Study reveals strengths of print media / high credibility in
media mixes
The strengths of print for brand and corporate communication
are persuasively summarized in a study released by the Stuttgart
Media University and the Print Media Academy of Heidelberger
Druckmaschinen AG. Its findings show that print media excel with
high credibility and sustainability compared to Web 2.0 and
television. Print succeeds because it is so popular with
high-spending consumer target groups in particular. Print media
present high-quality information and permit decelerated, sustained
reception, which allows advertising to develop a greater impact.
As the project study reveals, subjects recall printed
messages more positively than those communicated via electronic
media. Print turns out to be the most impactful medium, anchoring
advertising messages long-term in the minds of consumers. The
findings clearly also show that print media are nonintrusive:
instead of perceiving advertising as annoying, consumers
intentionally allow it to reach them. In combined campaigns
involving a mix of different media, print achieves high credibility
and precisely addresses the right target groups. The authors'
conclusion: "The Gutenberg Galaxy still has great
potential."
The study compares the advertising impact of print and
electronic media and provides useful guidelines for successfully
deploying print. Based on insights into how information and
advertising messages are communicated by daily newspapers, popular
and customer magazines, product brochures and annual reports, the
authors shed light on the specific strengths of print media -
independently of the format and publisher. They also explain how to
maximize the impact of print in a media mix that also integrates TV
and the Internet. Overall, the study greatly benefits the print
media community by drawing important conclusions and providing
practical recommendations. Marketing decision-makers, creatives and
print buyers can now leverage print products even more
systematically and successfully to achieve their goals.
The authors began the study by reviewing 80 publications. The
best 20 were then analyzed in depth and supplemented by laboratory
tests and an expert round table. The 65-page booklet titled
"The Strengths of Print for Brand and Corporate Communication"
can be obtained free of charge from:
E-mail:
pma-seminare@heidelberg.com
Website:
www.print-media-academy.com
Fax: +49 (0) 6221 92 4929