Print media should be back with a new force

Print Media is Making a Comeback with Digital in 2025 

When scarcity arises, value follows. The rarest things often become the most treasured. In a world dominated by smartphones, AI chatbots, and Web 3.0, print media may have become the same treasured entity. As it might seem like a relic of the past—a nostalgic nod to simpler times. But hold on; the narrative isn’t that simple. 

Print media is experiencing a renaissance, and businesses, especially in the B2B sphere, are rediscovering its charm. They’re not just sticking ads in newspapers or slapping billboards up on the highway. Even B2C brands are stepping into the game, making print media more interactive than ink on paper. 

In this digital-first era, print offers something unique—trust and tangibility. It’s not just seen; it’s held, felt, and remembered. So, how is this age-old medium holding its ground? By evolving alongside technology while staying rooted in its unmatched authenticity. 

Let’s figure out why print is making noise in a digital world and how it’s securing its seat at the marketing table of 2025. 

Print media brings back the lost touch  

Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—our five senses shape how we experience the world. While digital media delivers information instantly, it can’t replicate one thing: the tactile experience of touch. That’s where print media steps in, offering something screens never will—a sensory connection. 

As digital fatigue sets in, with endless scrolling and screen time leaving users disengaged, print offers a refreshing break—a moment of tangible interaction. Books, newspapers, bills, magazines — varieties of print media through individuals were engaging or getting entertained. And that’s still true.  

This isn’t just nostalgia talking; the stats back it up. According to the Consumer Marketing Institute, print magazines still account for 16% of total B2B content marketing. Print advertising also holds strong in the paid media mix, making up 21% of B2B advertising investments. 

If something written has reached the public or consumers, it is going to stay the same way ads on the Internet or on Meta do. You cannot erase it forever. The only difference here is that one cannot deepfake a printed ad or resource. Today, Gen-AI can generate a number of videos of some celebrities in no time, but printing something on paper generates the trust factor in consumers or individuals.  

Print media taps into more than just the sense of touch; it taps into trust, credibility, and a deeper connection with the audience. It’s proof that traditional media still has a very real place in the marketing mix in a digital-dominated era. 

The evolution of print media is broader, more innovative, and more integrated 

If we told you that print media boasts higher retention and open rates than digital media, would you believe it? You should—because the numbers don’t lie. 

According to Post Grid Australia, physical mail grabs attention in a way that digital can’t, boasting open rates as high as 90%*. This trend isn’t limited to Australia; it’s a global phenomenon, extending across America, Asia, and Europe. 

Why the high engagement? Personalization. There’s something undeniably human about receiving a physical mailer—it’s tangible, personal, and engaging in a way that digital ads struggle to replicate. Digital banners and emails flood inboxes daily, often leaving users irritated or tuning out entirely. 

Even science backs this up. A study by Robert G. Magee of Virginia Tech found that print media outperforms digital media in recall, engagement, and preference. While digital media is undeniably cost-effective, print media connects on an emotional and tactile level, driving deeper engagement. 

The takeaway for advertisers? Don’t let cost-effectiveness be your only guide. Integrating print into your marketing strategy creates a multidimensional approach—one that doesn’t just speak to your audience but resonates with them. In 2025 and beyond, the evolution of print media proves that old-school methods, combined with modern strategies, are a winning formula. 

Put print and digital together like peanut butter and jelly  

By integrating print and digital media like peanut butter and jelly, you’re not just enhancing your marketing sandwich—you’re turning it into a gourmet experience. If you want to elevate your marketing strategy to new heights, it’s time to blend the best of both worlds.  

QR codes are the star of the print-digital fusion. They’re everywhere—on connected TV (CTV) ads, packaging, billboards, posters, and even direct mail. A simple scan opens the door to your brand’s digital universe, whether it’s a product page, a campaign video, or an AR experience. 

Print media has a timeless charm, but sustainability is crucial. To ensure your materials are eco-friendly, use recycled paper, soy-based inks, and certified sustainable sources. Communicate your efforts to your audience—it aligns with modern values and strengthens trust and loyalty. 

While print media can have higher production costs, combining it strategically with digital tools can maximize its impact and ROI. Use targeted mailing lists or niche event placements to reach a specific audience. Then, enhance the print’s effectiveness by embedding links to digital offers, surveys, or exclusive content. 

Cut to the chase  

Print media is coming back into the marketing world by joining forces with the digital landscape. It is set to become one of the most powerful strategies for B2B and B2C brands to amplify their impact through the power of sensory engagement and personalization. 

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