April, 2015 – This article from Target Marketing discusses the fact that even digital natives prefer to read in print rather than digital, which is one of several reasons why direct mail out performs social media in most tests. (http://bit.ly/1biKl8l)
For brands and retailers targeting affluent and luxury consumers, print media is an essential element of effective marketing programs. Just look at the recent growth of specialized print publications targeting the affluent (by Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, New York Times and other major market newspapers, and regional books).
And direct mail is perhaps the most cost effective and efficient form of print media for targeting affluent and luxury consumers. AARC can help you reach this important market segment with highly targeted and uniquely accurate mailing lists that we create on a custom basis for each of our clients.
By Summer Gould
I will admit to doing a lot of reading. What can I say, I love it. I especially like to read something and find out that my own views have been verified. So, when I read the Washington Post article: “Why Digital Natives Prefer Reading in Print.” Yes, you read that right. I was so excited. Here is someone else saying the same things about print that I say every day. Basically in summary, people prefer to read in print rather than digital.
There are many reasons for this but the top ones are:
- Easier to read: The eyes find the printed pages less straining to read.
- Easier to comprehend: There are less distractions when reading print so it is easier to understand.
- Easier to recall: Readers skim less when reading print versions so they remember more when finished.
- Feel: Touch is a very important sense. The feeling of different types of paper stock and textures adds pleasure to reading print. You can’t feel digital.
- Smell: Paper, ink, coatings and binding all add to the scent of a printed piece. You can even add a scent to enhance the printed piece. You can’t smell digital.
Even millennials prefer print. The best part about all of this talk about the benefits of print is that direct mail can take advantage of every single one of the reasons people love print. Direct mail can get pushed aside by marketers looking for the newest channels, but statistics still show direct mail as a very strong marketing channel.
Create direct mail that provides an experience:
- Reading: Engage the reader with well written copy. Use bold and bulleted text to draw the eyes to important information.
- Comprehension: Use clear and concise wording, a strong call to action and “what’s in it for me” language.
- Recall: The most important items to be remembered should stand out. You can use italic, bold and underlining to emphasize what you need the reader to remember.
- Feel: You can go beyond just the texture of the paper by adding different coatings. From soft velvet to rough stone, there are many to choose from. Get creative.
- Smell: Depending on what you are offering, smell may or may not be a good fit. Try to think of creative ways to use smell to make your unique direct mail stand out.
Take advantage of the pull of direct mail, with less skimming your message resonates more. You have the opportunity to get someone to act on your call to action right away.
There is no reason why you can’t use direct mail to drive digital interaction too. QR Codes, Augmented reality and NFC all enhance the direct mail experience. The power of direct mail is waiting to drive your marketing ROI to new heights. From catalogs to flyers to samples, direct mail can handle it all and provide an excellent experience for recipients.