Long live print! Reasons to embrace printed marketing materials

The statement “print is dead” is often debated in the context of the digital era. While it’s true that digital marketing has gained significant traction, print materials still have their place and are effective in many situations.

Our top reasons to embrace printed marketing materials in 2023:

Tangibility and permanence

Print materials provide a tactile experience that digital mediums cannot replicate. Physical brochures, flyers, or direct mail pieces allow potential customers to engage with your brand in a more tangible way. Print materials can also have a longer lifespan than digital content, as they can be kept or passed along to others.

Enhanced brand perception

Well-designed and high-quality print materials convey a sense of professionalism, credibility, and attention to detail. In certain industries, such as luxury goods or high-end services, printed materials can create a positive brand perception and elevate the customer experience.

Targeted marketing

Print materials can be strategically distributed to reach specific target audiences. For instance, you can hand out brochures or catalogues at trade shows, industry events, or local businesses frequented by your target market. This allows you to engage with potential customers directly and capture their attention in a less crowded advertising environment.

Offline engagement

While digital marketing focuses on online interactions, print materials offer an opportunity to engage potential customers when they are offline. By placing adverts in newspapers, magazines, or local publications, you can reach individuals who may not be actively searching for products or services online, expanding your reach and visibility.

Personalisation and customisation

Print materials can be customised to cater to specific customer segments or individual recipients. Variable data printing allows you to personalise brochures, direct mailers, or catalogues with the recipient’s name, location, or specific interests, creating a more personalised and targeted marketing approach.

Ad Spend

When considering the use of printed materials, first identify situations where they work best:

1. Trade shows and events:

   Printed brochures, banners, or business cards are highly effective for engaging with attendees and leaving a lasting impression at trade shows, conferences, or industry events.

2. Direct mail campaigns:

   Mail can be a powerful marketing tool when targeting a specific geographic area or demographic group. Well-written personalised letters and well-designed postcards, flyers, or catalogues can generate leads and drive offline conversions.

3. Local advertising:

   For businesses targeting a specific neighbourhood, print advertising in local newspapers, magazines, or community publications can be an effective way to raise awareness and generate local interest.

4. Catalogues or brochures:

   Physical product brochures can be valuable for industries where customers prefer a physical reference, such as home improvement, fashion, or automotive. They allow customers to browse and compare products at their convenience.

Creative ideas to maximise your print budget:

• Interactive print:

  Consider incorporating interactive elements into your print materials, such as QR codes, augmented reality, or NFC tags. These technologies can bridge the gap between print and digital, allowing customers to access additional information or exclusive content.

• Limited edition prints:

  Create a sense of exclusivity and urgency by producing limited edition prints or collectibles that customers can’t acquire digitally. This can encourage engagement and create a sense of value for your printed materials.

• Die-cut or unique designs:

  Experiment with unique shapes, sizes, or designs for your print materials. Unconventional formats can capture attention and make your marketing collateral stand out from the competition.

• Personalised direct mail:

  Utilise variable data printing to personalise direct mail pieces with the recipient’s name, location, or other relevant information. This level of personalisation can significantly increase response rates and engagement.

• Print-Digital integration:

  Combine your print and digital marketing efforts to create a cohesive and integrated campaign. Include QR codes or custom URLs on print materials that lead recipients to landing pages or online promotions.

Remember, the effectiveness of any print marketing will depend on a combination of factors: target audience, industry, strength of message/offer, and your marketing objectives. By considering the unique advantages of print and incorporating creative ideas into your print budget, you can leverage the power of both print and digital channels to maximise your marketing impact.

Pop in for a chat with our clever marketers and let’s talk all things print for your next campaign.