Why Print Ads Still Work in a Digital World
People love to say print is dead. I don’t buy it.
For niche audiences who actually read, and who look forward to seeing what’s next, print can be one of the most powerful tools a brand has. Case in point: The Adirondack Store & Gallery’s ads in the Maine Antique Digest.
Not only have these ads led to direct sales, but people stop Christopher (one of the two powerhouse owners) to say they look forward to seeing our ads every issue. Some have even told him outright: “Yours are the best ads in the Digest.” That’s not me bragging, that’s feedback straight from readers.
So what’s working here?
Why the Maine Antique Digest Was the Right Place
The Digest has a fiercely loyal, passionate readership. These are collectors, dealers, design lovers, and people who appreciate heritage and craft. They don’t skim. They sit with it.
That makes it the perfect home for The Adirondack Store’s ads. Instead of being just another box on a page, the ads become part of an ongoing conversation with an audience who really gets it.
The Role of Collaboration: More vs. Minimal
Of course, placement is only half the story. The other half is the creative.
Jordan’s photography does more than show a product. It tells a story, sets a mood, and pulls you into the Adirondack lifestyle. It’s atmosphere, not just imagery.
On the design side, Christopher and I balance each other out. His instinct is always “more is more”, lush, layered, packed with story. My instinct is a cleaner, more minimal aesthetic. The ads you see are always the result of that push and pull. And yes, I’ve heard “MORE HOLLY!” a few times when working on a Christmas ad.
But that tension, his maximalism, my restraint, is what makes the ads so distinctive.
Proof That Print Still Works
The results speak for themselves. Not only have these ads brought in sales, but they’ve created anticipation. People are literally telling Christopher they can’t wait to see what’s next.
In a world where digital ads are scrolled past in seconds, Digest readers linger. They notice. They comment. They remember.
Final Thought:
At the end of the day, print ads, just like any part of your brandingneed to hold up in the real world. They should connect, perform, and actually get noticed.
If you’re curious about how to make sure your own branding is doing its job, you might also like my post: What to Look for When Hiring a Graphic Designer.
And if you want a quick gut-check on your brand right now, start with my free Mini Brand Audit. It’s a simple way to see if your branding is supporting your growth, or holding you back and only takes a couple of minutes.
