What is Print Media and Why Should I Use it?

What is Print Media?

Print media is any form of communication that has been printed. It includes magazines, books, leaflets, flyers, posters, business cards and all other promotional items such as coasters. Here at Cariads Local Ltd. we specialise in monthly community magazines, but anything you want printed, we can do, business cards, leaflets and gift vouchers to name just a few.

"We use Wye Local as our no.1 means of advertising for our business and getting the word out locally to our customers and potential new customers about what we're up to in our shop and find the magazine works well for us. Thank you." C J Gibbons, Family Butchers

How is Print Media Useful?

Print media builds brand credibility. People will be able to physically hold your advert. This brings a level of physicality to your business that digital marketing can’t provide.

Print advertising is much less competitive and more targeted than digital marketing. Of course, a post on Facebook may be seen by thousands of people within a week, but how many of those people are in your target market? Therefore, how many of those people are credible leads? By advertising in a local publication you are ensuring that whoever picks up and spots your advert are local people, which significantly increases the likelihood of a relevant enquiry. Plus, remember that our magazines have been running for over 16 years and we are a trusted magazine that many locals look forward to reading.

Print media stays with you. Unlike social media adverts, magazines stay with you on your coffee table, bedside table and at the dinner table all month. And for 58% of the time we spend reading magazines, our focus is spent solely on reading it. (BPIF, 2021). This is unlike advertising on the internet where our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. There is a permanency with print advertising that provides a sense of reliability for your business. It’s much easier to lose a Facebook post than a community magazine with our popular what’s on listings.

"Excellent service with Local Beacon, from the first enquiry through the in-house design service, which is always 'spot-on', through to the advert appearing. Very reasonable rates and, by far, the best advertising platform in Brecon. We cannot recommend enough!" White House Lounge, Sennybridge

Why Should I Use Print Media?

Print media has been around for hundreds of years. It stands the testament of time and it remains a reliable form of advertisement today. If you are reliant on local clients and word of mouth, then you need to put your name out there where people will see it. The key is to advertise yourself where you can generate relevant leads. Your local community magazine is the perfect place to start.

No matter what sector you work in, it’s likely that you have a competitor who’s already advertising in print. Across all three publications we have plumbers, dog groomers, teachers, electricians, gardeners, reflexologists, just to name a few! If your competitors are advertising in print, then they’ll be the ones to benefit from new, local custom before you.

“Ludlow 6th Form College place ads in the Ludlow Local as we know the local community keep hold of these handy magazines as they are a rich source of useful information. We know we reach those looking to study at 6th Form and those looking for Apprenticeships from feedback at our busy Open Events in Ludlow. Great team to work with who also kindly set the artwork. Thank you!" Ludlow 6th Form College.

Can’t I Just Use Social Media?

Social media has its positives, but if you want a well-rounded marketing campaign, you have to take into account that not all of your target market is on Facebook. You’re right that millions of people are on social media platforms, but how many of them are likely to need a plumber in Mid Wales this month? A successful business campaign takes advantage of as many forms of advertising as possible, in order to access different segments of the target market. In fact, the British Printing Industries Federation states that marketing campaigns including print are 67% more effective at delivering new customers. This means businesses who have chosen to use print advertising as a part of their marketing campaign significantly increase their chances of gaining new customers. If you want to be successful you have to make sure that you aren’t overlooking potential customers.