The Thomas Blog

How To Become A Top Manufacturing Supplier

Most of us know that supplying a quality product or service on time, and at a fair price, is critical to achieving customer satisfaction. But what if you're not the only one that can do this for your customer?

Become your customer's first choice for their next order and rank as a top supplier with these tips.

How To Grow Your Steel And Metals Manufacturing Business

Recently, “steel” was one of the most sourced products on the Thomasnet.com platform. Sheet metal and metal stamping facilities are rising and contributing to the growth of this market. But it also comes as no surprise when steel and metals represent an important supply source to the aerospace, aviation, and medical industries — timely to today’s global pandemic of COVID-19.

So how can steel and metal manufacturing businesses continue the momentum of their business growth? First, make sure you have a clear business plan. Some manufacturers try to grow their manufacturing business by doing everything possible. Choose business goals that are realistic and document them so you can see your milestones and track your growth along the way. You may overwhelm yourself and your employees if you don’t have a clear plan first.

How To Grow Your Packaging Company Online

The packaging industry is expected to continue growing through the new year. In early October 2020, we reported the following major sourcing KPIs for packaging materials seeing a YoY increase vs. 2019:

• The number of sourcing sessions for packaging materials has grown by 25% 
• The number of RFIs submitted directly to suppliers through Thomasnet.com grew 140% 
• The number of supplier evaluations taking place on the Thomasnet.com company profiles of packaging material suppliers grew by 55% 

Here are some ways to ensure your packaging company’s growth plans remain on track.

How A Manufacturer's Logo Design Engages Buyers

Think of some household items you often use — Bounty paper towels, Dawn dish soap, Jif’s peanut butter? The products are almost synonymous with the company name. 

Building this recognition takes time and effort with brand marketing, but goes a long way in establishing trust with prospects and customers. In some cases, the first impression a prospect sees of your brand will be through your logo — so first impressions matter. Here are a few reasons why a manufacturer’s logo’s visual elements make a difference for growth.

The Manufacturing Leader’s Step By Step Guide To Building A Strong Digital Presence

One of the most significant changes in the digital space is that people are becoming so conditioned by the digital experience in their personal lives, they are beginning to expect the same level of ease and satisfaction when dealing in a professional capacity. 

Green Manufacturing: The Business Benefits Of Sustainability

More major players are driving toward a sustainability goal, like McDonald's, who plans to have 100% of their guest packaging come from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by 2025. This year, 70% of their fiber-based guest packaging already comes from recycled or certified sources.

This presents the opportunities to produce new product options in demand for small business manufacturers, tap into a new market, and modernize your business.

Why Brand Marketing Is Important For Manufacturers

When it comes to branding, the major players probably come to mind first — Amazon, Coca-Cola®, Disney, and so on. The strength of their name recognition is immense. When these names come up, you immediately see their logo, and even if the logo doesn’t bully its way into your brain, you at least know what they’re selling. It doesn’t matter whether you consume their products or not; you know them. They’ve seared your mind with a branding iron. (See what we did there?)

Many manufacturing and industrial companies, however, don't think that they need to worry about branding. Some still prefer to rely on word of mouth marketing and referrals to attract new business, and they feel that branding isn't important in their space. 

But there's a better way to grow your business.

Why Manufacturing Quality Certifications Help Win Business

For manufacturing companies, attaining and maintaining quality certifications can take a lot of time and effort. However, your certifications can be a powerful sales and marketing tool — if you're willing to put in a little more work.

How To Meet The Needs Of B2B & Industrial Buyers

No matter your role — sales, marketing, operations, or leadership — you have a lot to accomplish.

So do your buyers. 

By understanding what your buyers have on their plates, you can more easily accomplish one of the most important things on yours — generating more leads and contributing to your bottom line. Here’s what you should know to meet their needs and create more meaningful connections to win more business.