Contrary to what many people think these days, print marketing is still an invaluable tool. Studies have shown that print marketing still outperforms online and TV marketing in areas such as Aided Awareness and Brand Favourability.
Compared to reading content online, people tend to read print slower, allowing them to take in more information. In print, there are no distractions that pop up just about any time. A prospective customer can stay focused, which makes it easier to convey your message to them. The advantages of printed materials enable your target readers to understand and remember more about your brand or product.
The advantages of print marketing are undeniable, and the need for it is still prevalent. In this article, we discuss two popular methods of printing: digital printing and offset printing. Both processes have their own pros and cons, and your choice will be greatly affected by your printing needs and requirements.
Read on and find out which method is best for your business and marketing needs.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a method where a digital image is generated by a computer, using inkjet or laser printer. It makes use of toners, or liquid ink. When your printing run is less than 500, digital printing is the better choice for you.
Benefits of Digital Printing
- It allows for Variable Data Printing
If different details are to be printed to inject a personalised touch, then digital printing is an ideal choice. You can use it to personalise a note card, envelope, postcard, or a catalogue. With Variable Data Printing, you can change names, address, background colours and images, and text based on different inputs or triggers.
- It allows printing for lower quantities
Since digital printing does not use setting plates to run a printing job, it is the cost-effective choice when you need around 100 to 500 printed outputs. With digital printing, you can print based on the actual demand.
- Faster turnaround time
Digital printing needs less lead time and preparation to start. As long as you have the digital files ready to be printed, printing can be done immediately.
- High quality print-outs
If you want vibrant colours and exceptional finish to your printed outputs, then digital printing is for you. Colours are more vibrant and accurate with digital printing.
- It lets your creative ideas run wild
With digital printing, as long as you can think of it and transfer it to digital form, it can be printed. Get your creative juices flowing, and incorporate quirky, and personalised ideas to your flyers, postcards, and brochures.
- It eliminates the mechanical steps needed in some printing methods
Some conventional printing methods involve mechanical steps before a printing job can be processed. These mechanical processes may include making films, making colour proofs, and plate preparation. Digital printing does without these mechanical steps, making turnaround time faster.
What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing is a printing method that makes use of plates. The plates are usually made from aluminium. These plates are used to transfer the image or pattern onto a rubber sheet, which is coated with ink and rolled onto the surface where the print is to be transferred.
The lead time needed before an offset printing process can be run is longer compared to that of digital printing. The files to be printed must be converted to the proper colour model, and plates must be created for each colour of the job to be processed on the press.
Advantages of Offset Printing
Offset printing is perfect for large volume printing jobs. It is usually the choice for brochures, flyers, books, and newspapers. The overall cost is cheaper for larger volumes compared with other methods of printing.
- Offset printing produces consistent high quality images
When you need a large bulk of printing to be done but do not want to sacrifice the colour, quality, or vibrancy of the print, then offset printing is your best option. It can do large volumes of printing while maintaining the quality and accuracy of colour reproduction. This makes offset printing best suited for brochures, catalogue, and magazines.
- It can be used on many types of surfaces
Offset printing can be used on cloth, different types of paper, plastic, leather, metal, and even wood.
- Offset printing becomes cheaper as the volume increases.
The cost per unit decreases as the volume printed increases. This makes it beneficial both to the printing shop and the customer. The more that needs to be printed in a batch, the greater the reduction in the cost of each print.
- The flow of ink for each print is controllable.
In other printing methods, there is no way to control the flow of ink, which can result in wasted prints due to the ink fading or running out. In offset printing, the operator can control ink flow, resulting to efficient use of ink.
For all your Newcastle printing needs, contact Jennings!
Jennings Print is a family-owned printing business that has been around for 45 years. We have been serving Newcastle for more than four decades, producing high quality prints for both small and large businesses.
Still undecided about your design? Can’t choose between offset printing and digital printing? Our team has got your covered. We will guide you through the whole process, from the design process to the delivery of the finished products. We deliver exceptional, fast, and cost-effective outputs, with striking designs, vibrant colours, and high quality printed materials.
Using state-of-the-art printing equipment, we will help make sure that your brand will be seen and remembered by your target customers. Whether it be booklets, catalogues, brochures, flyers, business cards, and other printed promotional materials, trust on Jennings Print to do the job well! Call us today for a free quote.