Brand communications matter more than ever. As a company who specialise in digital and handwritten campaigns, we hear this question often:

Do people actually notice the difference between handwritten and printed notes?

The short answer: yes – and they care more than you might think.

If you’re exploring ways to create deeper, more authentic connections with clients, customers, or partners, understanding the perceived value and impact of handwriting versus print is key to your communications strategy.

First impressions. Handwritten signals effort and intent

When a recipient opens an envelope and sees real handwriting, it creates an immediate impression.

“Someone took the time to do this for me.”

According to a 2023 survey by the Direct Marketing Association, handwritten mail is 92% more likely to be opened than printed direct mail, and it generates 4x higher response rates. That’s because handwriting isn’t just visual, it feels personal.

In contrast, printed letters or cards often blend in with bills, marketing flyers, and form letters. Even beautifully designed ones can still feel mass-produced. If you’re sifting through a pile of letters and leaflets that land on your doormat, the handwritten note will catch your attention every time. You’re intrigued to know more.

Perception of authenticity. Handwriting builds trust

Our brains are wired to associate handwriting with human intention. It conveys:

• Authenticity
• Effort
• Gratitude
• Trust

Whether you’re thanking a client, initiating a collaboration, or reconnecting with a dormant customer, a handwritten note sends a message that a real person is behind the brand,  and that connection builds loyalty.

A 2022 Gallup study found that 81% of consumers are more likely to do repeat business with brands they perceive as human and emotionally connected. Handwriting, quite literally, humanises your brand.

Yes, people can tell the difference.  

We often get asked, “What if we just use a handwriting-style font?”

It’s tempting, and cheaper. But savvy recipients can usually tell the difference. Here’s why:

• Printed fonts are too perfect — spacing, alignment, and stroke pressure are uniform.
• No natural variation — real handwriting includes slight inconsistencies in slant, spacing, and pressure.
• Glossy vs. tactile — printed ink sits flat and looks manufactured. Pen-on-paper feels real.

Every campaign we plan and write is written by humans, not robots.

Emotional impact. A key differentiator

Imagine these two scenarios:

Scenario A: You receive a beautifully designed printed thank-you card with your name in a script font.
Scenario B: You receive a handwritten note that says,

“Hi Sarah, I just wanted to personally thank you for attending our launch event — it meant a lot to us. Let’s stay in touch. – James”

Which one would you remember? Which one would you keep? Which one would create more sentiment?

The emotional weight of handwriting is disproportionately higher than its cost, and in an era where attention is scarce, that’s invaluable.

Why printed may be enough (and when it’s not)

Sure, there are cases where printed communications are effective, mass updates, formal contracts, product catalogues.

But if your goal is:

• Nurturing relationships
• Celebrating loyalty
• Surprising and delighting customers
• Driving referrals or repeat business

then printing just doesn’t carry the same emotional impact.

ROI beyond the ink

Businesses who invest in handwritten notes aren’t nostalgic or living in the past. They’re implementing something strategic.

Handwriting works. Not just because it’s a gimmick. It speaks to a truth we all recognise. People remember how you made them feel.

It’s not what you say, its how you say it

In the end, the debate isn’t about handwriting vs print. The case in point is the meaning handwriting carries. Handwritten notes deliver something that printed text can’t.

Presence, warmth and intention.

So to settle the debate handwritten vs printed. Do recipients care?

Yes, they notice.

Yes they care.

And yes, they remember.

If you’re curious to see what a campaign could look like for your business, get in touch and we’ll send you a free handwritten communications plan, unique to your business.

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