It’s time to say goodbye to getting a newspaper delivered every morning, subscribing to periodicals to keep up with current culture, and ordering catalogs. Consumers aren’t engaged with print media as much as they used to, as distressing as that may be to hear. The print has been on the decline for the past decade, and the future does not appear to be brighter. Print media is not yet dead, but it is on its way out.
The Way People Interact with Media Is Changing
One reason is undoubtedly obvious; it’s what we all know: the world is turning digital! Do you go out of your way to find the most recent copy of a media paper when you’re thinking about getting in touch with the latest news or a copy of a brand’s recent catalog when you want to buy something? Or do you simply visit their website or download their app to check the latest news or the things a brand is offering? Of course, you go to their website since it’s easier, receive more information, and can even purchase something and have it on its way to your house in minutes.
This shift to digital isn’t limited to consumer buying habits. Print advertising is less effective than digital advertising. Why would a firm waste time making a print ad when they can build a digital ad that will reach customers where they spend the most time – online? It’s a no-brainer, especially with so many various advertising platforms currently available to marketers. This is reflected in the numbers. By 2024, ad expenditure in magazines and newspapers will be a fourth of what it was in 2012.
Green Brands Are Emerging
Another reason why firms are abandoning print is to be more environmentally conscious. These days, consumers are growing more ecologically sensitive, and brands must follow suit. About 11% of customers stated they modified their purchase habits because of the environment in the last year. The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 exacerbated this tendency, which will only continue to expand in the future as consumers continue to link the health of the world to their own health. Furthermore, several major corporations, such as Apple and
Amazon, have made vows to be more environmentally conscious.
Many Brands Have Long Abandoned Print
Many brands have already decided to abandon print in favor of digital, and it is paying off handsomely. When organizations adopt digital, they engage more customers, make purchasing easier, and fit with the environmental values of their customers.
Teen Vogue
Teen Vogue is a strong player online, with millions of daily website visitors and followers across social media channels. It was founded as a sister publication to Vogue, aimed at teen consumers. It began as a print magazine on fashion, beauty, celebrities, wellness, and entertainment, similar to Vogue. Later, it broadened its scope by publishing articles on politics and current events.
In November 2017, the magazine made an official declaration that it would no longer print editions and would instead focus on digital publishing. Due to the declining quantity of magazine sales, this decision was made as a cost-cutting measure. They've been providing high-quality internet material interactively and interestingly since then.
While some have reservations about their magazine’s entire digital metamorphosis, Teen Vogue is confident in its digital success.
Computer World
It operates in 36 countries under the same or similar brands as its parent firm, IDG Media. Computerworld has been continuously bringing technology news, impending breakthroughs, and opinions to IT professionals and hobbyists throughout the world since its debut edition in June 1967.
As the demand for online periodicals grew, they announced the end of the print version in June 2014. After sending out print issues for 47 years, this magazine made news by declaring a digital-only presence.
They just switched their resources from print to digital, which is interesting. They have followed best practices to optimize their site for smaller screens and other digital platforms because they are the leader in the area of technology news.
H&M
In 2019, H&M also decided to stop printing its catalog. Catalogs have been a cornerstone of the fashion business for a long time, but they are no longer necessary. Not with today’s advanced websites, applications, and digital technology. In addition, there has been a strong push in the fashion industry for firms to embrace more ecologically friendly practices, such as the use of more sustainable materials, particularly among fast-fashion stores. The choice to stop producing a catalog is in keeping with these trends, as are the decisions of many other businesses.
Conclusion
The print had its day, but now that we have digital capabilities, it is no longer required to produce magazines, newspapers, or most other print marketing materials. Furthermore, firms that have adopted digital marketing have reaped the benefits.