In the modern day, people are always talking about using social media and digital advertising as platforms to grow a business. They’re completely overlooking the benefits that still surround printed media and, as a result, aren’t meeting their growth potential. If you want to provide your business with a holistic approach to growth, then it’s vital that you also focus on printed media as a way to reach your customers. In this blog, we’re going to explain 10 ways in which printed media can greatly help your business. 1. People still don’t trust digital adverts According to a study carried out by PR Newswire, consumers still don’t trust pop up ads. In fact, only around 25% of consumers trust online pop-up advertisements . Among the 2,400. U.S consumers that took part in the survey, 82% trusted printed ads on newspapers and magazines while another 76% would trust direct mail. Although these numbers are unique to the US, it does help to show just how effective printed advertisements can be versus digital promotional materials. 2. Printed media is more relevant to user interest There are loads of statistics that point towards printed media being more relevant to customers. For example, two-thirds of direct mail is viewed immediately and around 40% of consumers in a study made a purchase in the past three months because of a piece of mail. Compare this to emails which are often ignored or sent immediately to a spam folder, printed media is far more relevant to user interest and has a higher chance of resulting in a sale. 3. Ad blockers are becoming far more common You’ve likely heard of people using ad-blocking software on their computers and mobile devices which allows them to avoid pop-up advertisements and even video ads that are embedded into videos and internet podcasts and music services. This drastically reduces the effectiveness of online advertising which makes print a much more reliable choice. 4. Print Can Target Audiences Effectively If you want to focus on a particular community or geographic area, print is ideal. Direct mail campaigns, door-drop leaflets, and posters allow you to reach your audience with precision. 5. Not everyone in the UK is on the internet, especially older audiences The internet might be a must-use service for most people, but a surprising number of adults don’t actually use the internet. Although 99% of the UK’s population between the ages of 16 and 34 have used the internet, only 56% of adults aged 75 years and over have used the internet. To add to this statistic, 20% of disabled adults have never used the internet and around 8.4% of adults overall have not used the internet. 6. Print Supports Brand Identity Consistent colours, typography, and high-quality finishes reinforce your brand identity. Print gives you full control over how your brand looks and feels in the real world. 7. Print Has a Longer Lifespan One of the most powerful advantages of printed media is its longevity. Unlike digital ads, which disappear the moment someone scrolls past them or closes a browser, printed materials stay in the physical world. Magazines often sit on coffee tables for weeks or months, brochures can remain on office desks long after an event, and high-quality leaflets or catalogues are frequently kept for future reference. This extended visibility means your message continues to work for you long after the initial distribution. Even a simple business card can resurface months later, sparking new opportunities! 8. Printed media isn’t restricted by the GDPR If you operate a business that serves customers online within the EU then you’ve likely had to adjust to the GDPR in order to remain compliant. As you may know, the GDPR can be incredibly limiting and will restrict the types of data you can collect and use. However, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) states that postal marketing doesn’t require consent if it’s aimed at current or past customers or those that have a legitimate interest in your business. This ultimately means that you will not be hindered by regulations such as the GDPR if you utilise printed media as a part of your promotional campaigns. 9. Improve your presence at trade shows Printed media such as banners, posters and business cards can help improve your presence at a trade show. Around 67% of attendees at a trade show represent a new prospect and potentially a customer, so it’s vital to focus on your trade show appearances and maximise your audience. A poor trade show appearance could negatively affect your business and drastically reduce the potential of your business. 10. Print studios offer a wide range of printed media options Although there are plenty of unique ways to advertise your products and services through digital platforms, there’s also a wide variety of printed media options available. From leaflets to business cards and even posters, printed media can be customised to your needs and you’re also able to reuse design elements such as your logo, colour scheme, slogan and copywriting. Need a hand with professionally designed printed marketing materials? We've got you! Get in touch today to get started.

In today’s competitive digital landscape, “good enough” marketing no longer cuts it. Whether you're a growing startup or an established enterprise, staying ahead of shifting consumer behaviour, platforms, and technologies requires more than internal resources alone. That’s where a marketing consultant comes in - not as a replacement for your in-house team, but as a strategic addition for smarter, faster growth. What Does a Marketing Consultant Do? Marketing consultants are strategic specialists who diagnose challenges, identify opportunities, and design data-backed plans to drive business growth. Unlike full-time employees or agencies focused on execution, consultants work across strategy, systems, and scaling, helping businesses to see the big picture. Some main areas where marketing consultants add value include: Marketing audits to identify areas for improvement
 Brand positioning and messaging strategy
 Channel planning and media optimisation
 Go-to-market strategy for new products or services
 Internal team training and leadership coaching
 In short, they align your business goals with a marketing roadmap and help you execute it with clarity and confidence! Why You Still Need One… Even With a Marketing Team It’s easy to assume that if you already have a marketing manager or a small team, bringing in a consultant might not be needed. However, the truth is that the best internal teams benefit from external expertise. Here’s why: 1. Fresh Perspective Your in-house team is often deep in the day-to-day, making it hard to zoom out. A consultant offers a fresh perspective and an objective insight into what’s working, what’s not, and where opportunities for future growth lie. 2. Strategic Firepower Most in-house teams are heavily focused on execution - getting content out, running campaigns, and managing platforms. Consultants step in to build a strategy, set priorities, and ensure your activities align with real business goals. 3. Team Empowerment (Not Replacement) The right consultant won’t compete with your team - they’ll enhance it. Think of them as your team’s strategic coach: training them, identifying skill gaps, and helping them execute with confidence. What to Look for in a Marketing Consultant Not all consultants are created equal. Look for someone who: • Has experience in your industry or model
 • Can show case studies or clear examples of previous success 
 • Focuses on collaboration over control
 Final Thoughts You don’t need to choose between a consultant and your team. The smartest businesses leverage both. If you're ready to bridge the gap between potential and performance, now is the time to bring one in. Here at Explore, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, providing logical solutions to enhance your business growth. Take advantage of a FREE initial consultation and book your online meeting or a phone call today.