People who are establishing a business for the first time frequently struggle with information overload, knowledge gaps, and time and financial constraints. If you feel as though you have no idea where to begin or which printed marketing materials will be most effective in helping you launch or open your business, please read on. This article will also address 13 frequently asked issues, but also questions like "Is print dead?" and "Where will I get the best return on my investment?"
The criteria for printed marketing materials vary depending on the industry in which a product or service is utilised and how it is distributed to the market. For the majority of new start-ups, the following list of 10 printed goods will have the most marketing impact.
1. Business Branding Cards
Business cards are still used by companies of all sizes, from small startups to massive multinational corporations, and are at the top of any printed marketing list. You will require these each time you meet with a prospective customer or supplier. You just saved money on additional printing if you can make your business card double duty as a thank you, loyalty, or appointment card. Retailers of clothing and apparel frequently request that a hangtag hole be drilled. This straightforward brand strategy offers countless opportunities.
In addition to making a strong first impression, a high-quality card with an effective design will also be more likely to draw in quality customers. As you add extras like rounded edges, metal, or UV, business cards get more expensive. There is no need to pay more for these extras unless your ideal client expects them.
Size, shape, and weight all matter, and it is best not to buy cards that are smaller than the typical size of 90mm x 55mm, lighter than 350gsm, or have an unusual form unless you don't mind your business card being discarded with the first opportunity. Finishing is personal and has less of an impact than most people believe. Business cards are typically sold in multiples of 250, and ordering for more than one person will work out much cheaper than placing two separate orders for each person. This link will take you to the standard business cards that most businesses use.
2. Signage | Banners or A-Frames
Few businesses do not require a banner or an A-Frame, and those that do usually require a more expensive alternatives, such as vehicle or shop front branding. Around 75% of all Australian commerce revenue is generated without a physical location, necessitating these items even more.
A Pull-up Banner is the most common item, and it can be used at most indoor events, such as your business launch, social media exposure, or in-person expos. If you've ever been to one of these events, you'll notice that size does matter in this case. Most representative businesses have banners that are approximately 2m high and 850mm wide. When folded, these banners are very small and usually come with a carry bag.
For outdoor events such as markets, a banner with rope and eyelets printed on one or both sides is ideal. The price is determined by size and can vary significantly. Please email us for a custom quote.
A-Frames can stand on their own and are available in both indoor and outdoor varieties. Indoor types are usually not heavy enough or UV treated to withstand the elements. Outdoor A-frames can be fitted with wheels if they are too heavy to be handled on a regular basis. They are ideal for directing people where to go and are commonly used at events to display capabilities or specials. This is also an excellent way to attract customers to your home-based business, but please ensure that you have obtained council approval before using it.
At the time of publication, the typical cost for this type of signage ranged between $135 and $350, making it one of the most expensive items on this list.
3. Mugs or Waterbottles
You may have the opportunity to subtly expose others to your brand if you host online meetings or meet people in person. If you are creative, I would even suggest opening a Redbubble store and ordering your own drinkware from there, as well as allowing your customers to make purchases from there, generating passive income for you through your own mechandise line. Click HERE to start your passive income journey through affiliate link.
Because Australia is moving towards more sustainable products and less plastic, adding a sticker to your mugs or water bottles may be a simple way to promote your company. This is also true for keep cups, which are becoming increasingly popular as souvenirs at quirky coffee shops.
Drinkware is available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, ranging in price from inexpensive to expensive depending on your preferences. You can choose your favourite items by scheduling some time to browse our catalogue.
4. Branded Pens
A good pen is frequently the subject of conversation. A pen with your logo is necessary if you conduct in-person workshops or ask clients to sign paperwork. To promote your company outside of your immediate workplace, you will want your customers to unintentionally take these home. I would alsways recommend a heavier, metal pen above a lightweight plastic pen, not just because of environmental factors but because it leaves an impression of wealth. The colour of the pen will determine if you want it engraved or printed.
Most printers will try to persuade you to print more, but it is up to you to determine how many you require. I would not recommend getting less than 40 because of the set-up cost involved. I would also recommend a metal barrel over a plastic barrel because it feels more expensive even though it may not cost more. 40 Panama Metal Pens will cost less than $150 at the time of publication making it a good marketing tool.
5. Notepads or Notebooks
For in-person meetings or workshops, notepads or bound notebooks are necessary; an A5 size will do. If you run an online business, you might want to put it in a gift bag with a pen and your business card for your customers. A pad alone, saddle stitch binding (stapled or stitched), wire binding, or perfect binding like a magazine are available as binding options. The number of pages, printed sides and binding option determines the price for this item.
