, you must start with the individuals that comprise it. When you cultivate a sense of community within your organization, and when your team takes pride in their work and who they work for, you turn employees into brand enthusiasts eager to showcase that pride to the world.

    What are things you can do and products you can create to give employees a way to express their enthusiasm?

    Imagine a collection that ranges from laptop decals, bags, and writing instruments to stylish apparel like t-shirts, polos, hats, and even shoes. Creating curated collections of merch should be fun! And these products should be functional and represent what your company stands for, complete with clever designs and intentional messaging. Define your values and infuse them into every facet of your operation – including your promo. Branded merch with smart messaging will help ensure your brand shines in the office and out in the world for all to see!

    By aligning your merchandise with your company’s values, you create a powerful connection. As your corporate culture becomes synonymous with community and shared values, the influence extends far beyond the workplace, impacting recruitment, sales, and public perception. In the world of corporate culture, building a cult following isn’t just a strategy – it’s a way of life. And guess what? It starts with heart (now where have we heard that before…?) which begins with unifying the individuals that make up the collective.

    THAT starts with you – and we can help!

    Check out a collection of products we’ve assembled to help you build and strengthen your corporate culture HERE.

    Celebrate A Job Well Done!

    Elevate Your Team: The Power of Recognition & Appreciation

    How do you feel when someone acknowledges your hard work? We’re guessing you feel pretty good, right? Of course, most of us aren’t out here working solely for recognition, but that’s kind of what makes the moments where our efforts are recognized so special.

    The impact of recognition and appreciation transcends mere accolades to adorn one’s home or office – it fuels a sense of accomplishment that can motivate, rally, and inspire. A well-recognized team will do well for the company in turn, and research exists to prove it. According to the Harvard Business Review, “recognition is fundamental to the engagement and retention of top talent and profitability” of organizations.(1)

    So, how do you get started showing up for the people that always show up for you? By doing just that – showing them you appreciate them, not just saying it.

    How you do that is up to you and whatever feels right for your organization. Say it loud and proud or keep it lowkey and modest – the choice is yours. Awards are sure to be top of mind when talking recognition and many people appreciate a new trophy to display on the shelves in their office. However, as a new workforce enters the chat, we have the opportunity to think beyond traditional desk hardware and embrace functional, unique items as awards, like custom cornhole boards or personalized charcuterie sets – things that recipients can enjoy outside of the office.

    Even better? Consider giving employees their own choice of acknowledgment by establishing a recognition program and setting up an accompanying eCommerce store – and before you get started, ask us how!

    For more blatant public displays, create a kudos board for team morale. Or, for a fresh approach, embrace merit badges reminiscent of scouting. Develop a series of stickers, pins, or patches that employees collect as they hit milestones. It’s a tangible representation of progress and achievement.

    Sound overwhelming?  At the end of the day, showing your appreciation doesn’t have to be over the top or out of the box; it just needs to be sincere and personal. This is where printed tokens of gratitude – a handwritten note or a thoughtful gift card – can really shine.

    Incorporating recognition and appreciation into your business culture isn’t just a nicety; it’s a strategic imperative. Elevate your team, celebrate achievements, and watch as unity, productivity, and team morale fall in line! We’d love to help.

    Check out our collection of recognition and appreciation products HERE.

    Good Vibes & Healthy Lives

    Tis the season for the sneezin’! Yes, the most magical time of year is quickly approaching, but with it comes cold and flu. It’s important that as individuals, we do what we can and take preventative measures now. Taking care of oneself, both mind and body, and promoting wellness practices, in general, is for the collective good of everyone, and it can start with something as simple as having the right products to get started.


    Physical health: the bare essentials

    Hydration and good health – the two go hand in hand! It’s easier to meet daily water intake quotas when you don’t have to think about where it’s coming from – enter the wide array of reusable water bottles and tumblers on the market. When choosing a hydration companion, many opt for styles with handles for added convenience, striking the perfect balance between capacity and portability. We offer many different styles to choose from and would love to share our most popular styles with you.

    In addition to staying hydrated, keeping your hands clean is another simple way to help ward off sickness. Hand sanitizer is a portable and affordable way to spread brand awareness and kill germs. We’ve got different sizes, bottle shapes, and even scents. You may even want to consider pairing a sanitizer bottle with lip balm for the ultimate winter convenience.

    And finally, look for a dependable tote. Some of the most popular offer long handles for throwing over the shoulder, a few different pockets for holding your water bottle on the go, organizing your belongings, and separating medicine from electrolyte packets and pens – and that are stylish enough to be carried around all season long.


