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Many people who market themselves in the business world believe that creating sales materials is a necessary part of their job, but what makes marketing effective? It’s all in the execution. This article will explain how to create and keep your audience engaged with clever design.
While digital marketing has taken center stage, companies who ignore physical marketing materials and print marketing campaigns may be losing out on a significant potential to increase long-term recognition, leads, and revenue. Marketing materials may be utilized in a variety of ways and allow firms to interact with customers on a more personal level.
30 Marketing Materials Ideas & Examples
Companies that want to engage with customers on a more personal level should use marketing materials. The problem is that, although print materials may be quite successful, coming up with new ideas for them can be difficult. So we put up a list of the most successful marketing materials for 2020, along with marketing material samples and design ideas, price, and tactics for reaching your target audience and achieving your marketing objectives.
Here are 30 examples and suggestions for excellent marketing materials in 2020:
Cards for Business
Cards for Business have been a networking device for decades and they give businesses a way to put their contact info in the hands of potential customers and partners. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but the best Cards for Business aren’t only well-designed, they are those that reach people who actually want to retain the contact info on the card. They are also generally affordable. For example, at Vistaprint 100 standard Cards for Business start at $15.
1. Photography Mini Business Card Example
Moo was used to create this.
Example of Marketing Materials – Business Card
Why it works: This is an example of a “Mini Card” by Moo, a business card design and printing service. What makes the business card unique is its size, which is only 2.75” x 1.1,” compared to the standard business card size, 3.5” x 2.” This makes them a good option for those who frequently carry Cards for Business on them to capture any potential networking opportunities as the cards are smaller and less obtrusive to hold on to.
2. Appointment Appointment Appointment Appointment Appointment Appointment Appointment Appointment
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Appointment Business Card – Marketing Materials
Why it works: Cards for Business are not always used to simply share contact info, they can provide value such as serving as an appointment card. Granted, this means someone is already a customer or client, but it’s a nice customer service touch and provides more visibility to your clients where they’re seeing your business name more, making it more familiar and serves as reminder advertising.
3. Fitness Center Business Card Example
Vistaprint was used to make this.
Marketing Materials Example – Cards for Business
Why it works: This standard size business card has a unique touch with its vertical orientation. It goes beyond breaking the mold of traditional Cards for Business by also including an offer of a free fitness class. Similar to digital ads, it gives recipient’s a way to attain the offer—in this case, by scanning a QR code. While offers are not commonly an element of a business card, it does increase the chances someone will not only hold on to the card but will convert thanks to it.
Postcards
Postcards may be a fun and successful method to deliver a marketing message since they can be read at a look. Businesses may use postcards for a variety of purposes, such as promoting a sale, inviting recipients to an event, or presenting a special offer. They are a low-cost method of reaching out to a mailing list. For example, Moo sells 25 postcards for $21 while PsPrint sells 100 postcards for $32.
4. Invitation on a postcard
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Postcards as Marketing Materials
Why does it work? This is an example of a basic event invitation on a postcard. Because email is now the normal means of sending event invites, postcards are a great touch—especially for high-value, yearly events like industry expos and professional conferences. Postcards are also a wonderful technique to reinforce an email invitation since not all emails are read. This increases the likelihood of the receiver receiving your invitation and registering for an event.
5. Postcard for Sales
Vistaprint was used to make this.
Postcards as an example of marketing materials
Why it works: This postcard is bold and simple, which is why it works. Because it’s so straightforward, it may be able to cut through the clutter and stand out in a stack of mail. It has very little writing, only the phrase “ROI” in huge letters. While it seems to be nearly too brief, it entices a reader to read the remainder of the postcard, which is supported with a compelling message that should appeal to everyone on the mailing list (assuming email segmentation is employed).
6. Birthday Greetings Postcard
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Example of a Postcard
Why it works: Companies with birthday information for their contact list might consider sending customized birthday greetings throughout the month of the birthday of a contact. It not only shows your contacts that you’re thinking about them—without thinking about your next sale—but it also adds a great personal touch. Back up your message with a particular offer, such as a free doughnut from a bakery in this case. This keeps firms top-of-mind and encourages customers to return.
