Will print or digital marketing work for your small business?

Will print or digital marketing work for your small business?

The world is digital and so even the least tech savvy business owners need to get their head around online marketing. However, when it comes to deciding on print or digital marketing for your small business, it doesn’t need to be one or the other.

Print is still popular

A recent survey conducted by FedEx found that nine out of ten consumers agree that there will always be a need for print, 49% going as far as to say that they would feel stressed and annoyed in a world without paper.

Although many businesses have made the switch to digital in recent years, there is still a clear need for print marketing. The survey found that print management companies have aided four out of five small businesses and helped them to propel themselves ahead of their competition. This could be as simple as branded business cards or using posters or flyers to attract new customers.

Furthermore, 85% of consumers who took part in the survey said that they would be more inclined to buy from a business that has professionally printed items. They explained that this is because a high quality printed product says to them that a business is professional and takes pride in the quality of their service.

Even millennials – the most digitally native of the survey’s participants – recognise the power of print, with 50% having an item professionally printed at least once a month.

A combination is key

The most effective way to market to a modern audience is to use a combination of print and digital. There are many techniques that can help you to make the most of both approaches, and when used well in tandem the two can really complement each other.

If you don’t want to choose between print or digital, you could try using QR codes to track media crossover. Consumers simply scan a code on a piece of printed material and then are directed towards your online campaign.

All sound a bit complicated? Perhaps the easiest way to cross-pollinate print and digital is by using social media. Using printed materials to encourage your target market to follow you on a social media channel can help you to push traffic both ways. Always use strong CTAs to encourage people to visit your social media page or website, or alternatively use social media to promote physical events or offers.

Keen to hear more about how you can combine print and digital marketing efforts? Fill in our online enquiry form and a member of Hague’s expert print team will set up a free consultation to discuss your requirements in more detail.