Objective: IKEA wanted to drive in-store traffic and maintain a connection with its target audience through a physical medium that also reflected their digital transformation.
Strategy: IKEA invested heavily in its annual catalog, which became one of the most anticipated print materials in retail. The catalog featured room designs, creative layouts, and product details, blending lifestyle imagery with practical product information.
Results: IKEA’s catalog became a global phenomenon, driving millions of customers into their stores each year. The catalog not only introduced new products but also served as a source of inspiration for home design. In recent years, IKEA added digital features, such as AR (augmented reality), to complement their print catalogs, further enhancing customer engagement.
Takeaway: Even in the digital age, well-designed print materials, especially those that inspire and provide value beyond just sales, can be incredibly effective.
Strategy: Airbnb produced high-quality neighborhood guides for select cities. These print materials were designed to showcase off-the-beaten-path locations, insider tips from locals, and Airbnb properties within the area. The guides were distributed at Airbnb events and local shops, and were also available to download digitally.
Results: The neighborhood guides elevated Airbnb’s brand as a lifestyle company that offers more than just accommodations. It enhanced the overall guest experience and increased booking rates in the featured areas. The guides also helped Airbnb strengthen relationships with its local hosts.
Takeaway: Print materials that provide genuine value (in this case, travel tips) can improve brand perception and customer loyalty.
Objective: Coca-Cola aimed to increase brand engagement and sales by creating a personal connection with its consumers.
Strategy: Coca-Cola launched the “Share a Coke” campaign, where they printed popular names on Coke bottles and cans. They also distributed customized print advertisements that encouraged consumers to find their names or the names of friends and family members on bottles. The print ads were often placed in prominent locations like bus stops and subways.
Results: The campaign was wildly successful, increasing Coca-Cola’s sales by 2% in the U.S. alone. The personalized touch led to millions of social media posts, driving online engagement and further promoting the campaign.
Takeaway: Combining personalization with print can create a memorable, shareable experience that drives both physical and digital engagement.
Objective: Burberry sought to merge physical and digital experiences in an innovative way that reinforced their image as a luxury fashion brand.
Strategy: Burberry sent out AR-enabled postcards featuring iconic Burberry products and runway looks. Recipients could scan the postcard with their smartphones to unlock an immersive digital experience, which included behind-the-scenes videos, exclusive content, and interactive product information.
Results: The campaign increased brand engagement among tech-savvy luxury consumers and strengthened Burberry’s position as a forward-thinking brand. It also drove traffic to Burberry’s website and retail stores.
Takeaway: Print marketing can be modernized by integrating interactive elements like augmented reality to enhance customer engagement and build brand identity.
Objective: Nescafé wanted to increase awareness and product trial for their instant coffee in a fun and engaging way.
Strategy: They created a foldable print ad that included a coffee mug and a sample of their instant coffee. The print ad featured simple instructions to fold the paper into a cup shape, pour in the instant coffee sample, and add water. It was distributed through newspapers and magazines.
Results: The campaign garnered a lot of attention and created a memorable experience for consumers, encouraging them to try the product. Nescafé saw a surge in brand recognition and product trials, as well as significant social media buzz from people sharing their experience.
Takeaway: When combined with creativity and product sampling, print marketing can offer an interactive experience that sticks with consumers and increases brand recall.
Objective: Casper, the mattress company, wanted to boost brand awareness and drive direct sales in an industry traditionally reliant on brick-and-mortar stores.
Strategy: Casper launched a series of full-page magazine ads and out-of-home print campaigns that directed readers to their website for more details. These ads featured minimalistic design, witty copy, and a call-to-action to visit their site or try their 100-day sleep trial.
Results: Casper’s print campaigns generated a significant increase in website traffic and direct sales. The brand’s ability to integrate their print ads with their digital presence created a seamless experience for customers who were encouraged to take the next step online.
Takeaway: Print advertising can be highly effective when used as a gateway to digital channels, especially for e-commerce brands looking to convert offline interest into online sales.
Objective: Lush wanted to reinforce its brand values of sustainability and ethics through a unique print campaign.
Strategy: Lush created environmentally friendly print materials using 100% recycled paper and vegetable-based inks. They produced high-quality catalogs and flyers that highlighted their ethical sourcing, cruelty-free products, and commitment to environmental causes. They also included vouchers and offers to encourage in-store purchases.
Results: The print campaign resonated with eco-conscious consumers, helping to solidify Lush’s position as an ethical brand. It also increased in-store traffic and sales during the campaign.
Takeaway: Brands that align their print marketing with their core values (e.g., sustainability) can build stronger connections with their target audience, reinforcing loyalty and encouraging purchases.