Smartpress Positions Itself as Leading Print Partner for Education Marketing
MARKETING
With premium materials, fast turnaround, and real-time pricing, Smartpress helps schools stay on budget while preserving a prestigious presentation.
Commercial printer Smartpress.com has launched a focused initiative to support schools, colleges, and universities with customizable print products designed specifically for education marketing. The new offering addresses the unique needs of academic institutions across recruitment, admissions, fundraising, and campus engagement.
Based in Chanhassen, Minnesota, Smartpress has developed an assortment of products and services aimed at helping educational institutions build credibility and strengthen their campus brands through high-quality printed materials.
Print Solutions for Every Stage of Student Journey
The company's education-focused approach recognizes that academic organizations need meaningful touchpoints throughout the entire student and donor experience. From prospective student recruitment to alumni fundraising campaigns, Smartpress positions print as a way to create tangible experiences that stand out in an increasingly digital landscape.
"Admissions folders are first impression pieces and direct mail is a must for marketing and fundraising," said John Schmanski, Account Executive at Smartpress. "We can even create huge wall and window murals for wayfinding building signage or decor. Smartpress works to make printing easy and efficient for colleges and academies."
The product range includes everything from admissions materials and event signage to donor communications and campus wayfinding systems, providing a comprehensive print solution for education marketing teams.
Technology-Driven Efficiency
One of Smartpress's competitive advantages in the education sector is its proprietary technology platform that streamlines the ordering process. School marketing and administrative teams can place orders online, reorder from previous projects, or use personalized print templates to maintain consistency across campaigns.
The platform offers real-time price quotes, allowing budget-conscious institutions to see immediately how projects align with their spending plans. This transparency helps education marketing teams make quick decisions without waiting for custom quotes or proposals.
For frequently ordered items, Smartpress offers no-proof approval and instant proofing capabilities, reducing turnaround time and allowing marketing teams to move faster on time-sensitive campaigns.
Fast Turnaround and Premium Quality
Speed is critical in education marketing, particularly during recruitment cycles and fundraising campaigns. Smartpress addresses this need with fast production times, most orders ship within two business days. This quick turnaround enables schools to respond rapidly to enrollment trends or capitalize on fundraising opportunities.
The company pairs speed with premium print quality, using modern production capabilities including one of the largest fleets of HP Indigo HD presses in the world. This technology combination allows for both high-quality output and efficient production at scale.
Beyond Basic Printing
Smartpress extends its services beyond simple printing to include kitting, mailing, and fulfillment services. This comprehensive approach means education institutions can manage complex, multi-component campaigns through a single vendor rather than coordinating multiple suppliers.
For schools managing recruitment mailings or fundraising campaigns that require multiple pieces assembled and mailed to specific lists, these additional services can significantly reduce administrative burden and project complexity.
Human Support in a Digital World
Despite its emphasis on technology and online ordering, Smartpress maintains responsive support from experienced print specialists. The company positions this human element as essential for education clients who may have complex requirements or need guidance on product selection.
"We offer responsive, human support from experienced print specialists," Schmanski noted, highlighting the balance between technological efficiency and personalized service.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Smartpress has achieved several environmental and social certifications relevant to education institutions concerned with sustainability. The company holds EcoVadis Gold certification and ISO 14001 environmental management certification, indicating commitment to reducing environmental impact.
The printer operates as 100% employee-owned and has achieved carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2 emissions. For universities and colleges with sustainability goals or reporting requirements, these credentials may factor into vendor selection decisions.
Market Position
By creating a dedicated education focus, Smartpress is positioning itself to capture a specific segment of the commercial printing market. Education institutions represent a substantial customer base with recurring needs for printed materials across multiple departments and functions.
The company's approach addresses common pain points in education marketing: tight budgets, fast turnaround requirements, the need for both consistency and customization, and the challenge of managing multiple vendors for different print needs.
With most orders shipping in two business days and real-time pricing available online, Smartpress aims to make print as accessible and predictable as digital marketing channels while maintaining the tangible impact that physical materials provide.
More information about Smartpress's education printing solutions is available at smartpress.com/pages/education-printing.