Why Major Brands Still Rely on Print Ads—And How You Can, Too
Scroll through social media or browse your favorite websites, and it can feel like online ads have taken over the marketing world. But behind the scenes, print advertising keeps thriving, with many top brands (and savvy smaller businesses) leveraging its unique strengths. At Flyer Canada, we regularly see 4.4% conversion rates from well-planned flyer campaigns, far above the 1.41% norm for digital-only promotions. Physical ads remain incredibly potent—and if you’re curious why, or you’re thinking about your own print strategy, read on.
For advice or personalized help—whether you want to talk design, printing options, or targeted delivery—feel free to call us at 437-524-5287, or head to flyercanada.ca/contact. You can also order now at flyercanada.ca/store if you’re ready to jump in.
What Are Print Ads?
In a nutshell, print advertising is about getting in front of customers using tangible, physically printed materials. Historically, that meant newspapers, magazines, and direct mail. Today, while many of these ads also appear online, the essence stays the same: an ad you can hold, see, and sometimes keep.
One major advantage is that tactile connection: a catalog on a coffee table or a flyer pinned to a bulletin board offers a real-world reminder in a way that fleeting digital impressions simply don’t. And while print ads often work hand-in-hand with online promotions (think: a coupon code bridging offline and online sales), many major players continue to invest heavily in physical media for the 4.4% conversion rates we often see.
If you’re considering a blended approach—taking advantage of both print’s tangibility and digital’s broad reach—flyercanada.ca/contact is where we can talk about your specific needs. Or you can dial 437-524-5287 for an immediate chat. We love helping businesses find that sweet spot.
Why Businesses Embrace Print: Tangibility and Credibility
There’s a certain trust factor in holding a printed piece of marketing. It’s not just an ad floating on a website; it’s a physical item in your hands. People often view print ads as more credible, which can boost brand perception.
Lasting Impression: A well-designed flyer or brochure might sit on someone’s table, reminding them daily about your offer, unlike an ad that disappears with a scroll.
Less Online Competition: Digital feeds bombard users with countless banners and pop-ups. A physical print piece, delivered right to a mailbox or handed out locally, competes with far fewer distractions.
And if you’d like that same tangible credibility, we can help. Feel free to order now at flyercanada.ca/store if you’re ready for a print run, or talk to us about your concept at flyercanada.ca/contact.
Types of Print Advertising
Print ads span several formats—beyond the usual newspaper or magazine insert. Here are the main categories and how they fit modern marketing:
1. Newspapers
Wide Reach: Perfect for casting a net across a broad demographic.
Local Targeting: Smaller, community-based papers let you zero in on specific towns or regions.
2. Magazines
Niche Audiences: Each magazine has a distinct readership, meaning higher impact among relevant consumers (like home design buffs or fitness enthusiasts).
Longer Shelf Life: People often keep magazines around for weeks or months.
3. Social Media (Sharing Print Digitally)
Synergy: Printing something physically doesn’t mean ignoring online—sharing images of your flyers or catalogs on social channels can boost reach.
Mixed Formats: Some businesses convert parts of their printed brochures into social-ready visuals, bridging offline and online.
4. Direct Mail
Brochures, Flyers, Cards: At Flyer Canada, we specialize in direct mail pieces that land in mailboxes or are handed out in person.
Personal Touch: Recipients often appreciate a coupon or personalized note arriving at their door—hence better recall and conversions.
5. Posters and Billboards
Large-Scale Impact: Ideal for high-traffic zones, they offer instant brand visibility.
Eye-Catching Creative: Short, punchy messages and bold imagery stop passersby in their tracks.
If you need guidance picking which of these print mediums suits your brand, just reach out via flyercanada.ca/contact or phone us at 437-524-5287. We’re here to ensure your choice aligns with your objectives (and budget).
The 4.4% Conversion Rate: Why Print Outperforms Digital in Some Cases
At times, we see flyer marketing achieve 4.4% or higher conversion rates, significantly above the 1.41% digital average. That’s because print strategies can be far more focused and personal:
Local Relevance: Targeting neighborhoods that match your demographic means fewer irrelevant impressions.
Tangible Reminders: People may forget an online ad seconds after scrolling, but a physical coupon pinned to the fridge can lead to an eventual sale.
Less Ad Blindness: Consumers are used to ignoring digital banners, but a well-designed flyer feels fresh and real.
Want to explore how your campaign might tap into these perks? Order now at flyercanada.ca/store if you’re set on printing or just talk to us about specifics at flyercanada.ca/contact.
Top 12 Print Ads Examples for 2024
Curious about how big brands leverage print? Here are a dozen examples that illustrate creativity, humor, or impactful messaging:
KFC: A mouth illustrated over a phone’s home button, signifying “can’t resist checking phone, can’t resist KFC” theme.
Bayer Aspirin: A “workache” concept, using office imagery to visualize stress headaches.
Pepsi: A playful “OK” in “Coke,” suggesting competitor’s mediocrity, contrasted by Pepsi’s bold taste.
KitKat: Sticking to “have a break” but modernizing visuals to stress the quick escape from routine.
Pepsi’s Halloween Ad: Transforming the Coke can into a spooky disguise, implying it’s scary to be “the other brand.”
Chupa Chups: Clever “ants ignoring sugar-free candy” concept, spotlighting a healthier sweet alternative.
WWF: Hard-hitting wildlife visuals, like an elephant turning to dust, signifying environmental threats.
Ikea: A lamp post resembling Apple’s Mac Pro design, stating “Designed for apples,” playful jabs at new tech while promoting simple kitchen products.
Marmite: “Love it or hate it” bridging into Brexit parallels, staying relevant to current events.
Ogilvy: Disturbing, but memorable water pollution ads linking plastic waste to our food supply.
McDonald’s: Minimal designs using lampposts or everyday objects to mimic the golden arches, reinforcing brand recognition.
Marshall: “Hard Rock” pun ads with literal rocks wearing headphones, leaning into the brand’s music heritage.
These campaigns reveal how top brands still see print as creative gold. If you’d like to replicate similar visual inventiveness in your flyers, let us know at flyercanada.ca/contact or call 437-524-5287. We can explore design options that stand out just as boldly.
Bringing It All Together with Flyer Canada
Whether you’re a multinational brand or a local startup, print ads remain a potent way to connect with potential customers in a memorable, trustworthy manner. By striking the right balance—using clear, eye-catching designs, targeting your audience carefully, and integrating trackable elements—you can see those 4.4% conversion rates we’ve observed in many campaigns.
Here at Flyer Canada, we specialize in turning your vision into tangible, effective print. You can talk to us at 437-524-5287 if you’re curious about paper stocks, layout decisions, or route targeting. Or, if you’re ready to move forward, simply order now at our store: flyercanada.ca/store. And of course, if you have questions, our contact page at flyercanada.ca/contact is open 24/7, so you can reach out anytime.
Printing may seem “traditional,” but it’s precisely that hands-on, tangible feel that modern-day consumers remember. A well-placed flyer—done with the right images, color, messaging, and local synergy—can outshine digital clutter, forging a personal moment between you and your future customers.
