The debate continues as to whether digital marketing is compatible or a competition to traditional marketing. Last year expenses for digital marketing increased over 14% while traditional marketing fell nearly 160% the figures made some people think that traditional media is dead. The truth is traditional marketing is not dead, but its role is dramatically changing in this digital age. As long as paper, television and billboards are part of daily life, traditional marketing is here to stay.
What is the difference between traditional marketing and digital marketing? Traditional marketing utilize radio, tv, billboard, business cards, brochures, posters and print ads in newspapers or magazines. Direct mails, telemarketing and referrals are also part of traditional marketing. It is anything except digital means or branding a product or service. While digital marketing include the use of websites, social media, videos, banner ads and blogs. It relies on the internet for communication and interactions.
The main difference between the two is the scope of each strategy. Traditional marketing’s target audience is very specific and targeted while digital marketing has a wider scope since it is available to the public. Traditional marketing happens in one direction, company communicating with the target audience. While digital marketing is multi-directional, company communicates with consumers both listening and talking.
Some businesses think of traditional and digital marketing as being in competition with each other, when in fact they are compatible, they even complement each other to meet business goals. That is why it is best to reframe the debate of traditional vs. digital marketing and think of them as complimentary instead of competition. Traditional or digital marketing isn’t more effective than the other; each has a different role to play. Determine their roles and use them effectively, a blended strategy of the two channels will leverage the returns for your business.
Although we are a Digital Marketing firm we do not ignore the benefits of traditional marketing. We do not overlook the traditional ways that can help amplify campaigns and take it to the next level. By incorporating the two channels we direct audience online and generate more traffic to the company’s landing page. The landing page makes it easy for the prospect to continue down the sales funnel and convert prospects to customers.
It’s time to change the way we think about traditional marketing and digital marketing because they share the same goal. Both are used to attract qualified customers and build brand awareness. They are working together to reach different people in different ways but arriving at successful marketing results. The right blend of traditional and digital marketing is an opportunity to engage consumers holistically.