Top Print Marketing Materials for Small Businesses

5/20/2025

With many small business owners focusing on social media, Google Ads, and other online marketing methods to get the word out, it’s tough to stand out online. There are so many images and ads bombarding potential customers from all sides!

That’s where traditional print marketing materials come in – they help build brand recognition and customer loyalty and drive growth. Whether promoting a new product, planning an event, or just reinforcing your brand, consider including the following printed promotional materials in your marketing strategy. 

And if you’re looking for a simple way to get started, Event Kits from Eventgroove offer professionally designed templates all in one place to make your marketing easier.

Key Takeaways

• Despite the digital age, print marketing tools like postcards, flyers, and banners remain effective for engaging customers, building brand recognition, and driving sales. 
• To make print materials convert, keep your design simple, visually appealing, and on-brand. Use clear calls-to-action, eye-catching visuals, and make sure your message is easy to read and understand.
• Adding features like QR codes, coupons, or event tickets encourages immediate customer action, making your print marketing materials more interactive and impactful.

Essential Print Marketing Materials for Small Businesses

Even in a digital world, print marketing materials still work — and they work well. They’re easy to share, hard to ignore, and help people remember your brand. Whether you’re spreading the word about a sale, planning an event, or just trying to stand out, these print tools can make a big difference.

Here are 10 must-haves for small businesses.

1. Postcards: Mail that gets noticed

Postcards are a quick, affordable way to grab attention, right from the mailbox. If you design postcards with bold colors and sturdy paper, they stand out without even being opened. And the best part? You can design, print, and send them in just a few clicks with direct mail services.

Pro tip: Add a clear call-to-action that sends people to your website or store.

2. Flyers: Inform and drive foot traffic

Flyers are an easy way to get the word out fast. Whether you hand them out, pin them up, or leave them in local cafés, they’re perfect for promoting events, sales, or special deals.

If you want to boost their impact, add a QR code that links to your website, menu, or anything you’re promoting, making it easy for people to take action on the spot.

Pro tip: Keep it clean and eye-catching. Focus on one message, and don’t forget your contact info.

3. Table tents: Small yet mighty marketing tools

Table tents are flexible, affordable, and highly effective marketing tools, yet they are often overlooked. Whether at a checkout counter, café table, or event booth, you can use table tents to promote offers, new products, or email sign-ups with a QR code.

Pro tip: Use bold visuals and short, punchy text so people notice them at a glance.

4. Gift certificates: Encourage repeat business

Gift certificates are not just for the holiday season. They are an excellent year-round tool to encourage customer loyalty and drive repeat visits. 

Offering printed gift certificates allows your customers to share their positive experiences with others, whether they are purchasing them for a friend’s birthday, as a thank-you gift, or to support your business. This opens up opportunities to reach new audiences who may not have encountered your business otherwise. Additionally, you donate your business’s gift certificates when local charities need an auction or raffle prize. You can also use them as giveaways in-store or as part of your loyalty card program.

Pro tip: To increase visibility, position gift certificates near the checkout counter, on your website, or promote them on social media. Consider offering small incentives, such as a bonus percentage for purchasing gift certificates over a certain amount, to make them even more appealing.

5. Loyalty cards: Reward your customers for their business

Whether you run a café, retail shop, or service-based business, a loyalty card program that rewards frequent visits gives your customers a reason to return again and again. By implementing a simple punch card system or points-based loyalty card, you can turn one-time visitors into regulars while building stronger relationships with your customer base.

The beauty of loyalty cards lies in their simplicity. Customers love feeling rewarded for their commitment, whether earning a free coffee after 10 visits, a discount on future purchases, or even a special VIP offer. This sense of progression motivates customers to come back more frequently, and the tangible reminder of the card keeps your business in mind.

Additionally, loyalty cards provide valuable insights into customer behavior. You can track how often your customers visit and which rewards are most popular and adjust your offerings accordingly. In some cases, customers might even be motivated to spend more per visit to reach their reward faster.

Pro tip: Keep your loyalty program straightforward, with attainable rewards that feel meaningful to your customers.

