5 Smart Ways to Integrate Print and Social Media
In today’s digital-first world, the most impactful marketing strategies are the ones that blend the tactile power of print with the reach of social media. By combining these two channels, brands can drive engagement, build community, and boost conversions — all while delivering a more memorable, multi-touchpoint customer experience.
Here are 5 smart ways to integrate print and social media for stronger campaign results.
1 - QR CODES WITH CALL-TO-ACTIONS
QR codes are a powerful tool for blending print and social media marketing, offering users a unique experience beyond the page. They enable seamless interaction between printed materials and digital content, leading users to specific social platforms, online landing pages, or social media ads. Whether you're driving traffic to your Instagram page, a product video, or a campaign landing page, QR codes create a seamless bridge between offline and online experiences.
Maximize impact with a compelling CTA
To increase scan rates, always pair your QR code with a short, action-oriented CTA — think Follow Us, Learn More, or Claim Your Offer. These CTAs prompt immediate interaction and elevate your conversion potential.
Track engagement with analytics
Most modern QR code platforms provide insights like scan volume, location, and time of interaction. This data is extremely helpful in providing insights into what is most effective in your campaign and optimize future ones.
2 - AUGMENTED REALITY
In a world saturated with digital ads, emails, and pop-ups, it’s more important than ever to create marketing experiences that truly stand out. Augmented reality (AR) adds an innovative, interactive layer to your print materials, turning them into immersive brand experiences that grab attention and keep users engaged.
By blending physical print with dynamic digital content, AR helps transform a standard flyer, brochure, or postcard into something memorable — something your audience won’t just glance at, but will interact with, share, and remember.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) refers to the overlay of digital content — such as animations, images, video, or interactive elements — onto the real world through the use of smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses. When applied to print, AR invites your audience to engage with your content in a more exciting and meaningful way.
All it takes is a quick scan of a QR code or marker on your printed piece, and users are instantly transported into a virtual layer of content.
Examples of how AR can enhance print marketing:
A printed fundraising mailer includes a QR code that launches a 3D rendering of a future building project — helping donors see exactly where their money will go.
A retail flyer opens an AR experience showing a model wearing your latest collection, right in the recipient’s space.
A real estate postcard unlocks a virtual tour of a new property the moment the user scans the code.
Why it works:
Captures attention in a cluttered media landscape
Drives deeper engagement and longer interactions
Offers data insights like views and click-throughs
Enhances brand storytelling in an innovative format
While AR might sound complex, it’s more accessible than ever — and when used strategically, it can elevate your print campaigns far beyond traditional expectations.
3 - USER-GENERATED CONTENT
User-generated content (UGC) has skyrocketed in recent years as a particularly effective tool for any marketing campaign. UGC is content created and shared by your audience, such as reviews, testimonials, photos, and videos.
UGC is a proven way to build trust and increase engagement. When your audience creates content for your brand, it not only amplifies your reach on social media — it also reinforces credibility.
Make UGC part of your print strategy
Encourage your audience to generate content related to your brand or products and share on social media platforms. This can be facilitated through contests, challenges, or incentives. For instance, you could ask followers to share photos of themselves using your product or engaging with your print materials, along with a branded hashtag.
You may also want to feature select UGC posts in your print materials, amplifying the community aspect of your brand. This not only increases the visibility of your campaign but also allows you to track and showcase UGC in both print and online contexts.
How to collect UGC:
Run a social contest or challenge
Offer incentives for posting with your hashtag
Feature real customer photos or quotes in your mailers
4 - SHORTENED, PERSONALIZED URLS
Long URLs on print materials are clunky and prone to typos. Using shortened, branded URLs creates a smoother user experience and drives higher traffic.
Shortened URLS are generally more memorable and aesthetically pleasing, taking up less space on your print materials. They encourage users to take action and go to the URL for more information without becoming frustrated with typing errors in a long URL.
Add personalization for higher conversions
Take your shortened URL one step further by creating a personalized landing page based on users’ demographics, interests, or past interactions with your brand. This kind of customization significantly improves engagement and helps you better understand your audience.
Bonus: Track the data
Similar to QR codes, URLs offer analytics that allow you to track clicks, geographic locations of users, and time spent. This data provides insights into the effectiveness of your print materials and helps refine your marketing strategy.
While it might take a little more work on your part, personalized URLs and landing pages will increase response rates, drive conversions, and strengthen relationships with your audience.
5 - PROMOTE SOCIAL MEDIA ON PRINT
Your social channels are more than just places to share content — they’re where your brand’s personality comes to life and where real-time engagement happens. That’s why your print materials should do more than mention your handles — they should actively drive people to your platforms in creative and strategic ways.
When done right, print marketing can become a powerful gateway to your digital community. Think of every brochure, direct mailer, or flyer as an opportunity to spark a new follower, generate a share, or encourage interaction with your latest campaign.
Easy ways to drive social engagement through print:
Icons
Add recognizable social media icons (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) alongside your handles or QR codes. These visual cues quickly signal to recipients where they can find and follow your brand, even at a glance.
Hashtags
Create branded hashtags for ongoing awareness or campaign-specific hashtags to support a limited-time promotion. Encourage recipients to post using the hashtag by placing it prominently on your printed materials—next to a CTA or QR code—so they know exactly how to participate.
Contests
Everyone loves a good giveaway. Use your print pieces to promote a social media contest that rewards participants for following, sharing, or creating content. A QR code can direct users to a landing page with contest details, entry instructions, and rules. Don’t forget to clearly communicate the prize and how winners will be selected!
Exclusive Incentives
Offer a unique incentive that can only be unlocked through your social channels. For example, your print mailer could tease a special offer (“Follow us for a surprise gift!”) or direct users to DM your brand for an exclusive discount code. This not only creates buzz but also drives intentional interaction and brand loyalty.
Bonus Tip: Try creating a custom hashtag for recipients to use when they post about receiving your print piece — it’s a clever way to build momentum online and gather user-generated content for future campaigns.
INTEGRATE YOUR PRINT AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING TODAY!
Combining the physical impact of print with the reach of digital creates a cohesive brand experience that connects with your audience at every touchpoint. Whether through AR, personalized URLs, or QR-powered social incentives, the opportunities are endless.
At Commerce Press, we specialize in bringing your printed materials to life — from brochures and postcards to innovative pieces featuring QR codes and custom designs. While we don’t create digital campaigns, we can guide you with samples and ideas to help your print stand out and seamlessly complement your online efforts.
Ready to launch your next print campaign? Contact us today for a personalized quote!