Digital content is both exploding and powerful. And while it does many things better than print, there are still a few ways that print excels.
It can be less distracting, since there are no ads, notifications, or links tugging you away from the content. And because it is less distracting, comprehension can be higher.
It's easier to make notes on. So for an educational piece like Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center's diabetes booklet (below), print was the best option.
It's easier to refer to later as it doesn't slip away in a digital feed. Some may find it easier to return to their stack of "things to look at later" than scrolling down a long digital feed.
It may be easier for some demographics to access and read print, as it doesn't require internet or technical savvy.
You can ensure receipt, in some cases. While buying a digital ad may or may not be seen by your target audience, handing out a print piece in person or via direct mail increases the likelihood of your content getting read.
Some feel that reading content in print is more credible than the internet. Even if it isn't necessarily true, it's a perception.
So yes, while digital promises so many options, we're not ready to say goodbye to print yet. Sometimes it's precisely the right choice.
Where are you seeing print perform better than digital?
