trends in the printing industry to keep an eye out for in 2020.
Technological advancement has overhauled many sectors over the last two decades, and the printing industry is no exception. With so much digitalization of systems, you have to wonder whether printing still has a future, right? Despite the campaigns for paperless processes, it’s exceedingly hard to do away with hard copies. Printing is an integral part of our day to day lives, and evidence has shown more preference for paper than screens.
One sure thing is that printing is evolving quickly from simple copy machines and simple color printing. When it comes to printing services, printing shops have to keep up with emerging developments to meet ever-changing customer demands. In this post, we discuss four trends in the printing industry that are likely to revolutionize print marketing in 2020!
1. Clients Will Demand More Security
Cybersecurity is a burning issue for most tech-forward firms, and it has started to influence the printing industry. Security in printing wasn’t in the limelight until manufacturers like HP released advanced security solutions for their products. Users have realized that printing their documents in unsecured systems can put their sensitive information at the risk of unauthorized access.
While security in printing is a relatively new trend, it’s something that printing companies will need to emphasize going forward. Printer manufacturers will have to guarantee that their products offer a reasonable degree of protection against intrusion and meddling.
As a business owner, it will be in your best interest to partner with print marketing specialists who guarantee cybersecurity measures are in place to protect your data. One thing is certainly hot on the path regarding this and it’s that conventional data protection will become more widespread across the printing industry in the years to come.
2. Printing on the Go Will Be the Norm
Vendors can offer printing services in a variety of ways, thanks to technology developments. They can also expand their portfolio with products that never existed a few years ago! Among the most notable innovations is printing-on-the-go, a service that allows customers to place print orders on their handheld devices. These groundbreaking developments have come as a result of the Internet of Things (IoT). Primarily, IoT enables devices to collaborate over the internet for faster, more efficient ways of working and developing processes.
Printing companies will have to invest in an IoT infrastructure to actualize the printing-on-the-go dream. While it will have some financial implications, printing-on-the-go will bring considerable returns to service providers. Companies will cut their expenditure on user experience and still achieve excellent customer satisfaction and ROI!
3. Printing Will Go Greener
Campaigns against environmental degradation have motivated various industries to aim for sustainability. Some of the influence has come from consumers. Customers are demanding less harmful practices, and some manufacturers are taking heed to these calls.
The most popular way of going greener is by utilizing recycled paper. You may also have heard slogans advocating for planting two trees for each one used in producing printing paper.
While conserving trees has been discretionary in the past, it’s increasingly becoming compulsory with time. The trend will have an impact on virtually all printing industry practices in the coming years. Businesses that run print marketing will ultimately feel the effect.
Customers won’t force printing companies to go green. However, most of them will less likely do business with entities that blatantly refuse to put any effort towards sustainability.
4. Customization Will Get a Notch High
The modern client wants products tailored to their needs and preferences. The emergence of sophisticated digital printing equipment has enabled printing companies to personalize copies for print marketing. In direct mail marketing, for example, businesses can create eye-catching marketing pieces to entice their audience.
In recent times, marketers have found shaped printing to produce more impactful copies than ordinary direct mail. The demand for custom prints will continue to increase as businesses pursue their prospects with unique, visually-appealing print ads.
Soon, the market will see an influx of 3D-printed pieces. The technology has been there for a while, and it has been becoming increasingly popular as 3D printers become more affordable.
Despite the growth, there’s a notable gap in the printing industry as many printing companies don’t provide 3D printing services. Entrepreneurs who venture into 3D printing early enough will assuredly make a kill.
For this reason, there will be a substantial investment in 3D printing infrastructure in the printing industry. Future costs of delivering 3D printing services could drop, thereby bringing a high ROI to established service providers.
But how will 3D marketing affect marketing in 2020? With a fall in the cost of developing 3D prints, businesses will use the pieces more prevalently in marketing.
If you run a roofing company, for instance, it will be easier to demonstrate your products to customers using miniature models. Your roofing marketing campaign will be more successful because prospective buyers will be able to visualize your products better.
Final Thoughts
The printing industry is currently undergoing a facelift. Progressive technologies are emerging, enabling businesses to meet customer demands more precisely and cost-effectively.
To ensure success in your printing business or print marketing, you need to be on top of industry trends. You must realign yourself with changes and make the best out of every situation.
Do you have questions regarding the printing industry? Call or drop us an email, and we will gladly address your concerns.
