For years, marketers have heard the same refrain: print is fading, digital is everything. But here we are approaching 2026 — and print marketing is not only alive, it’s having a resurgence.
In a world overflowing with screens, notifications, and algorithm-driven feeds, print marketing pieces are cutting through the noise in a way digital content simply can’t. And for nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven organizations, this shift presents a fresh opportunity to stand out and connect more meaningfully with audiences. Here’s why print is having a moment — and how your organization can take advantage of it.
1. People want real, physical experiences
After years of remote *everything*, people want tactile interactions again — something to hold, pin to a fridge, tuck into a notebook, or hand to a friend.
Print gives your audience a break from the digital noise and creates a sensory moment of calm:
- The weight of a well-designed postcard
- The texture of a matte business card
- The satisfaction of flipping through a beautifully-crafted annual report
These physical touchpoints build emotional connection and brand loyalty in a way pixels alone can’t replicate.
2. Print cuts through the digital clutter
Digital marketing is powerful — it’s a good chunk of our business, after all! — but it’s also crowded. Social feeds move fast. Email inboxes get buried. Attention spans are short.
A printed piece can’t compete with the next notification. But what it can do is sit on your desk. It can be displayed. It can stick around — and not just physically. Studies show that recall for print materials lasts longer than for digital. This longevity and association with better recall makes print especially valuable for:
- Event promotions
- Fundraising appeals
- Awareness campaigns
Don’t just seek digital attention. Show up in their physical space too.
3. Tangible pieces boost credibility and trust
A well-designed printed item communicates professionalism. It signals that your message is credible and worth reading. And it indicates that your organization is trustworthy — a major advantage for organizations that rely on relationship-building.
Great examples of print materials that boost credibility and trust include:
- Annual reports
- Print newsletters
- Brochures
- Donor and stewardship packets
All offer an opportunity to share your mission, demonstrate your impact, and build trust.
4. Print and digital work best together
Remember when we said don’t just seek digital attention; show up in their physical space too? That’s because print doesn’t replace digital. It enhances it.
Use tools like QR codes, short URLs, and scannable icons to bridge your audience from tangible, tactile pieces to digital experiences. This blended approach dramatically increases engagement and creates a seamless user journey.
Ways the two can work in tandem include:
- A postcard that links to a donation page.
- A brochure that leads to a video series telling the stories of your organization’s impact.
- An event flyer that jumps people right into an RSVP form.
Think of print as the on-ramp to the action you want your user to take. Digital becomes the medium in which they can take that action.
Print isn’t dead — it’s becoming a differentiator. For organizations who want to stand out, build trust, and create lasting impressions, 2026 is the year to re-embrace print. Set time aside to audit your printed assets to see what is ripe for updating. For example:
- Postcards: promote upcoming events, raise awareness of a specific campaign, or for individualized donor outreach
- Annual reports: tell your story with a focus on visuals and storytelling — make it memorable!
- Event collateral: showcase your brand through banners, handouts, signage, name badges, and event programs at events
- Brochures: share your mission, provide an overview of your services, and demonstrate your impact
Thoughtful design can turn even the simplest printed item into a memorable brand moment. If you’d like help refreshing your printed materials — or dreaming up brand-new ones — Sunny Side Creative is ready to bring your ideas to life. Get in touch today!
