5 Innovative ideas to stand out with your marketing

Despite technological advances, humans are still very tactile. For example, many people still enjoy holding a book in their hands versus reading on a device. The same holds true for marketing. It is important to communicate through email, blogs, and posts, but equally important is exploring printed marketing and ideas that will make your business stand out and be remembered. Here are five innovative ideas to stand out with your print marketing.

 

1 – Creative Business Cards

An interesting business card will remind potential leads that you have a creative eye for detail and place an importance on quality. Here are a few things to consider when creating a unique business card.

Unique material

Think beyond the standard white card stock. Heavier weights of paper will make your card less likely to bend. But, don’t think you have to be bound to paper. Printers can help you design cards on other materials to make you stand out.

Texture

Consider using unique papers or printing techniques such as embossing or raised printing. This makes your card feel different to the recipient.

Various shapes or dimensions

You don’t have to use the standard business card rectangle. Simply rounding the corners or using a different size card are some ways to stand out. Or create a custom shape to really set your brand apart.

 

2 – Postcards designed with a call to action

Postcards can add a personal touch with a unique spin and provide exposure to your brand. They are simple to produce and are easy to distribute on a large scale.

Bold headline

A picture may be worth a thousand words but words drive action. Use an attention grabbing headline to express a powerful message quickly. Select and target to your audience and the benefit they will receive.

One big clear idea per card

If you have more than one idea, create more cards. In a situation where you are unsure which benefits will be the most compelling, create a series of cards with one benefit each. Present a direct and unambiguous offer with a clear call to action – such as “Go to gadgetsrus.com and customize your sample today!” Tell your prospective customer what to do and how to do it.

“Package” rather than “postcard”

Think of it as a mini-direct mail package that includes a letter, brochure, and reply.

• Letter – short, personalized message on address side
• Brochure – information given on front of the card
• Reply – clear call to action with website visit, video to watch, or trip to your store

3 – Birthday Cards

Birthdays are an opportunity to reach out to your clients and impress them with your thoughtfulness.

Discount

Offer a discount or free gift during their birthday month. Many large corporations and restaurants use this as a way to reach out to customers, but small businesses can do the same. Be sure to include your logo and perhaps a personal touch of a signature if possible.

Simple birthday wish

Again, be sure to use your logo on the envelope and the card. Make your customers feel like they are more than a number. Put a face on your business with a signature by one or all of the employees. This reinforces that real people work for the company and care about their customers.

Personalize the shape

Send a card that is specific to your brand and use a unique die cut shape that is relevant to your business. Add a discount or personal offer for the recipient when the card is brought to your location for added exposure.

4 – Add a unique touch or item to your promotion

Think outside the box and come up with a creative idea or item to include with your specific promotion.

These could include:

• A custom printed outside envelope
• Excite the senses! Use a scented varnish for a unique smell or incorporate a soft touch coating for a velvety feel. Use a cool paper with a different texture or finish.
• Include a creative item with your promotion. This can be anything – K-cup, custom shaped stress ball or something that sets off the promotion theme. Think outside the box!

5 – Creative brochures

Make your brochure memorable by using something different from the average run of the mill tri-fold.

Some ideas include:

• Shapes
  Your pages do not have to be a rectangle or even square. Use shapes like circles, hearts, triangles or whatever suits your business.
• Stretch
  Venture away from the standard folded booklet by stretching your brochure in an accordion manner. This allows the reader to view the entire brochure as a whole rather than flipping through each page.
• Size
  Your brochure doesn’t need to be 8.5 x 11. A printer can cut almost any size imaginable. Get creative!
• Fold
  Don’t feel you have to just do a trifold. There are many different styles of folds that are inexpensive, yet can set you marketing piece from the crowd.

Stand out with your print marketing and reach your clients in new ways. These ideas will help you form new relationships and nurture current ones. Work with your printer and designer to refine your ideas and meet your project’s budget and goals.