    Mental health: peace of mind can be easy to find

    For a holistic approach to wellness, consider incorporating wellness-promoting items into your lineup. Unrolling a yoga mat for a quick session, diffusing essential oils to create a calming ambiance, slipping on a weighted eye mask for relaxation, or lighting a candle to infuse tranquility into a space are all simple mental wellness practices that can easily be incorporated into any busy employee’s day or slammed executive’s routine. Keeping stress to a minimum can give the body the rest and strength needed to fend off all the nasty bugs that tend to get passed around during this time of year.


    Weathering the storm: items for when bugs strike

    Despite one’s best efforts, bugs may still find their way in – and your brand can be there to provide comfort when sickness strikes! Help employees and clients weather the storm with wellness essentials like a branded tissue box for comfort, soothing lotion for self-care, hot/cold packs for relief, a cozy soup mug for nourishment, and a warm blanket to keep cozy when trying to recover.


    In the journey toward wellness, it’s not just about individual wellbeing, but fostering a community that prioritizes health. As we gear up for the season of sneezin’, let health-promoting promotional products become the ambassadors of well-being – and of your brand – spreading comfort and care to your employees, clients, and beyond.

    Check out our collection of health and wellness products HERE.

    Contact us today to set up a call with a dedicated member of our team to discuss how you can offer your consumers everything they need to get through the season of sniffles.

    The Three Stages of a Trade Show

    Ahh, trade shows. Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, they’re a staple in just about every major industry. Now, whether you’re a trade show newbie or a seasoned veteran, you wouldn’t be alone if you admitted that the anticipation of exhibiting at a trade show is accompanied by at least a little bit of nerves – after all, it’s your moment to shine or stumble in the spotlight.

    The truth is, making your trade show presence count starts before you even step onto the show floor. It involves a strategic approach before, during, and after the event. From pre-event planning and marketing strategy to picking essential promotional items that enhance booth engagement and generate buzz, to post-event follow-up efforts that maintain connections – there’s a lot that goes into making the most of your participation, showcasing your brand, and making lasting impressions.

    Luckily for you, we understand trade shows in and out, and we’re here to help.


    1. Pre-event: building anticipation through marketing

    Leading up to the main event, it’s critical to start generating excitement and setting yourself apart. Send targeted, visually appealing direct mail campaigns to your target audience and provide them with a compelling reason to visit your booth. Take it a step further and include special incentives or discounts for those who bring the printed mailer to your exhibit. Meanwhile, on social media, share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements about exclusive promotions or giveaways to create buzz.

    At this stage, your main goal is to make attendees eager to step into your world – and, when the time comes, your booth.


    2. During the show: essentials and playing for keeps! 

    Wouldn’t you love to have the booth that’s the talk of the convention center? Of course you would, and the best way to achieve this is to be intentional about booth design (we can help!) and think through details from the attendee point of view. For instance, when it comes to swag bags, offer attendees the must-have items and quality twists on popular products.

    Opt for tradeshow bags that go beyond the mundane by choosing styles that people actually want to tote around. Stylish designs, strong handles, and minimal logos make the cut.  Go as far as to create messaging that will encourage the bag to be kept and used long after the trade show ends. When it comes to name tags, break the mold – consider reusable name badges that attendees can wear at their next networking meeting or event, create lanyards with appealing graphics – not sponsor logos – that people can take home and use in their daily lives and, when it comes to event collateral, why not print on seed paper? Instead of just your standard logo, craft meaningful messaging on items that attendees will be excited to get, keep, and use!

    Beyond just the products, also consider the in-booth experience. Create memorable interactions with your brand by adding interactive elements like spinning wheels, completing tasks like games or puzzles, using virtual reality, or offering exclusive entry opportunities to receive limited edition swag or enter to win higher-value raffle items.


    3. Leverage the post-event to win big: following up and sustaining connections

    The post-event wind-down is not the time to let your momentum taper off. Out of the chaos of the trade show floor and back into the day-to-day grind is where the real opportunity for relationships to flourish lies – if you continue to make strategic decisions.

    Outside of the handwritten card, phone call, and obligatory email, deploy follow-up print materials like NFC items or items printed with QR codes that can serve to maintain the connection with those you interacted with. These artifacts, left on desks or in homes, could be used to prompt recipients to tap in for monthly specials, creating a sustained engagement that transcends the confines of the trade show floor.


    At the end of the day, and the beginning of the planning stage, we know trade shows can be daunting. The good news is they don’t have to be! By accounting in advance for the before, during, and after of a trade show, you’ll not only maximize engagement during the event but also cultivate lasting connections that contribute to your overall business success.

