The Power of Commercial Printing for Your Advertising
If you’re looking to launch or expand your advertising and market strategies, a traditional commercial printing service can be an invaluable asset to your business. Professional printing services allow you to both create a lasting impression on your customers and boost your sales.
Through printed advertising, you can work to develop custom designs that reflect your brand message, as well as provide a tangible product for customers. This helps ensure that potential customers will remember who you are and what you offer when they come across your printed material in the future. Some of the most common printed materials include flyers and direct mail. They can be used for a variety of marketing purposes, like:
- Promoting special offers (like holiday sales) or special events
- Informing customers about new products or services you’re launching
- Simply reminding existing customers of your presence in the marketplace
Printed materials also provide potential customers with something physical that they can refer back to when considering your products or services. This helps keep your business in their minds and prevents them from forgetting about you.
Utilizing commercial printing gives businesses access to high-quality papers and finishes, which help make their printed materials look more professional and polished than standard home printer jobs. Remember, your advertising material is only as good as its print! If the paper is poor quality or if the ink is blurry or low-quality, it’s a disservice to the marketing materials you’ve worked hard to develop. This is why hiring a professional commercial printing service is always the best practice in this scenario!
The History Behind Commercial Printing
While we’re currently in the digital and social media era of advertising, the truth is that commercial printing and advertising have a long history of success that goes back to the 15th century! The first printed advertisement appeared in Germany when Johannes Gutenberg printed a poster for a local business. This was followed by the development of newspapers and magazines during the 17th century, which allowed businesses to reach larger audiences with their advertisements.
By the late 1700s, lithography had been developed and this enabled businesses to create colorful posters and other materials for use in advertising campaigns. The 20th century saw further advances in commercial printing technology (such as offset printing and digital printing). These developments allowed businesses to produce high-quality print materials quickly and cost-effectively. Today, commercial printing is used for everything from product packaging to billboards and other outdoor signage.
Seven Effective Commercial Printing Strategies
When it comes to printed advertising, the options are practically limitless! Here are seven of the most effective physical marketing strategies.
1. Brochures
Brochures allow you to provide potential customers with a comprehensive overview of what products and services you offer. Brochures should include visual aids and lots of product information, like:
- The key features of the product or service
- How the product or service works
- Glowing customer testimonials or reviews
Brochures also offer a tangible way for customers to interact with the business, allowing them to carry away a physical reminder of the company’s offerings. Their lightweight, practical design means they’re easily distributed in locations such as trade shows, conferences, retail stores, and on the street.
2. Postcards
Postcards are an effective form of traditional print advertising because they are cost-effective, easy to produce, and can be sent directly to potential customers. Postcards also have a high open-rate compared to other forms of mail, making them a great way to reach out to potential customers.
It’s also a smart idea to leverage postcards as reminders for special offers or promotions and to help build overall brand awareness. Postcards provide a tangible reminder of your message that is more likely to be kept than other forms of print advertising.
3. Flyers
Flyers are easy to distribute and can be used in multiple locations to inform people about your product and provide information about it. As you consider flyer designs, be sure to include eye-catching visuals and compelling copy to keep your readers engaged.
4. Business Cards
Business cards are effective for traditional print advertising because they provide a tangible way for potential customers to remember your business. They are small and easy to carry, so people can keep them in their wallets or purses and refer back to them when needed. They can be used as conversation starters at networking events or conferences, allowing you to introduce yourself in an easy and professional manner.
5. Books
Books offer a variety of ways for you to showcase offerings to potential customers, including allowing them to:
- Browse through a wide range of your products and services
- Compare prices and learn about sales
- Make informed decisions about their purchases
Books can also be targeted to specific demographics or interests, making them an ideal way to reach potential customers. They’re cost-effective and have a long shelf life, meaning they can continue to help you generate sales long after their initial printing.
6. Banners and Signs
Banners and signs are another effective way to draw attention to a product or service. They’re a great option for the outdoors because they can be seen from a distance. By having a clear message that is easy to read and understand, you’ll be able to draw interest from customers. Banners and signs can be placed in many different high-traffic areas such as:
- Shopping centers
- Streets
- Public parks
- Community gathering places
7. Posters
Posters are a versatile and impactful form of print advertising that enables businesses to target specific audiences and customize their messaging effectively. By utilizing posters, you can directly reach your intended audience and track response rates to gauge campaign effectiveness. Unlike other advertising methods, posters provide a personal touch as you can incorporate personalized messages or offers tailored to each recipient. This personalization fosters a deeper connection with your audience and enhances engagement. Posters allow you to showcase compelling visuals, concise information, and eye-catching designs that captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression. Their tangible nature also grants businesses the opportunity to display them in strategic locations, maximizing visibility and exposure. By leveraging posters as a marketing tool, businesses can effectively communicate their message, drive brand awareness, and achieve measurable results.
Commercial Printing Solutions in Indianapolis
If you’re searching for commercial printing solutions for your business, look no further! Spotlight Strategies offers gorgeous, high-quality printing that is perfect for getting your message out into the world. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your advertising thrive.
Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a marketing solutions firm specializing in print, apparel, promotional product and signs. An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business.
With a Master’s degree in social work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and support associations. Erin demonstrates unwavering commitment and facilitates profitability to any organization to which she directs her time and talent, and is successful in motivating and empowering people whether supporting a cause or building a company.