As we step into 2024, the marketing landscape is buzzing with fresh ideas.
At VistaPrint, we’ve noticed that there’s a big focus on keeping things personal. Why? Because brand building is all about fostering stronger, more meaningful connections.
That said, terms like artificial intelligence might make your head spin. We get it. But there are several ways small business owners can take advantage of emerging marketing trends to create impact. Here are a few themes to keep in mind as you grow your business in the new year:
Personalize the Experience
The ability to stand out hinges on a small businesses’ willingness to make each interaction feel personal. Even as digital marketing and AI make it possible to supercharge customer engagement, the appeal of physical, tangible product is making a comeback.
As a small business owner, you can hop on this trend by creating personalized products that uniquely represent your business. From custom merchandise and apparel to drinkware, products that are tailored become much more impactful vehicles of connection.
Bridge The Divide Between Print and Digital
Print or digital? Well, why not both? The lines between offline and online have blurred – and that’s a great thing for small business marketing. Print assets that feature digital components like QR codes can drive traffic to valuable online real estate, encouraging greater engagement.
Those QR codes can lead to all sorts of things – landing pages, sign-up forms or social media channels – to enhance the consumer experience and make each interaction more memorable.
Build Narrative Into Packaging
The product or service a small business offers is just as important as the experience. Print marketing, particularly compelling packaging design, has become a unique canvas for storytelling, enabling small businesses to extend brand visibility.
At the end of the day, packaging does more than hold a product. It creates a moment between you and your customers, holding their attention and inviting them to engage with you and share their experience with others.
Happy New Year and best of luck in 2024!
Erin Shea
Senior Director, North America Marketing at VistaPrint
Erin Shea is Senior Director, North America Marketing at VistaPrint, the marketing and design partner to small businesses.