Australian small businesses are no longer behind-the-curve when it comes to marketing, and are reaching a ‘tipping point’ that will see them become globally competitive. That’s according to printing and marketing services company Snap Franchising Limited (SFL), which is launching the first phases of a major new centre and customer experience, in response to this trend.

Following extensive research, the move has been months in the making, and aims to position Snap as an all-in-one destination for small business’ print, design and online marketing needs.

After more than 100 years in operation, the transformation of Snap’s physical footprint represents a significant milestone for the company, its franchisees and their clients.

This changing customer behavior and increasing marketing sophistication among small businesses is substantiated and validated by specially commissioned research from local firm 10 Thousand Feet.

The research investigated the perceptions, behaviours and preferences of Australian small business owners in relation to marketing services. The study’s findings highlight that Australian businesses increasingly demand a wider range of print, design and online services to market their business, as well as greater levels of customisation and more personalised approaches from suppliers.

Commenting on the findings, Snap CEO Stephen Edwards said: “Snap is Australia’s premium brand for SMEs in print, design, websites and essential marketing services. Our new model Centres are being more prominently located with a dynamic image and fit-out and we are focused on providing great client experiences.

“Our new model centres have a strong sales and marketing approach which is based on partnering with our clients and includes our new ‘Ideas Centre’ which helps our clients put their ideas to work. With our first new model in Pyrmont we have already seen several ‘walk-ins’ responding to the website marketing and this centre has already exceeded our initial revenue forecast. Our Snap brand provides comfort to our clients that we continue to be the experts in print, but now we can offer the essential marketing ‘must haves’ for our clients.

The common theme is based upon high-level client experiences that have a laser focus around helping businesses launch, refresh, promote and grow. Through multiple research programs with Snap clients and non-Snap clients the company is now more focussed on solutions for time poor SMEs.

“They need a partner in one place that can manage their brand on their behalf and can help them grow their business with the ‘must haves’ products and services that they can afford.  The SMEs are also keen to know what marketing is best for their industry type and we are able to help them understand which products and services could work best for them,” concluded Edwards.