What Is Print Media Advertising?

woman reading brochure print media

Print Media is one of the oldest forms of communication. In a nutshell, print media advertising in Kansas City is any media that appears in print form as opposed to voice/broadcast, video, or other digital means. This form of media includes weeklies, posters, newspapers, magazines, banners, billboards, and anything that is printed on paper or another surface. When people talk about print media, they are typically talking about magazines or newspapers.

what is print media advertising

The reason most people think about magazines or newspaper when considering print media advertising in Kansas City is that magazines and newspapers dominate traditional print media are the go-to places for small businesses to advertise. Newspaper and magazines are also top of mind for advertising because they make a longer impact on the minds of the reader. Typically, they are more trusted than digital advertising because the content in a newspaper or magazine tends to have more in-depth reporting and accurate analysis.

History of Print Media

Print media has contributed to the information and transfer of knowledge of humanity over the years. Even after the popularity and rise of digital media, print media is not dead.

IN the past, people used to write printed material by hand. This was a time-consuming process, so the flow of information was limited to the manpower a publisher could hire. In 131 BCE, the Romans would produce a daily ‘paper’ to inform citizens of the crucial issues. Once publishers started having access to the printing press, mass distribution because possible. While regular publishing started out as a means to distribute news, over the years, print media has evolved to include gossip, educational content, entertainment, and more.

Types of Print Media

Here are the most popular types of print media

  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Direct Mail
    • Letters, postcards and other mail items
  • Outdoor Advertising
    • Banners on bridges
    • Billboards
  • Brochures
    • Where advertisers create colorful brochures and tell a story about their brand
  • Posters and flyers
    • Where local companies use low-cost posters and flyers to let customers know about a business, product, or event.
  • Yellow Pages
  • Business Cards

woman reading brochure print media

Pros and Cons of Print Media

Newspaper Advertising Pros and Cons

what is print media advertising

Advantages of newspaper advertising include targeted advertising to a geographic segment. Smaller businesses can use newspaper advertising as an affordable way to communicate with a local audience. It also builds credibility for your audience as they trust the advertisers in the newspaper.

Cons of newspaper advertising include poor creative copy and short shelf life of just a day or at most a week. The best way to get around this drawback is to hire a freelancer to make a fantastic ad for you that will capture the reader’s attention.

When you are choosing to advertise in a newspaper you should consider these three criteria:

  • Distribution
  • Size
  • Audience

Paying attention to these things will ensure that you get the most ROI for your ad spending budget.

Magazine Advertising Pros and Cons

what is print media advertising

Pros of magazine advertising include advertising to a highly engaged audience with a specific interest. Most people who buy magazines purchase the magazine because they are interested in the topic that the magazine covers. If you are a gardening tool company, you have the option to advertise in gardening specific magazines. If you are a fashion retailer advertising in Glamour can make a positive impression on people who care about fashion and clothing. Another pro is that magazines tend to stay in people’s homes for a long time. There is a longer shelf life in a magazine for your ad than newspaper or digital advertising.

The main con of magazine advertising is the long lead times as it can impact the effectiveness of our ad if you are looking for instant results.

Print Media Advertising vs. Digital Media Advertising

The biggest strength of print advertising in relation to digital advertising is tangibility. Not only that, but print advertising offers a long-lasting message and high credibility.

The biggest strength of digital media advertising is that it offers real-time engagement and lower cost per impression.

Overall, newspapers and magazines are tangible items that sit on a table at a coffee shop or on a shelf at home or business. These physical items attract attention and stick around for a longer time.

If you are considering print media advertising in Kansas City to grow your business, contact us today to explore the options you have to reach a local audience.

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