Disruptive technologies have a way of coming into established institutions and suddenly making them obsolete. After 244 years of success, Encyclopedia Britannica is no longer printing their famous reference guides. The internet, Google and Wikipedia have taken their place and digital information is dispersed faster and updated more quickly than printed materials. Newspapers are going out of business and publications are shrinking in size theft and right these days so just what if anything should your business put in print for their marketing materials these days? Here is a list of what’s still good to print:

–Brochures: Brochures add instant credibility with prospects and are great for trade shows and networking. A helpful checklist or brief sharing of best practices in a printed brochure along with a business card still makes a great first impression.

–Business Cards: Some new companies think it’s okay to skimp on business cards but they couldn’t be more wrong. Designing to stand apart even subtly helps your card avoid getting lost in a stack of business cards a prospect brings home from networking. Attention to the weight and color of the card also sets you apart. Texture, color, embossed printing, or a slightly unusual shape all contribute to being memorable, so don’t leave out these important details!

–Direct Mail: For reaching out to key prospects as well as securing repeat business, direct mail can still be very effective. The trick is the quality of the materials as well as the branding of the envelope and letterhead. The impact of a handwritten thank you note on crisp company branded paper is a dramatically undervalued asset. In today’s digitally driven world it helps you stand out and sends a strong message. Since the need isn’t as strong to do frequent direct mail campaigns to cold prospects, you can invest more into the quality of what you do mail out.

–Postcards: For mass distribution efforts nothing beats a visually striking post card. A versatile tool, post cards can be mailed or left in stacks in community areas frequented by your prospects. This helps you cover ground and reach people you need your products or services that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to reach. An attention grabbing image in a 5″ x 7″ size postcard can accomplish your goals.

–Stickers: These days stickers with your company logo can help your business stand out in people’s minds in ways a website cannot. Stickers with a great design can wind up on jackets, the backs of laptop computers or in other areas around a home or office. Adding a QR Code for mobile scan technology recognition can increase your visibility on the web in addition to looking cool and with the times.

–Banners, invitations, flyers and calendars can all increase visibility within the right context. Finding the right printer is of great importance for these projects and it’s best to look for a printing company you can visit in person about your needs for anything beyond a business card or out of the ordinary.

When used correctly print marketing can add instant credibility, ramp up trust and rapport with your prospects, and they’re perfect for reaching certain audiences. As printed Encyclopedias go by the way side it’s important to remember that in business certain old school tactics like high quality printed materials still work.

Archway Internet Marketing is Inc. is a Chicago based company known for serving small businesses with effective marketing design strategy and content to help bring new customers through the door. We pride ourselves on being available to our clients to play a crucial role in their marketing decisions. If you need help creating printed materials and assistance with writing, design or branding identity, please schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-50-TWEET.