What’s the Best form of Outreach for your shop?

Sales outreach is changing fast.

If you're still relying on old methods like waiting for the phone to ring, sending out templated emails, or making cold calls with no context, you’re likely seeing fewer replies and missed opportunities.

The Q2 2025 Sales Channel Report by Seamless.AI offers an eye-opening look into what’s working in outbound sales today…and what isn’t. And while the survey focused on sales professionals across industries, the takeaways couldn’t be more relevant for decorators.

Let’s break it down and talk about how to apply it to your shop.

1. Social selling is the most effective channel in 2025

36% of respondents said social media (LinkedIn and Facebook) is their most effective outreach channel.
That’s ahead of email (25%), events (18%), and cold calling (16%).

What this means for your print shop:
If you’re not actively building relationships and sharing your work on social platforms, you’re leaving money on the table. People want to buy from businesses they trust, and social media helps build that trust, especially if you're showing off recent jobs, collaborations with local businesses, or behind-the-scenes content.

Tip: Post weekly. Engage with other businesses in your area. Use DMs to follow up with warm leads, not as a cold-pitch tool.

2. Cold email still works but only if you personalize it

Only 21% of sales pros say they fully personalize their emails.
That same group is getting 3x the reply rate.

For your shop:
If you're emailing schools, sports teams, or local businesses and getting ghosted, this is likely why. Generic “just checking in” emails don’t cut it anymore.

Tip: Start every email with a personalized hook. Mention a recent event they hosted, a product you noticed on their website, or a seasonal design idea tailored to their brand.

3. Calling still has a place, but not alone

While calling isn’t dead, the report shows it’s lost ground as a first-touch method.
Only 16% rated cold calling as their top-performing channel, and most say they use it after trying email or social first.

Your move:
Don’t lead with a cold call. Instead, build familiarity with a DM or email first, then call when your name rings a bell.

Tip: When you do call, have a very clear reason to reach out, like sending a design idea, following up on a seasonal order, or offering a bundled promo.

4. Texting works, but only with permission

Text outreach has a 41% average response rate, but most reps only text after prior contact through another channel.

Application for print shops:
Use texting for order reminders, mockup approvals, or friendly check-ins, not first-time outreach.

Tip: Use your CRM to automate “Your order is ready for pickup” texts or “Here’s a quick idea for your next promo run” messages.

Final thought: Multi-Channel wins the race

The report’s biggest takeaway? There is no single perfect channel.

What works best is a smart mix of email, social, calling, events, and yes, even texting. The key is matching your message to the right channel, at the right time, with a human touch.

If your print shop is still stuck in a “hope they call us” model, now’s the time to pivot.

Want to stay ahead?

Sales Ink works with print shops every day to build sales systems that actually work. Our CRM and sales training are designed to help you:

• Book more meetings

• Close more jobs

• Keep your pipeline full

Reach out today and let’s talk about building a smarter sales engine for your shop.