Hangers for the doors
Hangers for the doors are similar to rack cards, or fliers, but they are designed to be left on a doorknob. They’re best for local businesses that provide home-based services that they can see a recipient is in need of. For example, a lawn care company may leave Hangers for the doors at homes that evidently need their lawn mowed, or painting business that sees a house is in need of a fresh coat of paint. Hangers for the doors can be printed for as little as $35 for 100 from Vistaprint.
7. Door Hanger for the Landscaping Company
Vistaprint was used to make this.
Landscaping Business Door Hanger Example
Why it works: This door hanger for a landscaping company has all of the information that a door hanger should, such as successfully explaining the service, providing an offer, and providing a mechanism for the receiver to contact the supplier. It doesn’t overburden the receiver with information, and it’s meant to make it clear what service is being given.
Door Hanger for Pet Grooming
Vistaprint was used to make this.
Door Hanger for Pet Groomers
Why does it work? This door hanger has all of the standard information a door hanger should have, but instead of starting with the “what” (pet grooming services), it starts with the “why” (so pet owners don’t have to go to the groomers). It lowers friction and increases the likelihood of individuals becoming customers by expressing its selling feature that the groomer comes to you and explaining why it is beneficial to the receiver.
Door Hanger for Home Staging
Vistaprint was used to make this.
Door Hanger for Real Estate
Why it works: A home staging company would leave these Hangers for the doors on homes that are listed for sale in their area. They may even strategically choose homes that they have seen on the MLS for longer than, say, 60 days, and on those that they can see from pictures are not staged. It’s a simple, yet attractive door hanger that if used correctly could provide a homeowner with a relevant and timely solution to achieving their goals.
Flyers
Flyers are an effective tool for companies to publicize upcoming events and important information. Consider how you’ll distribute flyers when evaluating if they’re ideal for your company. Will the flier, for example, be distributed on the street, placed on public bulletin boards, or left at the checkout counter for recent customers? If you have a decent means to distribute company flyers, they might be a cost-effective marketing alternative, with PrintRunner price approximately $15 for 100 flyers.
10. Flyer for a Community Event
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Example of a Flyer for a Local Event
Why does it work? This is a promotional flyer for a local community event that would most likely be displayed on community bulletin boards. The flyer’s key content, the fair announcement, is prominently displayed, along with a welcoming picture of a happy family, capturing the attention of parents of small children swiftly (the target audience). It also gives details about when and where the event will take place, as well as how to learn more about it.
Example of a Workshop Flyer
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Using a Fly as an Example – A Photography Workshop
While this promotional flyer has a basic design with a message, information, and a picture, the combination of two contrasting colors helps it stand out and makes the major message stand out. The backdrop is navy blue, while the lettering is a mix of red and white, all of which are colors taken from the photograph. In a straightforward method, this generates a modern-looking and coherent design.
12. Flyer for a Music Festival
Moo was used to create this.
Music Festival Flyer Example
Why it works: The use of bright, happy colors and an off-the-cuff slogan pervades a sense of amazement, which makes this flyer for a music event a brilliant design. It’s worth noting that the title, date, and location are all written in the same font size, but with distinct text colors. This draws attention to the headline while preserving the date at the top of the flyer. This gives the date a sense of importance or significance, making readers more inclined to remember it.
Brochures
Brochures are a kind of marketing document that may be used to convey information about a product or service. People only take them when they are interested in what they contain, making them a unique and powerful marketing tool. They are suitable for a variety of enterprises, including tourist firms that will leave them at local hotels or tourism centers, trade show exhibitors, and even local businesses such as restaurants offering catering services.
13. Menu Flyer for Takeout
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Side 1 of a restaurant brochure
Example of a Restaurant Brochure – Side 2
Why it works: While most consumers have easy access to the internet and can read your menu online, many companies still utilize brochures to deliver menus in print since takeout menus are still collected. It also adds a classic touch to hospitality by allowing guests to access your menu and phone number in the event of a power outage. A restaurant’s brochure would most likely be left at the front desk or distributed to nearby hotels.
