Why Print Advertising Is Thriving in 2025

Print advertising continues to enjoy high consumer trust in the UK:

82% of UK consumers trust print ads more than other formats, especially when making purchase decisions, underscoring its credibility compared to digital channels.
Ad recall among print readers hits ~78%, a striking 48 percentage points higher than digital advertising.
Readers spend an average of 1 hour 20 minutes with weekday editions and up to 1 hour 38 minutes on Sundays when engaging with printed news brands—reflecting focused, undistracted attention.

Printed materials linger—magazines, direct mail, leaflets are more likely to stay in homes, offices, and communal areas, creating lasting brand exposure.
48% of recipients keep direct mailers for future reference, reinforcing that print has enduring value beyond immediate consumption.
Door-drop and addressed mail often remain in homes for 5 to 9 days, offering ample time to register and act on the message.

Print continues to deliver impressive results for UK advertisers:

ROI from newspaper and magazine adverts stands at around £2.43 for every £1 invested over three years.
Sector-specific ROI is even more compelling, with 280% return for retail, 70% for automotive, and 570% for the finance sector.
About 21% of addressed and door-drop mail leads to a commercial action, and 81% of recipients visit a place after seeing print advertising. Website visits climb by 125% after exposure.
Direct mail campaigns yield around a 9% response rate, vastly outperforming typical digital media. r

UK consumers are overwhelmed by digital noise—print offers a refreshing, less crowded channel.
57% of people find print easier to read and understand than digital screen content.
Print ads command attention: readers often spend more time with them than fleeting online banners or pop-ups.

Magazines, annuals and ‘special issue’ publications afford advertisers highly targeted placements with rich, visually engaging content.
Local newspapers and printed community media offer granular geographic targeting—ideal for local trades and region-specific campaigns.

Modern print advertising isn’t standalone—it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with digital campaigns:

Print often includes QR codes, personalised URLs, or PURLs to drive measurable online engagement.
An omnichannel approach—combining print and digital—strengthens brand recall and boosts conversion rates.

Consumers increasingly expect eco-conscious practices. Print can deliver on that, using recycled paper, sustainable inks, and carbon-neutral processes.
Paper remains one of the most recycled and environmentally managed resources—when printed responsibly, it offers a sustainable communication medium.

UK print advertising must comply with the CAP Code, enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)—ensuring adverts are clearly identifiable, non-misleading and socially responsible.
This regulatory oversight further enhances print’s legitimacy and the “halo effect” of established publications.