July 3, 2025

Print & Promotion

Tips for Creating Effective Print Materials

Print’s Not Dead: Tips for Creating Standout Materials in a Digital World

It’s easy to think that print is fading out. We live in a world of clicks, swipes, and scrolling feeds. But when done right, print still holds power. It’s tangible, trustworthy, and offers something digital can’t. Real-world presence. And for B2B brands, that kind of touchpoint matters.

Print isn’t about replacing your digital efforts. It’s about reinforcing them. The right brochure, flyer, promo item, or branded apparel piece can help tell your story in a way that feels memorable, personal, and polished.

Here’s how to make your print and physical materials work smarter in today’s digital-first world.
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When it comes to building a strong, consistent brand, whether you're a regional bank, a hospital network, or a growing franchise, organization is key. That’s where Brand Asset Management (BAM) comes into play.

At Systemax, we see BAM as much more than a storage solution. It’s a strategic system that brings structure, efficiency, and control to every part of your brand. Whether it’s printed materials like brochures and signage or digital assets like logos, photos, and campaign files, BAM ensures your team can quickly access the right materials when they need them.

Why Print Still Belongs in the Mix

When your customer’s inbox is overflowing, a sharp-looking leave-behind or well-designed mailer can stand out in ways a subject line just can’t. Print gives your brand weight. It’s something people can hold onto, pass around, pin to a board, wear, or set on their desk.

Whether it’s a product sheet, company brochure, embroidered polo, or printed giveaway item, these materials continue to build trust and reinforce your identity.

Tips for Making Your Print and Promo Pieces Count

1. Make It Purposeful
Don’t print or produce just to check a box. Start by asking what action or emotion you want to create. Should they visit your site? Feel excited about your brand? Remember your name six months from now? Keep the purpose front and center.

2. Match Your Brand
‍Your printed items and apparel should feel like an extension of your digital presence. Use the same colors, fonts, tone, and personality across everything. A cohesive brand builds recognition and trust, whether it's a flyer or a fleece.

3. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Cheap swag or poorly printed brochures do more harm than good. Invest in items that feel premium and reflect your brand standards. A soft-touch finish, heavyweight paper, or high-quality embroidered hat can leave a lasting impression.

Landing Zone: Hot Tip: Think beyond the handout. Branded apparel, stickers, tumblers, and presentation folders with inserts can add value, show personality, and make your brand part of someone’s daily routine.

Think Digital-First, But Print-Smart

You don’t need to go all in on catalogs or big production runs. Focus on a smart mix of print, promo, and apparel that supports your digital message. A custom onboarding kit with a printed welcome card and branded gear. A campaign-specific mailer that pairs with digital follow-up. Even a well-designed direct mail piece that leads to a landing page.

Here are some great use cases for print and promo in modern marketing:

· Conference or trade show collateral

· Sales kits with branded folders and gear

· Direct mail supported by email or ads

· Staff apparel that creates consistency

· Event giveaways or client thank-you kits

Print and promo assets help you show up in the physical world while your digital channels work in the background. When everything aligns, you stay top of mind and hard to forget.

If you need help building or refreshing your print, promo, or apparel materials, let us know below and we can talk about your next plan.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games present a unique and exciting opportunity for local businesses to tap into a large, engaged television audience. The Olympics attract millions of viewers from all over the globe, and a significant portion of those watch their local stations, creating opportunities for highly effective local TV advertising campaigns. And even though national campaigns were booked long ago, it’s not too late for local advertisers. Near-to-air inventory may still be available at many local stations, providing unique opportunities for local advertisers.

THE STRATEGY & PLAN

The Olympics is one of the few events that captivate a global audience, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. For local advertisers, this means a diverse and extensive viewership. The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be no different, with a schedule packed with a wide variety of sports that appeal to a broad range of viewers. There’s something for everyone, from traditional favorites like athletics and swimming to newer additions like skateboarding and surfing.

Why Local TV Advertising?

Geo-Targeted Reach: Local TV advertising allows businesses to target their immediate geographic area. This ensures that the ads are seen by potential customers within the vicinity of the business, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
Community Connection: Local businesses often better understand their community’s needs and preferences. Local TV ads can be tailored to reflect community values, culture, and events, fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
Cost-Effective: Local TV ads are more affordable than national TV spots, making them accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. This allows even those with smaller budgets to leverage the massive viewership of the Olympics.
High Engagement: The immersive nature of TV viewing, combined with the excitement of the Olympics, leads to higher engagement levels. Viewers are more likely to remember ads they see during noteworthy events.

Strategies for Effective Local TV Advertising

Align with the Olympic Spirit: Themes of perseverance, unity, and excellence resonate well during this time. For instance, a local sports store could highlight local athletes who have shown Olympic-like dedication and skill. Another example might be a local restaurant promoting healthy eating habits inspired by the athletes’ diets.
Leverage Local Heroes: If your area has athletes competing in the Olympics, consider featuring them in your ads. This builds local pride and provides a relatable figure for your audience.
Promote Special Offers and Events: Use the Olympics as a backdrop for special promotions or events. For example, a restaurant might offer special deals during game times or host viewing parties.
Storytelling: People connect with stories. Craft narratives that tie your business to the Olympic ideals. For example, a gym could tell the story of a member who achieved remarkable fitness goals, drawing a parallel with Olympic athletes’ journeys.
Visual and Emotional Appeal: High-quality visuals and emotional storytelling can make your ads memorable. Use the dynamic and vibrant imagery of the Olympics to enhance your ads.
Call to Action: Ensure your ads have a clear call to action. Whether viewers visit your store, take advantage of a limited-time offer, or join an event, they should know what to do next.

Timing and Placement

Timing is crucial for TV advertising. Ads placed during prime-time events or popular sports will have higher viewership but also higher costs. Balancing budget and desired reach is critical.
Prime-Time Events include the opening and closing ceremonies, significant finals, and popular sports like gymnastics and track and field. Local station breaks during prime-time broadcasts provide opportunities for local advertisers to access the highest viewership.
Niche Sports: Placing ads during less mainstream sports can be cost-effective while still reaching engaged viewers. Sports like archery, fencing, skateboarding, or surfing have dedicated audiences that could be highly relevant for specific local businesses.
News and Recaps: Local news and daily Olympic recaps are watched by those who want to stay up to date but who are unable to watch live events. These segments often have consistent viewership and are a good opportunity for local businesses.

The 2024 Paris Olympics present an unparalleled opportunity for local businesses to reach a broad and engaged audience. By leveraging local TV advertising, businesses can create targeted, memorable, and effective campaigns that resonate with their community. With thoughtful planning, creative execution, and diligent measurement, local advertisers can capitalize on this global event and drive significant business growth.

Interested in placing your company’s story in front of the eyes of many? Lets start from the top and go higher! Speak with one of our Strategy Marketing Directors today.

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