Top 5 Printed Marketing Materials for Small Businesses

10/2/2024

As a small business owner, every marketing dollar really counts. And, though we tend to focus 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 printed 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!

5 Effective Printed Marketing Materials for Small Businesses

1. Postcards: Mail That Gets Noticed

Printed postcards are perfect for targeted mail campaigns. They’re affordable, and, since they’re colorful and printed on sturdy card stock, will stand out in your recipients’ mail box

Postcard mailers are great for promoting sales, new products, or special promotions. If you’re concerned printing and mailing out postcards is time-consuming, put those worries aside. With direct mail postcards, all you need to do is choose a postcard template, customize to your needs, and upload a mailing list.

Pro tip: Use a clear calls-to-action to drive recipients to your website or store.

2. Flyers: Inform and Drive Foot Traffic

Flyers remain a go-to for businesses aiming to spread the word quickly about an event, sale, or special offer. Whether distributed door-to-door, left in local cafés, or handed out at events, printed flyers offer a cost-effective, high-impact way to get your message out. When you print flyers, include a QR code directing people to your business, menu, or anything you’re promoting. Doing so will help maximize your flyers’ efficacy!

Pro tip: Keep your flyer design simple but attention-getting. Focus on one key message, and make sure your contact information is easy to find.

3. Table Tents: Small Yet Mighty Marketing Tools

Table tents are flexible, affordable, and highly effective marketing tools, yet they are often overlooked. Whether placed at a restaurant table or retail checkout counter, they capture customers’ attention right when they are purchasing.

At community outreach events like artisan markets, custom table tents can highlight combo deals or limited-time offers. They’re also great for adding people to your email list. Highlight a special email sign-up offer and include a QR code so that people who visit your table or booth can scan it to sign up! Table tents are also perfect for promoting upcoming sales, new product arrivals, or loyalty programs in retail settings.

Pro tip: Pair easy-to-read text with engaging visuals to grab attention quickly.

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.

Wrapping Up

For small businesses, printed promotional 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.

Create custom printed marketing materials on Eventgroove! From flyers and table tents, to direct mail postcards, we’ve got everything you need to market your small business. Plus, our marketing collateral printing is fast and affordable, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed. 


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