And How to Fix Them
Print marketing still works, and when it’s done right, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to get noticed, build trust, and drive real results.
But here’s the catch: many small businesses waste money on print that doesn’t convert, all because of a few avoidable mistakes.
Whether you’re printing business cards, menus, flyers, or product packaging, avoiding these missteps can save you time, money, and missed opportunities.
Let’s break down the five most common print marketing mistakes—and exactly how to fix them.
❌ Mistake #1: Printing Without a Strategy
The problem:
Many businesses treat print as an afterthought. They order 500 flyers “just in case,” or design a business card with no real call to action. The result? Print materials that get tossed, ignored, or forgotten.
The fix:
Print should be part of your marketing funnel, not separate from it.
Before placing any print order, ask:
- What do I want this to do? (Drive foot traffic? Promote a sale? Build brand recall?)
- Where will it be used? (Handout, mailer, packaging insert?)
- How will I track success? (Promo code, QR code, follow-up offer?)
Need help mapping your print to your campaign goals?
🔗 Monthly Print Campaigns You Can Run All Year
❌ Mistake #2: Overloading the Design
The problem:
Cramming too much information or using too many fonts and colors makes your design look amateur—and overwhelms your audience. Instead of reading, people just tune out.
The fix:
Follow a simple design hierarchy:
- 1 headline
- 1 clear message or offer
- 1 CTA (call, scan, book, etc.)
Use your brand colors, one or two fonts max, and leave enough white space so it’s easy to skim.
Need guidance?
🔗 How to Design Effective Marketing Brochures
🔗 Flyers That Sell: 7 Proven Tricks to Make Yours Convert
❌ Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Format or Product
The problem:
Printing the wrong size, paper type, or product for your use case leads to wasted money—or worse, a bad customer impression.
Example: a glossy flyer at an outdoor market may smear or look too reflective in sunlight.
The fix:
Match your print format to your real-world usage:
- Laminated menus for food trucks or patios
- Rack cards for service lists or in-store displays
- Magnets for repeat purchase businesses (like salons or delivery spots)
- Bookmarks or notepads for creative service brands
Need help deciding?
🔗 What to Print in June–August 2025: Your Seasonal Print Calendar
❌ Mistake #4: Ignoring the Power of Packaging
The problem:
Small businesses often focus on external marketing and forget about packaging as a brand experience.
If your product packaging is plain, generic, or unbranded, you’re missing out on a huge retention and referral opportunity.
The fix:
Use custom stickers, tissue paper, and wrapping paper to elevate your unboxing moment.
Print extras like:
Not only do these touches increase perceived value, but they’re highly shareable—turning one sale into future orders.
🔗 Print Add-Ons That Boost Brand Loyalty
❌ Mistake #5: Skipping QR Codes and Trackable CTAs
The problem:
You hand out hundreds of flyers—but have no idea if they worked. Or your business card looks nice, but no one takes action.
The fix:
Make your print interactive.
Add:
- QR codes to menus, postcards, or packaging
- Promo codes for limited-time offers
- Short, branded URLs that track traffic
- “Scan to follow” or “Text to order” actions
Pairing digital and print creates a seamless experience and gives you real marketing data to optimize.
🔗 Smart Ways to Use Postcards for Marketing
Don’t Just Print, Print with Purpose
Print isn’t dead. In fact, when done right, it’s one of the most trustworthy, tactile, and conversion-friendly tools a small business can use.
The key is to print intentionally.
👉 Start by avoiding these five common mistakes, and if you need support, Overnight Prints is here to help you design, customize, and deliver print that actually performs.
