A Revival of Print: Why It’s Happening
Print publications have long been an integral part of the media landscape. But as the internet took over, the economics of print media shifted. Most large publishers moved online, reducing their print editions or ceasing them altogether. Yet, several niche publishers are choosing to buck this trend. Bloomberg Businessweek, for example, reintroduced its monthly print edition after nearly a century of weekly issues. Other publications, including Saveur, Sports Illustrated, and Vice, are making similar moves.
So, why are these publishers returning to print? The answer lies in a few key factors that have been echoed by industry leaders.
Print is a Luxury Product
In a world dominated by screen time, print magazines have become something of a luxury item. As Bloomberg Businessweek points out, magazines like Vogue, The New Yorker, and Vanity Fair have maintained a loyal, affluent readership willing to pay for a high-quality print product. These magazines are no longer just about the content they deliver; they are about the experience. The tactile pleasure of flipping through glossy pages, the craftsmanship in photography and design—these things can’t be replicated by a digital screen.
Stephanie Davis Smith, The N2 Company’s Chief Marketing Officer concurs, stating, “Scarcity drives value. In a digital world flooded with content, a beautifully crafted print piece feels like a curated experience—not just another scroll.” In a world of fleeting digital content, print offers something substantial.
Trust and Effectiveness in Advertising
In an age where digital advertising is often overlooked or ignored, print remains an effective and trusted advertising platform. Studies consistently show that print ads are perceived as more trustworthy than their digital counterparts, and readers are more likely to engage with them. High-end brands that are looking to make an impact with their advertising are finding that print delivers results.
For businesses, this means print can be a powerful tool for not just reaching an audience, but also ensuring your message is received and remembered. “Print delivers presence. It invites pause, attention, and connection. Advertisers know that a luxe printed page doesn’t get swiped away—it gets kept, shared, and remembered,” says Smith.
Why You Should Consider a Return to Print
So, what does this mean for small businesses and entrepreneurs? If major publishers are finding success in print, why shouldn’t you? With the help of The N2 Company products, Stroll, Greet, BeLocal, Real Producers, Uniquely You and Salute, print is a tool that can help elevate your brand, connect you with a highly desirable demographic, and establish a lasting presence in the market.
- Create a Premium Experience for Your Customers: Print offers a level of prestige and craftsmanship that digital simply can’t match. Whether you’re creating a brochure, or placing your ad in a high quality, niche magazine, a well-designed print piece can communicate the quality and sophistication of your business.
- Build Trust and Loyalty: There’s something about holding a physical piece of media that feels more personal and trustworthy. “Print communicates your dedication to quality. It shows your customers that you care enough to invest in a lasting product,” says Smith. “And it’s becoming experiential—limited runs, bespoke design, integrated QR and AR touchpoints. It’s not just media, it’s a collectible. And that emotional resonance? That’s where loyalty lives.”
- Diversify Your Marketing Strategy: While digital is essential, print offers a way to diversify your marketing efforts. By combining print and digital strategies, you can reach a broader audience and create a more dynamic marketing campaign. Whether you’re offering a limited-edition print product or using print as a complement to your digital presence, the two can work together to reinforce your brand message. We’ve built a full-service digital marketing agency in-house, for this exact reason. Hyport Digital gives you the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Print is a luxury, an experience, and a trusted platform that continues to offer value for both readers and advertisers alike. For businesses, print can serve as a powerful tool to elevate your brand, build trust with customers, and create meaningful, lasting connections. So, as you look at your marketing strategy, consider what print can do for you. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about creating something people want to hold onto, something they will remember.
Ready to make the leap? It’s time to give print a second look.