    Contact us today and we’ll help you make the most of your trade show presence.

    Happy exhibiting!

    Check out our collection of trade show show-stoppers HERE.

    5 Tips To Be A Great Remote Manager

    The landscape of management has changed significantly with the rise of remote work. In the transition from in-office to remote management, subtle shifts in approach can make a world of difference to your team’s productivity and morale. Here’s a look at what Harvard Business Review thinks sets great remote managers apart:

    1. Enabling Rather Than Enforcing

    Great remote managers act as facilitators, not micromanagers. They empower their teams by removing obstacles, coordinating efforts and providing coaching. This approach builds trust and autonomy among employees, enhancing overall team performance.

    2. Active Engagement

    Presence is crucial in remote management. Managers can stay involved by scheduling status update meetings with individuals and teams. This proactive engagement ensures they are aware of project developments, challenges and opportunities.  This, in turn, allows the manager to offer support which can help gain trust, boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

    3. Clear Communication

    Effective communication is vital in remote settings. When managers clarify priorities, deadlines and expectations, they help to minimize confusion and maximize efficiency. Regular meetings can serve as checkpoints to realign efforts and address any emerging issues quickly.

    4. Proactive Problem-Solving

    Remote environments require proactive problem-solving. One technique to address this is to encourage team members to escalate issues by calling a problem meeting. Problem meetings can follow a naming convention, so team members know what to expect on the call. For example, a “mosquito” meeting can be called for minor concerns, while a “dragon” meeting can be called for critical challenges. This approach ensures swift resolution and fosters collaborative problem-solving.

    5. Compassionate Check-Ins

    Beyond work-related matters, great remote managers prioritize regular check-ins to connect on a personal level. These interactions build trust, strengthen team cohesion and support employee well-being by reducing feelings of isolation common in remote work.

    Effective remote management is about more than overseeing tasks; it’s about empowering and engaging teams to thrive in a distributed environment. By mastering these strategies, managers can create a positive and productive remote work culture that drives success and satisfaction.

    Want a more in-depth look at these tips? Read What Great Remote Managers Do Differently from Harvard Business Review.

    Holiday Hustle Before The Bustle

    Christmas…in July? As the summer sun graces us with warmth, gearing up for the holiday season isn’t just for people who need a mid-year, holly jolly pick me up – savvy businesses are also jumping on the trend to get a head start. Planning ahead isn’t just about avoiding inventory issues; it’s a strategic move to account for potential delays and snafus, ensuring your products arrive on time. From custom order cutoff dates—where large quantity and overseas orders can save you money, albeit with extended production timelines—to leveraging lower shipping rates before holiday surcharges kick in during Q3, ordering early – like July early – is the secret to saving big.

    So, let’s dive into a smart checklist to ensure your business not only stays ahead of the holiday rush but also sleighs the season!


    1. Define Your Message and Aesthetic

    Kick off your holiday order prep by deciding on the message and aesthetic you want to convey. Whether it’s a heartwarming sentiment, a festive vibe, or a mix of both, having a clear vision early on sets the tone for all your holiday endeavors and will inform the rest of your decisions for product offerings, giveaways, and more.


    2. Consider Holiday Gifts

    If it’s the thought that counts, then take the time now to put some thought into how to make your holiday gifting items truly special. In a sea of gifts, how will you make sure yours stand out? Whoever your recipients are, the aim is to create a lasting impression reflective of the holiday spirit. Consider investing in personalized items, festive swag, or custom prints that seamlessly align with your brand and convey the message that you’re going for.


    3. Time Things Properly

    A big part of impactful holiday gifting is in the timing. Aside from the obvious point of planning accordingly so that your gifts have ample time to reach their destinations, timing delivery strategically can be another opportunity for you to be creative. Consider the power of surprise and delight! Break away from the conventional December 23rd routine – imagine the surprise of receiving appreciation gifts or awards in November for a heartfelt “ThanksGIFTING.” Or why not ring in the New Year with a thoughtful gesture to encourage your prospects, clients, and employees to start the year strong?  Sometimes standing out from the crowd is as simple as having your holiday gift show up when people least expect it.


    4. Don’t Forget About the Power of Packaging

    While you’re on the trajectory of standing out, just say no to boring boxes! Branded tissue paper, wrapping paper, and shipping boxes help ensure your special delivery is, well, special. The bottom line is that being remembered starts with being different. Let’s work together to make sure your brand stands out this holiday season.


