How to Use Cardboard Cutouts in Your Marketing Strategy

When it comes to grabbing attention and making your brand unforgettable, cardboard cutouts are a surprisingly powerful marketing tool. 

They’re bold, eye-catching and impossible to ignore. Whether you’re running a retail campaign, attending a trade show or promoting an event, a well-designed cardboard cutout can instantly elevate your marketing strategy.

Cutout of a smiling woman holding a “FREE TRIAL” sign in a store.

Here’s how to use cardboard cutouts effectively in your marketing, and why they work.

  1. Create an Instant Impact

In marketing, first impressions count. Cardboard cutouts are large, eye-catching, and naturally draw people in. Placing a life-size cutout at the entrance of your store or venue immediately signals something worth noticing.

This isn’t just about being seen: it’s about being remembered. As humans, we’re hardwired to notice faces and figures. A cardboard cutout of a person (real or fictional) therefore naturally triggers curiosity. It easily makes people stop, look and – crucially – interact.

  1. Turn Displays Into Talking Points

A clever cardboard cutout can become the centrepiece of your marketing campaign. Use them to:

  • Feature brand ambassadors or mascots
  • Promote a product or limited-time offer
  • Create an interactive photo opportunity
  • Set the tone for an event or campaign

For example, a gym might place a cutout of a ripped personal trainer holding a “Free Trial” sign. A cinema might use superhero cutouts to promote an upcoming release. These aren’t just props: they’re talking points that encourage photos, sharing on social media, and conversations.

  1. Use Them for Events, Trade Shows & Pop-Ups

Cardboard cutouts are fantastic for marketing at events. In busy spaces where dozens of businesses are competing for attention, a well-placed cutout helps your stand pop. Whether it’s a celebrity likeness, a giant version of your product, or a cheeky call to action, cutouts act like silent salespeople drawing attendees in.

Here’s how to maximise their impact:

  • Place them at entrance points or high-footfall areas
  • Use them to guide people to your stand or display
  • Include QR codes for quick digital interaction

Guests can pose for selfies, then share with them with branded hashtags. This type of approach pays off for your brand during and after the event.

  1. Encourage People to Make the Most of your Shop

For brick-and-mortar retailers, cardboard cutouts are a cost-effective way to enhance visual merchandising. Use them to highlight special offers, seasonal themes, or product launches.

Ways to use them include:

  • A wine shop could feature a cutout of a smiling sommelier recommending a featured bottle.
  • A toy store could use life-size characters from a new film to build buzz.
  • A garden centre might display a cutout gardener holding a “25% Off Compost” sign.

In other words, you can lead customers directly to what you want them to see and buy.

  1. Make the Most of Social Media

Cardboard cutouts are by their nature ‘Instagrammable’. A well-designed display invites people to snap photos and share them online. To take full advantage:

  • Create a fun or humorous concept (people tend to adore quirky content)
  • Include your logo and social media details clearly on the cutout
  • Encourage hashtags or competitions tied to user-generated content
  • Make sure the lighting and backdrop encourage good photos

This turns your marketing cutout into a social media asset, not just a physical one.

  1. Customise for Your Brand and Audience

One of the biggest strengths of cardboard cutouts is their flexibility. They can be customised to suit any marketing campaign. When creating yours, it’s important to think about:

  • Size: Life-size people? Giant objects? Mini pop-ups?
  • Style: Realistic photos, illustrated characters, 3D shapes
  • Message: Clear, simple, and aligned with your call to action
  • Durability: Do you need it to last one event, or stand up to long-term use?

With the right creative direction, a cutout can do more than just sit there – it can communicate the voice of your brand. 

  1. Cost-Effective and Reusable

Compared to many forms of visual marketing (like video displays, signage, or digital ads), cardboard cutouts are affordable and reusable. Once printed, you can use them across multiple locations or campaigns. All you need to do is store them properly to avoid wear and tear.

  1. Track Results

Like any marketing tool, it’s always best to measure how effective it is. Some simple ways to track how well your cardboard cutouts are working include:

  • Counting QR code scans or visits to landing pages
  • Monitoring social media mentions and photos
  • Tracking visitors or conversions in the area they’re placed
  • Asking customers how they heard about your offer or event

This helps you fine-tune future campaigns and decide whether to use them in the future. 

Marketing cardboard cutouts aren’t just a gimmick: they’re a versatile and creative way to make your brand stand out. Whether you’re promoting a product, hosting an event, or just trying to get people through the door, a striking cutout can make the difference between being overlooked and being unforgettable.

If you’re ready to bring your next campaign to life, The Cardboard Cutout Company can help you design, print, and deliver custom cutouts that fit your brand perfectly. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us today.