Brochure for Adventure Sports
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Side 1 of the Adventure Sports Brochure
Side 2 of the Adventure Sports Brochure
Why it works: This adventure sports brochure uses a distinctive brochure design with vivid, contrasting colors to showcase their unique offering of paragliding excursions. It uses interesting pictures to catch the reader’s curiosity while also providing basic information about the company’s services. By including pricing, it reduces the possibility of individuals taking the brochure if it is out of their price range, allowing more brochures to be sent to those who will become customers.
Brochure for Wine Tours No. 15
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Side 1 of a Vineyard Brochure
Example of a Vineyard Brochure – Side 2
Why it works: This wine tour business brochure sample includes fundamental information as well as high-quality pictures to captivate readers. Throughout the brochure, it uses a subtle and rich-feeling hue from its emblem, as well as basic black lettering to contrast the white backdrop. It contains all required information without seeming crowded in the brochure.
Booklets & Catalogs
For high-end and costly items or services, booklets, portfolios, and product catalogs may be effective marketing tools. They’re one of the most expensive sorts of marketing materials, which is why they’re best employed for high-priced items or services that need a lot of customer thought. The cost of a booklet or catalog varies widely depending on the size, number of pages, and quantity ordered, and may vary from under $1 to over $5 per item.
Catering Booklet No. 16
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Catering Business Booklet Example
What Makes It Work: Special Occasions Catering services are costly, and those organizing a big occasion want the greatest cuisine possible. As a result, choosing a catering service is a huge task, and a catering company may supply a menu booklet as well as information about the company, such as the chef’s credentials, price, and requirements. It allows potential clients to recall a menu after a sampling and schedule services.
Builders Product Catalogue No. 17
Canva was used to make this.
Construction Company Booklet Example
Why it works: Brochures and catalogs may be used as a sales and marketing tool to share a company’s portfolio, such as this equestrian facility construction firm’s. Unlike a product catalog, which displays available things for purchase, a portfolio is a useful method to display past work, demonstrating a firm’s skills while also inspiring and motivating the receiver to employ the organization.
18. Sales Booklet for a Sailing Company
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Sailing Company Booklet Example
Why it works: This booklet for a sailing business is designed to seem like a magazine, giving it a more opulent vibe that matches the firm’s identity. It’s a visually beautiful booklet that would most likely be sent to its contact list on a monthly or semiannual basis. It provides both amusing and helpful editorial-style content, such as a story about a must-see island that can only be reached by boat, as well as sales information on future charters and training programs.
Folders for Presentations
Folders for Presentations give businesses a nice way to professionally present information and documents. They are on the expensive side, so they’re best for businesses with high-profit products or services such as a construction company providing a bid for a home project or a training program providing a certificate of completion or acceptance letter. The price for pocket folders depends on a number of factors, but expect folders to cost anywhere from $1 to $5.
Presentation Folder for the Yoga Teacher Certification Program (19.)
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Example of a Presentation Folder for a Yoga Certification Course
Why it works: This pocket folder design is basic and contemporary, and it’s utilized to give fresh student resources for a yoga teacher certification program. It not only adds a beautiful touch, but it also helps new students keep organized in a program where handouts, notes, and documentation are routinely distributed.
20. Presentation Folder for an Interior Design Firm
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Interior Design Business Presentation Folder Example
Why does it work? This presentation folder is an excellent example of a clean and straightforward design—important for a design firm such as a home interiors firm. Custom designs and project estimates may be presented in the folder. In this scenario, having a presentation folder helps to demonstrate that the company is detail-oriented, as well as reassuring customers that they are the ideal option for their interior design requirements.
21. Presentation Folder for Event Planners
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Example of a Presentation Folder – Event Planner
Why does it work? This presentation folder has an exquisite design with a full-size backdrop picture for an event planning company. It’s fairly straightforward and merely contains the company’s name. This makes it a flexible folder for a company that plans a variety of events, such as weddings, birthday parties, and baby showers.
