In today’s fast-paced world of digital marketing, the power of traditional print materials is sometimes underestimated. Yet, tangible, well-designed tools remain invaluable for capturing attention in physical spaces. Among these, tent cards and strut cards stand out as versatile and highly effective options. Each works well on its own, but when combined, they deliver a stronger, unified presence that engages audiences from every angle. 

This blog explores how these formats complement one another, their unique benefits, and how businesses can maximise their impact together.

What Are Tent Cards?

Tent cards are small folded displays designed to sit neatly on flat surfaces such as tables, counters, or desks. Their simple triangular or tent-like structure allows them to stand independently, making them ideal for close-range communication.

These cards are typically printed on sturdy card stock, ensuring they remain upright and eye-catching. Their size makes them easy to place in multiple locations, and their double-sided design allows visibility from more than one angle.

Tent cards are most often used for:

• Highlighting offers and promotions in areas where customers are seated or waiting.
• Reinforcing brand identity with logos and taglines.
• Providing concise and persuasive information, often paired with a call to action.

Their real strength lies in proximity. Because they are designed for close interaction, tent cards are particularly effective at reinforcing messages once customers are already engaged with a brand or product.

What Is a Strut Card?

Unlike tent cards, a strut card is designed to make an impact from a distance. These freestanding display boards come with a strut, or cardboard support at the back, which allows them to stand tall on counters, shelves, or display units.

The strut card is usually larger than a tent card and offers greater scope for creative design. Its upright stance and extended surface area provide space for bold headlines, strong visuals, and striking colours that can immediately capture attention.

The primary purpose of a strut card is visibility. Placed at eye level or in high-traffic areas, it draws attention before customers have engaged more closely. It is especially effective for:

• Announcing new products or services.
• Showcasing seasonal campaigns.
• Enhancing brand presence in reception areas, stores, or exhibitions.

Where tent cards whisper directly to those already near, the strut card speaks boldly from a distance.

Tent Cards vs Strut Cards: The Distinct Roles They Play

Though they share similarities in being cost-effective, versatile, and easy to design, tent cards and strut cards serve very different purposes. To understand how they can work together, it is useful to look at their unique strengths side by side.

The difference is clear: one is for engaging customers up close, while the other captures the attention of those passing by.

Why Use Tent Cards and Strut Cards Together?

On their own, each tool is effective. But used together, they create a layered approach to communication that makes marketing far more powerful.

• Unified Messaging: A consistent campaign across tent cards and strut cards reinforces the same message in multiple formats, making it more memorable.
• Layered Communication: Strut cards attract people from afar, while tent cards sustain interest once customers are closer.
• Stronger Brand Recall: Combining both ensures that the audience encounters the same visual identity at every stage of their interaction.
• Maximised Space: By placing strut cards at entrances or along busy pathways and tent cards in seating or service areas, businesses extend their marketing reach without overcrowding any single area.

By integrating the two formats, businesses can cover both immediate attention and deeper engagement seamlessly.

Design Tips for Mixing Tent and Strut Cards

The success of using tent cards and strut cards together lies in thoughtful design. Both should feel connected but tailored to their respective functions.

Here are some effective design principles:

• Maintain Consistency in Branding: Use the same colour palette, logos, and fonts across both formats to ensure a cohesive visual identity.
• Hierarchy of Information:
• Strut cards: bold headlines, powerful imagery, minimal text.
• Tent cards: concise details, offers, and clear calls to action.
• Typography Choices: Large, attention-grabbing typefaces work well on strut cards, while readable, smaller text is suitable for tent cards.
• Imagery and Graphics: Strut cards can showcase striking visuals, while tent cards should keep images simple to avoid overcrowding.
• Placement Strategy: Ensure strut cards are visible from high-traffic areas, and tent cards are within arm’s reach of the audience.
• Message Clarity: Avoid clutter. Each card should carry a single, strong idea rather than trying to say everything at once.

By blending these design approaches, businesses can ensure both materials complement each other without duplicating effort.

Situations Where the Duo Works Well

Tent card and strut card are not about replacing one another but about expanding reach together. The most effective campaigns are those where both formats are integrated into the same physical environment.

• Strut cards pull attention immediately, ensuring people know something is happening or available.
• Tent cards then reinforce that awareness by providing the details and call-to-action in a clear and accessible format.

This layered approach ensures no opportunity for engagement is missed. Customers are first drawn in, then nudged towards the next step.

The Sustainability Factor

In modern marketing, sustainability is becoming as important as visibility. Both tent cards and strut cards can be produced in eco-friendly ways that align with environmentally conscious branding.

• Recycled Materials: Using recycled or FSC-certified paper and card stock reduces environmental impact.
• Biodegradable Inks: Soy or vegetable-based inks make both tent cards and strut cards more sustainable.
• Efficient Print Runs: Designing campaigns that maximise the use of space on print sheets helps reduce waste.

By choosing greener options, businesses can demonstrate responsibility while still enjoying the benefits of strong visual communication.

Conclusion

Tent cards and strut cards might appear simple, yet when combined, they create a powerful marketing partnership. Strut cards attract attention from afar, while tent cards engage customers up close, ensuring a layered and memorable brand experience. Used together, they reinforce messages consistently, turning everyday spaces into effective marketing opportunities. This balance of visibility and engagement strengthens brand presence and improves communication impact. 

At VC Print, we understand how thoughtful design and smart placement can maximise results. By integrating these tools, businesses can achieve clarity, consistency, and creativity in every campaign, leaving a lasting impression on their audience.