How to Create a Powerful Call to Action for Print Marketing

If you want your flyers, posters, and business cards to do more than “look nice”, you need a strong Call to Action for Print Marketing. A clear CTA tells people exactly what to do next, boosts response rates, and turns print into measurable results. At Printbox London, we help you pair standout design with fast turnaround, including same day printing in London, so your campaign can launch quickly and convert.

1. What is a CTA?

A Call to Action (CTA) is a short instruction that prompts your audience to take a specific next step. In print, that might be calling you, visiting a landing page, scanning a QR code, or claiming a limited-time offer. Without a CTA, even a beautifully printed piece can fail to drive action.

2. Why CTAs are Important in Print Marketing

Print has a unique advantage: it’s physical, visible, and often kept for longer than a quick social scroll. A strong CTA makes that advantage pay off.

• Encourages engagement: Helps readers move from “looking” to “doing”.
• Boosts conversions: A clear instruction reduces hesitation and increases responses.
• Drives traffic: Sends people to your website or store with a single, direct action.

3. Key Elements of an Effective CTA

Clarity

Say exactly what you want the reader to do. Avoid vague language. Print is quick-reading, so keep it simple.

Urgency

Add a reason to act now. Time-sensitive wording increases response rates and reduces “I’ll do it later”.

Value proposition

Tell people what they get. Discounts, free samples, quick turnaround, or a clear benefit will lift conversions.

Tip: When you’re promoting events or last-minute offers, pair a strong CTA with fast print production like flyers and leaflets so you can hit your deadline without stress.

4. Design Tips for Your CTA

Great CTA copy needs great presentation. Make it easy to spot, easy to read, and easy to act on.

Use contrasting colours

Your CTA should stand out from the rest of the layout. Contrast creates instant visibility.

Use bold, readable typography

Choose a clear font and increase size so your CTA can be read at a glance, especially on posters and signage. For high-visibility promotions, consider full colour posters.

Place it where eyes naturally go

Strong placements include the centre of the design, top-right, or the bottom as a final instruction.

Use shapes and spacing

Buttons, boxes, and clean white space draw attention. If you’re adding QR codes, leave breathing room around them.

Keep it focused

One primary CTA usually performs better than several competing actions. If you must include a secondary action, make it visually smaller.

For handouts and networking, a CTA can live on a business card (for example: “Book a call today” or “Scan for our price list”).

5. Examples of Successful CTAs in Print

Use these as templates and adapt them to your brand:

• “Get 20% Off Your First Order – Today Only”
• “Scan the QR Code to Claim Your Offer”
• “Visit Us Today for Exclusive Discounts”
• “Limited Time Offer – Act Now”

If you’re promoting at events, pair your CTA with display prints like a roller banner so people can read your message from a distance and act immediately.

6. Final Thoughts

A powerful Call to Action for Print Marketing turns print into performance. Keep it clear, give people a reason to act now, and design it so it stands out instantly. When you’re ready to print, we’ll help you get it done fast and right, including same day options for urgent campaigns.

If you’re adding QR codes, promo stickers, or packaging prompts, consider stickers and labels to keep your CTA visible long after the first touchpoint.