6. Invitations: Make every event feel special

Sending printed invitations is a fun and personal way to make your event feel extra special. Whether you’re hosting a grand opening, a VIP night, or a seasonal sale, a well-designed invitation adds a touch of excitement. By sending something physical, you’re showing them they’re truly valued and giving them a reason to show up and join the fun.

Pro tip: Keep it stylish yet straightforward, and make sure the event details are easy to find.

7. Coupons: Attract new and returning customers

Custom coupons are a tried-and-true way to bring in new customers and reward your loyal ones. Offering a discount or special deal through a printed coupon makes people feel like they’re getting something just for them, which means they’re more likely to stop by, shop, or come back for more.

Pro tip: Set a clear expiration date to create urgency. The sooner they redeem it, the better for you!

8. Banners: Go big with your brand message

When you want to make a big impression, nothing beats a bold, eye-catching custom banner. Whether you’re setting up at a trade show, running an in-store promo, or shouting out a big sale, banners help your message stand tall and proud. They’re a great way to grab attention and show off what your brand is all about.

Pro tip: Use large, readable fonts and bright, contrasting colors to ensure your message stands out, no matter where it is displayed.

9. Stickers: Easy branding on the go

Stickers are one of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to get your brand noticed. They’re affordable, easy to distribute, and customers love them. Whether you hand them out in-store, include them in a package, or stick them on your products, using stickers can build brand awareness wherever your customers go.

Pro tip: Keep your sticker design simple but memorable. A clear logo or catchy phrase makes for a sticker people will want to stick around with.

10. Event tickets: Track and impress

Tickets do more than just get people through the door — they set the tone. Printed event tickets add a professional touch, help you keep track of attendees, and even make fun little keepsakes. Whether it’s a local launch, seminar, or special celebration, a great ticket builds buzz and makes the experience feel official (and memorable!). 

Pro tip: Design event tickets with unique details or QR codes for an extra personal touch.

How to Design Print Marketing Materials That Convert

Print marketing materials should not just be pretty; they should spark interest and inspire action. From flyers and postcards to banners and brochures, every piece should serve a purpose.

Here’s how to design materials that make people act:

• Know your audience: Understand who you’re designing for. Are they young, busy professionals or deal-hungry shoppers? 
• Keep the message simple: Don’t overwhelm people with information. Focus on one clear message, and keep it short and sweet. 
• Use eye-catching visuals: Choose a strong image or graphic that supports your message. Make sure it stands out, but don’t go overboard.
• Choose colors wisely: Stick to a simple color scheme that reflects your brand. Use contrasting colors for key elements to make sure they pop.
• Add a clear call-to-action: Make sure your call-to-action (CTA) is easy to spot and tells people exactly what to do next, like “Shop Now” or “Sign Up Today.”
• Make it easy to read: Use clean fonts and enough contrast to make the text easy to read. Keep important details in larger, bolder text.
• Stay on-brand: Your print materials should reflect your brand’s personality. Keep your logo, colors, and tone consistent across all designs.
• Add interactive elements: QR codes, coupons, and links are great ways to encourage immediate action. 
• Choose the right paper and finish: A thicker stock or glossy finish can make your materials feel more premium and stand out.

Wrapping Up

For small businesses, print marketing materials like postcards, flyers, invitations, gift certificates, and loyalty cards are essential tools to promote growth, drive foot traffic, and build customer loyalty. Investing in these print materials ensures that your brand remains visible and top of mind, while also helping to connect with your customers in a tangible and meaningful way.

Ready to design your own marketing materials on Eventgroove? Check out our Event Kits for an all-in-one solution that includes everything you need—pre-designed, coordinated, and easy to customize. Perfect for promoting your next event or campaign!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to print marketing materials?

With Eventgroove, you can enjoy next-day printing for most orders — perfect for when you need materials in a hurry.

How do I choose the right size and format for my marketing piece?

Think about how and where it will be used — postcards for mailing, brochures for in-hand info, or banners for big visibility. Match the format to your message and audience.

How do I choose the right color scheme for my marketing materials?

Stick with your brand colors for consistency. Choose colors that grab attention, are easy to read, and evoke the right mood for your message.