The Power of Print: 7 Key Marketing Materials That You Need Now
It’s 2022. Is print media dead? It may surprise you to learn that during the pandemic in the UK, there was a resurgence in the time spent reading printed media, which is why investing in marketing materials is crucial.
The fact is, print has a dexterity and tangibility that digital media will never be able to achieve. Print gives the reader the opportunity to physically browse the content in an unobtrusive manner, whilst being able to feel the texture of the paper, a sensory experience that is more memorable than scrolling past an online ad on Facebook. Whilst there has been a marked increase in digital marketing and technology over the past couple of years, print ads still beat all forms of digital media when it comes to customer confidence, with 82% of consumers trusting printed media more.
While many small businesses don’t have the funds to hire marketing and sales executives, your printed marketing material can break down the barrier between your business and potential consumers by starting a unique conversation on paper. Your print begins to act as a prompt for readers to search for your brand name on the web.
That’s why a marketing mix that combines both digital and print media is so powerful – it ensures that you’re never too far away from a potential customer, whether they are on their phone at home or out and about.
Here are the top 7 marketing materials that you should consider for your next campaign or networking event.
Business Cards
Swapping contact information digitally on social media platforms such as LinkedIn can feel impersonal. During networking events, you want to make a genuine connection with like-minded people. Due to the size and convenience of a business card, you can carry it anywhere, ensuring that you never miss an opportunity to connect. A business card is often the first impression someone gets of your brand, so it has to be designed to a high standard.
Company Brochures
Company brochures are ideal for conveying what you offer in terms of products and services. Depending on how much detail you plan to inject into your brochure, it can act as a physical version of your website. With the benefit of being easy to distribute, brochures can be a cost-effective solution for start-ups and small businesses. Unlike signage, brochures allow you to have a one-to-one conversation with the reader, making your business appear more approachable and familiar.
Newsletters
The third marketing material you should consider direct mail marketing has a 37% higher response rate than email – better return on investment. You don’t have to fight spam folders in order to get through to your target audience. Longer shelf life than an email. Informative and fun, can give an insight into your business journey, staff fun facts, frequently asked questions.
Vehicle Graphics
Attention-grabbing on the road/in traffic. Great for local marketing initiatives (mobile). Keeps advertising friendly and unobtrusive. Cost-effective – unlimited exposure. Easy to change if you rebrand or change your phone number. Vehicle graphics supplement your marketing mix and help to create cohesive branding online and offline.
Point of Sale and Point of Purchase
Creates higher overall sales. Great for brick-and-mortar businesses and the in-store promotion of sales, discounts and events. Works in retail, hospitality and non-profit environments. From floor displays such as freestanding bins are ideal for placing sale products. Countertop units, shelf talkers and posters are just some of the ways you can utilise the space and furniture within your shop or restaurant. With this type of printed marketing, it is always about location, location, location.
Leaflets
Great for if you offer local services – leaflet distribution tends to be more affordable than direct mail or investing in a digital marketing strategy. Bright and colourful, leaflets can come in a range of shapes and sizes, from the half fold to the accordion fold, you can choose how you want readers to physically interact with your leaflet – layout is flexible. Good for targeting specific demographics.
Signage
Mixing exterior and interior signage can keep everyone informed, from your loyal and regular customers to the passers-by on the street. From indoor magnetic wall signs and retractable banners to window graphics and raised shop front signs, the possibilities are endless. Think about how long you want your sign to last, your target audience and a location that gets the most foot traffic.
With a strong mission statement, copy that is written from the audience’s perspective, a clear Call To Action and consistent branding, quality marketing materials are a great way of showing that your business is professional and committed to quality.
Show your customers what you are all about through the power of print. Contact Team Valley Printers in Gateshead today to get the ink rolling on your print project.