More Than Paper, Printed Marketing Materials for Businesses
It should be fairly easy to picture since it was just the biggest hit for digital anything, but picture yourself sitting in the airport when the CrowdStrike issues took place. Flights canceled, no way to get a hotel, people having trouble even getting out of the airport. Now, picture that affecting your business online. I know, me a remote branding and website agency owner telling you that the internet should not hold all your eggs. Well, before the interwebs a lot was done with printed marketing materials, and digital age or not these items can still make a significant impact. I, myself, find using printed marketing materials to be a strong strategy at reaching out to those in my community and building my network. Sometimes, it can be making a neat poster for a comedy club, handing out my business cards at networking conferences or maybe even better, thank you gifts for my clients. We do branded water bottles and other swag that is a nice little ‘we appreciate you’ . If that isn’t a strong enough case for printed promotional materials then this article should give you a few more reasons to consider them.
Why Print Marketing Still Matters
Tangibility: Printed marketing materials provide a physical experience that digital media cannot. The tactile sensation of holding a beautifully designed brochure or a high-quality business card creates a stronger connection with your audience.
Credibility: Print materials often convey a sense of professionalism and credibility. They show that you’ve invested time and resources into creating something valuable, which can enhance your brand’s image.
Less Competition: With so many businesses focusing solely on digital marketing, print can help you stand out. There’s less clutter in the physical mailbox compared to the digital inbox, giving your print materials a better chance of being noticed.
Whether you are making brochures, leaflets/pamphlets, business cards, posters or even a greeting card, you need a plan on how to use them in your marketing efforts. It has been quite a while since we all were placing newspaper ads and while I don’t expect us to return to that, there are some ways to get your materials out there in a way that people will see them.
Getting Your Printed Marketing Out There
Events and Trade Shows: Events and trade shows are a prime place for printed materials. People are there expecting to be able to grab these things to look over later, and they are often a place where it can feel out of place to have your phone out etc.
Point of Sale: If you have an office location, or even a friend with one, you can display your materials at the checkout counter, waiting areas, or information desks. This allows customers to pick up materials at their convenience, and gives you a good way to ‘meet’ them in a way.
Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with complementary local businesses to distribute your materials. For example, if you’re a financial advisor, you could partner with a local real estate agency to display your investment advisor brochures in their office.
Community Boards: Utilize community boards in local cafes, libraries, and community centers. Posting flyers and pamphlets here can help you reach a broader audience that may not normally reach out to you.
So, even if you are completely digital, having a plan and having printed promotional materials is a strong and smart marketing move because we still have cases where the old ways work great. And if you still doubt it, consider for yourself the next time you are at a coffee shop and see a board of the latest offerings or services. We like to have things to look at while we are waiting on our coffee, and that person could very well become your favorite client.
