Back-to-school isn’t just for students. It’s one of the best times of the year for small businesses to reconnect with local shoppers, run irresistible promotions, and drive in-store sales.
But here’s the problem: most businesses focus only on digital campaigns, and forget that print drives trust, visibility, and foot traffic like nothing else.
This checklist gives you the exact print materials to prepare ahead of the rush, and how to use each one to bring in real results.
1. Flyers That Actually Get Read
Printed flyers are still one of the easiest ways to get your offers into real hands — fast. Promote back-to-school discounts, bundle deals, or new arrivals, and distribute them:
- On bulletin boards near schools, libraries, and local cafés
- Inside customers’ shopping bags
- At community events or farmers markets
Want yours to stand out? Follow the tips in:
🔗 Flyers That Sell: 7 Proven Tricks to Make Yours Convert
2. Direct Mail Postcards That Bring People In
You don’t need a huge budget to launch a local mail campaign. With custom postcards, you can:
- Offer a limited-time discount
- Include a coupon code
- Direct customers to your website or storefront
They’re quick to design and can reach dozens of homes in your area.
Need inspiration? Check out:
🔗 Smart Ways to Use Postcards for Marketing (That Aren’t Just Direct Mail)
3. Business Cards That Work Beyond Networking
Heading to a PTA mixer, community event, or pop-up this season? Don’t go without sleek business cards on hand. Bonus points for adding:
- A QR code to book a service
- A loyalty punch offer on the back
- A discount just for referrals
They’re small but mighty.
🔗 How to Make Your Business Cards Stand Out (Even on a Budget)
4. Posters, Banners & Window Signage
If you have a storefront, your windows should sell for you. Use posters or banners with big fonts and limited-time messaging like:
“Back-to-School Special — Ends Aug 31”
“Teachers Save 10% All Week”
These boost walk-in traffic and help you compete with bigger retailers.
Also see:
🔗 Print Marketing for Retail: Low-Cost Ideas That Drive Foot Traffic
5. Branded Giveaways: Stickers, Notepads & More
Parents love free stuff—especially for their kids. So give away school-themed branded items like:
These aren’t just freebies—they’re retention tools.
🔗 5 Print Add-Ons That Boost Brand Loyalty
🔗 How Bookmarks Can Boost Your Brand Promotions This Spring
6. Loyalty & Referral Cards
Want customers to keep coming back? Offer printed loyalty cards or presentation folders with:
- Punches for each visit
- Reward after 5 or 10 purchases
- Referral bonuses for bringing in new customers
This simple tactic turns first-timers into repeat buyers.
7. Rack Cards for Events & Handouts
Got a booth at a back-to-school fair? Use rack cards to promote:
- After-school programs
- Back-to-school haircuts
- Tutoring sessions or music lessons
They’re compact, informative, and easy to leave behind.
🔗 How to Design Rack Cards That Actually Get Picked Up
🧠 Bonus Tip: Use Print + Digital Together
Print performs even better when it complements your online channels. Try this:
- Add your website and socials to every printed piece
- Use QR codes to track campaign success
- Promote your print freebies on Instagram or Facebook
Need more help?
🔗 What to Print in June–August 2025: Your Marketing Calendar
🔗 Back-to-School Print Ideas for Early Promotions
Useful External Sources (Optional for Enrichment)
- USPS Marketing Mail Guide – To learn more about direct mail guidelines
- Small Business Trends: Back-to-School Marketing Ideas – Ideas from other industries
- Retail Dive: How Small Businesses Compete with Big Retailers During Back-to-School – Add stats or quotes on trends