    If you want your holiday season to go off without a hitch…

    Time is of the essence. Work through your holiday timelines, from conceptualization to execution. By tackling these points early on, your business not only avoids the holiday frenzy but also sets the stage for a memorable and stress-free festive season.

    And remember, when it comes to helping make it the happiest of holidays, we’re here for you! Contact us now to discuss your ideas, and let’s turn your holiday vision into a reality.

    Ready to check out our collection of holiday products? Click HERE.

    Paws, Posts & Promo

    In the vast, overly saturated landscape of social media, to say it’s difficult to capture the public’s attention is an understatement. The one subject that is consistently able to cut through the noise in the dog-eat-dog world of social media? Ironically – it’s pets.

    Why? Because people love pets. And what people love, they will pay attention to, promote, and shop for…but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

    From heartwarming rescue stories to playful antics, pets have an unparalleled ability to evoke emotions. The unconditional love and joy they bring become powerful narratives that resonate with audiences.

    What else do people love? Okay, trick question – the answer is social media, but people don’t love social media so much as they are addicted to it. And if the popularity of true crime podcasts, fitness Instagram profiles, and crafting YouTube channels has taught us anything, it’s that people will take whatever interests, inspires, or delights them in real life, take it online, and make an entire community around it.

    Enter pets. Furry, feathered, or finned, these charismatic companions amass dedicated followers fast, rising to the status of influencers. This is where the opportunity comes in. Pet influencers not only entertain but also, well, wield influence, making them valuable partners for brand collaborations. Their genuine and unfiltered content strikes a chord with audiences, opening the chance to make your brand a part of their everyday lives.

    So how do you build influence on social media with the help of a furry friend? When creating campaigns – keep pets in mind. Connect with us to produce branded pet accessories such as bandanas or collars featuring cute designs, clever sayings, and tasteful branding, and, when the opportunity presents itself, hand or mail these products out.

     

    Additionally, consider sending influencer kits to your top clients and prospects that you know have animals at home. Include products for the pet and their person. Encourage the recipient to post a photo to social media with a certain hashtag and tag you for a chance to win a prize or gift certificate toward some of your goods and services.

    Or, if you want to keep it simple – include animals in your social media efforts. Feature photos and videos of staff and their pets, or the office cat or dog with branded merch included. You’ll make the algorithm happy, help put a smile on people’s faces, and show off your brand at the same time. Your brand can harness the emotional connection pets evoke by associating the products you offer with the positive feelings generated by pet content. Associating your brand with these cherished feelings and moments ensures lasting impressions and brand recall. Plus, it’s fun!

     

    In the interconnected, addicting world of social media, pets help us build community. Whether it’s a shared love for a specific breed or a passion for pet-friendly activities, these communities create spaces for engagement. So, join in on the fun and celebrate the joy, laughter, connections, and yes, opportunity, that furry friends can bring!

    Check out our collection of products perfect for people or pets in the social media spotlight HERE

     

     

    Contact us today and explore the convergence of pets, promo, and social media, where sales, brand loyalty, and influence organically follow.

    Why Letting Employees Goof Off Boosts Productivity

    As more studies focus on how the employee experience affects productivity, we are learning that the old-school approach to business isn’t the most productive. Gone are the days when overworking employees without encouraging breaks is the norm. The journal Work & Stress conducted a study titled Some positivity per day can protect you a long way, where they discovered that when employees watch a funny video, they can regain lost emotional energy and self-control, leading to better focus.

    While it may sound counterintuitive, research shows that short, lighthearted breaks can lead to more satisfied and more productive employees.

    Work requires emotional effort. Whether employees are dealing with colleagues or customers, their regulatory resources become depleted. Think about how you feel after receiving an annoying email. Trying to stay calm can cause you to feel drained and leaving you less creative and unable to focus on other tasks.

    “This is where positivity comes into play: Watching a funny video increases feelings of positivity,” Professor Vera Schweitzer, researcher at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, explains. “Such positive emotions allow employees to protect their regulatory resources even after dealing with resource-consuming self-control demands. In turn, this positively affects their effectiveness at work.”

    Schweitzer and her fellow researchers found that watching funny, unoffensive videos, typically three to five minutes in length, was effective in helping employees replenish emotional resources, remain engaged and enjoy working.

    The researchers suggest organizations have a resource with recommendations for videos, such as a daily newsletter or that they share a “joke of the day”. In doing this, employers are able to foster employee effectiveness and increase comradery as workers can bond over discussions of the media.

    Learn more about this research with the press release Why silly distractions at work can actually be good for you.