A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners and Vendors
Summer is full of potential for small business growth: local markets, festivals, community pop-ups, vendor fairs, and networking events offer unmatched visibility.
But visibility alone doesn’t drive growth. What happens after the event is what determines your long-term success.
This guide walks you through how to use strategic print marketing materials, many of which you can order quickly at Overnight Prints, to stay top-of-mind with new customers and turn casual encounters into repeat business.
Step 1: Prepare a Branded Print Set Before the Event
Before the event, assemble a small but effective set of print materials that represent your brand and make it easy for people to stay connected.
Recommended products:
- Rack Cards: Use to showcase service menus, testimonials, or bundles.
- Bookmarks: Functional and giftable—ideal for wellness brands, bookstores, coaches, or creatives.
- Business Cards: Essential for personal follow-up and professional perception.
Tips for success:
- Use consistent branding across all pieces (colors, fonts, logo)
- Include a call-to-action or promo code to drive urgency
- Consider adding a QR code that links to your online store or Instagram
Need help choosing the right design? Read our guide on how to make business cards stand out (even on a budget).
Step 2: Add a Take-Home Element to Every Sale
Every time someone buys from your booth, don’t just hand them a product—hand them a reminder.
That reminder could be:
- A thank-you notecard with a handwritten message and discount code
- A postcard with your next event date or referral program
- A custom sticker on your bag that says “Tag us for 10% off next time!”
These small touchpoints increase the chances that a customer will remember your brand, revisit your site, or even recommend you to a friend.
For more ideas like this, check out:
👉 Smart Ways to Use Postcards for Marketing
👉 Print Products That Make Your Brand Look Bigger Than It Is
Step 3: Follow Up With Purpose
Post-event follow-up is where print can shine. Digital fatigue is real—sending something tangible can set your business apart.
Use these for follow-up kits, client appreciation, or even drop-in visits:
- Presentation folders with service details, packages, or press mentions
- Brochures to walk customers through your process or backstory
- Rack cards with a seasonal discount or loyalty incentive
Pair your print follow-up with an email or DM to maximize effectiveness. It’s a personal touch that makes your business memorable in a saturated market.
Step 4: Plan Ahead for the Rest of Summer
Don’t wait for the next event to start thinking about your materials. Print can be your most consistent sales rep when it’s planned in advance.
Take 30 minutes to review your upcoming pop-ups, campaigns, and product drops, then build a quick order list:
- Flyers for future sales
- Magnets or mailers to reach nearby customers
- Calendars or notepads as branded giveaways
Need help timing it all? This summer print calendar walks you through what to print (and when) from June to August.
Final Tip: Repeat Customers Come From Consistent Experiences
Summer events are the spark, but retention comes from strategy.
When someone visits your table, hears your pitch, or buys from your booth, they’re giving you attention. Print helps you turn that attention into a memory, and that memory into a repeat purchase.
Order materials that speak for your brand, add value to the customer experience, and create a thread that keeps people coming back, even after the tents come down.
