The history of printing goes all of the way back to woodblock printing in the year 200. We’ve come a long way from those days, obviously. The most advanced form of printing available is digital printing, which originated in 1991. As the name indicates, digital printing can be run from a desktop computer.

In digital printing, the printers are often large format and use either inkjet printers or printers utilizing high-volume lasers. Unlike other forms of printing, the ink typically does not soak into the material, but instead coats it. UV curing processes or heat applications are available to help to secure the print, though.

Digital print is often used for anything from at home printing to fine art and advertising—and more. This method is becoming more and more preferred because it is more time and cost efficient, which is thanks especially to the fact that digital printers do not require switching out plates between printing. Furthermore, digital printing can be done on a variety of mediums, such as metal, canvas, glass, paper, and marble, making it very versatile.

Why You Should Use Digital Printing

For those printing materials for sale or distribution, digital printing is the more agile option as pieces can be ordered and printing according to demand—another reason this option is considered to be more cost efficient. Finally, digital printing allows for large capacities with quick turnarounds, so it’s ideal for those who may have significant printing needs in a pinch.

Of course, the proper digital equipment can be an expensive upfront cost and, due to the lack of printer plates, there may be less fine-image detail.

In all other capacities, though, digital printing is preferable for most printing needs.

Why You Should Use Digital Print Designs in Your Advertising

It’s true that digital is king in the current advertising world. As most advertisements and marketing communications start to come in digital forms, though, print—whether that be a postcard, brochure, or magazine—will begin to stand out. If done well, these digital prints can make an impact on your audience and drive them to action with your brand.

5 Ways to Create a Powerful Digital Print to Impact Your Audience

1. Utilize Simplified Information

The key to a great digital print is making it easy to consume and impactful at first glance. In other words, it should be easy to read. Not only does this make the design punchier, it also may help your digital print apply to a wider audience. This means using minimal text—or no text at all—as well as keeping the overall message, theme, and visuals simple. With digital print, you want to show, not tell.

2. Ensure You Have Quality Images

Because digital prints may have less fine-image details, you want to make sure that the images you’re using in the design are as high quality as possible. Additionally, you need to ensure that the size and pixel requirements for printing are met.

3. Know Your Audience

Like all good advertising and marketing efforts, your print design should be focused on a specific group and on driving action from that group. So, you should identify your personas up front and which of their needs your digital print will be speaking to.

If you can’t limit your message to one specific group, try to create various ads within the campaign that allow you to get more granular.

4. Employ Powerful, Recognizable Images

The best digital prints and designs typically communicate a message or emotion at first glance, and metaphors or allusions as well as famous images or highly recognizable symbols are a great way to do this. Tap into cultural influences or well-known concepts related to your message, and you’ll reach your audience faster and more effectively.

5. Tap into the power of color theory

Color can be used to call attention to a certain aspect of your print design, or it can be used to impart a certain emotion with your audience. Consider the tone of the print and its message before selecting a color palette, which you can find many of on Pinterest if you’re unsure of complementary colors to use. Whichever way you choose to use color in your digital print, make sure that it is intentional.

Conclusion

Digital prints have a lot of potential to make an impact on your audience. They stand out against a mostly digital backdrop when it comes to advertising, and the direct artistic control over digital prints often results in a more impressive product. Finally, its agile, efficient operations make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a stunning print product.

Let us know why you love digital prints in the comments below.

 

Author: Stan is a marketing manager at Selby’s, an Australian printing company that specializes in exhibition stands, banners, flags and signs. Their clients include McDonald, Lexus, City of Sydney and more. His passion is to help businesses and organizations understand how offline marketing displays can boost their brand awareness and sales.