Are Companies Still Printing Newsletters?

With inboxes overflowing and click-through rates sinking, companies are rediscovering an old standby that’s quietly delivering results: the printed newsletter. Despite the surge in digital communications, physical newsletters are gaining momentum across industries. And for good reason.

Full-service PSPs are seeing a resurgence in printing newsletter from corporations, nonprofits, franchises, and internal HR teams. These businesses are finding that printed newsletters aren’t just nostalgic, they’re strategic. When executed thoughtfully, a print newsletter commands attention, builds deeper engagement, and adds a physical layer of brand presence in ways digital simply can’t match.

Additionally, the trust and credibility factor over digital media is huge. MarketingSherpa reports that 82% of U.S. internet users trust print ads when making a purchasing decision, more than any other advertising medium.

If you’re a print buyer, designer, or business owner wondering whether printed newsletters still have a place in your strategy, the answer is yes, especially if you’re looking to create a standout experience your audience won’t scroll past.

Why Print Newsletters Are Making a Comeback

Physical Presence Cuts Through Digital Noise
Printed newsletters land in mailboxes, not spam folders. That physicality earns a level of attention most emails can’t compete with, readers hold them, browse them, and often keep them longer.

Higher Engagement and Retention Rates
Studies show print media fosters stronger memory retention. Readers engage more deeply with physical content, making print newsletters perfect for longer-form storytelling, product education, and brand positioning.

Credibility Boost and Brand Trust
A printed newsletter elevates your perceived value. It signals care, investment, and permanence, qualities that enhance brand trust, especially in B2B relationships and member communications.

Key Business Applications for Printed Newsletters

Internal Communications for Employee Engagement
Companies are reviving printed newsletters to improve culture and communication. From celebrating milestones to reinforcing company values, a printed piece adds a tangible reminder that employees matter.

Member-Based Organizations and Associations
Print remains a cornerstone for organizations looking to communicate with donors, subscribers, and members. Newsletters provide a reliable, accessible touchpoint, especially for less digitally inclined audiences.

Franchise and Retail Networks
Franchises use newsletters to maintain alignment and share best practices across locations. Printed versions are easy to post in break rooms, share at team meetings, and reference offline.

Customer Retention and Loyalty Campaigns
Newsletters aren’t just informative, they’re nurturing. Monthly or quarterly printed updates can help brands stay top-of-mind with clients and drive repeat engagement, especially for high-value or B2B customers.

Innovations That Make Print Newsletters Smarter

Print has undergone tons of transformation and there are many new ways that it’s become easier, quicker and more affordable for businesses to have a physical newsletter.

Short-Run Digital Printing
Advances in digital printing make it affordable to produce small batches, perfect for segmented audiences or localized content variations.

Variable Data Personalization
Leverage variable data printing (VDP) to customize headers, content, or offers in each newsletter. Personalized communication drives response rates up significantly.

Sustainable and Recyclable Materials
Eco-conscious brands can use recycled paper, soy-based inks, and minimal packaging to maintain their green values while still benefiting from print.

Interactive Print Elements
QR codes, NFC tags, and AR integrations can connect readers directly to online portals, videos, or personalized landing pages, bridging the gap between print and digital.

Newsletter Design Strategies That Amplify Impact

• Consistent Layout
  Use a modular grid to keep recurring sections predictable and skimmable. This makes the newsletter design easy to read and more likely to be revisited.
• Call-to-Action Placement
  Don’t just inform, invite. Include CTAs for event sign-ups, product demos, or special offers, ideally placed at the end of sections or in visual breakouts.
• Tactile Elements
  Choose paper stocks and finishes that match your brand tone. A matte stock with a soft-touch coating, for example, can create a premium feel that readers associate with your brand.

When a Printed Newsletter Makes Strategic Sense

There are many different reasons you might want to create a physically printed newsletter, but here are some of the most common, compelling and strategic reasons to do it.

• Your audience is overwhelmed by email
• You have physical addresses for your contacts
• You want to increase perceived value of your brand
• You aim to boost internal alignment and morale
• You’re looking for longer shelf life and engagement

If any of these align with your goals, it’s time to talk to your PSP about format, page count, personalization, and frequency.

In a time of swipes, scrolls, and skipped emails, print newsletters create a pause. They offer space to share not just information, but connection. And companies that recognize their value are finding that what’s old is not only new again, it’s outperforming expectations.

For PSP clients looking to drive long-term engagement and brand loyalty, the answer to “Are companies still printing newsletters?” is a clear, strategic yes.

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