Contrary to popular opinion, print is not dead, and it remains an integral part of marketing and advertising. Today, you can't rely solely on digital ads to increase customer traffic. Likewise, you can't just rely on old-school advertising to do the job.
Writing words on paper is tactile and fun to hold. It also creates a feeling of value that a pop-up ad can't do. Paper is something that has to be reckoned with. You can't just turn a blind eye. You have to physically throw it away--after reading it.
Once it's your customers' hands, you have the advantage of grasping their attention. Be forthcoming about what you are selling or trying to call their attention to. Using high-quality paper and fine print can give the impression of prestige and quality, and with the physical item in your hands, it is way more engaging for readers than an email or a pop-up.
Digital helps expand on the conversation you started with the customer. It allows for more information to be shared, and it's interactive in that the customer can click for more information on your website.
So, if you take the best aspects of each marketing tool, you will see the difference compared to running a solely digital or print campaign.
9 Solid Ways to Combine Digital and Print to Boost Your Campaign
1. Use QR Codes
Use a QR code to link to your digital platform or a page on your website.
This is a quick and easy way to get the most out of your advertising.
2. Include Your Web Address
Add your website to the printed pieces.
This way, the customer instantly knows how to get more information or contact you. You can even create a specific landing page for the campaign.
3. Exclusive content
Advertise exclusive content within your print pieces to gain new followers on a specific social platform.
4. Social Media
Use your social media to obtain customer information so you can send on-target materials to them.
5. Giveaway
Advertise a giveaway on your printed piece and include a QR code or URL that takes the consumer to a page where they can redeem the gift.
6. Colors
When combining print and digital efforts, give them a cohesive look by using the same colors and fonts.
7. Campaign Tracking
Add a UTM or Urchin Tracking Module to the web address or QR code that you put on your print campaign.
A UTM is a simple text code that can be added to any URL or webpage to generate Google Analytics data.
8. Hashtags
Indiana University used this approach with newly-admitted college students by including the hashtag #IUSaidYes on their acceptance letter packages.
9. Augmented Reality
Use an augmented reality code in your print advertising to stand out more.
This high-tech tactic tracks the results through the code and can also boost your online presence. These two together are unstoppable.