Everything is becoming digitalized these days. Digitalizing makes things more convenient and allows for easy access. However, print still remains very important, even among millennials and Gen Z.
You may be shocked to hear that 95% of people under 25 read print magazines. This is just one of many stats that prove that print media is still relevant and important.
But why is that? Why are people still interested in print when they can access any magazine, brochure, and various other media online? Let’s take a look at the most essential reasons.
Why Is Printing Important?
Printing plays a vital role in communication, marketing, and information sharing, even in today’s digital-first world. It provides something tangible and lasting that digital formats simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s a business card, a brochure, or product packaging, printed materials help people connect with a brand on a more personal level.
Print also strengthens memory and comprehension. Studies show that people often retain more information when reading printed text compared to digital screens. This makes printing a powerful tool for education, branding, and storytelling.
Beyond its functional uses, printing continues to represent quality and craftsmanship. A beautifully printed piece demonstrates care, professionalism, and attention to detail—qualities that enhance trust and leave a lasting impression.
12 Benefits of Printing
1. Credibility
There is a sense of credibility and legitimacy when you see a print magazine or newspaper on a rack. You know that various editors reviewed it multiple times before printing, and that instills trust. In people’s minds, print means accuracy, quality, and credibility, which cannot be said for a great number of digital mediums.
2. Flexibility, Versatility, Security
You can touch your printed publication, take it, leave it on your desk for months, and then come back to it whenever you want to resume your reading, or read it again. This gives you the flexibility and value that digital media doesn’t provide.
Print is also very versatile. There’s a great number of printing applications, such as printing on packaging and even creating edible imprints.
The level of security print provides is perhaps its most important benefit. Imagine a pilot having internet trouble, not being able to access a map or anything else necessary for safely operating and landing a plane. If they had no printed logbooks and various other documents at hand, they would experience a lot of trouble, to say the least.
Quite similarly, print also brings a lot of value to brands in that they could also experience trouble with various pieces of software, and not be able to run their operations smoothly. Having printed files and documents helps them stay on top of things.
3. Tangible & Engaging
Print stimulates the senses and engages readers for longer periods of time than digital communications can. Not only can you physically feel the paper, but the smell of ink and paper can also transport you to another place like a bookstore or a library, and even bring you back to childhood memories.
Digital communications can never create that “wow” factor that you get when turning the pages of a print newspaper, magazine, or book. The senses of touch and smell that you get with print stimulate you in a way that its digital counterparts never could.
4. Reduced Digital & Screen Fatigue
More and more people are experiencing digital fatigue these days, which is a type of visual fatigue that strains the eyes and causes physical discomfort. It comes after being exposed to a digital screen for an extended period of time.
You can adjust your screen brightness, but it will still tire your eyes after a while, just like any other muscle gets tired after being used for a prolonged period of time. This is why a lot of people prefer print to digital media. Printed communications cannot strain your eyes the way digital can.
5. Less Competition
Digital marketing is crowded with countless ads, emails, and social media posts competing for attention. Print media, on the other hand, faces far less competition, which means your message has a better chance of being noticed and remembered. When someone picks up a printed brochure, flyer, or postcard, they’re giving it their undivided attention instead of scrolling past it in a feed.
Because fewer companies invest in print today, those that do often stand out more. A well-designed print piece immediately sets your brand apart and gives you a unique edge in reaching audiences who appreciate something tangible and thoughtful.
6. Longevity
Unlike digital ads that disappear in seconds, print materials last. A magazine can sit on a coffee table for months, a business card can remain in a wallet for years, and a catalog might be browsed multiple times before being recycled. Print keeps your brand visible long after an initial impression.
The physical nature of print also helps reinforce your message over time. Each time a person sees or handles your printed piece, it strengthens brand recognition and recall, creating a lasting connection that digital content rarely achieves.
