Why Calendars Work as a Marketing Tool
Calendars make ideal marketing tools because they’re useful over time. People glance at their calendar several times a day, which means they’ll see your logo and contact info again and again throughout the year.
The numbers back this up. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute’s 2023 Ad Impressions Study, 78% of US consumers would keep a promo item because it’s useful. The report also estimates that a 12-month calendar delivers around 550 impressions over its lifetime.
Who Should You Give Calendars To?
As with any marketing tool, it’s important to think about your target audience and how they might use their calendar so you can design it to fit their needs.
- Existing clients: A great year-end thank-you gift that keeps you top of mind for renewals and referrals
- Prospective clients: A great giveaway for convention swag, or as part of a pitch, quote, or consultation
- Your local community: Think about neighboring businesses, community centers, and local event attendees
- Your team: Your staff and partners may appreciate a small gesture that doubles as a branded reminder of your company
Following up with customers and showing up in your local community are both tactics the Small Business Administration recommends for local businesses, and a calendar can handle both at once.
Choosing the Right Type of Custom Calendar for Your Small Business
Not every calendar fits every use. Before designing your calendar, think about what format would be most beneficial for your target audience.
- Wall calendars are the classic choice for break rooms and family kitchens, and give you plenty of space for standout photography.
- Desk calendars are ideal for B2B marketing or when your partners and potential clients spend a lot of time working on the computer.
If you’re not sure which format suits your audience, think about where your customers will actually put it.
Designing a Calendar People Actually Keep
A calendar only works as a marketing tool if it stays on the wall past February. A few design choices can make a big difference.
- Lead with great imagery. Customer photos, local scenery, or creative and engaging product shots give people a reason to flip to the next month. Our guide to how to create a custom photo calendar covers sizing and final setup.
- Add useful content. Even the most beautiful calendar can become a decoration that’s easy to ignore. Local event dates, seasonal tips, or industry reminders make your calendar an important part of your clients’ routine.
- Keep your branding visible, but not overwhelming. A clear logo and contact details tastefully incorporated into each page’s design are enough.
- Leave space to write. A calendar that people can actually use will deliver more impressions and more value for your marketing efforts.
If you need help designing your calendar, get in touch with our design services team! We’ll be more than happy to help you put together a polished, professional custom calendar for your small business.
Making a Meaningful Impact Within Budget
Most small businesses operate on thin margins, so you may wonder if it’s possible to get calendars that look professional without going over budget. After all, saving money is great but if your calendar looks cheap, your clients are unlikely to use it. Here are a few ways to make sure you get the most impact out of your investment:
- Order custom calendars in bulk, but don’t over-commit. Per-unit costs typically drop as quantities rise, so ordering wholesale custom calendars is a great way to get the most out of your budget. However, many bulk printers require ordering a minimum number of copies, which may mean ordering far more than you actually need. Greenerprinter doesn’t require any minimums, so you can benefit from bulk pricing without paying for copies that will go unused.
- Match the order to your goals. Will your business benefit more from splurging on the best paper stock for a tight list of key clients? Do you need a smaller trim size that will fit easily into trade show swag bags? Be as clear as possible in your goals so you can create the best custom calendar to suit your needs.
- Choose materials that fit your brand mission. A 2024 survey revealed that sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, and 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly goods. Printing on recycled stock sends a quiet message about your values so your clients can feel good about partnering with you.
At Greenerprinter, we’re committed to providing a polished, professional result that’s affordable for your small business. Our post-consumer recycled materials and paper certifications allow you to deliver on your sustainability goals without compromising on quality.
Ready to Put Your Brand on the Wall?
A promotional calendar is a simple, affordable way to keep your business visible all year long. There’s still plenty of time to order custom calendars to market your small business in 2027, but be sure to plan your timeline early enough for January delivery!
To get started, check out our calendar printing options. You can also read our buyer’s guide to ordering custom calendars in bulk, request free samples to see our recycled paper stock in person, or get a custom quote when you’re ready to start.
Ready to bring your project to life? Greenerprinter offers a full range of sustainable printing options. Explore some of our most popular products:
Calendar Printing
Custom Calendars | Wall Calendars | Saddle-Stitched Calendars
Book & Booklet Printing
Custom Books | Custom Booklets | Saddle-Stitched Booklets | Zines | Catalogs
Brochure Printing
Custom Brochures | Tri-Fold | Bi-Fold | Gate Fold | Z-Fold