As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time for small businesses and real estate agents to refresh their marketing strategies. A good plan can help you grow your business and connect with your audience using a mix of digital and print tools.
Here are steps to build a strong marketing plan for the year ahead:
Set Clear Goals and Know Your Audience
Start by setting clear, specific goals for your business.
Do you want to:
- Get more clients?
- Keep your current customers coming back?
- Launch a new service or product?
When you know your goals, it’s easier to focus your efforts.
Next, think about your audience. Who are your customers? What do they like? Are they more likely to see an email, a Facebook post, or a flyer in their mailbox? Knowing this helps you reach them in the right way.
Use a Mix of Digital and Print Marketing
A good marketing plan uses both online and offline methods. Digital marketing like emails, social media, and online ads can get attention quickly. Print marketing like postcards, calendars, and thank-you cards adds a personal touch and makes a lasting impression.
Ideas to Try:
- Email + Direct Mail: Send an email to announce a sale, then follow up with a postcard to remind them.
- Social Media + Print Products: Post about your services online and send out branded magnets or calendars to keep your name visible all year.
- Print-Only Touchpoints: Use postcards or flyers to let your local area know about your business. Tools from companies like Truly Engaging can make this simple and professional.
Digital tools are excellent for speed and reach, but print marketing provides something tangible that your customers can hold onto. Using both creates a well-rounded strategy that appeals to a variety of customer preferences.
Why Print Marketing Still Works in 2025
In a world full of digital ads, print marketing stands out. It’s personal, trustworthy, and something people can touch and keep. A postcard, calendar, or thank-you card can create a stronger connection than an email or online ad alone.
Using customizable print products from companies like Truly Engaging can help you:
- Look more professional.
- Create lasting impressions.
- Make your digital efforts even stronger.
Add a Personal Touch
People love personal attention. Small efforts can make a big difference in how customers feel about your business.
Ideas to Try:
- Send thank-you cards with handwritten notes to your best clients.
- Add customers’ names or past purchases to your emails and print materials.
- Reward loyal customers with exclusive coupons, printed certificates, or VIP invitations.
Even small gestures, like including a personal note with an order, can leave a lasting impression. These touches show customers you value them and aren’t just treating them like a number.
Plan Events to Build Connections
Hosting events is a great way to meet new clients and connect with existing ones. These could be open houses, virtual Q&A sessions, or local community gatherings.
Ideas to Try:
- Use flyers or brochures to advertise your event and give attendees something to take home.
- After the event, send thank-you cards or special offers to attendees to keep them engaged.
Events give you the chance to showcase your personality and expertise while building trust with your audience. Pairing your event with print materials ensures attendees remember your business long after the event ends.
Stay Relevant with Seasonal Campaigns
Use the seasons and holidays to create timely marketing campaigns. This keeps your business top of mind throughout the year.
Ideas to Try:
- Kick off the year with branded magnet calendars that help your customers stay organized.
- Send holiday cards to your clients to show appreciation.
- During sports seasons, offer branded schedules or promotions tied to local teams.
By aligning your efforts with seasonal themes, you can create excitement and tap into what’s already on your customers’ minds. This makes your marketing feel timely and relevant.
Keep Customers Coming Back
It’s often easier to keep current clients than to find new ones. Focus on staying connected with your customers through thoughtful gestures.
Ideas to Try:
- Hand out business cards, create loyalty cards or coupons for repeat customers.
- Send birthday or anniversary cards with special discounts.
- Include small gifts like magnets or stickers with every order to show appreciation.
Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. By making them feel valued, you can turn them into loyal advocates who help spread the word about your services.
Track Your Results and Adjust
It’s important to know what’s working and what’s not. Pay attention to how your customers respond to your efforts.
Ideas to Try:
- Add QR codes or unique coupon codes to your flyers and postcards to track responses.
- Ask for feedback with surveys or short online forms.
- Compare the results of your digital and print campaigns to see which one works better.
Tracking doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small by monitoring which tactics get the most response, then adjust your plan to focus on what works best.
Start the Year Strong
A great marketing plan doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining digital tools with personalized print materials, you can reach more people and make 2025 your best year yet. Take the first step today by exploring print products that fit your needs and help your business stand out!