Print Marketing Trends: What’s New and Exciting in the World of Printed Promotions
In an era dominated by digital marketing, print marketing remains a vital and effective tool for businesses to promote their brands and connect with their audiences. The tactile nature of printed materials offers a unique and memorable experience that digital marketing often lacks. As we navigate through 2024, let’s explore the top ten new printed logo items businesses use for marketing and see how two national brands, two regional brands, and two local mom-and-pop businesses are innovatively
using these items.
Innovative Uses of Printed Promotions by National Brands
1. Eco-Friendly Tote Bags
Brand Example: Whole Foods
Whole Foods, known for its commitment to sustainability, uses eco-friendly tote bags as part of its marketing strategy. These reusable bags, emblazoned with the Whole Foods logo, are given to customers who spend a certain amount in-store. They not only promote the brand but also reinforce the company’s eco-friendly values. The bags are seen in various contexts, from grocery stores to beaches, expanding the brand’s visibility.
2. Custom Notebooks
Brand Example: Starbucks
Starbucks has introduced custom notebooks featuring their logo and iconic green color. These notebooks are part of their loyalty program, given as gifts to frequent customers. The notebooks often include spaces for users to jot down their favorite coffee orders, notes from meetings, or personal reflections. This practical yet stylish item keeps the Starbucks brand at the forefront of customers’ minds in their daily lives.
Innovative Uses of Printed Promotions by Regional Brands
1. Augmented Reality (AR) Print Materials
Brand Example: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The CTA has integrated AR technology into its printed maps and brochures. Commuters can scan these materials with their smartphones to access interactive elements, such as real-time transit updates, historical information about landmarks, and promotional offers from local businesses. This innovative use of AR bridges the gap between print and digital, enhancing the commuter experience.
Innovative Uses by Local Mom-and-Pop Businesses
1. Customized Drinkware
Business Example: Bella’s Café
Bella’s Café, a local coffee shop, uses customized drinkware to promote its brand. They offer a loyalty program where customers receive a free branded coffee mug after purchasing a certain
number of drinks. These mugs are designed with vibrant colors and the café’s logo, becoming cherished items that customers use at home or in the office, continuously advertising the café.
2. Sustainable Apparel
Business Example: Green Thumb Nursery
Green Thumb Nursery, a family-owned garden center, sells sustainable apparel, including t-shirts and hats made from organic cotton. These items are printed with their logo and gardening-themed designs. Customers who purchase these items often wear them while gardening, spreading the word about the nursery within the local community and aligning the brand with eco-friendly practices.
Additional Trends and Uses
1. Personalized Calendars
National Brand Example: Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has long been a pioneer in innovative marketing strategies. Recently, they have been distributing personalized calendars featuring iconic Coca-Cola imagery and space for users to add their own important dates and events. These calendars are sent out as part of holiday promotions, ensuring that the Coca-Cola brand remains visible throughout the year.
2. Interactive Business Cards
Regional Brand Example: Tech Solutions, Inc.
Tech Solutions, Inc., a mid-sized IT firm in the Pacific Northwest, uses interactive business cards with embedded QR codes. These cards lead to personalized landing pages with video introductions, service descriptions, and contact forms. This modern twist on traditional business cards creates a memorable first impression and encourages further engagement.
3. Printed Tech Accessories
Local Business Example: Digital Horizons
Digital Horizons, a small electronics store, offers branded tech accessories such as phone stands and mouse pads. These items are practical and frequently used, keeping the store’s logo in front of customers daily. They also run promotions where these accessories are given as freebies with certain purchases, adding value and enhancing customer loyalty.
4. Unique Packaging Solutions
National Brand Example: Amazon
Amazon has revolutionized packaging with its frustration-free packaging initiative. They now include printed messages and QR codes on boxes that lead to unboxing videos or special promotional content. This not only enhances the customer experience but also provides additional touchpoints for brand interaction.
Integrating Print and Digital Marketing
One of the most effective strategies in contemporary marketing is the integration of print and digital media. By combining the tangible nature of printed items with the interactive capabilities of digital platforms, businesses can create a cohesive and engaging brand experience.
Consistent Branding
Ensure that your printed materials and digital presence share a consistent visual and thematic identity. This includes using the same logos, colors, and fonts across all platforms. Consistency helps reinforce brand recognition and trust.
Example: A regional clothing retailer could use the same seasonal themes and imagery in both their printed lookbooks and online store, creating a unified brand experience.
Interactive Elements
Incorporate interactive elements such as QR codes or AR features in your printed materials. These can link to online content, special offers, or interactive experiences, driving engagement from print to digital.
Example: A local bakery might include a QR code on their printed menus that leads to a virtual tour of their kitchen, showing customers how their favorite treats are made.
Best Signage Investment for Businesses with Limited Budgets
For businesses with limited budgets, the most cost-effective and impactful printed marketing item is the Eco-Friendly Tote Bag. These bags are affordable, practical, and highly visible. Here’s why:
Affordability: Tote bags can be produced at a relatively low cost, especially when ordered in bulk.
Usability: Customers use tote bags frequently for shopping, travel, and daily activities, providing continuous brand exposure.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing brand perception.
Conclusion
Print marketing continues to evolve, offering exciting new ways for businesses to connect with their audiences. From eco-friendly tote bags to augmented reality print materials, the range of options is vast and varied. By looking at how national, regional, and local brands are creatively using these printed items, businesses of all sizes can find inspiration and strategies to enhance their own marketing efforts. For those with limited budgets, investing in versatile and practical items like eco-friendly tote bags can provide substantial returns, keeping the brand visible and memorable in the daily lives of customers.
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.
