The Remarkable History of Printed Advertising: From Ancient Papyrus to Glossy Magazines

Sun 6th October 2024

Magazine Advertising - Stacks of Glossy Adverts

Advertising is everywhere. From billboards and social media to the colourful pages of your favourite magazines, it’s hard to escape. But did you know that print advertising has a history that stretches back thousands of years? It’s been on a wild ride from ancient times to today's glossy magazine ads—and it's still going strong. Let’s take a trip through time to see how printed ads became the creative, colourful marketing tool we know and love today.

Ancient Ads: Where It All Began

Let’s rewind to ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE. People back then weren’t scrolling Instagram, but they were plastering ads on papyrus—basically, the original flyers. Egyptians used these early posters to promote sales and events, and even the Romans got in on the action. Archaeologists have found wall paintings in Pompeii advertising everything from gladiator battles to local taverns. They might not have had colour printing, but these early marketers knew the power of getting their message out in public places.

The Original Flyers - Ancient Egyptian Papyrus Adverts

Enter the Printing Press: The 1400s Game Changer

Fast forward to the 1440s, when a guy named Johannes Gutenberg came along and changed the world forever with his invention: the printing press. Suddenly, printing hundreds of copies of anything (ads included!) became way easier and faster. Handbills and flyers exploded across Europe. These printed ads helped merchants and events reach more people in more places—think of it as the first form of mass marketing!

By the 1600s, newspapers were popping up, and the first newspaper ad ever (published in 1625 in England) advertised a book sale. Print ads were officially in, and businesses were already discovering how valuable it was to advertise their stuff in front of as many eyes as possible.

The Boom of the 1800s: Advertising Takes Off

The 19th century, this is when things really got exciting! The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, cities were growing, and companies were popping up left and right. What did they need? Advertising, of course! Newspapers and magazines were full of print ads selling everything from the latest fashion to miracle cures.

This era also gave birth to the advertising agent—a guy named Volney B. Palmer, who opened the first-ever ad agency in 1841. Palmer helped businesses get their ads placed in newspapers, and this kickstarted the advertising industry as we know it. Suddenly, companies weren’t just selling products; they were selling ideas and lifestyles.

1900s Advertising - The Introduction of Fonts and Illustrations

During this time, the design of print ads began to evolve, too. Gone were the boring text-heavy ads of the past. Enter eye-catching fonts, cool illustrations, and eventually—thanks to advances in printing—colour! Ads were becoming more fun, and the race to grab consumers’ attention was on.

The Roaring Twenties & Print's Golden Age

Now we enter the early 20th century—the “Golden Age” of printed advertising. Picture it: the 1920s, a time when flappers were dancing, jazz was swinging, and print ads were everywhere. Magazines like The Saturday Evening Post and Life were packed with ads selling cars, cosmetics, and even Coca-Cola. It was the era of catchy slogans, clever copywriting, and brands starting to build their identities.

Ad agencies became powerhouses, creating not just single ads but entire campaigns. Advertising was no longer just about selling; it was about telling a story, sparking an emotion, and connecting with the audience on a deeper level.

Post-War Era: Print Advertising Grows Up

After World War II, advertising exploded. The economy was booming, people had more disposable income, and businesses were eager to capture their attention. The rise of TV may have shifted some focus away from print, but newspapers and magazines were still huge. Advertising agencies got smarter, using market research to understand their audience better. Ads weren’t just about selling products anymore—they were selling lifestyles.

Whether it was the latest kitchen gadget or the newest family car, print ads appealed to consumers' dreams and desires. The creative energy was at an all-time high, and print continued to be a beloved medium for companies looking to make an impact.

Glossy Magazines and Full Page Adverts Boomed to Grab Customer Attention

The Digital Age: Print Adapts, But Stays Prominent

By the late 20th century, the world was going digital. With the rise of the internet, online ads, and social media, many thought print advertising might fade into the background. But not so fast! While digital ads took off, print found its sweet spot in luxury branding and niche markets. High-quality magazines and speciality publications became prime real estate for luxury brands wanting to keep their prestige and appeal to a refined audience.

In today’s world, print ads stand out in ways digital sometimes can’t. There’s something about holding a beautifully designed magazine ad in your hand—it’s tactile, it’s glossy, and it feels special. Many brands still use print to create that emotional connection that can be harder to capture on a screen.

Why Print Advertising is Still Awesome 

So, what’s the takeaway? Print advertising is timeless. Sure, it’s evolved—from ancient papyrus to flashy modern magazine spreads—but it’s still an incredibly effective way to communicate with customers. It’s tangible, it’s versatile, and it’s often more memorable than digital ads that come and go with a scroll.

For businesses, especially those wanting to make a local or targeted impact, leaflets and flyers are still some of the best tools in the advertising toolbox. Here’s why:

• Direct Engagement: Unlike digital ads, which can be easily ignored or skipped, a well-designed leaflet or flyer lands directly in the hands of your audience. It gives you a physical presence that customers can’t just scroll past.

• Cost-Effective: Leaflets and flyers are affordable, especially when compared to other forms of advertising like TV or digital campaigns. For a small investment, you can reach a large, targeted audience—perfect for promoting events, special offers, or local services.

• Targeted Distribution: Whether you’re handing them out on the street, mailing them, or including them in local businesses, flyers allow you to focus on the exact locations or demographics you want to reach. This makes them ideal for neighbourhood businesses, event promotions, or any company looking to build a local presence.

• Creative Freedom: With a flyer, the design possibilities are endless. You can create something eye-catching and unique that reflects your brand’s personality. Plus, with our high-quality printing, your flyer can stand out with bold colors and sharp details.
• Tangible Impact: People still love holding something in their hands. Flyers give your audience a tactile experience, and a well-designed flyer is more likely to be kept and shared than a fleeting digital ad.
  

From Our Gallery - Printed A5 Leaflets

Why Choose Us for Your Printed Advertising?

At GP Print, we specialise in creating high-quality leaflets, flyers, and all kinds of printed materials that will make your business shine. Whether you need a sleek, modern design for a corporate event or a bold, colourful flyer for a local sale, we’ve got you covered. Our state-of-the-art printing technology ensures your materials will look professional, polished, and ready to make an impact.

From design to delivery, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s work together to bring your ideas to life and help your business stand out with creative, effective print advertising. Ready to get started? Contact us today to find out how we can help boost your brand with high-quality, custom-designed advertising materials.