Newspaper Advertising: How Print Ads Still Work in 2025

When you think of newspaper advertising, paid placements in physical newspapers that connect businesses with local readers. Also known as print advertising, it's the quiet force behind small businesses, community events, and regional brands that still rely on trust over clicks. Forget the headlines saying print is dead—UK newspapers still pull in billions in ad revenue, not because they’re clinging to the past, but because they’ve found a new rhythm. People who read the paper aren’t just scrolling—they’re deciding, remembering, and acting. Local shops, car dealerships, plumbers, and pharmacies? They still see real returns from ads in the print media UK, physical newspapers and magazines distributed across towns and cities that their customers actually hold in their hands.

Why does this work? Because local newspapers, regionally focused publications that cover neighborhood news, events, and business updates have audiences that trust them. A 2025 study by the News Media Association found that 68% of readers in towns like Brighton, Leeds, and Newcastle believe local paper ads are more honest than online banners. That’s not luck—it’s loyalty. And while digital ads drown in noise, a full-page ad in the Islington Gazette or the Wolverhampton Express & Star stands out. These papers aren’t just reporting the news—they’re part of the community’s daily routine. People read them over coffee, leave them on kitchen tables, and pass them to neighbors. That’s real exposure. Plus, businesses that advertise in print often see higher conversion rates because the audience is already engaged—no pop-ups, no autoplay videos, no algorithm hiding their message.

It’s not just about small businesses, either. Luxury brands, estate agents, and even national chains are returning to print because they want to reach older demographics who still value tangible media. A high-end car ad in the Financial Times or a wedding photographer’s spread in a regional magazine doesn’t just sell—it signals quality. And with fewer ads competing for space, your message gets more attention. The truth? Newspaper advertising isn’t about replacing digital. It’s about complementing it. The best campaigns run online and in print together—digital for reach, print for recall. If you’re a local business, you’re not wasting money on print. You’re investing in credibility. And if you’re a reader, you’re not just consuming news—you’re supporting the people who still show up to cover your street, your school, your local football team. Below, you’ll find real stories of how print ads are still making money, keeping communities informed, and outlasting the hype. No fluff. Just facts.