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If you said ten years ago that print advertisements could play videos, scan codes, and be interactive, you would have been looked at like crazy. Well, here we are, making crazy a reality, and for good reason too. When you combine the effectiveness of print advertising with new age technology, you create a fully immersive and unforgettable experience.
Printing QR codes
Even Though QR codes have been around for some time, small businesses have not integrated them into their print advertising campaigns. QR codes are more than just extra ink on paper, they encode various information that is easily accessible by any device with a camera, or QR-Scanner application. Which means that the majority of your audience that owns a smart device can interact with that print advertisement, any time-any where. QR Codes are also great for providing information to consumers that is up-to-date.
Here are great examples of how to utilize QR effectively!
Remember! Some consumers may or may not know how to access and use a QR code. It's always a great idea to add instructional verbiage or an external link just in case!
Investing in Augmented Reality
It sounds fake-we know, but it isn’t! Augmented Reality (AR) is the new kid on the block, and harnessing it for your marketing can drive all sorts of traffic to your business. Augmented reality, explained by the franklin institute is “the real-life environment right in front of us—trees swaying in the park, dogs chasing balls, kids playing soccer—with a digital augmentation overlaid on it.”
Augmented reality has currently been integrated into the most recent line of smart devices by apple and samsung, and has been used by some of the larger corporate companies such as IKEA, Lacoste, Pepsi, Toys-R-US and more. AR is great for emotionally connecting to consumers and increasing sales. A study released by statista states that the AR market size will exceed more than 198 billion in 2025.
Near Field Communication
Near field communication, or NFC for short, is very similar to QR codes. NFC tags work with smart devices and more, making printed materials a better and more immersive experience. The best example of a NFC tag, in everyday use, is scanning a smart device at checkout. So long as a consumer has a smart device and their NFC setting is turned on, they can access any information you provided in the NFC tag. Why do we recommend this? Because it’s a fun and interactive way to get consumers connected to your brand.
Here are 9 examples of NFC being used in print!
Let’s Get Visual!
Print advertisements have come a long way. Flyers, business cards, direct mailers, and newspapers now can be more than just paper. AR, QR and NFC are just a few ways to integrate new-age technology into print. How will you target your audience?
At Omega, we specialize in all things print! From fabrication of all sizes to fulfillment needs and distribution - we have over 70 years of experience in providing print solutions for small-commercial size businesses.
If you are interested in finding out more about printing, you should dive into one of our recent blogs! We stay up-to-date on all the latest print, digital and marketing trends!
We know a thing or two about printing & manufacturing. Let’s Get Visual… contact us, today!
Written by our Digital Marketing Strategist, Danielle Elia