Did you know that over 90% of small businesses utilize social media for marketing, growth, and generating sales revenue. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to find someone who does not use social media, which has made digital marketing an effective way of expanding outreach.
However, this comes with a drawback: cutthroat competition. Millions of businesses like yours will likely show up on people’s feeds, so who is to guarantee that they will turn to yours amid the noise? More importantly, how can you counter this? Read on to learn more about using printing to stand out in a saturated market.
The Comeback of Printing
One unique aspect of printed material is that it displays authenticity and credibility. Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of digital content due to factors such as misleading ads. In contrast, a beautifully printed brochure or package communicates care and attention to detail, enhancing brand trust.
Tactile experiences also create deeper memories; they are not disposable like fleeting digital ads and have a more personal, premium impact on the receiver. The retention and recall rate is higher, meaning that receivers are more likely to recall your brand and take action.
Innovations in Printing
When we think of printing, we visualize outdated machines and techniques. However, that is far from the reality of today’s print market. Here are two examples of innovative printing:
1. Lenticular Printing
Lenticular printing creates images that seem to have depth and motion when we view them from different angles. These images have a sense of animation and 3D depth to them without using any electronics. In fact, a lenticular printer uses multiple pictures and a plastic lens to give this effect.
Lenticular print is ideal for catching attention in static environments such as packaging, direct mail, or point-of-sale displays. The visuals can interact with the viewer to create a surprising, memorable moment. This is particularly effective in industries like cosmetics and entertainment where visual storytelling is key.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) Print
AR printing is the intersection between traditional printing and digital content. The printed catalog has a marker (such as a QR code or image recognition) on it. Users can trigger this marker with their smartphones to trigger a digital overlay.
You can use this type of print to create a second layer of storytelling. For instance, a product packaging for a video game can have a marker on it to show the customer a ‘’how to assemble’’ tutorial. Similarly, a magazine ad can lead to a video showcasing the product.
AR printing allows businesses to deepen engagement. You give the users the best of both worlds, which adds a layer of certainty in their minds regarding the product’s visuals, usage, and features. Additionally, it allows marketers to track engagement and collect user data. As a result, it also serves as a type of market research to help you dynamically update content.
Should You Go Physical?
Choosing physical print as a marketing strategy isn’t for everyone! Your choice depends on four key factors:
- Campaign goals: Use print for high-impact objectives like rebrands or VIP outreach as opposed to fast, low-cost promotions.
- Target audience: Print usually works best for luxury or B2B consumers. Your target audience should value quality, exclusivity, and sensory engagement.
- Brand positioning: Physical print can reinforce a brand identity of craftsmanship, innovation, and physical experience.
- Budget expectations: Physical print has higher upfront costs but offers deeper engagement if used strategically.
Endnote
In today’s digital world, social media ads will always stay foundational. However, blending these with innovative print can unlock new dimensions. Businesses that think beyond the screen can invoke positive reactions from customers needing a breath of fresh air from digital noise. Analyze your business objectives and go physical to win deeper attention and loyalty.
Disclaimer: This article contains sponsored marketing content. It is intended for promotional purposes and should not be considered as an endorsement or recommendation by our website. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
