Here’s a question we hear all the time: “Should our annual report be print or digital?”

And here’s our answer, delivered with the confidence of someone who’s seen both work beautifully: Why on earth would you choose?

Look, we get it. Choosing between print and digital feels like being asked to pick your favorite kid. But here’s the thing—the organizations crushing it with their publications aren’t choosing. They’re doing both. And they’re doing it strategically.

Let’s talk about why.

 

Print Still Has Some Serious Game

There’s something magical about a beautifully designed printed publication. It’s like the difference between streaming a movie and seeing it in the theater—both work, but one just feels different.

Print publications are the MVPs when it comes to:

• Credibility with a capital C – A substantial printed piece tells people you’re serious. It’s the business equivalent of showing up in a tailored suit
• Creating memorable moments – Premium paper, thoughtful binding, careful typography—it’s an experience, not just information
• Commanding attention – No browser tabs. No notifications. No cat videos. Just your story and your reader having an actual moment together
• VIP distribution – Board meetings, donor galas, stakeholder presentations—these deserve the gravitas that only print can deliver
• Shelf life – Annual reports stick around on desks and bookshelves like that one friend who always knows when to show up

For nonprofits building trust with donors and grant makers? Print isn’t just nice to have—it’s your credibility calling card.

Explore how we bring publications to life →

 

Digital Is Your Secret Superpower

Now, while print is busy being impressive on someone’s desk, digital publications are out there doing backflips and high-fives across the internet.

Here’s where digital absolutely shines:

• Reach that would make your head spin – Email it. Share it on LinkedIn. Embed it on your website. Your story goes wherever your audience hangs out
• Interactive storytelling magic – Clickable sections, embedded videos, animated charts that actually make data fun (yes, we said it)
• Analytics that tell you everything – See exactly what content makes people lean in, how long they stick around, and where they peace out
• Real-time updates – Typo? Fixed. New data? Added. Time-sensitive update? Done. No reprinting required
• Accessibility for all – Screen readers, adjustable text, multiple languages—suddenly everyone’s invited to the party
• Budget-friendly scale – Reach thousands for what it costs to print a few dozen. Math that actually makes you smile

Digital transforms your publication from a static document into a living, breathing experience that invites people to engage, share, and take action.

See what’s possible with digital publications →

 

Here’s Where It Gets Good: Design for Both, Win at Everything

The secret sauce? When you design with both formats in mind from jump street, you’re not compromising—you’re multiplying your impact like some kind of content wizard.

A dual-format strategy lets you:

• Maximize your investment – One killer design strategy serves every channel. That’s just smart business
• Meet people where they actually are – Gen Z on their phones? Check. Board members with the printed version? Check. You’re not playing favorites; you’re being inclusive
• Create marketing assets for days – Pull social graphics, email content, web modules—your publication becomes a content factory
• Adapt like a chameleon – Print for the gala. Digital for the email blast. Bite-sized chunks for Instagram. One source, infinite possibilities
• Future-proof your content – Your stories live on, ready to be repurposed, reshared, and reimagined.

 

The Play-by-Play for Dual-Format Success

Here’s how the pros do it:

1. Strategy first, format second – Define your goals and know your audience. The format decisions will practically make themselves
2. Think mobile-first for digital – If it doesn’t work on a smartphone, it doesn’t work. Period
3. Lean into digital’s superpowers – Videos, animations, interactive navigation—use what print can’t give you
4. Keep your brand recognizable everywhere – Whether someone’s holding it or scrolling it, they should know it’s unmistakably you
5. Be strategic about distribution – Print for high-value relationships. Digital for broad reach. Both for your VIPs. Make every format count
6. Measure everything, learn constantly – Digital analytics show you what works. Apply those insights to make everything better

 

Making the Magic Happen

Creating publications that work brilliantly in both print and digital isn’t about working twice as hard—it’s about working twice as smart.

It requires understanding how people interact with content differently depending on the format. It’s about optimizing for both without compromising either. And honestly? It takes a team that’s done this dance before.

The organizations seeing real results from their publications stopped asking “print or digital?” years ago. They’re too busy telling better stories, reaching more people, and driving actual, measurable outcomes.

Ready to create publications that work everywhere your audience is? Let’s talk about bringing your next report, white paper, or game-changing piece to life in formats that actually get read—and shared, and saved, and acted upon. Because your story deserves to be told well. In print. In digital. Everywhere.

Want to explore what a dual-format publication strategy could do for your organization? Let’s make it happen—we promise to keep it fun and productive. That’s kind of our thing.