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Is Print Media Dead? No, And Here’s Why

Written by The Symetric Team | 2-Sep-2024 1:15:00 PM

Attention, everyone! Contrary to popular belief, print marketing is not dead – far from it, actually. While digital marketing solutions like email and social media marketing have surged in popularity, print marketing still holds its ground and can often be more engaging and effective. In today’s blog, we’ll explore why print media is still important– from its versatility to its impact– and how a winning marketing strategy combines the strengths of both digital and print mediums.  

Why do People Assume Print Marketing is Dead?   

Ever since the rise of digital media, people have predicted the end of print. But to their surprise, it’s still going strong and has a place in the modern marketing strategy. Traditional print media can be very useful for advertising products and services, especially when combined with digital marketing solutions. For example, print marketing has a higher brand recall rate than digital media 77 percent compared to 46 percent. Additionally, printed mailers generate 10 to 30 times greater response rates than email. Let’s explore some specific reasons why print marketing strategies are still relevant in today’s highly digital world.

6 Reasons Why Print Marketing is Still Essential in Today’s Digital Climate   

1. Digital Fatigue is Not a Myth  

With digital ads and online marketing messages constantly flooding our feeds and inboxes, it’s tough to keep up. This is where print media shines! Since physical mail is less common, we’re more likely to read it when it does arrive. This gives companies a better chance to make a lasting impression. To maximize this opportunity, place print advertisements in spots where your target audience is likely to see them, like magazines related to their interests or popular public places. This way, your message has a better chance of being noticed and remembered.

2. Print Media is Tangible   

When people hold print marketing materials, like flyers or business cards, they often feel a stronger emotional connection compared to seeing the same content on a screen. This hands-on quality makes print marketing stand out. Feeling and touching the material leaves a lasting impression and encourages customers to learn more about your products or services. By incorporating print marketing strategies, you can create deeper and more memorable connections, boosting both brand awareness and customer loyalty.

3. Print Marketing Strategies Build Credibility 

Print marketing builds trust in a way that digital ads often can’t. With so many online scams and phishing attempts, it’s no wonder many people are wary of what they see online. In contrast, print marketing is often seen as more trustworthy, with 56 percent of consumers considering it to be the most reliable form of marketing. Incorporating high-quality print marketing materials can boost your credibility and show that your business is dependable and genuine.

4. Tailored to Reach Your Target Audience   

Print marketing is a powerful way to target specific audiences effectively. From pamphlets and brochures to direct mail, print marketing materials can be strategically placed to reach potential clients where they are most likely to see them. By tailoring your print marketing to different demographics, you can connect with people who might overlook online ads. Not everyone is online all the time – older generations, for example, might not be as active on digital platforms. Including print marketing in your strategy ensures you reach all your potential customers.

5. Enhances Digital Marketing Solutions  

Using both digital and print marketing strategies can take your business’s marketing to the next level. This approach makes your marketing more effective, strengthens your message and boosts brand recognition. For instance, including your website or social media handles on printed materials can drive traffic. Additionally, printed brochures can remind people about your digital marketing efforts and encourage them to visit your website or social media pages, which can further increase traffic.

6. Promotes a Multisensory Experience 

Retain your target audience with a multisensory experience. Print marketing materials can appeal to multiple senses like touch and smell, making the experience more memorable. Create a brochure with imprinted text or a business card with a unique texture for a tactile experience your audience will never forget. You can even add scents, like perfumes or essential oils, to enhance the sensory experience. This approach helps you build a stronger emotional connection with your audience and create a more impactful marketing campaign.

Types of Print Media  

  • Brochures: Great for giving detailed information about your products, services and business. You can choose from various styles like 2-fold, 3-fold, single fold, or z-fold. To make your brochures stand out, use unique designs and special paper.  
  • Flyers: Versatile and effective, flyers can be distributed in many ways – handed out in person, sent through direct mail or placed in-store. Use them to highlight promotions, upcoming events, sales or important announcements.  
  • Posters: Perfect for making a big impression. Place them on windows or walls for high visibility. Posters are great for focusing on specific products or events and offer ongoing exposure until they’re taken down. The longer they stay up, the more they reinforce your message.   
  • Banners: Durable and reusable, banners can be used both indoors and outdoors. They’re ideal for reaching a large audience, such as at local and community events or trade shows. Lightweight and durable, banners are easy to transport and store.  

At Symetric, we specialize in several types of custom print media. Whether you need advertisements, brochures, flyers, magazine layouts, event and theatrical posters or book cover designs, we’ve got you covered. Check out our graphic design services to learn more. 

Combining Digital and Print Media 

To get the best results from both digital and print marketing, it’s important to make sure your print materials direct people to your website and social media channels. Since most types of print media like brochures and flyers have limited space, guiding people online lets you offer all the extra details and answers they might need. QR codes are a great tool for linking print and digital marketing. Adding QR codes to your print materials makes it easy for people to move from offline to online. Plus, with personalized tracking links in the QR codes, you can see which print materials are driving the most traffic to your site.

Add Print Media to Your Marketing Strategy Today  

Print is still very much alive. In fact, the most effective marketing strategies employ both print and digital solutions together. With the digital market being so saturated, it can be hard to stick out and make a real impact with just inbound marketing alone. By combining print and digital methods, you can leverage the strengths of each to create a powerful marketing plan that grabs attention and reaches your audience. If you need help with digital marketing initiatives or print marketing strategies, we’d be happy to discuss how we can support your goals. Get in touch with us today to get started.