Future of Book Printing through the Generations.
What can we expect in the printing industry with Generation Z coming into their late childhood/adulthood stage?
Generation Z is roughly defined as those who were born in the years between 1995 to 2012. This generation makes up an estimated 25% of the population. Researchers are predicting 40% of consumers will be from Gen Z.
A positive note about Gen Z – this group is completely different from Millennials. Gen Z is considered multi-taskers despite the fact that digital technology has been pervasively present throughout the majority of their lives. The Novoresume’s research has found that, despite Gen Z’s character as tech junkies, this group prefers human contact to digital, which is a win for printed books.
Are paper book printing services still alive for this generation?
Gen Z are expert researchers. They know how to self-educate and find information. 33% percent watch lessons online, 20% read textbooks on tablets, and 32% work with classmates online.
53% percent of those 18 years of age and younger would rather buy books and electronics online.
Business.com reported on Generation Z and their relation to print media:
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Gen Z is more thrifty.Ernst & Young has reported that 57% of Gen Z would rather save money than spend it immediately. Those who fall under Generation Z tend to be more cautious with money. They are more likely to be thrifty, and may influence their parents’ spending as well. Business Insider stated that for Gen Zs, “the parents might not be price-sensitive, but the kids are going to educate upwards, whereas [with] millennials, we didn’t see that same type of behavior.” Gen Zs aim to get the most out of their purchases, so they are less loyal to brands that fall short compared to older generations.
- Gen Zs have an appreciation for physical media. Despite assumptions that younger generations will be all about new technology, Generation Z isn’t on board with abandoning physical products. A study from American University looked at over 300 college students in four countries, and found that 92 percent would rather do their coursework in print, as opposed to on tablets or computers.
- Print Media has a longer shelf life. According to Business.com, “The physical nature of printed marketing media affords it a longer shelf life than digital ads, which come and go in seconds. Whether you’re advertising with flyers, postcards, or magazine ads, the physical artifact is there until it’s put into the recycling bin, which means more time for Gen Zs–who are said to have an eight-second attention span, but love finding the best deal–to consider your brand.”
- Print allows for personalization. Generation Z appreciates quality and customization, and print tailors to those preferences. Print is easily customizable as a medium, making personalized messages a plus for Gen Z when it comes to print. Print can be more interactive (think puzzles, quizzes), and also allows for different formats. High quality print media is uncluttered and straight to the point, which can appeal to Gen Z’s expectation of instant gratification.
Generation Z will continue to read paper books throughout their generation, with hope for print media for the next generation ahead. PRC Book Printing offers book printing services and differential binding needs. We provide binding for hardcover, soft cover books, children’s book, coffee table books, and more. For more information, call at 888.659.8320 or email: info@prcbookprinting.com.
