Summer is the season for fresh ideas and vibrant connections and it’s the perfect time for small businesses to try new ways of engaging customers.
While bookmarks might seem like a simple product, they’re actually one of the most versatile, affordable, and creative print pieces you can add to your summer marketing toolkit.
Think beyond the books: bookmarks can be mini-billboards for your brand, surprising gifts, and marketing tools that keep your name in customers’ hands long after the summer sun sets.
Here’s how to make bookmarks shine in your summer promotions, and why they deserve a spot in your next print order.
1. Turn Bookmarks into Event Giveaways
Whether you’re vending at local fairs, farmers markets, or craft shows, bookmarks are a perfect handout. They’re light, easy to pack, and stand out from traditional business cards.
Try this:
- Print your summer event schedule on one side of your bookmark.
- Add a QR code to your website, Instagram shop, or online calendar.
- Include a discount code for event attendees only.
People are far more likely to keep a bookmark than a standard flyer—which means your brand stays in their lives well beyond the event.
2. Pair Bookmarks with Seasonal Products
Selling books, wellness items, home décor, or even artisan foods? Tuck a branded bookmark into every purchase as a summer “thank you.”
You could:
- Print recipes, summer reading lists, or motivational quotes.
- Highlight other products customers might love.
- Include loyalty codes for future purchases.
Pair this tactic with branded wrapping paper or tissue paper to create an unboxing experience that customers will remember (and possibly share on social media).
For more packaging inspiration, check out how smart print products make your brand look bigger than it is.
3. Promote Summer Reading Challenges
If you’re in education, publishing, libraries, or children’s services, bookmarks are tailor-made for summer reading programs. They’re both practical and promotional.
Ideas for your summer reading bookmarks:
- Track pages read or books finished.
- Feature kid-friendly summer graphics.
- Offer a small reward for returning completed bookmarks.
This creates fun engagement while keeping your organization top of mind.
4. Use Bookmarks as Tickets or Coupons
Give bookmarks a second life by designing them to double as event tickets, prize entries, or discount coupons.
Try:
- Printing a detachable stub for a raffle.
- Offering “Bring this bookmark back for 15% off your next visit.”
- Including secret summer offers known only to bookmark holders.
This small surprise turns your bookmark into a reason for customers to come back.
5. Tell Your Summer Story
Summer promotions are a great time to connect emotionally with your audience. Use bookmarks to share your story in a fun, compact format.
Print:
- A short version of how your business started.
- Your mission and summer goals.
- A message of gratitude to loyal customers.
Combine storytelling with beautiful summer designs and you’ll create bookmarks customers love to keep. Need design tips? Check out our guide to effective marketing materials for ideas that apply to bookmarks too.
Why Bookmarks Work
- They’re cost-effective.
- People actually keep and reuse them.
- They’re easy to customize for different themes or promotions.
- They make your brand feel thoughtful and creative.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to stand out this summer, custom bookmarks should be at the top of your list.
For more creative print ideas this season, browse our June–August print calendar for inspiration.
Wrap-Up
Summer is short, but the connections you make can last all year.
With creative, memorable bookmarks, you’re not just promoting your business, you’re giving customers a small gift that sticks around.
So the next time you plan a summer promo, think bookmarks. They’re a tiny tool with big potential to turn one-time buyers into lifelong fans.
