When I tell a lot of people that ThinkQuik does promotional printing, they look at me quite puzzled. Some of the sassier ones may even comment that print is dead.
Far from it.
Print is still a very strong way to reach some demographics. And it’s not just the older generation. You might be surprised how you can use print for your business. A physical item still commands attention and it won’t be seen as junk if you customize it to the needs and desires of your ideal audience.
Because of advances in technology, printing (yes, even color printing) is no longer very expensive, even in small batches. So many businesses are turning to it to stand out in a medium others are proclaiming “dead.”
Here are a few ideas:
Books
This is the obvious choice, right? Only a decade ago, vanity printing was extremely expensive and something you had to have a lot of capital and connections to do. That’s no longer the case and many business owners and CEOs are positioning themselves as thought leaders by self-publishing books.
Yes, if you decide to do this you’ll want to go the ebook route, but don’t give up on print. Some people still want to be able to reference a business book on their shelf.
In addition to thought leadership books, there are all sorts of books on secrets from specific professions. You don’t need to be the head of a multi-national organization. Just think of something you’ve been through that can help someone else. How did you survive lean times or how did you achieve a work/life balance? These are all things people will pay to know.
Some business leaders aren’t even printing books to make a profit. Some are just writing them to use as handouts when they give talks or some of them are using books as personal manifestos for their teams and clients. Whatever you decide to do with them, just take an approach of being of value and you’ll find people who are eager to get to know what your message is.
Books don’t have to be long and they don’t even have to contain a lot of words. Some people are printing coffee table books of provocative images or even personalized coloring books (don’t forget, many adults are using these as stress relief tools as well).
Bookmarks
These are a no-brainer if you’re writing a book but they can also be good swag if you’re running a summer reading contest for kids. The Rays Baseball organization hosts one every year for children and accomplished readers earn free game tickets. While that may not fit your budget, bookmarks will. You can start there and offer them a larger prize for completing the challenge. Remember, parents will have to bring the kids back to your business to claim their prize and will be appreciative that you helped their child with a reading goal.
Forms
Yes, some businesses still need printed forms, pads, and info sheets. You know who you are and TQ has them for you.
Envelopes and Stationery
Here’s where a lot of people throw up their hands and argue with me. They tell me they never send anything in the mail. Some businesses have even outsourced all of their check writing so they tell me they have no need for printed envelopes and customized stationery.
Let me be blunt…they’re wrong.
When was the last time you received a written note? Maybe it was a thank you card or maybe a “just because” note. If you’ve received one, you likely remember who it was from and when you got it. you can’t say that about an email.
Written notes make an impression. They get opened. Think of them as a secret weapon and something you’re doing that few others are.
Printable Surprise Cards
If you send out products in the mail, you may want to consider sending a little surprise card with the product. Some people use inspirational quotes to brighten the recipient’s day, while others use it as an invitation to the recipient to share their new product on Instagram or Twitter with the company hashtag. Some companies like Pure Vida, offer a discount or free product on your next purchase if you take a picture and upload it following their instructions.
You can also use this card to tell your story or the story of your clients’ successes. Invite customers to share their success stories with you on social media by using a specified hashtag.
How you use this card idea will depend largely on what was ordered, so think about your product and the type of person receiving it. Someone ordering spices or cooking supplies may appreciate a recipe on how to use them. Someone ordering makeup might enjoy a card on how to perfect the smoky eye. Someone ordering a toy might like a card featuring a fun childhood car game with instructions on how to play.
Business Cards
Business cards still make an impression but they’re vastly more creative than they used to be. Color cards are very inexpensive now. You can use all sorts of designs, odd shapes, finishes, fonts, sizes, and many other variables to stand out.
Some people talk about the waste behind paper cards these days but there doesn’t have to be. We have a whole line of bio-degradable paper products. Some even contain seeds! That way recipients of your card can enter your contact info into their virtual world and then plant your card. We also have seed greeting cards and other printed materials, including advertising cards.
Postcards
Postcards can be a very effective marketing tool. You can use them to make people aware of special sales, clearances, events, or just reminders of your business or service. One hospitality business sent out postcards to some of their past guests inviting them back and telling them they were missed. Of course, it helped that this campaign from a Florida hotel launched in freezing February and targeted past guests who lived in cold climates.
Coupons
Yes, people are still printing coupons. Coupons/discounts are still the number one reason most people follow businesses on social media or subscribe to their newsletters.
While many businesses have turned to generating discount codes, there are still customers out there that want paper coupons. Every once in a while, it’s good practice to print out some really special discount cards, ones that look like an invitation to something amazing. They will get attention.
You can also use coupons for employees as incentives or rewards. Maybe a coupon that would be good for a free day off or some other bonus. Give these out when they do something amazing. Sure you could just tell them they get a day off, but a printed reminder will help them feel proud on a job well-done.
Punch Cards
These loyalty cards are still widely in use. For every purchase your customer makes, they get a punch. After filling the card, they get a discount or something free. Many businesses are going online with these but the benefit of a paper card is that your customer will inevitably stumble across it or see it on their key chain and they’ll make a trip in to see you. The same can’t be said for a digital card linked to their phone number.
Napkins
Yes, these fall under promotional printing as well. Branded napkins, while more expensive than just plain ones, are yet another touch point for customers.
Promotional printing isn’t dead. It’s alive and well and there are many ways you can use it for your business. In order to find the best printed promotional item for your needs, align the item with your audience’s interests and your product or service for the best return on your investment.
Still not sure what to choose? Our team here at TQ can help you find just the right item. Call us today.
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