Banners & Signage
Business banners and signs have a purpose beyond just directing people to your location. Instead, they describe your company and why someone may want to become a client. Banners and company signs may be used for a variety of purposes, including introducing a new service to current clients with a banner in your shop or recruiting new consumers with public signage. Banners and signs, regardless of their purpose, raise awareness and inspire attention.
Holiday Banner No. 22
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Bakery as an example of a banner
Why it works: This Thanksgiving banner from a local bakery is an example of a banner that the company might use every year to increase orders for Thanksgiving. This advertisement tells customers that they may purchase baked products from this bakery for Thanksgiving, and that the deadline is approaching. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t utilize precise dates; this allows the company to recycle and reuse the banner year after year.
23. Banner for a Book Club
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Book Club as an example of a banner
Why it works: This book club banner is simple and effective. It shows what it’s promoting with one primary picture, a related quotation, and the name of the book club. It would most likely be used to advertise the book club inside a library or bookshop, or it might be used as a mobile sign for book clubs that meet at several places.
24. Banner for a Fitness Center
Canva was used to make this graphic.
Fitness Clinic as an example of a banner
Why does it work? This banner advertises a fitness club or gym’s upcoming event. The backdrop is a black and white graphic with red letters for the primary statement. It contains the basics of what is being given, such as the result (“six weeks to fit”), dates, and an offer or incentive. It would most likely be put in a fitness center’s window to market the facility’s program to both members and non-members.
Stickers
Stickers are a cost-effective and adaptable marketing tool. They may be utilized in a number of ways, from providing clients with free promotional items to quickly modifying packaging. PrintRunner, for example, charges just under $30 for 1,000 personalized 2″ x 2″ basic stickers, or $100 for 15.
Stickers as Drink Labels (No. 25)
Beverage Labels as an Example of Stickers
Why it works: The transparent and waterproof nature of these stickers makes them an excellent option for marking plastic and glass items. These stickers provide a low-cost alternative for companies to mark their items while also minimizing the amount of overhead that would otherwise be incurred if they purchased custom-printed glasses and packaging, which often requires a large minimum order number.
Stickers for Food Packaging (No. 26)
Bakery Labels as an Example of Stickers
Why it works: These matte stickers give otherwise plain product packaging a hint of elegance and customisation. Another advantage of stickers in this scenario is that they give a cost-effective method to mark shipments for a company with often changing items since the packaging stays constant while the stickers/labels vary.
Stickers for Product Packaging (number 27)
Example of a Business Logo on a Sticker
Why it works: This an example of logo stickers, which businesses can use in a number of ways from being a cheap alternative to custom-printed materials such as binders (as pictured), Folders for Presentations, or simply distributing them to customers. Retail businesses and brands commonly leave stickers near checkouts for customers to take, or businesses include stickers in packages. It’s a way to provide something extra with the potential to build brand awareness.
Apparel with a Logo
Apparel with a Logo is another marketing tool that can be used in a variety of ways, whether for employee clothing, events, or general brand awareness. It’s best for client- or customer-facing roles in the service industry—especially those that make house visits such as electricians or cleaning services or public-facing organizations such as a retail store or businesses that have customers who are fans, from breweries to nonprofit organizations.
28. Restaurant Apparel with a Logo
Why it works: This branded T-shirt is from a restaurant and tavern, which serves both its staff and patrons. The restaurant is located in an area that is frequented by tourists, so Apparel with a Logo may be a good thing to offer for sale as a memento that showcases its logo.
29. Tourism T-Shirt with Logo
Why does it work? Another T-shirt available from the Yosemite tourism board for guests to buy as a souvenir. While the national park is not in the business of selling apparel, it is a way for it to generate more cash while giving enjoyable items to tourists.
