TH BEYOND INK Q3 2024 Your Guide to Print Marketing Trends + Insights
Take our 2-minute survey to shape the future of our content. 1. What topics spark your curiosity the most? 2. Rate this issue from 1 to 5 stars. What did you love about it? 3. If you could choose one subject for a future deepdive, what would it be? 4. What’s missing in our content that you’d like to see more of? Got opinions? We’re listening. Weigh in and be the influencer behind the scenes. Take the Survey What you thINK matters! Survey | 2 Minutes Trending in Marketing Micro-Influencer Marketing Trending in Print Paper Stocks Trending in Industries Retail Trending in Products Hang Tags Looking forward and anticipating what your customers will need and want next is vital. Awareness of trends keeps you competitive, in the moment and identified as the expert. See what’s exciting in the now so you can uncover new business opportunities and demands. Ready to distinguish yourself from your competition with forward-thinking ideas? Read on. SPILLING THE INK
Print Trends WHO IS BUYING WHAT IN Q3? Eco-Friendly Eco-friendly paper is on the rise in print marketing for its waste reduction and resource conservation. Choosing eco-friendly paper bolsters a brand’s image by showcasing environmental responsibility. Think business cards, postcards, and labels. Textured Textured papers provide a distinct touch and visual appeal, enhancing brand image and making marketing materials more impactful and memorable. The tactile experience of textured paper works beautifully with personalized stationery, letterhead, and folders. Clear Clear acrylic and vinyl stocks offer a sleek, modern look that conveys a sense of sophistication, building a business’s credibility through unique and innovative style. Think labels and decals for business but don’t forget invitations and signage for special events. Cotton Made from natural fibers, cotton paper is durable and luxurious, not to mention an eco-friendly option. Soft to the touch, cotton stocks provide a premium, tactile experience. Cotton paper is especially striking as business cards, note cards, letterhead, and envelopes. Smooth Exceptional quality at a great price, smooth paper is a staple in the industry. Its soft finish enhances print vibrancy, offering a reliable and attractive choice for both business and social purposes. Think promotional flyers and mailers as well as greeting cards, and announcements. TRENDING PAPER STOCKS The right paper choice can enhance a printed piece in a variety of ways, and should be top of mind when printing everything from product packaging to marketing materials. Here’s what’s trending for paper stocks in 2024. TOP SELLING TOP SELLING TOP SELLING TOP SELLING Labels Promo Products Signs Custom Print Posters Envelopes Folders Magnets Memo Pads Post-it® Notes Tote Bags Mugs Pens Durable Banners Table Tents Pedestal Signs TOP SELLING Stamps and Badges Self-Inking Stamps ID Badges Full-Color Badges Engraved Badges Bumper Stickers freeform™ Shaped Labels Water Bottle Labels Top Selling Verticals Retail • Education Healthcare Visit our Content Calendar Page for fresh new content including booklets, flyers, and videos. Trending in PRINT
Increased Engagement Cost-Effective Increased Brand Awareness Trending in MARKETING MICRO-INFLUENCERS A powerful force in today’s marketing eco-system. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Micro-influencer marketing represents a powerful and cost-effective way to reach highly engaged and targeted audiences. Defined as social media accounts with anywhere from 10,000-50,000 followers, micro-influencers are trusted resources for many and offer a highly effective avenue for brand promotion. WHY IT MATTERS Understanding and utilizing micro-influencer marketing can be a key differentiator for brands looking to enhance their reach and effectiveness in today’s digital landscape. Start the conversation by asking customers if they have considered working with industry influencers. If they already are, offer examples of custom print products often leveraged by influencers and the brands they endorse (see list at right). If customers are new to the idea, encourage following a few influencers in their industry and touch on the benefits listed on the next page to help them envision the potential of such partnerships. Apparel Drinkware Tote Bags Water Bottle Labels Decals Stickers Posters Packaging Product Labels Banners Tradeshow Displays Making a Statement A study conducted by the Jonah Berger and Keller Fay Group shows 82% of consumers are ‘highly likely’ to follow a recommendation from a micro-influencer. Why Micro-Influencers Are Driving Massive Results for Ecommerce Brands Read more Small but Mighty Article | 4 Minutes 5 REASONS TO EXPLORE MICRO-INFLUENCER MARKETING Targeted Audience Authenticity and Trust Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Where to Find Influencers Instagram YouTube • TikTok • Twitter Facebook • LinkedIn • Snapchat Pinterest • Twitch • Clubhouse Reddit • Medium Print Products Leveraged by Influencers Micro-influencers have highly engaged audiences because they cultivate genuine, personal connections through relatable content. Of all social platforms, TikTok influencers have the highest engagement at 18% according to an article by Influencer Marketing Hub. Micro-influencers are seen as more authentic and trustworthy than larger influencers. They can provide genuine recommendations for products or services, which is a highly persuasive strategy that can easily result in finding new customers. Businesses can expect a high return on investment when collaborating with micro-influencers. On average, businesses see a return of $4.21 for every $1 spent on Instagram influencer marketing, according to a recent LinkedIn article. Read more in “Dive Deeper” below. Micro-influencers engage a smaller, more focused follower base. Their content is tailored to specific interests, lifestyles, or values, making it highly relevant to followers and fostering a sense of community. Partnering with the right micro-influencers can significantly boost brand awareness and drive conversions. Strategic product placements in videos and posts can make a brand synonymous with the influencer’s trusted recommendations, ensuring high visibility and credibility.
