5 Ways to Use Print to Grow Your Business
You’re reading this through a screen right now. Makes sense – we’re living in a digital world where most media has made the transition to internet, apps, and streaming. But while digital channels are powerful, they’re also crowded and noisy. You may find yourself fighting for attention, which means your carefully crafted content is easily lost in the shuffle.
What if there was a way to cut through the digital clutter and stand out by going…old-school?
Welcome back, print – it’s time for a comeback. Believe it or not, print marketing could be your secret weapon in building credibility, nurturing trust, and forging strong connections this year.
You just need a plan for how to use it, and we’re going to touch on five of them.
- High-Impact Direct Mail Campaigns
In an era of inbox overload, a well-designed piece of mail can feel like a breath of fresh air. Direct mail works because it’s tactile. It’s personal. And when done right, it’s surprisingly hard to ignore.
You can use direct mail to send postcards with special offers, letters to introduce your services, or catalogs that showcase your products in a way that screens never quite capture. The key is to target the right audience and create something worth holding onto.
Think about how good it feels to receive a personalized, high-quality mailer that’s not just a boring flyer. It gives the impression that you’re thoughtful and invested in your audience. That level of attention can lead to conversions, referrals, and long-term customer loyalty.
If you’re worried about logistics or design, don’t be. Many online printing services make it simple to customize, print, and even ship direct mail pieces on your behalf—no trips to the post office required.
For best results, try tailoring your campaigns to reflect specific customer interests or behaviors. A boutique pet shop, for example, could send personalized postcards to dog owners highlighting new grooming services. That’s much better than an “email postcard” which roughly 80 percent of recipients probably never even open.
- Eye-Catching Branded Packaging
Packaging is an underrated marketing tool. When customers receive products packaged in thoughtful, appealing ways, it transforms the entire experience. Opening your product becomes an event – an exciting, “Instagrammable” moment that customers will remember and share.
Think about brands you love. Chances are, their packaging stands out. Brands like Apple, Rolex, and Warby Parker have excelled in this aspect of product design. But you don’t have to be a huge brand with a massive budget to do the same. Simple tweaks can go a long way.
Remember, even small details, like including a personalized note or a clever branded sticker, can make a big difference. It turns a simple transaction into a meaningful exchange that builds additional brand loyalty.
- Personalized Thank-You Cards
Never underestimate the power of gratitude – especially when it’s tangible. A genuine, handwritten thank-you note included with purchases or sent after significant interactions goes a long way. It humanizes your brand and strengthens your relationship with customers.
Think about how you feel when receiving an unexpected card or note of appreciation. It’s rare these days, and that’s exactly why it stands out.
To streamline this process, consider online printing services that make it easy and convenient to create branded thank-you cards in bulk. Upload your designs, personalize the messages, and have the cards delivered directly to your door. This is where convenience meets impact. Your customers feel valued, and your business builds lasting goodwill.
- Compelling Event Materials
If your business participates in trade shows, conferences, or local events, print becomes your best friend. High-quality, professionally printed materials – such as banners, posters, flyers, and business cards – help you attract attention and engage with people.
Imagine a potential customer browsing dozens of digital booths online versus holding your premium printed brochure in their hands, flipping through it, and jotting down notes. Physical items like this help people remember your message way longer than digital content ever could.
Be strategic and invest in well-designed, consistent branding for your print materials. Ensure everything from banners to brochures communicates who you are, what you do, and how you solve customers’ problems.
- Informative Custom Booklets and Brochures
Think about the last great brochure you held in your hands. You probably flipped through it, studied its graphics, and skimmed the content. That’s because well-crafted booklets and brochures are more than just marketing. Typically, they’re also educational tools that inform and build credibility.
If your business sells complex products or services, creating custom printed booklets and guides can set you apart from competitors.
Let’s say you’re a financial advisor. A professionally printed booklet explaining retirement strategies provides value to potential clients. It positions you as knowledgeable, approachable, and helpful.
Brochures can be similarly effective, allowing you to showcase product benefits, highlight customer success stories, or simply introduce your company in an accessible, appealing format. Customers who feel informed are more likely to trust – and ultimately buy from – your brand.
Adding it All Upb
There’s something refreshingly authentic about print. Printed materials aren’t quickly forgotten or casually deleted. They have a way of lingering and reminding customers of your brand long after the first touchpoint.
It’s worth noting that harnessing print marketing doesn’t mean abandoning digital strategies. Instead, view print as complementary – a strategic asset that strengthens your existing marketing plan.
When the two work together, good things usually happen.