Extra, Extra! Print is NOT Dead!

When you look up from your own screen, you probably notice the majority of those around you are also deeply immersed in varying devices. The reasons behind this fact go without saying at this point, but there’s a very pressing matter that must be addressed.

You may have already heard the nasty rumor going around about print media being replaced by digital media, but we’re is here to set the record straight—then put that record away in its paper sleeve for safekeeping.

Let us be clear, we understand the power digital media has in regards to marketing and brand exposure. The problem though is most people hear “print” and immediately picture bland business cards, neon-colored fliers, and obnoxious billboards.

Print is more than paper, and far more effective than what everyone recognizes concerning this advertising channel. Similar to digital media, it has come a very long way in its capabilities—both in brand awareness and visual aesthetics. 

A primary example would be the infamous business card. All being nearly identical and uninspiring flashcards of information—inevitably trashed and forgotten before the days’ end. Presently though, you’ll find your hands on sleek, original branding tools made of the finest materials. 

Matte, glossy, textured…stainless steel—seriously, who doesn’t want their card in suede? And no more information overload. Instead, minimalistic designs are preferred, such as a QR code with pleasing background imagery.

A global research report conducted by Mood Media TM found that “just over 8 in 10 consumers globally would recommend a store if they found the sight, sound, and scent sensorial elements to be enjoyable”. This also means allowing your target market to physically engage with your brand yields more traffic!

By elevating such a classic networking instrument, you’re not only handing someone your company credentials, you are literally BRANDING a level of status into their memory. And just like that, a traditional marketing tool is now your business’s secret weapon.

Look at print on a larger scale and consider everything it takes to carry out promo events, concerts, or fundraisers. The full displays of branded tents, banners, and signs seen throughout these public functions are all facets of print media.

What about the apparel and engaging promotional items you see while out and about? Also print media. Inside any successful marketing strategy, you will find the use of print advertisement, especially merchandising opportunities.

A business that wants to succeed will need to use these marketing elements and more in order to meet and exceed their goal of generating lifelong customers and relationships. To a consumer, buying merchandise by brands they love is a wonderful way to show appreciation towards the business, and when using the merch it aids in brand recognition for surrounding target audiences.

Think of merchandise as campaigning for an election; the more people and locations representing you, the more votes (or traffic) you’ll receive. Investing in vendible products, such as reusable water bottles, logo stickers, or wearable gear are just a few examples of how to utilize print media for such efforts.

Let’s shine some light on one more wonder of the print industry. Consider the humble brochure, a small yet concise marketing tool every brick-and-mortar business should be promptly offering and updating regularly.

Brochures are fantastic because if done correctly, they can be handy reminders for past and potential customers about a business they’ve previously interacted with. Much like today’s revamped business card, they’re also a more professional medium for encouraging people to follow your social media platforms.

From grand opening introductions to simple company updates or menus, there are countless ways to benefit from a brochure. Businesses that strictly sell a line of products can offer one as a quick reference catalog, while also using the space to further showcase their brand’s personality. 

As physical as it is, print marketing has very few limits to its versatility. The list goes on—all the way back to the first (traceable) recorded print advertisement in history dated around 3000 B.C. How’s that saying go? ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’.

To this day, buyers want the pleasure of holding and feeling physical mediums that positively connect their experience with that product or service. Remember that this is not to imply digital media isn’t as important, but rather is a key component to the larger printed picture behind a successful marketing strategy.

Print media marketing is the core to your business’ overall likability that funnels into your online presence. Without it, there’s no foundation to build upon. If this last bit is making you anxious about your own business marketing practices, then it may be wise to reach out for custom branding and print marketing tools.

If you have a solid marketing foundation already, we can help you with your established print media needs just as well! But more than anything, hopefully the credit that print deserves as a main contributor to marketing success has been given and well received. Keep calm as print reigns on.