From conventional, time-tested traditional marketing methods to new and innovative digital marketing strategies, modern businesses have myriad ways to capture the audiences’ attention. But which form of marketing would be more effective for your business?
Traditional Marketing
Traditional marketing involves ‘old-school’ marketing methods that you can use without the Internet. The most common include newspaper ads, billboards, directly mailed informational packets, TV and radio commercials and fliers.
Despite proving their effectiveness over decades, most modern businesses are turning away from traditional marketing. Nevertheless, these methods have some perks to offer. For starters, many industry experts agree that traditional marketing techniques are still the most surefire way of reaching mature demographics, i.e., people over 65 years who naturally use the Internet less than younger generations. Additionally, traditional marketing often involves tangible promotional materials that last long and are easy to remember.
Business team meeting to conference, collaboration discussing working analyzing with financial data and marketing business strategy project, presentation and brainstorming to making profit of company.
Digital Marketing
Digital or online marketing encompasses marketing techniques relayed over the Internet or electronic devices. Although relatively new in the industry, digital marketing packs a punch. The most common methods include SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media posts, website content, clickable ads and email campaigns.
Considering the 4.5 billion active Internet users worldwide and the almost 4 billion active social media users, marketing online is a no-brainer. And unlike traditional marketing techniques that focus on pushing brand messages to as many viewers/listeners as possible, digital methods are more about positioning your brand to capture the attention of potential customers when they need your solutions the most. Industry experts call this ‘pull marketing’: audiences discover your services when they search for specific information relating to your business on the Internet.
Which Is More Effective?
So, should your business opt for traditional marketing or digital marketing? The short answer is it depends on factors like your target demographic, marketing budget and preferences.
The long answer is that digital marketing is more often than not the best option for modern businesses. Always opt for digital marketing if you intend to reach a specific audience (particularly geographically dispersed populations) while keeping your costs relatively low. Thanks to current technology, digital marketing is so pervasive; with the advent of a full-service SEO partner, you essentially get affordable access to teams of technical specialists dedicated to maximizing your marketing ROI.
A Multi-Channel Approach
When choosing the best strategy for your business, why not implement traditional and digital methods in your marketing mix rather than pick a side? A multi-channel approach is arguably your best shot at consistently robust marketing campaign performances. What’s more, you get to diversify your marketing budget and attract leads from multiple sources.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
