Quick Answer: Strut cards are promotional displays, often seen on countertops and at checkouts, designed to boost brand visibility right where it counts. Made with sturdy mounting board, they have a supporting strut at the back, so they stand tall without any extra support. You’ll find them in retail stores, cafes, and hotels, showcasing products, promos, and branding messages in eye-catching, printed graphics.
Let’s talk about strut cards—the unsung heroes of point-of-sale displays. If you’ve been to a shop, bank, or café, you’ve seen them around. Think of a strut card as a freestanding billboard for countertops. It’s all about catching attention when a customer is ready to decide. These cards sit at eye level, showcasing promotional messages, branding, product images, or any call-to-action a business wants to shout about.
A strut card is a printed display card with a built-in supporting strut on the back, which props it up on flat surfaces without needing an external holder. The base material is often a mounting board with a protective backing, and the printed face can be customised with lamination, UV coating, a gloss finish, or a matte finish for that extra visual punch. The process of creating a strut card involves designing the graphics, printing them on the mounting board, and then adding the supporting strut.
Each card is crafted with a pre-cut slot or fold line so the strut easily stands out to support the entire display. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for those countertop moments.
Businesses rely on strut cards for many reasons, primarily for their marketing presence.
Here’s where you’ll usually spot them:
Strut cards are versatile marketing tools that excel at customer attraction and brand visibility. Placed in spots people naturally look at—like counters or tables, they can feature everything from promotional signage to brand messaging and product visibility. This versatility empowers businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to different contexts and customer needs.
What makes a strut card different from a poster or banner? For starters, strut cards are compact. They’re designed for countertop displays, whereas posters typically hang on walls. Unlike leaflets or brochures, they’re not meant for customers to take home. They stand there, front and centre, with printed graphics and custom shapes that help brands make an impact in small spaces.
Other point-of-sale items, like pull-up banners, might be too large or distracting for certain areas, but strut cards find that sweet spot of being visible without taking over the space. They’re more permanent than leaflets yet easy to switch out whenever promotions change.
Strut cards have been around longer than you might think.They started as simple cardboard cutouts back in the days when physical advertising was the only way to get people’s attention. Over the years, they’ve evolved with better materials, like die-cut shapes for more customisation and UV coating or laminations for durability.
Today, custom strut cards are all about brand positioning. They aren’t just informational; they’re designed for maximum engagement. Companies now have the option to choose everything from the edge trim and display base to the branding area and logo placement.
With innovations like custom printed graphics, adhesive options, and various finishes, strut cards have become indispensable in modern marketing campaigns and retail displays.
Q: What materials are used to make strut cards?
A: Strut cards are usually made from sturdy mounting boards with a printed face. These mounting boards are often made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Finish options include lamination, gloss, or matte, which not only enhance the visual appeal of the card but also provide additional protection, making the card more durable and long-lasting.
Q: How are strut cards different from leaflets or flyers?
A: Unlike leaflets, which are meant to be handed out, strut cards stay in one spot, catching customer attention without requiring a holder.
Q: Can strut cards be customised?
A: Yes! From custom shapes and die-cuts to different finishes and adhesive options, strut cards are fully customizable to match a brand’s unique look.
Q: Are strut cards reusable?
A: They’re typically used for specific promotions, but many strut cards can be reused with durable materials like laminated finishes and UV coatings.
Q: Where can I use strut cards for the best impact?
A: Ideal spots include checkout counters, service desks, and high-traffic areas that attract maximum attention.
Strut cards are the quick-hit marketing tool you didn’t know you needed. They’re easy to set up, super visible, and drive home brand awareness in all the right places.
Have you got a new promo or product to spotlight? Strut cards are your go-to