It’s easy to overlook the importance of print marketing materials in the digital age. However, print materials remain a crucial aspect of any successful marketing strategy, particularly for businesses that aim to make a lasting impression on potential customers.
In this post, we’ll discuss why businesses need marketing print materials and explore five ideas to help you make them an effective part of your plan.
What Are Print Marketing Materials?
Print marketing materials are physical promotional items that businesses use to advertise their products or services.
These items can include anything from business cards and brochures to banners and flyers.
Distributing these items can help establish a stronger connection with customers and boost brand recognition.
Why Do Businesses Need Print Marketing Materials?
They provide a personal touch that digital marketing can’t always deliver, and they’re often more memorable to potential customers.
While some question whether or not this is still true, the data supports it. In fact, 75% of consumers say receiving print advertisements makes them feel special.
Here are some reasons why businesses may consider using print marketing materials:
- Tangibility: Print materials allow customers to physically interact with your brand, creating a more memorable experience.
- Increased credibility: High-quality materials can give your business a professional appearance, building trust with potential customers.
- Versatility: You can use these items in various settings, from networking events to trade shows, making them an adaptable marketing tool.
- Longevity: Unlike digital ads that disappear once a user scrolls past them, customers may hold on to print marketing materials and review them again, extending their impact.
5 Powerful Print Marketing Material Ideas
Not sure where to start with print marketing for your business? Use these ideas to find inspiration and get the ball rolling.
Business Cards
Ensure your business cards have a clean design, featuring your logo, contact information, and a call-to-action.
High-quality materials and finishes can elevate the look and feel of your cards, making them more memorable. This is ideal for trade shows and other professional events.
Brochures
These assets are perfect for providing detailed information about your products or services. They can be easily distributed at trade shows, networking events, or in-store displays.
Use eye-catching visuals, compelling content, and a clear call-to-action to make your brochures stand out.
Postcards
These serve as affordable and effective ways to reach potential customers through direct mail. Use captivating images and concise messaging to grab the recipient’s attention.
Postcards can feature promotional offers, act as event invitations, or introduce new products or services.
Flyers
A classic marketing tool for promoting events, sales, or special offers. They can be easily handed out in high-traffic areas, placed in-store, or distributed through the mail.
Opt for bold designs and clear messaging to ensure your flyer captures the attention of your target audience.
A highly visible and effective way to promote your business at trade shows, conferences, or outdoor events. They can be in various sizes and formats to suit your specific needs.
When designing your banner, focus on creating a visually striking design that showcases your brand and delivers a clear message.
How to Make Print Marketing Materials
If you don’t have graphic design skills, don’t worry. Even though you’re putting together a print item, digital can help you get your idea off the ground.
You can use online tools to make your own assets. Using Shutterstock Create, you can craft designs in minutes.
Here’s how it works:
Prepare Your Canvas
In Create, select Custom Size and enter the dimensions for your print marketing design.
The exact dimensions will vary depending on what you’re putting together, so do some digging into best practices before you start.
Find a Starting Point
From here, search templates or continue on with a blank canvas. You’ll have access to thousands of fonts, graphics, textures, effects, and color combinations to pick from.
If you want to start with a template instead, simply click Templates then search and select one that meets your needs. No matter what you choose, you’ll have access to the same customization options.
Make Design Changes
Click on any element to make your adjustments and see what options are available to you in the toolbar on the left side of the editor.
Select Your Visuals
Update images or graphics to meet your needs by clicking Images or Graphics. From here, you can upload, browse through the photo library, or select from your catalog.
Download and Print Your Design
When you’re ready to download, click the Download button in the top-right corner and select your preferred format.
From here, you can save the design to your system and print it out. Now, it will be ready to go for your next business event, sale, or direct mail campaign.
Looking for more small business marketing ideas? Make these blog posts your next read:
- Which of These Six Brochure Folds Is Right for Your Business?
- Business Postcard Ideas That Drive Revenue and Results
- Approaching Print Marketing in the Digital Age
License these cover images via MJgraphics and RedlineVector.
