One topic has been under discussion for a while now — is digitalisation affecting the popularity of print media? As new digital methods continue to expand and grow, some believe this could be the end of traditional media as we know it. In the debate, one side claims that digital is king, while the other insists that traditional media still holds appeal. Both arguments have merit, but the idea that print is dead is mistaken.

People still recognise print media as being reliable and efficient. Consider too that 80% of people never click on an online banner ad. If this is the case, then is contending with online competition and using your marketing budget for online strategies worth it for that small 20% of the population who will actually click on your ad? Print media offers the receivers something to grasp in their hands, something real.

Print media remains popular

Despite the instantaneous access to news that people can receive by logging online, magazines remain popular. In the UK, 63% of adults read physical copies and only one in ten adults readonline versions. With monthly magazines from big names such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle; the best way to get your advertisement noticed is through monthly magazines.

On a smaller scale, print media is a good way for businesses to advertise. Considered as a trusted source for news and other information, print media continues to generate engagement from versatile and creative publications.

It can be said that marketers can be more creative when it comes to print media. From leaflet distribution from Direct Letterbox Marketing to magazine advertisements and local newspapers, your campaign becomes tangible for the reader. Giving your audience something physical to hold in their hands and read brings your campaign to life and into reality. For audiences, what they are holding is something real to engage with. A digital advertisement can disappear in seconds into cyber space, but a magazine, newspaper of leaflet can stay in houses or offices for months.

Online advertising is becoming overly popular and it is easy for your advert to get lost among the rest.

How is it helping the economy?

The print industry continues to have an effect on the economy. Local newspapers are one of the biggest contributors.

One study revealed that in the second half of 2014, the London Evening Standard paper circulated 824,515 copies — an increase of 21.9% from the previous six months. Although smaller publications, such as the Sunderland Echo (18,876) and the Birmingham Mail (30,597), were among the worst-performing titles, they still circulated in the thousands during this six-month period. There is clearly still a market for regional papers despite the rise of online news platforms. The local, paid-for newspaper publications help to put money back into the region.

One local business that take advantage of print media is takeaways — and the popularity of these is rising. As new businesses open around the region, leaflet distribution is one of the best ways to spread the word. Whilst some people consider direct mail to be a bit of nuisance, it makes people aware that you exist and there is a reason which the method is still being used — it is a trusted and traditional form of marketing. For new businesses, it draws locals towards your brand. Food and dinner trends have evolved too, meaning more and more people are choosing to eat out or order takeaways instead of having a traditional homecooked meal.

Consumer trends can have an impact on print media too. The appeal of eating from takeaways and in restaurants has become more affordable — something that local takeaways are capitalising on when using print media to advertise their services. And of course, this leads to a return in money invested by the business, improving successful economic development in the local area.