Print Portal FAQ
To learn more about ADV Print and Marketing portals contact us at portals@advantagedirect.ink
What is a Print Portal?
A portal is any web-powered platform that allows users to view a personalized interface. The print sector has been implementing portal technology for almost two decades. Typically, individuals can log into a website to modify templates and order printed materials like business cards directly online. Some companies use print portals like a storefront, so employees and partners can obtain brand-consistent products on-demand.
What Can a Portal Do?
As digital technology has evolved, so too has the burden on organizations to manage complex marketing assets. Apart from ordering print, some portals now offer sophisticated solutions to streamline production and distribution from start to finish. ADV Portals are exceptional in this regard, offering superior tools and dashboard features that allow you to control user spending, manage inventory and access live data.
Who Uses a Print Portal?
Web-to-print portals are used extensively across a broad range of industries. Because they are customizable, they can serve many types of organizations in different ways. On average, portal customers are medium-to-large sized businesses, or they have a strong focus on marketing or outreach. Portals are also well utilized by franchises, global companies and smaller markets experiencing rapid growth.*
*Based on a survey of 128 portal providers in the US. Multiple responses were permitted. ‘Web Portals, New Path to Print Profitability’ NAPCO Research/ Propago, 2023
Why Do I Need a Portal?
There are many factors that motivate organizations to explore the benefits of a print portal. Here are the 9 top reasons organizations choose an ADV Portal for your consideration.
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Your marketing or design team is overwhelmed by the logistics of keeping up with the demands of multiple departments and locations.
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You want to enforce brand standards within your organization or offer co-branded marketing opportunities to your partners.
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You need a way to automate aspects of your procurement workflow and ensure timely delivery of goods.
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You need greater control over expenditure and distribution.
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You are dissatisfied with your current portal and want to partner with a print supplier you can trust.
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You need to consolidate and track your print and marketing assets with clear and accurate reports tailored to your needs.
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You no longer want to manage production, inventory, shipping or distribution in-house.
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You want a user-friendly storefront experience for your users to order custom goods directly.
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You want to integrate new available technologies.
Is a Portal Right for Me?
A portal is a great solution to manage print and marketing assets, but it is not necessarily the ideal option for everyone. For instance, if all your projects are quick one-off campaigns there might not be any benefit to ordering from a portal. At Advantage Direct we will work with you to assess the needs of your organization and propose the best strategy in terms of time, cost, quality and convenience. If it seems like a portal is the right answer, we will customize your storefront so it meets your specific needs and is easy to navigate.
How Do I Update My Portal?
ADV Portals are designed to give you control over your day-to-day operations, but without the pressure of keeping up with maintenance. Our specialized staff of communication professionals are there to help you at every step, assisting you with your print and marketing needs while keeping your site functioning properly.