In an era dominated by digital marketing, local businesses are rediscovering the power of printed promotional tools. While online strategies are effective, tangible marketing materials still hold their ground—especially at the point of sale. Among these, strut cards stand out as simple yet incredibly powerful visual tools. As we move into 2025, strut card printing remains a must-have solution for local retailers, cafes, service providers, and hospitality venues looking to leave a lasting impression at the counter or reception desk.

What Are Strut Cards?

Strut cards are self-standing printed displays designed to sit on countertops, shelves, or any flat surface where customer interaction happens. Typically made from durable cardboard or foamex and backed with a fold-out support (the ‘strut’), these cards are ideal for promoting special offers, brand messages, new products, and services directly at the point of sale. Sizes vary, with A5 and A4 being the most common, but custom shapes and dimensions are also widely used to enhance creativity and impact.

The Marketing Power of Strut Cards in 2025

As local businesses continue to compete in saturated markets, the need for effective, affordable, and eye-catching marketing methods grows. Strut card printing plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between passive browsing and active purchasing. Positioned strategically at the checkout, they serve as a silent salesperson—delivering messages when customers are most likely to engage.

In 2025, where consumer attention is fragmented across devices, a well-placed strut card offers undistracted, physical engagement. Unlike digital ads, which can be easily skipped, strut cards demand attention through their tactile presence and compelling visuals.

Key Benefits for Local Businesses

Cost-Effective Advertising

One of the most attractive features of strut card printing is its affordability. Compared to ongoing online advertising campaigns or large-format displays, strut cards are inexpensive to produce yet offer prolonged visibility in high-traffic areas. Businesses can order them in bulk or customise them in smaller batches for specific promotions without exhausting their marketing budget.

Targeted Local Messaging

Local businesses thrive on community relevance, and strut cards offer an easy way to communicate directly with a local audience. Whether you’re promoting a weekend event, seasonal sale, or loyalty scheme, strut cards allow you to localise your message effectively. With high-quality point of sale printing, even temporary campaigns can look professional and persuasive.

Enhancing Brand Identity

With consistent use of logos, colour schemes, and brand messaging, strut cards help reinforce brand identity. Over time, customers begin to associate specific design elements with your business, increasing brand recall and trust. When used alongside other point of sale printing materials such as shelf wobblers or posters, strut cards create a unified and recognisable brand presence.

Trends in Strut Card Design for 2025

As with all print media, strut cards continue to evolve in 2025, with local businesses embracing eco-friendly materials, tech integration, bold designs, and personalised messaging for impact.

• Use sustainable options like recycled cardboard, biodegradable inks, and eco-conscious coatings to demonstrate your brand’s commitment to the environment and appeal to today’s ethically-minded and environmentally-aware consumers.
  
  
• Incorporate interactive elements like QR codes and NFC chips into your strut card design, enabling customers to engage digitally through smartphones while maintaining the tactile appeal of traditional print marketing displays.
  
  
• Embrace clean layouts with a strong visual hierarchy, modern typography, and bold colour schemes that quickly capture attention, making your strut cards stand out in busy retail environments and effectively communicate your key message.
  
  
• Leverage variable data printing to customise each strut card with targeted content—such as customer names, local offers, or product recommendations—ensuring your message resonates more deeply with different customer groups or market segments.

Strut Cards vs Other Print Media

While flyers and posters are widely used in print marketing, strut cards hold a unique advantage due to their positioning and format. Strut cards, however, are placed right where the customer is about to make a purchase or decision, making them ideal for last-minute promotions or reminders.

They also occupy minimal space and do not require fixtures, making them easy to reposition or update. With point of sale printing techniques improving, strut cards are now more visually appealing and durable than ever before.

Tips for Effective Strut Card Printing

To maximise the impact of your strut card campaigns, follow these practical guidelines: choose strategic placement, keep messaging clear, use high-quality printing, refresh designs often, and integrate digital touchpoints.

• Select your strut card’s size and layout based on the display location—whether it’s a retail counter, reception desk, or exhibition stall—and ensure there’s enough space to present essential information without overwhelming the viewer.
  
  
• Focus on a strong headline, striking visuals, and a clear, persuasive call to action that guides the customer—whether it’s to call, visit your website, or redeem an offer—while avoiding unnecessary text that may clutter the design.
  
  
• Use your brand’s colours, fonts, and logo in your strut card design to align with your broader marketing materials, helping to build brand recognition, maintain professionalism, and foster customer trust across all platforms.
  
  
• Use premium materials, accurate colour matching, and professional finishes in your point of sale printing to reflect your brand’s standards and enhance the overall appearance and durability of your strut cards.
  
  
• Add QR codes that lead directly to mobile-optimised pages, sign-up forms, booking platforms, or promotional videos, ensuring the digital experience is smooth, quick, and user-friendly for anyone scanning the code.
  
  
• Refresh your strut card content and visuals often, especially for seasonal campaigns or limited-time offers, to keep customer interest high and make sure your messaging remains current, engaging, and results-driven.

Conclusion

In a competitive market where local visibility is everything, strut card printing remains a valuable tool in the marketing toolkit of local businesses. It’s not only affordable and easy to implement, but also highly effective in converting passive interest into action right at the point of sale. As trends in print design evolve and customer expectations shift toward personalised, eco-conscious experiences, strut cards offer a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. VC Print offers tailored point of sale printing solutions, including expert strut card printing services to help local businesses create maximum impact.