We live in a digital world and have digital powerhouses in our pockets. In fact, 70% of the world’s total population now uses a mobile phone, and 90% of those phones are smartphones. While the world might be more connected than ever, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of traditional marketing.
As a business, you might wonder whether you should focus your effort on digital, traditional, or maybe a dose of both. In this article, we explore traditional and digital marketing, considering the differences and benefits of each approach to give you insights into what would work for your business.
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is any marketing that happens on a digital channel.
For example:
- Social media
- Blogs
- Influencer campaigns
- Affiliate marketing
- Google ad campaigns
- Video ads
- SEO
- Content marketing
Digital marketing allows you to target specific audiences and personalise messages, tailoring adverts to the viewer. It also offers detailed analytics, allowing you to review data to carry out informed strategies. You’ll understand what your audience likes, what makes them click, and where they are. When deciding which approach to choose for your business, you need to consider your goals, your audience, and your budget. Who are you advertising to? Where are they physically and virtually? How much are you willing to spend? Once you understand your customers and campaign goals, you can decide which methods work best.
This form of marketing is generally less expensive and has a higher conversion rate which can often be attributed to the campaign with website analytics.
What is Traditional Marketing?
Traditional marketing is all types of marketing carried out offline.
Such as:
- Billboards
- Mail marketing
- Television commercials
- Radio adverts
- Local newspaper ads
- Text messages and phone calls
- Direct mail
Traditional marketing can still be targeted. For example, you can choose to advertise in a magazine that your audience reads. However, it doesn’t have the same personalisation and highly targeted approach as digital.
This type of advertising is often more expensive, and much of it comes without quantifiable data. However, for established businesses and those building their brand, it is a trustworthy form of communication. It’s also a great way to reach your local audience.
Summary
Remember, you don’t need to choose between two the two, sometimes a mixture of both is best.
Think magazine ads with QR code or interactive billboards, these ideas help companies see the success of their traditional marketing, capture data, and blend the digital and traditional worlds.
