Print Catalogs in 2019
Why are print catalogs still relevant?
In an era where we can digitally pay our bills, send messages, and even order our groceries, have you noticed that you are still receiving printed catalogs? Printed catalogs are still around and if you have opted to only use a digital catalog or have done away with a catalog, you may want to rethink your strategy!
According to Statista, there has been an increase in magazine readers since 2012 and the number of magazines printed in the U.S. has remained constant since 2008.
If print is dead, then why are there so many catalogs that are still printed and mailed? The truth is, print is not dead and people like print. There is a common belief that magazines and print are only appealing to a certain age demographic. The reality is that this idea is incorrect and people of all ages are still reading print magazines and order from catalogs!
The 2016/2017 Magazine Media Factbook found that 91% of American adults read magazine media and that number increases to 94% in adults under 35 and increases again to 96% in adults under 25 years old! So why are we still interested in catalogs and magazines?
Catalogs and magazines are tactile
With print there is no need for an internet search. You pick up the catalog and are able to mark any of the items you are interested in or stories you would like to read. Do you remember doing this as a child and circling products in catalogs you wanted as gifts? This is something humans find joy in from a young age!
You can even dog-ear pages to come back to at a later date. If you are interested in the stories and products or simply like the cover of the magazine, you will keep it around for weeks.
Consumers still order
Ordering from a catalog sounds like a thing of the past. Tens of millions of consumers still make purchases from catalogs, they just don’t have to use an 800 number, mail, or go to the local store. Now you go through the catalog and order online.
Sometimes there are even QR codes next to products or stories to give you more information and take you right to ordering.
“I think the purpose of the catalog is as an advertising function, as a top-of-mind function, as a visual function.”
– Nick Egelanian, President, Siteworks
We know that launching a custom printed catalog is a big decision and comes with many factors to consider. How can we help you market your business through a print catalog?