Adding print magazines to any other media channel delivers stronger consumer brand affinity and purchase intent, greater than any other two main media channel combinations, according to new research.

The Multiplier Effect, a new study commissioned by magazine industry body Magazine Networks, has found that combining advertising in print magazines with another main media channel has the power to help solve brand challenges such as building relationships with consumers and increasing purchase intent.

The study, conducted by research firm Fiftyfive5, surveyed 3,000 consumers online, with the sample split across both magazine and non-magazine readers.

The study measured both brand health and ad impact metrics across 24 brands spanning a range of categories including FMCG, automotive, retail, pharmaceutical and furniture/appliances.

The brands that included print magazines in their media mix saw a 22 per cent uplift in brand trust, a 55 per cent increase in brand favourability and a 29 per cent lift in purchase intent.

In terms of the value of combining magazines with specific channels, the combination of print magazines with out-of-home was found to drive increases in brand interest and purchase intent, with people 3.2 times more likely to identify the brand as one they wanted to find out more about and a 43 per cent increase in their likelihood to purchase.

The study also found that adding magazines to radio helps establish a deeper brand connection, with people 2.1 times more likely to see the brand as engaging and interesting.

Furthermore, the combination of print magazines and online advertising helps drive a deeper brand relationship and influences brand advocacy, with people 2.6 times more likely to recommend the brand to others.

Adding print magazines to a TV advertising buy helps increase brand favourability, with people 1.9 times more likely to consider a brand as one of their favourites.

Finally, combining magazines and newspapers sees people 9.2 times more likely to identify a brand as one they want to find out more about.

Mary Ann Azer, executive director of Magazine Networks, said the study confirms what the magazine industry has known for some time – the inclusion of print magazines in an advertising campaign has quantifiable and potent results.

“Advertisers should not underestimate the incremental impact of magazines, as they add something different to each media channel,” she said.

“These results can help support better channel planning depending on campaign objectives.

“If they’re not already utilising magazines, advertisers would do well to reconsider the role in the overall marketing mix.”