The Power of Printed Branding!

The last decade has seen businesses step firmly into the digital world and, nowadays, websites are equally (if not more) important for attracting new customers than real-life space. Gone are the days of the Yellow Pages and, in its place, is Google (other search engines are available!).

With so much focus on your business’ online presence, therefore, you could be left wondering ‘what’s the point of printed branding anymore?’

While having an effective website is an absolute necessity, this doesn’t mean you should totally abandon printed communication. In fact, there’s a strong argument for combining this approach with your online activity to maximise your business’s exposure.

Research even suggests that humans connect better with paper-based content. As reported by Forbes, a Canadian study found paper-based marketing materials were easier to process and recall than email and digital adverts.

Not only is printed branding more memorable, but it makes getting in front of prospective customers in your local area really easy. How exactly? Read on to discover seven printed branding opportunities you don’t want to miss.

1. Event Banners

Seasonal events, sales and celebrations are all opportunities to reach your local customers with bright, eye-catching branding. Of course, share your news via social media and your website, but don’t forget to communicate with passing footfall using printed materials.

Banners, flags and temporary signs are all tried and tested ways to drum up interest from the surrounding area and provide the physical counterbalance to any online communications. You don’t want to assume that everyone has visited your website, so make sure you cover all bases.

2. Windows and Glass Door Graphics

We can’t help looking at a door as we pass through it or glancing in a window as we walk by – it’s in our nature to take in our surroundings. So, don’t miss the chance to tap into this passing footfall and get your messages noticed.

Cut vinyl lettering or window graphics are an easy way to use empty display space without the hassle of permanent alterations. Placing your company name, logo or contact information on glass space reinforces your branding while also creating a professional finish for your building’s exterior.

3. Pavement Signs

Portable pavement signs are a tried and tested way of sharing your messages within the local area. Decorated with your branding and customisable with offers, news and announcements, they allow you to communicate directly to passers-by.

It may be a traditional approach, but an attractive pavement sign is a simple way of sharing your branding and telling people you’re open for business. They’re a personal touch that helps get your business noticed by passing prospective customers.

4. Business Cards and Flyers

Business cards are often the first piece of printed branding new companies invest in – and for good reason. A well-designed business card or flyer is sleek, neat and perfectly pocket-sized. They are affordable to produce and contain all of the information a prospect might need to find you in future.

As we’ve mentioned, people are more likely to take in paper marketing than many emails and online adverts, so starting a new business relationship with a smartly-finished business card or flyer could create a more memorable first impression.

5. Vehicle Graphics

Installing cut vinyl branded graphics on your car, van, lorry or motorcycle is a branding opportunity not to be missed. Not only are vehicle graphics affordable and easy to install/remove, but they allow you to promote your business everywhere you go.

Think about the times you’re parked outside a customer’s property, visited a local supplier or simply travelled around your target area – you could be advertising your services – they’re all opportunities to promote your business free of charge. When your target market is local, branding your vehicle is really a no-brainer.

6. Packaging

For many of us, part of the experience of buying something new is the anticipation of its arrival and opening it up. And this experience can be turned into a valuable branding exercise.

Spending some time creating enticing point of sale collateral and well-executed, branded packaging has a few different benefits. Firstly, customers who enjoy the experience of receiving your products may consider re-ordering.

Secondly, recognisable packaging helps build awareness of your brand and, in the right circumstances, can generate intrigue around your products and services.

For instance, if the right person shares an image of your beautifully branded box, you could find yourself reaching lots of new potential customers, who then look up your products and services. Wrapping, boxes and gift bags can be a simple way to reach like-minded prospective buyers.

7. Stationery

Remember that feeling of stocking up on fresh stationery at the start of a new school term? Well, I don’t think people have ever really fallen out of love with that, despite now being glued to their keyboards and phone screens.

It’s important to take a joined-up approach to marketing your business to the local area and printed marketing materials are just one element of this. We hope this has provided you with some food for thought in terms of how print adds value.

In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding printed branding for your business, please contact FASTSIGNS® York to learn more about the options we have available.

Call 01904 935946 or visit www.fastsigns.co.uk/york/.