As summer approaches, many businesses on the Central Coast begin preparing for one of the busiest seasons of the year. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, tourism, food service, or another industry, this may be a season for hosting an event, running a sales promotion, or launching a new product. Using the right printed materials can help you drive the best results.
Since 1975, Custom Printing has helped local and national companies plan and execute seasonal campaigns utilizing a wide range of high-impact printed media. Here’s how to get ahead of the curve and make your summer marketing perform at its best.
Summer Marketing Requires Planning
Summer promotions require planning, especially when it comes to physical marketing materials. Inventory runs tight, design revisions take time, and shipping delays are always a possibility. Whether you need retail signage, direct mail, or custom marketing collateral, you’ll find that early preparation ensures you have everything in-hand when the season hits.
Late spring is the perfect time to finalize your creative and submit your print orders. That gives your team time for proofing, revisions, production, and fulfillment—without rushing or compromising quality.
Print Materials That Work for Summer Promotions
Summer on the Central Coast brings more foot traffic, more events, and more outdoor visibility. It’s a great time to invest in high-impact print pieces that get your message across fast. Some of the most effective printed products for summer campaigns include:
1. Seasonal Brochures
Limited-time promos, product bundles, or summer-themed items? Brochures that reflect your seasonal campaign can increase customer engagement, upselling, and cross-selling opportunities. You don’t need to order more than you need, either. With our digital printing capabilities, you can get precisely the quantity you need with short turnaround times.
2. Direct Mail Pieces
Mailers and postcards are still one of the most direct ways to reach your local market. With a clean design and a strong offer, direct mail can help drive online orders, in-store visits, or event attendance. Variable data printing lets you personalize each piece by name or zip code.
3. Posters and Window Graphics
For retail storefronts, hospitality, and service businesses, posters and window clings are great for announcing sales or promoting seasonal specials. UV-resistant inks and specialty substrates help extend longevity—even in direct sunlight.
4. Outdoor Banners and Signage
Whether you’re hosting an event, setting up a sidewalk sale, or marketing at a festival, large-format vinyl banners and A-frames help you stand out. Grommets, wind slits, and reinforced hems ensure your outdoor signage lasts through heat and weather.
Design Tips for Warm-Weather Campaigns
Summer campaigns thrive on bold, clean visuals and messaging that’s easy to grasp at a glance. When preparing your designs for print, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Use high-contrast color palettes that are visible in bright light
- Keep text large and legible—especially for signage viewed at a distance
- Consider print durability: UV coatings, waterproof laminates, and thicker stock can all increase lifespan outdoors
- Leave room for white space to avoid visual clutter
- Use clear calls to action with dates, QR codes, or location info
Your print materials need to do their job clearly and consistently. We can help review or prep your files to ensure they’re ready for production.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays
Every summer, we see a last-minute rush of projects that could have been smoother with more lead time. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
- Approve final designs early to allow time for proofs and corrections
- Confirm quantities and specs before submitting your order
- Ask about paper or material availability—some substrates take longer to source
- Check shipping timelines if you’re mailing pieces or distributing nationally
Working with a print partner who understands these timelines can make a big difference. Our experts at Custom Printing can help anticipate your needs and flag any potential delays up front.
How Custom Printing Helps You Get Summer-Ready
We know your summer promotions can’t wait. That’s why Custom Printing offers end-to-end support—from design review to delivery. Here’s how we help:
- Fast turnarounds on high-quality large-format, offset, and digital print jobs
- Complete finishing capabilities, including die-cutting, lamination, and kitting
- Custom packaging expertise for retail and e-commerce promotions
- Mailing and fulfillment services to simplify your campaign logistics
- Knowledgeable staff who can guide you on file prep, materials, and best practices
You bring the idea—we’ll help bring it to life on time and on budget. Want to get more tips on how print can help you boost sales, download our free Central Coast Print Marketing Guide! It’s filled with great promotional ideas.
Let’s Get Started
Summer campaigns are already heating up. If you have a project in mind, now is the time to move it forward. Whether you’re printing 500 postcards or 50,000 event flyers, Custom Printing is ready to help. Give us a call anytime at (805) 485.3700!