Digital Marketing vs Print Marketing: Which is more effective for ecommerce?
Obviously, most people today would say digital marketing is the better option. Digital is accurate, fast and cost-effective. However, it is also intangible, less memorable and impersonal. Though print marketing may be more costly and seemingly outdated, it offers many benefits:
So how can you leverage print marketing to boost your ecommerce business?
Product catalogs are very effective for showing your prospects what you have to offer, and gives you an opportunity to showcase your inventory in a more detailed manner. Many large ecommerce businesses such as Wayfair have started mailing catalogs as part of their marketing efforts. Depending on your budget, you could print many pages showing all your products or keep it short and highlight only your best selling products. However, be sure to focus on quality rather than quantity. Use high quality images and cutting edge designs to make your catalog feel and look high end.
When shipping products to customers, be sure to insert a flyer, brochure, catalog or coupon code. Don’t forget to add a personalized note from a real person in your company. This will make the customer feel valued and enhance their chances of making a repeat purchase. In addition, they are likely to recommend your company to their friends.
Customers are usually wary about the effectiveness and reliability of unfamiliar products. Offering samples allows prospects to try out products risk-free, thus eliminating any fears they might have. This strategy works well for ecommerce businesses that sell house hold products or food. Companies like GotPrint utilize this strategy by offering a free sample kit containing a variety of printed materials like postcards, business cards, and flyers on their website to increase engagement for first time customers. This strategy is used as a lead magnet to move their visitors one step further to their buying funnel.
Everyone loves a deal. Therefore, one of the best ways of grabbing the attention of your audience is by including coupon codes in your marketing materials. You could either place the marketing materials in strategic physical locations or send them to prospects via direct mail. This strategy provides a compelling incentive for potential customers to check out your website and sign up for your email marketing list.
Augmented Reality (AR) allows you to bridge the gap between the physical and the digital. However, when it comes to AR, most people only know about QR codes which have now become outdated. More recent Augmented Reality Apps such as Layar and PAPER.plus have totally transformed how people interact with printed material. By scanning your brochures or catalogs using their phones, prospects can send an email, make a phone call, watch a video, play a game and even make a purchase directly on your online store.
Events such as conferences, trade shows, seminars and even concerts are great opportunities to meet prospects face-to-face and market your ecommerce business. Such events allow sponsors to set up booths where they can educate people about their products and distribute promotional materials such as mugs, pens, t-shirts and hats. This is a popular strategy for beverage companies such as Red Bull – by giving away free merchandise, they are able to increase brand awareness and give back to the community at the same time.
Conclusion
When implemented properly, your print marketing can be a perfect complement to your digital initiatives. Make sure all your printed marketing materials include links to your websites, social media profiles and hashtag slogans.
