Is Print Marketing Dead?
The answer is: Absolutely Not!
The question may also be asked: Is Print or Online Marketing more effective?
a great combination of both methods can create the strongest marketing campaign.
In an ever-changing world of technology, Internet and social media, many business owners struggle with the validity of print vs. online marketing. “Print isn’t dying. When used correctly it can actually boost your marketing campaign and give you the result you’re trying to achieve, whether it is leads, sales, or brand awareness.” (Trammell)
Using your print campaign effectively means using print along with online links and social media to increase brand awareness and increase your ROI. By combining these strategies you can overcome the limits of each media. While online marketing can be reached by a click and immediate updates and targeting, online banners are limited to a small amount of information and social media is limited to the number of followers you have. Print media can be very powerful and is more tangible and something that people can hold on to and refer back to. It allows readers to be more engaged and can supply more information and stronger branding. It’s true that digital media is advancing at a quick rate, but smart companies have utilized the advantages of mixing old and new media to reach a wider audience and to come out with a strong advertising campaign.
It’s also important to look at your overall marketing objectives and goals. Who is your customer and what is the best way to reach your customer? What is the best way to communicate with them? How can you reach new customers and leave a good impression on them?
One effective way that we have found to reach new and existing customers is utilizing print media with Direct Mail Marketing. With direct mail marketing you can promote your website, social media sites, and branding in a very effective way. QR codes are also a great part of modern technology that provides your company information with one click. With direct mail you can directly target your customer market. There are a variety of products and methods to fit every budget. You can reach a wide audience, because not everyone has a computer, and for those that do, it drives traffic to your website. People are also more likely to try your store or product if they have a coupon or special offer. That physical marketing piece is something that people can refer back to and can leave a lasting impression.
So yes, for all you that have been wondering, print is still alive and strong! (Remember that when you think of the billboard image that is stuck in your head, or the business card that a business contact handed you today, or the mail you picked up from your mail box.)
Let us know what you think.
Check out these articles for more information:
Trammell, Mindy. “Is Print Advertising Dead? Definitely Not!” Insurance Journal Online. January 17, 2012. http://www.insurancejournal.com/blogs/2012/01/17/231405.htm
Wolfe, Lahle. “5 Pros of Direct Mail Marketing”. About.com Women in Business. http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/directmailmarketing/tp/hub-pros-directmail.htm
