By James Winzar
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February 28, 2025
Startups that incorporate print into their strategy cut through digital noise, build trust faster, and create lasting brand impressions. And when done right, it’s more affordable and measurable than most founders think. Let’s break down exactly how print marketing solves some of the biggest pain points startups face today. 1. Struggling to get noticed? Print grabs attention like no other Every startup fights the same battle: getting seen in an oversaturated market. You’re pouring resources into, Google Ads, and social media, only to be drowned out by established competitors with bigger budgets. How print solves this Unlike digital ads, which can be scrolled past or blocked, a well-designed business card, flyer, or brochure demands attention. People physically engage with print in a way they don’t with digital- it’s tangible, it’s real, and it sticks around longer. Instead of relying solely on online ads, leave strategic print materials in coffee shops, co-working spaces, and industry events. When done right, this kind of guerrilla marketing creates real-world touchpoints with your audience. 2. Digital ad costs are skyrocketing & print is a smarter investment Google and Facebook ads are becoming increasingly expensive. The cost-per-click for competitive keywords has soared, meaning startups are paying more but seeing fewer conversions. How print solves this Print has a longer shelf life and requires just a one-time investment. A potential customer might ignore an email ad in seconds, but a high-quality printed piece sits on their desk for weeks. For example, a startup offering a subscription service could send beautifully designed postcards with a QR code linking to an exclusive first-month discount. That piece of print isn’t just an ad, it’s an invitation. ROI. Spending £500 on Google Ads might get you 100 website visits, but £500 on premium flyers or brochures could get your brand in front of over 1,000 potential customers in a far more memorable way. 3. Lack of trust? Print instantly elevates credibility Startups often struggle with trust, why should customers take a chance on an unknown brand? A website is great, but anyone can create a basic site. How print solves this Physical marketing materials signal legitimacy. A well-designed business card, branded letterhead, or premium packaging gives the impression that your business is established, credible, and worth paying attention to. A SaaS startup pitching investors will look far more professional with a printed pitch deck instead of just a digital slideshow. It demonstrates commitment and sets you apart. Always carry high-quality business cards. Not cheap, flimsy ones, the kind that feel premium. The subtle impact of a good texture, thick cardstock, or embossed logo makes a lasting impression. 4. No one reads your emails? Direct mail actually gets opened If you’re like most startups, you’re relying on email marketing. But here’s the brutal truth: most of your emails never get opened. Inboxes are overloaded, spam filters are aggressive, and cold emails rarely get a response. How print solves this Physical mail has an open rate of over 90 percent, compared to email’s average open rate of 20-30 percent. That’s a huge difference. In a world where digital messages are ignored, a beautifully designed direct mail piece stands out. A startup selling a high-end product could send a personalised, well-designed direct mail piece to select leads. Unlike a generic email, a physical invitation, mini brochure, or handwritten note demands attention. Combine print with digital for better results. A postcard with a QR code linking to a personalised video message makes a lasting impression. 5. Events and networking are still king. Print makes you unforgettable If you’re attending industry events, conferences, or networking meetups, you know the challenge: standing out among hundreds of other businesses. How print solves this Everyone collects business cards at events, but a creative, unexpected print piece makes you stick in their minds. Instead of just a business card, a creative agency could hand out mini portfolio booklets showcasing their best work. A fintech startup could provide pocket-sized industry trend reports that subtly promote their expertise. Think beyond business cards. A well-designed brochure, sticker, or branded notebook keeps your startup on people’s desks, not forgotten in a pile of emails. 6. Concerned about sustainability? Modern print is eco-friendly One hesitation startups have about print marketing is its environmental impact. But in 2025, sustainable printing is more accessible than ever. How print solves this • Recycled materials • Eco-friendly inks instead of chemical-heavy traditional inks • Print-on-demand to minimise waste A green tech startup could print brochures on 100 percent recycled paper with a call-to-action about sustainability, reinforcing their brand values. Promote your sustainability efforts. Include a note on your print materials about the eco-friendly processes used, customers appreciate brands that make responsible choices. Final thought: Print marketing isn’t old-school, it’s just smart If you’re a startup, you can’t afford to blend in. While every other new business is battling for digital ad space, print marketing offers a cost-effective, high-impact way to cut through the noise, build trust, and drive real-world engagement. Here’s your startup print playbook for 2025: • Premium business cards to build credibility • Creative print giveaways to make you unforgettable at events • Direct mail campaigns with personalised QR codes for higher engagement • Tactile brochures or mini lookbooks that customers actually keep • Eco-friendly printing options to reinforce sustainability values Ready to make your startup stand out? At VMG Fulham, London, we help startups turn print marketing into a growth engine. Whether you need high-quality business cards, creative direct mail, or sustainable print solutions, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today to explore print strategies that actually drive results.
