If you think printed materials are old school, think again! Sure, we live in a digital world, but printed stuff like business cards, brochures, and banners are still going strong—and for a good reason. Let me share the top five ways businesses use printed materials to get noticed, build connections, and grow. (Spoiler alert: They work really well!)
1 – Business Cards: The Little Cards That Pack a Big Punch
Ever been at a networking event and someone handed you a flimsy, boring business card? Yeah, not the best impression, right? A good business card can make all the difference. It’s like a mini billboard for your brand.
Even after a brief handshake that card in your wallet or bag can jog memories weeks later. That is incredibly valuable, don’t you think?
A talented chef client of ours, told us that when he hands out the thick cards, laminated with a thick spot UV on top what we worked so hard to design, there is definitely a “wow” moment. People remember him while his creativity shines on his card.
2 – Brochures and Flyers: Your Story, in Their Hands
Nobody wants junk mail, but a well-designed brochure, or a flyer? That’s a keeper. Sure, your website contains the same info, but getting a potential client to go and check it out and come back… that can be tough.
A great brochure gives customers the full story: your products, services, deals and ideas. And it sticks around for a while.
Just produce a tempting offer –“Buy One, Get One” — at a bakery, with a mouthwatering photo,people are more likely to remember.
3 – Catalogs: The Tangible Shopping Experience
Digital catalogs are convenient, but there’s something special about flipping through a printed one. Picture yourself on the couch with a coffee, casually browsing products. It’s cozy and engaging.
Yes, It’s true: Adding QR codes that link to your online resourses can make your printed catalogs even more powerful. Print and Digital go hand in hand these days. The power of combining print and digital marketing will easily increase your marketing effort’s ROI.
We have become multitaskers jumping from our physical world into our digital worlds.
4 – Direct Mail Campaigns: A Personal Touch
Direct mail is not dead at all! Sending digital email is not inexpensive either. Digital email overflows our inboxes, automatic filters relocate emails under misterious tabs, spam boxes…. and if your prospect open them, they might find themselves navigationg into a difficult to understand website, be afraid of virus….
Amazon and many other organizations can do very efficient email…. Their huge budgets for the digital data-driven campaigns are not made for all of us. There’s a ton of technology, creative talent, data and money required.
A personalized postcard or newsletter makes things so much personal and relevant. The secret is simple: Just send mail to a well-targeted list of potential clients. Small and large businesses benefit as well from direct mail printing campaigns.
5 – Posters and Banners:
Big, Bold, and Hard to Ignore
If you have a physical location or are hosting an event, posters and banners are a no-brainer. They are eye-catching and perfect for announcing sales, events, or new products. Digital printing expands the horizons of what you can get.
You might be surprised by how cost-effective they are. You’ll probably think them as being inexpensive in our client’s experience. Large signs that make an impact…. low cost….. I love that win-win combo!
For example, we helped a property developer decorate the access road to the soon-to-be new community construction was a no-brainer for our client, a developer. 6 feather flags on each side, double sided printed with very specific messages just made their prospective buyers eager to check things out.
Why Printed Materials Still Work?
The magic of printed materials is that they’re physical. You can hold them, see the quality, and feel the effort behind them. In a world where everything’s online, that kind of tangibility stands out. And when done right, printed materials can leave a lasting impression that digital ads just can’t replicate.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about using printed materials, remember these five strategic use cases. Print isn’t old school—it’s a powerful tool that can amplify your brand and help you connect in ways digital alone can’t achieve.
Questions? We’ll provide answers
If you would like to find out if printing materials with the support of a professional printing company is the missing link in your marketing plan, give us a call at 1-877-421-0668