6. Posters
Posters are yet another fantastic, low-cost marketing tool. It is a way of showcasing your services or products without sacrificing beauty. If you can offer a quirky yet tasteful design, it is one of the most effective tools for getting your brand to stick in the minds of your audience. It is also a way to show the world your personality while decorating your walls at the same time. audience.
In Australia, poster sizes are typically A4 or larger, and they can be fitted with velcro dots or double sided tape. There are various paper types, but my personal favourites are 170 gsm silk paper for smaller items and 200 gsm paper for larger items. Poster are rated for indoor or outdoor use. Posters can be mounted on MDF board to make them more rigid, or holes can be drilled in them to hang them from the ceiling. Manyu retail businesses use it to draw customers to specific areas or items in the store. Posters can also be sold if your business provides an experience or item worth collecting thus creating an opportunity for an additional income stream.
7. Workwear
This article would be incomplete if I did not mention branding options. Branding garments and apparel can be done in a variety of ways depending on the fabric, some of which are listed below.
Sublimation | It can only be added to 100% polyester, usually white in colour. It has the longest lifespand and the softest feel of the options listed.
Heat Transfers | It can be added to most fabrics and colours, but it is only cost effective in small quantities or for promomtional items.
Direct to Garment | As the name implies, designs are printed directly onto garments and is only suitable for small order quantities.
Screen Printing | A versatile method of printing onto nearly any type of fabric. Only designs with solid colours are appropriate for this type of printing and it is only cost effective for higher volume orders.
Embroidery | A popular method of branding for most workwear, with simple, small in size, solid-colour logos.
If you would like to find out more, please give us a call.
8. Stickers
Look around, stickers are on nearly everything. Add your brand and message and stick it onto everything. The type of sticker will be determined by what you need it for. If you need waterproof stickers, you will need to use vinyl. Sticker prices vary based on quantity, size and application but are one of the most cost-effective ways to get your brand on everything.
9. Other Marketing Materials
Marketing Materials can include a variety of items which will aide a business owner to promote themselves and to add to their branding. The materials you need will depend on your type of business. Examples of this may include timetable flyers for business hosting workshops or run classes on a timetable, menus for Cafès, Restaurants or Coffee Shops, Voucher or Post Cards for Business Coaches, Real Estate Agents and Consultantancy Services, or Fridge Magnets for Trades for people to have their number handy when a service is needed.
Things business owners need to consider is what their competitors are doing. Examples of this is that Real Estate Agents usually will print on a heavier cardstock rather than a paper flyer because there is perceived value in the weight of the stock being printed on. Colours and Design may also play a role in addition to the content and message. Business owners need to be clear on their message and how to effectively promote themselves. Have a chat with your local printer to determine what would best suit your business' needs.
Click on the links to order some of the most popular marketing materials for your business today.
10. A Gift
A gift can take many forms but it is a way for people to be attracted to your business. A gift does not need to cost you money every time it is given and can include printable planners, downloadable templates or worksheets, or free images. The important thing is that it must be worth enough for someone to want to engage with you further. In this section you can be as creative as you like and it may be worth your while to discuss this with friends and family to see what made them give up their information or what they deemed as a memorable gift item.
Remember that if you are planning to participate in expo's, the more give-away items you have, the more traffic you will attract. Remember to also brand your gifts even if it is just a small one-liner that states that it is a gift from your business.
Looking through this list, I remember my own emotional highs and lows, worries and excitement. I also cannot help to remember the jumble of pictures I had in my head to present myself to others. Extracting those images through conversation, not only helped me to get an idea of what image I would like to be known for but also what my likes and dislikes are. Having these conversations with your own printer will identify the cause of your own overwhelm and we as printers can take that burden off your shoulders.
Look back over the article and see if you can identify how printed materials can help you overcome these 13 common anxiety points every new business owner face:
- I want to look professional.
- I want to feel confident.
- I want others to take my business seriously.
- I want to be known.
- I want to be recognised.
- I want to be proud to show up.
- I want to showcase my capabilities.
- I want my personality to shine through.
- I want to know that my marketing is effective.
- I want people to like my brand.
- I want my brand to work for me even if I am not around.
- I want people to tell others about my business.
- I want to interact with likeminded people.
Let me know in the comments what worked for you when you started your business.
