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Print Marketing Is Not Dead: Why Your Small Business Benefits

Updated: Dec 8, 2024


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Benefits of Print Marketing For Your Business


It’s easy to think print marketing is old-fashioned. After all, everyone’s on their phones these days. But for small businesses, print marketing can still be one of the best ways to connect with your customers. Let’s talk about why print still works, how print marketing can benefit your business grow, and how you can track its success.


Why Print Marketing Still Works

Print marketing is something people can touch and feel. Unlike digital ads that pop up and disappear, print materials like flyers, postcards, or brochures stick around.


Example:

A coffee shop could give out loyalty cards. Customers who get their card stamped every time they visit are more likely to come back and complete it. Plus, they’ll remember the shop every time they see the card in their wallet.


Why This Matters:When people can hold something in their hands, they’re more likely to remember it—and your business.


 

It’s More Than Just Quick Results

Print marketing isn’t always about seeing results right away. It’s about building trust and staying on someone’s mind.


Example:

A landscaping company could send out a flyer with tips on how to care for your yard in the spring. At the bottom, they can offer a discount on their services. Even if someone doesn’t call right away, they might save the flyer and call when they’re ready.


Why This Matters:Print materials feel more permanent. People might hold onto them, unlike a digital ad they scroll past.


 

How to Make Print Marketing Work for You

1. Send It to the Right People

Make sure your flyers, postcards, or brochures go to the people most likely to be interested in your business.

  • Example: A yoga studio could leave flyers at local coffee shops or gyms where health-conscious people are likely to see them.

Tip: Think about where your ideal customer shops, eats, or lives, and focus your efforts there.


2. Make It Look Amazing

Your print materials should look professional and catch someone’s eye. The design and words you use matter a lot!

  • Example: A bakery could create postcards with a big, colorful picture of their most popular cupcake and a “10% Off Your Next Order” offer.

Tip: Keep your design clean and simple. Make sure it’s easy to read and include a clear call to action, like “Visit us today!”


3. Mix Print with Digital

You can use print to connect people to your online business.

  • Example: A clothing store could add a QR code to their flyers. When someone scans it, they go straight to the store’s website to shop.

Tip: Use coupon codes or special links to track how many people are coming to your website from your print materials.


 

How to Track If It’s Working

Print marketing can be harder to measure than digital, but there are ways to check if it’s working.

1. Track Responses

Count how many people respond to your ad or use your coupon.

  • Example: A bookstore mails out “Buy One, Get One Free” coupons. If 50 people use the coupon, that’s your response rate.

2. Watch for New Customers

Track how many people take action because of your print marketing.

  • Example: A hair salon could print “$10 Off Your First Visit” cards and track how many new customers redeem them.

3. Measure Your Costs

Compare what you spend on a print campaign to how much business it brings in.

  • Example: A cleaning company spends $300 on door hangers and gains five new customers, each paying $100. They spent $300 but earned $500—a $200 profit!


 

A Simple ROI Formula

If you want to know your return on investment (ROI), here’s an easy formula:

ROI=(Profit−Cost)Cost×100ROI = \frac{(Profit - Cost)}{Cost} \times 100ROI=Cost(Profit−Cost)​×100

Example: A restaurant spends $400 on postcards and earns $1,200 from new customers. Profit = $1,200 - $400 = $800. ROI = 800400×100=200%\frac{800}{400} \times 100 = 200\%400800​×100=200%.


 

The Bottom Line

Print marketing is far from dead. In fact, it can help your small business stand out in a crowded digital world. By making print materials that look great, reaching the right people, and combining them with your online efforts, you can create something that really works.

So, don’t count print out—it’s here to stay, and it’s ready to help your business grow!


Need help getting started with print marketing? Let’s talk!



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