Print Marketing in 2025: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Print marketing is alive and well—but not without change. As we navigate 2025, business owners and marketing teams are rethinking what works in print to maximise ROI and audience impact. The challenge? Outdated formats and generic messaging no longer cut through the noise. In this article, we break down what’s trending (and what’s tanking) in the print world. From dynamic QR integrations to tactile finishes and sustainable design, discover the hot strategies winning attention and which traditional tactics to leave behind. If you want your next print campaign to resonate, this guide is your creative compass.

What’s Hot in Print Marketing for 2025

1. Integrated QR Codes & Augmented Reality
   Smart print is in. QR codes have evolved beyond boring links—now they trigger immersive experiences, AR overlays, and personalised video messages. They add a bridge between the physical and digital, making printed materials measurable and interactive.

2. Tactile Finishes That Demand Attention
   In a screen-saturated world, touch matters. Embossing, soft-touch coatings, foil stamping, and textures like velvet laminate are bringing printed pieces to life and enhancing perceived value.

3. Personalisation at Scale
   Thanks to digital print tech, it’s easier than ever to customise brochures, direct mail, and catalogues for different audiences. Names, local offers, even design elements can shift to match buyer personas.

4. Sustainable Printing Practices
   Eco-friendly is essential. Consumers are more aware of what they throw away, and brands seen as wasteful risk backlash. Recycled paper, soy inks, and compostable packaging are the new gold standard.

5. Data-Driven Campaign Design
   Print that speaks directly to consumer behaviour wins. Smart marketers are using CRM and purchase history to inform content, layout, and delivery timing—making every piece of mail feel like it was made just for the recipient.

What’s Not: Print Trends Losing Steam

1. Mass Generic Mailers
   Untargeted, mass-mailed leaflets are seeing lower engagement than ever. Consumers expect relevancy. Blanket strategies feel lazy and damage brand perception.

2. Overcomplicated Brochures
   Long, dense brochures with too much text are falling flat. Today’s audience skims. Brevity, bold design, and bite-sized content are key.

3. Gimmicky Fold-Outs Without Purpose
   If a fancy fold doesn’t add value or function, it’s a waste. Creative formats should serve the message, not distract from it.

4. Excess Packaging
   Sustainability aside, too much print on packaging can feel excessive and unnecessary. Minimalism and eco-conscious thinking are winning customer loyalty.

Real-Life Example: A Retailer That Got It Right

A mid-sized clothing brand in Manchester revamped their print marketing by combining AR-enabled product tags with personalised follow-up mailers post-purchase. Customer interaction increased by 43%, and social shares of the AR experience boosted online traffic by 27%.

Final Thoughts

Print is evolving—not disappearing. In 2025, what sets brands apart is not just that they use print, but how they use it. By embracing what’s hot and ditching what’s not, you can create campaigns that not only stand out but spark real engagement. Your paper doesn’t have to shout—it just has to speak smartly.

Ready to future-proof your print marketing? Let’s talk.