5 Print Marketing Tactics You Should Try

Are you tired of pouring money into print marketing campaigns that just end up in the recycling bin? It’s frustrating when you spend time and budget designing brochures or flyers, only to see little return on investment. But your print isn’t dead; it just needs a strategy that demands attention.

Since 1988, Lithographic Communications has helped businesses turn standard print jobs into powerful marketing tools. Decades of experience in commercial printing and design have shown us which tactics consistently capture attention and get responses.

If you want your print marketing materials to actually get read, here are some tactics you should try:

• Refresh your materials to look modern and professional.
• Include simple, compelling calls to action that tell customers exactly what to do.
• Use eye-catching colors and images that resonate with your specific audience.
• Leverage seasonal themes to stay relevant and memorable.
• Experiment with unique formats or tactile elements to stand out from the pile.

Putting these tactics into practice can make your print marketing finally deliver the results you’ve been hoping for.

Why Should I Update My Old Print Materials?

Nothing kills credibility faster than an outdated design. If your brochures look like they were made in 2005, customers might assume your business practices are stuck there, too. A visual refresh signals that your company is active, modern, and professional.

You don’t always need a total rebrand. Sometimes, simply updating your fonts, decluttering the layout, or using higher-quality paper stock can make a massive difference. Revamped business cards or flyers with a clean, contemporary look are far more likely to be kept than those that look faded or cluttered.

How Can I Make My Calls-to-Action Impossible to Ignore?

A beautiful flyer is useless if the customer doesn’t know what to do next. Your call to action (CTA) should be the clearest part of your design. Avoid vague phrases like “Contact Us.” Instead, use actionable, specific language like “Scan to Claim Your Discount,” “Call for a Free Quote,” or “Bring This Card in for a Free Gift.”

Design plays a huge role here. Your CTA should be bold and distinct from the rest of the text. Incorporating QR codes is another excellent way to bridge the gap between print and digital, making the next step as easy as pulling out a smartphone.

Can Seasonal or Event-Based Prints Really Boost Engagement?

Yes, because timeliness creates relevance. When you align your print marketing with what’s happening in your customers’ lives, whether it’s a holiday, a local event, or a season, you create an immediate connection.

For example, a standard “20% Off” postcard is okay, but a “Back-to-School 20% Off” postcard feels urgent, personal, and helpful. Seasonal themes tap into anticipation and emotion. Limited-time offers tied to these events create a fear of missing out (FOMO), prompting quicker action than generic, evergreen materials.

What Role Do Imagery and Colors Play in Getting Marketing Materials Noticed?

Humans are visual creatures. We process images faster than text, and color evokes emotion before we even read a headline. Using high-contrast colors and professional photography can stop someone from flipping past your ad.

However, “eye-catching” doesn’t mean “neon rainbow.” Your choices must align with your brand. A spa might use calming teals and soft imagery, while a gym might use aggressive reds and high-energy photos. The key is to choose visuals that trigger the right emotional response for your specific service.

Are There Creative Formats That Make People Actually Pick Up My Print?

Novelty is a powerful tool. Standard letter-sized paper is easy to ignore, but a die-cut postcard in the shape of your product? That gets noticed.

Experimenting with texture (like soft-touch finishes), unusual folds, or interactive elements like scratch-offs can drastically increase engagement. When a piece of mail feels different in someone’s hand, they pause. That pause is your opportunity to sell.

How Do I Measure Whether My Print Tactics Are Working?

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. The days of “spray and pray” marketing are over. Use specific redemption codes, custom landing page URLs, or unique phone numbers for different campaigns to track exactly where your leads are coming from.

Start small. Run a test batch using digital printing to see what works before committing to a massive offset print run. This allows you to learn and iterate without breaking the bank.

Bring Your Print Marketing Back to Life

It is normal for marketing strategies to go through lulls, but print remains a vital touchpoint for building trust. By refreshing your design, sharpening your message, and adding a touch of creativity, your print marketing can feel relevant again.

Try implementing at least one of these tactics in your next campaign. If you need a partner to handle the heavy lifting, from design to final production, reach out to Lithographic Communications. We are ready to help you make a lasting impression.