From Day 1, Print Companies have talked to us about wanting to get in front of marketing agencies. Why? You know, why, it’s because they do marketing work for many companies and by getting them as a single customer, you indirectly get access to a bunch of customers.

So just do business with them, right?

As you know it’s not that easy. To break into working with these agencies is tough. The reality is, many creative professionals already have a go-to print partner, or at least think they do. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t work with them. 

Print companies that clearly communicate quality, speed, and creative flexibility have a huge opportunity to become invaluable partners to agencies and designers. These professionals thrive on collaboration and are always looking for vendors who can bring their vision to life, on time and on budget.

So how can you as a print company get in front of more marketing agencies and designers?

We’ll talk you through it!

Understand The Agencies & Designers (a.ka. Know Your Target Audience)

Before diving into marketing tactics, it’s essential to really understand who you’re trying to reach. Marketing agencies and designers aren’t just looking for a printer, they’re looking for a partner who understands the creative process. And one who is flexible to meet the demands they bring as a creative frontman within the process.

Their Needs: These professionals are in the business of making brands look amazing. They need printers who offer unique finishing options, vibrant color consistency, and seamless support from concept to delivery.

Their Values: Creativity is their currency. They also value reliability, clear communication, and people who “get” their vision without a lot of hand-holding.

Their Online Behavior: Expect to find them actively networking on LinkedIn, scrolling for inspo on Instagram, downloading whitepapers or case studies, and attending webinars or creative events.

Use Agency & Designer Focused Messaging & Content

Once you’ve got a solid understanding of your audience (the agency in this case), your messaging needs to hit home. Be clear about the things that matter most to them. For example, marketing agencies and designers are highly focused on print quality, fast turnarounds, and pricing that doesn’t break the budget.

Address their pain points – Maybe their current printer misses deadlines, lacks communication, or can’t handle complex finishes. That’s your opening.

Highlight your strengths – Make sure your messaging answers their core question: “Can you bring our creative vision to life better than the vendor we’re using now?”

And remember… This audience is full of detail-oriented, visual thinkers. Your messaging must be accompanied by clean, and professional-looking visuals. That includes your print samples, website, emails, and ads.

Print Companies Should Publish Organic & Paid Social Media to Target Agencies & Designers

It’s a fact that designers and marketers live on social media. If you’re not showing up where they are online, then you are missing out on a huge amount of visibility and opportunities to engage. Not to mention that it makes you stand out as most print companies are doing little to no social media publishing at all.

Organic Social Publishing

Post to your social media channels every day or at least a few days a week. It doesn’t have to all be focused on things relevant to this audience but showcasing work you do is social proof to them. But you’ll definitely want to share content that is speaking directly to agencies and designers. 

Example Post:

“Are you a designer or agency looking for a print partner who gets your vision AND meets your deadlines? Let’s talk. We specialize in high-impact print with tight turnarounds. www.yourdomain.com”

Focus most heavily on Instagram and LinkedIn, where this audience is both browsing and networking professionally.

Paid Social Media Marketing

LinkedIn is a really great channel to put some ad spend towards with this audience. You’re able to target people in those specific industries and filter by job titles,  location and company size which can help you really narrow down your audience. 

Run Sponsored Content to promote valuable insights or client stories, or try Lead Gen Ads with irresistible offers like a free print consultation or sample kit.

Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to Get Found By Agencies & Designers

To attract marketing agencies and designers through organic search, your website should be optimized with industry-specific content that speaks directly to their needs. This includes having a page on your print website specifically for these industries and ongoing content marketing through blogs.

Run Paid Search or PPC to Quickly Get in Front of Active Agencies & Designers

Pay Per Click Ads are another way you can advertise to Agencies & Designers. There are two different types of PPC Ads you can run. 

Search Ads can help you show up right when an agency or designer is actively searching for help.

Remarketing Display Ads can help you stay top-of-mind with users who have already visited your site. You can send them back to a page on your website and show them samples of your work, call out their industry, or invite them to download a portfolio.

Utilize Email Marketing That Sends Directly to Marketing Agencies & Designers

Email is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach marketing agencies and designers, especially when you already have a list.

Share examples that show how you’ve helped other agencies shine. Offer helpful tips on choosing finishes or planning print campaigns. Keep the content value-driven and visually sharp.

Set up automated drip campaigns that onboard new leads gradually. Start with an intro to your capabilities, then follow up with samples, FAQs, and a call to action.

Marketing agencies and designers aren’t just looking for a printer, they’re looking for a partner who understands them. When you speak their language, show up where they are, and prove your value, these individuals will start to see you as an essential part of their team