Trending in INDUSTRIES Blog | 3 Minutes TOP 5 TRENDS IN RETAIL RETAIL Big changes mean a promising future for print marketing. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Many new and influential trends are emerging in the retail industry this year. Some are building on a foundation from previous years, like ongoing attempts to sync the online shopping experience with the in-store shopping experience. Others are brand new, like the Ozempic effect and the vast impact of Artificial Intelligence in everyday retail routines. WHY IT MATTERS The vast majority of retail shoppers conduct online research before buying, and custom print products can play a primary role when building a strategy to integrate online and offline shopping experiences. Retailers can lean into quality printed products to bridge the gap. For example, reflecting a brand’s digital messaging through the effective use of in-store signage will enhance the customer’s physical shopping experience and feel like a natural continuation of their research. Healthy Expectations Brands committed to consumer health are gaining traction. Consumers are ready to place their trust and loyalty in retailers who show initiative in supporting healthy living and lifestyle changes. THE OZEMPIC® EFFECT The popularity of Ozempic® has had a ripple effect on the industry, with food retailers reporting shifts in buying behaviors (fewer carbs; more protein) and apparel merchants noting a boost from shoppers needing to update their wardrobes. Source: EMARKETER Learnings from a Houdini Circularity Experiment Read more Produce Less, Earn More Circularity Many retailers are embracing selling second-hand products due to consumer interest in reusing items rather than trashing them. A more sustainable model overall, circularity is being adopted and modified in unique ways. Artificial Intelligence AI is being used to create personalized customer experiences, predictive analytics and efficient inventory management, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Going Small Smaller physical store footprints are being adopted to optimize space and enhance customer experiences. These compact stores often focus on curated selections, convenience and personalized service. Sustainability More retailers are valuing transparency and sustainability, aligning their practices with consumer demand. Many are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable materials and ethical sourcing. Must-Have Custom Print Products for Retail Window, Wall and Floor Decals - create interactive shopping experiences with bright and vibrant branding. Table Tents/Pedestal Signs - perfect for in-store promotions and guiding customers. Postcards - target specific customer segments with personalized offers. Name Badges - help build relationships with customers. Branded Apparel - reflect brand identity and enhance brand visibility. Hang Tags - help products stand out on a crowded shelf. Custom Pre-Inked Stamps - streamline processes and ensure consistency in branding. Sail Signs and Retractable Banner Stands - attract passersby with oversized, eye-catching messaging. Read More
Trending in PRODUCTS HANG TAGS TOP 5 TRENDS IN HANG TAGS A premium finish and superior selling technique. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW In the competitive retail landscape, hang tags are compelling endorsers, capturing attention through custom branding. They help customers associate a particular item to a designer or brand, driving recognition and loyalty. Not to mention they signal an emphasis on quality and care—two things customers want from any business or brand! WHY IT MATTERS Hang tags answer many of the challenges small business owners face. They provide product information and care instructions but they can also upsell products, promote social media, advertise sales or special offers, and more. Hang tags can even add a seasonal look to items without having to change the product’s packaging. Hang tags are an easy sell due to their versatility and practicality. Think Local for Hang Tag Wins! Clothing Boutiques Home Decór Retailers Gift Shops Boutiques Furniture Stores Jewelry Stores Craft Stores Specialty Food Businesses E-commerce Businesses Wineries and Distilleries Read more Sustainability Opting for soy-based inks and recycled, recycleable and renewable materials tells a story that connects eco-conscious customers with the product. Minimalism Simplicity equals elegance in today’s market. Clean and uncluttered hang tags focused on brand identity and key product information build customer confidence. Texture Touch plays a key role in the shopping experience. Hang tags featuring textured materials and techniques like embossing, letterpress and foil make a big impact. Storytelling Use QR codes to transport customers to a web page where they can learn about the brand’s products, quality, company history and mission. Shapes The shape of the tag creates a mood. Squares and rectangles convey professionalism. Circles and ovals create a softer, friendly feel perfect for artisanal products. Consumers see only about 150 of the 10,000+ products on an average grocery store’s shelves. Source: Land-Grant Press 150 Consumers engage with each product they see for seven seconds or less - many products receiving less than a full second of consumer attention. Hang tags direct customer attention to a particular product. Read more Hanging Tags and Consumer Behavior Market Research | 9 Minutes
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