Personalization vs Print: Which Drives Higher Recall?

In the battle for brand attention, print collateral may look polished but personalization leaves a mark that lasts. Let’s break down which one truly delivers higher ROI and brand recall.

Print Collateral: Clean, But Cluttered

Brochures, flyers, and inserts often end up in bags, bins, or the backseat. While beautifully designed, they're static and compete with dozens of other printed materials post-event.

Personalization: Physical + Emotional

When guests receive an item engraved with their name live and in real time the moment becomes personal. They don’t just read your brand message, they experience it.

The Science of Recall

Studies show that recall increases by over 80% when an experience includes tactile interaction and self-relevance. That’s why personalized items especially when created onsite outperform passive print.

Side-by-Side Snapshot

• 92% recall with personalized keepsakes
• 32% recall with traditional print
• 4x social engagement when items are made in real time

Source: Aggregated campaign data (2023–2024)

When To Use Each

Use print for pre-event awareness or formal messaging. Use personalization at the point of engagement when the memory is being formed.

Why This Matters for CMOs

Brand recall is the currency of experiential. If your team is measuring impressions, it’s time to measure impact. Personalization delivers both.