7. Highly Targeted
Print marketing can be strategically targeted to specific audiences, industries, or locations. Whether you’re sending direct mail to a local neighborhood or printing custom materials for an event, you can reach exactly who you want with a personal touch.
This level of targeting makes print especially valuable for businesses looking to connect with niche markets or specific demographics. By tailoring your print materials to your audience’s interests and needs, you can increase engagement and drive stronger results.
8. Customization & Personalization
Modern printing technology allows for incredible customization. Businesses can create personalized postcards, catalogs, and mailers featuring the recipient’s name, images, or offers tailored to their interests. This makes each piece feel more personal and engaging.
Personalized print materials not only grab attention but also build trust and loyalty. When people see content made specifically for them, they’re more likely to respond and remember your brand.
9. Complements Digital Marketing
Print and digital don’t compete; they work best together. Incorporating print into your marketing strategy strengthens your online presence by driving people to your website, social media, or digital campaigns. For example, a postcard with a QR code or URL can bridge the gap between offline and online engagement.
By combining the credibility of print with the convenience of digital, businesses create a well-rounded marketing approach. This balance helps reinforce messages, increase brand recognition, and reach customers across multiple touchpoints.
10. Improves Digital Advertising Results
Studies show that print marketing can enhance the effectiveness of digital advertising. When people see a printed piece before an online ad, they’re more likely to recognize the brand and click through later. This makes print an excellent tool for boosting digital campaign performance.
The tactile experience of print helps people form stronger associations with your brand, which carries over into their digital interactions. This synergy leads to better engagement, improved recall, and higher conversion rates.
11. Higher Response Rates
Printed materials often generate higher response rates than digital ads or emails. People are more likely to open, read, and act on a physical piece of mail because it feels more genuine and less intrusive. Direct mail, for example, continues to outperform many digital channels when it comes to conversions.
Print’s tangible nature encourages people to slow down and engage with your message. Whether it’s filling out a form, visiting a website, or redeeming a special offer, print inspires more meaningful actions.
12. Cost Effective
While some assume print and direct mail are expensive, they can actually be very cost effective, especially for targeted campaigns or bulk runs. Advances in printing technology have made it more affordable to produce high-quality materials in smaller quantities.
Because print tends to last longer and deliver higher engagement rates, the return on investment can be substantial. A well-designed printed piece can continue to promote your brand for months, making it a smart, long-term marketing choice.
Printing FAQs
What are the benefits of printing and print media?
Printing and print media offer credibility, security, and a tangible experience that engages multiple senses. People tend to slow down and retain information better with print, making it ideal for storytelling, branding, and education. Its physical presence creates a lasting impression, builds trust, and adds a personal touch. Businesses also value print for its versatility, strong response rates, and ability to complement digital campaigns.
Why is print media still important?
Print media builds trust, captures attention, and creates a personal connection with readers. Unlike digital content, print materials feel more deliberate and thoughtful, which in turn leaves a stronger and more lasting impression.
How is print used in marketing?
Print plays a versatile role in marketing by helping brands reach audiences in a tangible, memorable way. Businesses use print for materials like brochures, flyers, postcards, product catalogs, packaging, and direct mail to share information, promote offers, and drive customers to take action. These pieces can support brand storytelling, introduce new products, or guide people to online content.
Why is print marketing effective?
Print marketing is effective because it captures attention and holds it longer than digital ads. People tend to engage more deeply with physical pieces like postcards or brochures, which increases response rates and brand recall. Its tactile nature makes messages feel more thoughtful and authentic, leaving a stronger impression.
Achieve the Benefits of Printing with United GMG
Digital media plays a huge role nowadays, and it’s definitely not going anywhere. However, print is still very important, and it also doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, if ever. We hope by now you understand the advantages that print still holds in the everyday media. If you’re looking for a high-quality print media solution, reach out to United GMG today!
To get started with our printing services or to learn more, contact your United GMG sales rep or call 847-588-7600.
