Key Takeaways

• The United States discards about 1 billion trees’ worth of paper each year.
• U.S. companies produce approximately 750,000 paper copies per minute.
• Balancing between digital and paper documents can benefit businesses.
• Older demographics prefer print for ease on the eyes.
• Print documents often offer better engagement, comprehension, and value.
• Print marketing can achieve a 70-80% better recall rate than digital marketing.

Why Going Paperless Isn’t the Only Solution: A Balanced Approach to Digitization

Did you know that 1 billion trees’ worth of paper gets tossed out in the United States annually? This staggering amount is part of the approximately 21 million tons of paper used by U.S. companies each year, which translates to about 750,000 paper copies produced every minute.

While digitization offers numerous advantages, going completely paperless may not be the best strategy for every business. Here are three compelling reasons to adopt a balanced approach that includes both digital and paper documents.

1. Catering to Demographic Preferences

Older Generations Prefer Print

According to the American Press Institute, older demographics find print easier on the eyes. For instance, 71% of people aged 65 and older, 68% of those aged 50 to 64, and 61% of individuals aged 35 to 49 prefer print over digital. This suggests that if your target audience includes older adults, a digital-only strategy might alienate them. Offering both print and digital options ensures you cater to all preferences without excluding any group.

2. Enhanced Engagement and Comprehension with Print

The Value of Print Reading

While digital documents are convenient, they don’t always engage readers as effectively as print. Studies show that readers are less engaged with electronic reading, which can lead to lower comprehension and more eye strain. When you pour energy and creativity into documents, you want them to have the maximum impact. Including print in your strategy ensures that consumers who prefer print receive the full message, enhancing their understanding and engagement.

Digital vs. Print: The Numbers

3. The Tangibility and Seriousness of Print

The Perceived Value of Print Documents

Despite the convenience of digital documents, physical documents often hold more value for people. A printed document engages more senses – touch, sight, and sometimes even smell – which can make the information more memorable. This sensory engagement means that recipients may take printed documents more seriously than their digital counterparts. Print marketing, for example, offers a 70-80% better recall rate than digital marketing. When you invest in marketing materials, you want your customers to remember the information. Including print in your strategy can enhance your marketing’s effectiveness and ensure your message sticks.

Finding the Right Balance

Strategic Use of Print and Digital

Your business doesn’t need to go all-in on either print or digital. A balanced approach that utilizes both can maximize your reach and impact. For instance, while it’s essential to reduce paper usage for environmental reasons, incorporating print where it makes a difference – such as in marketing materials or documents for older demographics – can be beneficial.

Cost-Effective Print Solutions

If you decide to incorporate print into your strategy, finding cost-effective solutions is crucial. An online printing services provider can provide custom books, catalogs, calendars, booklets, brochures, and more without the hefty investment in printers and maintenance costs. This allows you to reap the benefits of print without significant upfront expenses.

Environmental Impact

Although using paper has an environmental cost, the paper industry has made strides in sustainability. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, about 66% of paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling in 2020. Companies can further mitigate their environmental impact by using recycled paper and supporting sustainable forestry practices.

Conclusion

Going digital has its advantages, but eliminating paper entirely isn’t the only answer. By adopting a balanced approach that incorporates both print and digital documents, businesses can cater to diverse demographic preferences, enhance engagement and comprehension, and maximize the impact of their marketing efforts.

Print isn’t dead – it’s evolving. And with the right strategy, it can continue to play a vital role in your business’s success. So, rather than choosing between digital and print, consider how both can complement each other to benefit your company and its stakeholders.