The printing industry is changing fast, and if you’re running a small shop, keeping up with the latest trends can feel like a full-time job. The good news? These trends aren’t just for big companies—there are real opportunities for small printing businesses to jump in and grow. I’ve got five of the biggest trends for 2024, plus some practical tips on how you can take advantage of them.
1. Sustainability is More Than a Buzzword
Let’s face it: everyone’s talking about going green, and for good reason. More customers want eco-friendly options, and the printing industry is no exception. Using recycled paper, eco-friendly inks, and energy-efficient equipment can set you apart from competitors.
What does this look like?
Think about companies like Coca-Cola—they’re using labels made from plant-based materials. Even outdoor brands like Patagonia are printing their catalogs on 100% recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. If they’re doing it, why not your shop?
How you can jump on this trend:
- Offer green options: Start offering recycled paper or soy-based inks as choices for your customers. It’s a simple switch, but one that customers will appreciate.
- Certify your shop: Get certified by groups like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to show you’re serious about sustainability. It’s a badge of honor that you can proudly display on your website and marketing materials.
2. Personalization is King
People love personalized stuff. From direct mail with their name on it to brochures that speak directly to them, customers are craving that personal touch. Variable Data Printing (VDP) is the tool you need to make this happen.
Here’s an example:
Have you ever received one of those Amazon postcards that suggests products based on what you’ve already bought? That’s VDP in action, and it’s super effective. If it works for Amazon, it can work for your local clients too.
How you can jump on this trend:
- Upgrade your software: If you’re not already using VDP, it’s time to invest. It lets you change text and images on the fly, making each print unique without slowing down your production.
- Pitch it to your clients: Local businesses love this stuff. Show them how a personalized flyer or direct mail piece can get more attention and drive more sales.
- Offer design help: Not all your customers will know how to create personalized designs, so offer some templates or design services to help them get started.
3. Going Digital with Automation
Running a small shop means time is always tight. That’s where automation can make a huge difference. From online ordering systems to automated scheduling, digital tools can help you streamline your operations and free up more of your time.
A real-world example:
Web-to-print platforms like Vistaprint have this down to a science. Customers can upload their designs, customize them, and place orders without talking to anyone. The process is fully automated, which cuts down on mistakes and saves time.
How you can jump on this trend:
- Get a web-to-print setup: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. There are affordable platforms out there that will let your customers upload files, order prints, and even pay online.
- Automate your workflow: From inventory management to invoicing, automation tools can handle the repetitive tasks that take up too much of your time. Let tech do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on growing your business.
4. Rise of Short-Run Printing
More and more clients are moving away from large bulk orders and opting for short-run printing. Whether they want to test different marketing materials or avoid over-ordering and wasting inventory, short-run printing is a growing trend that small shops are perfectly positioned to capitalize on.
A real-world example:
Printful, an on-demand printing company, has mastered the art of short-run printing by focusing on personalized, small-batch orders. They allow businesses and individuals to print as few as one item at a time, from T-shirts to posters. Printful’s model caters to clients who need quick, custom products without committing to large quantities. This flexibility attracts small businesses, event organizers, and e-commerce sellers who don’t want the overhead or waste associated with bulk printing.
How you can jump on this trend:
- Market your flexibility: Let customers know that you’re the go-to shop for small, fast print runs. Emphasize quick turnaround and customization.
- Offer a variety of short-run products: Think beyond business cards—offer short-run banners, signs, brochures, and more.
- Use digital printing: Digital printing is a cost-effective way to handle smaller jobs without wasting materials or time.
5. On-Demand is the New Normal
We live in a world where people want things now, and printing is no different. On-demand printing lets you fill orders as they come in, without the need to keep huge inventories. It also means you can offer a wider variety of products—because you’re only printing what’s ordered.
Who’s already doing this?
Look at Vistaprint again. They’ve built their whole business on on-demand printing. People can order as little as one copy of something, and it’s printed and shipped almost instantly.
How you can jump on this trend:
- Get an online ordering system: If you don’t have a way for customers to order online, that’s step one. Make it easy for people to design and buy prints without calling you.
- Speed things up: Offer fast turnaround times and let people know you can handle quick orders. That’ll set you apart from competitors who still operate on slower timelines.
- Expand your product line: With on-demand printing, you can offer more custom products without needing a ton of space. Think mugs, T-shirts, banners—the possibilities are endless.
Wrapping It Up
The printing industry is evolving, but the good news is that small shops can jump on these trends and use them to stand out. Whether you’re going green, offering personalized prints, automating your operations, or experimenting with AR, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re ready to start exploring these trends, take it one step at a time. Start with the easiest one for your business to implement, and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be ahead of the curve and offering the kind of services your customers didn’t even know they needed.
About Fireplug Investments
At Fireplug Investments, we’re all about helping local companies grow. Whether it’s improving operations, making strategic investments, or getting your business ready for sale, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how we can help your print shop take advantage of these trends.