30. Bike Park Embroidered Hat
Why it works: Apparel with a Logo can come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s not only T-shirts. Hats can be a good product to offer as they are generally a one-size-fits-all product that people can easily wear over and over—unlike T-shirts which involve maintaining an inventory of different sizes and is unlikely to be worn daily as one might with a hat.
7 Best Marketing Material Tools & Services
It may seem that firms developing marketing materials are restricted to selecting the printing provider of their choice. There are, however, a variety of tools and services available to assist firms with the creation of marketing materials and the implementation of direct mail campaigns. Consider utilizing these tools to construct campaigns, from DIY design tools like Canva to Flowcode for producing and monitoring QR codes.
Here are seven marketing tools and services to consider:
- Canva: Canva is a great option for anyone seeking for a free method to develop marketing materials. It’s a drag-and-drop design tool with hundreds of templates to choose from that are simple to personalize and utilize in marketing campaigns.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is a marketplace where companies may hire a graphic designer for a low fee. There, you may go through a list of skilled freelancers to discover one that is perfect for your design and marketing requirements, with explicit services and price.
- Vistaprint: When it comes to choosing a firm to print your marketing materials, Vistaprint is the clear winner, thanks to its extensive services and low prices.
- Moo: Businesses looking to stand out with a unique touch to their Cards for Business, postcards, and flyers should turn to Moo, which offers some cool features such as luxury trims, foils, and finishes.
- JustCall: With technologies like JustCall, a cloud-based phone system provider and call monitoring, direct mail marketing materials may be utilized as conversion tactics, comparable to digital advertisements.
- Flowcode: Adding a custom QR code to your print materials is another option to measure the performance of direct mail campaigns. This allows receivers to simply scan the code with their phone, thereby turning a printed piece into a virtual one.
- Leadpages: Using Leadpages, companies can simply construct a customized landing page with a specific URL to correlate to a direct mail campaign, just as they would with digital marketing. It aids in the rise of campaign conversions as well as your return on ad spend.
- Google Analytics: Businesses who lead their direct mail recipients to a website may use Google Analytics to monitor their campaign for free by creating a unique URL.
Your marketing material instruments will be determined by your specific marketing objectives and campaign type. A call tracking service, for example, may be the ideal approach to measure the effectiveness of a direct mail campaign for a hair salon trying to advertise a new service and drive appointments, while a firm marketing an upcoming event may use a landing page with a unique URL to track event registrations.
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the definition of direct mail marketing?
Direct mail marketing is a marketing method that involves sending printed marketing materials to a contact list through mail. Direct mail marketing, unlike email, is an effective means for companies to get their message or offer into the hands of their target demographic. To expand a small company, those interested in utilizing email marketing more efficiently may consider using a service like Constant Contact.
Is direct mail still a viable option?
Digital marketing has eclipsed direct mail marketing, yet it is still an efficient marketing method. Not only do people like receiving letters, but direct mail has a 2-3x greater open rate than email. This means that, unlike internet adverts, which are readily disregarded or designated as spam, your direct mail letter is more likely to be seen.
Which direct mail services are the most effective?
Direct mail services, such as printing, shipping, and monitoring marketing materials, are available to assist with the delivery of your direct mail campaign. Vistaprint, PsPrint, and Every Door Direct Mail are among the services offered, with Vistaprint, PsPrint, and Every Door Direct Mail being among the finest for small companies. Get the whole breakdown to determine which direct mail service is best for your company.
The Bottom Line – Promotional Materials
Marketing materials can be beneficial tools for businesses that can be used to achieve a variety of marketing objectives, from sharing a promotion using direct mail to generating sales. Marketing materials come in many forms from Cards for Business and flyers to stickers and apparel. Those that overlook marketing materials are missing out on an opportunity to connect with customers, build relationships and increase their return on investment.
Those who do not find marketing materials to be effective usually have materials that are badly prepared. Don’t spend your time or money on low-quality DIY designs, and don’t jeopardize your reputation. Instead, for as low as $5, hire a professional graphic designer on Fiverr to produce outstanding images that showcase your company in the best possible light.
Visit Fiverr.com for more information.
