The Print Comeback: Why Local Businesses Are Still Using Flyers, Mailers & Signs
Print marketing never really disappeared—it just got overshadowed by social media.
But in 2025, as digital ads get noisier and attention spans shrink, many local businesses are turning back to something surprisingly effective: paper.
Whether it’s a beautifully designed flyer, a clever window cling, or a postcard that lands in the right hands, print can spark recognition and action—especially when it’s hyper local.
1. Flyers That Travel Further Than an Algorithm
A good flyer isn’t just an ad—it’s a mini billboard with a purpose. It hangs in coffee shops, travels in tote bags, and sits on countertops where customers linger.
📍Example from Licking County: A Granville-based esthetician handed out 50 printed flyers with a QR code at a weekend market. She booked 6 new appointments within the week—no ad spend required.
Design tip: Use a bold headline, your logo, a clear call-to-action, and a QR code that links directly to your booking or info page.
Flyers still work especially well for:
Local events and pop-ups
Seasonal offers and new service launches
Workshops, classes, or community meetups
2. Postcards That Land in the Right Hands
Direct mail might feel old school, but it still gets opened—especially when it doesn’t look like junk.
The USPS reports that 73% of consumers say they prefer being contacted by brands via direct mail because it feels more personal. (Source)
Want it to work? Make sure it’s:
Visually eye-catching (no basic templates)
Targeted to your neighborhood or ZIP code
Paired with a strong offer (freebie, bonus, event invite)
Bonus: Many local print shops will help you map routes for a postcard drop, so you’re not wasting postage on faraway addresses.
3. Sidewalk and Storefront Signage That Gets a Second Look
If your windows, walls, or sandwich boards aren’t sparking curiosity, they’re probably blending in.
Great signage can:
Start conversations
Drive QR scans or foot traffic
Reinforce your brand’s tone or style
Whether it’s a chalkboard message out front, a cheeky decal on your door, or a poster in your front window, make it memorable enough to stop someone mid-scroll on their walk downtown.
💡 Some of our favorite small business signs include:
“You looked at this window, now come inside.”
“Buy yourself flowers. We have some.”
“This door leads to really great coffee.”
4. Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back
Yes, we’re bringing back the punch card. Why? Because they still work.
Especially in smaller communities, where repeat business makes up a big part of the bottom line, a physical reward system helps people remember to return—and tells them they’re appreciated.
You can even integrate print with digital by including a QR code to sign up for emails or get birthday offers.
5. Print That Adds a Personal Touch
Don’t underestimate the impact of a handwritten thank-you note or a branded insert with a package.
Print isn’t always marketing—it’s relationship-building. And it stands out in a world of automated everything.
📦 A local candle brand in Central Ohio started including hand-stamped “thank you” tags with each order and saw a spike in repeat purchases and customer reviews.
Print isn’t a throwback—it’s a standout. When done well, it’s tactile, thoughtful, and trust-building. And for local businesses, it’s still one of the most affordable ways to leave an impression.
Want help designing something people actually pick up (and remember)? Marketing & Main can help you create flyers, signage, and print pieces that feel fresh—not forced. Let’s make something worth keeping →