3 Reasons Why Print Matters in our Digital Age

Your image is everything to us. In today’s climate, your brand footprint is mostly digital. From your Instagram carousel and latest TikTok videos to your Meta and Google ads, how businesses operate is largely digital. But it comes with a price. 

The catastrophic cost of running the data centres springing up across the world in this sudden shift towards generative AI is the industry’s dirty secret. Since ChatGPT became “a thing” that co-exists with us humans, life has taken a seemingly irreversible turn towards the virtual. Real, physical objects are being thrown into the metaphorical storage closet with abandon.  

But there is still much to be said for the art and skill of traditional printed materials. Don’t get us wrong – we care about the planet. We are doing what we can as a small business to reduce our impact on our earth, starting with our water-based inks and partnership with the World Land Trust. Like most things, it’s a balance. Everything in moderation. That being said, we believe that printed materials in this digital age still possess the powers of persuasion that matter. Here’s three reasons why: 

• 1. When everything is digital, physical objects stand out. Digital ads might get you noticed, sure. But print gets you remembered. We’re not talking flimsy flyers here. We’re talking about luxurious brochures with creamy pages. Thick business cards with a laminated surface that’s a joy to touch. Invest in higher priced, premium goods and look to reduce the amount you print to strike that balance. 
• 2. The act of handing someone a business card is a sign of trust and shows a real desire to stay in touch. Have you ever contacted anyone when they gave you their digital business card? Did you ever actually scan that QR code? Exchanging business cards is an intimate exchange that cannot be replicated with digital tools. So embrace the retro, dig out that rolodex and get collecting! 
• 3.  On average, printed materials have far better longevity than digital ones. Let’s face it. When did you last open an email newsletter and actually scroll further than the headline (if you even got that far). Most digital content is designed to be thrown away. So easily disregarded, after that first click it’s worthless clutter clogging up your inbox that you don’t have the time to look at amongst everything else trying to grab your attention. In contrast, throwing away someone’s catalogue or leaflet just feels a little…wrong. Displayed in the work canteen or even just placed on your desk, a good piece of printed advertising can circulate for weeks before it finds its way into the recycling bin.  

Controversial? Maybe. Are we right? Definitely.