Traditional vs. Digital Marketing: A Modern Comparison

With increased internet usage over the years, there has been some recognition of the importance of digital marketing. However, companies still rely on traditional marketing as opposed to digital marketing, and more focus is given to traditional marketing platforms and strategies.

For instance, we still see a high usage of fliers and brochures being used, as well as reliance on print and broadcast media to reach the target audience.

Considering that most consumers spend more time online than they do reading leaflets or newspapers, or watching television, there is an urgent need for businesses to shift to digital marketing  instead. Through online platforms, brands and products can be marketed with ease and speed.

Digital marketing opens a lot of avenues for companies, allowing them to reach the target audience directly. Digital marketing also consists of various components, for instance Search Engine Optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and Google AdWords, which means that a digital marketing strategy will take into account the needs of the business and the audience, and doesn’t come as a one size fits all.

However, digital marketing also remains an area most people, especially companies that can benefit from it, are largely ignorant about. This could be because, although we have been using the internet for years, we are still intimidated by the opportunities it opens for us. Social media marketing, for instance, is seen as something not worth spending money on, despite reports by We Are Social and Hootsuite showing that there are over four billion internet users around the globe.

What most seem to forget is that budget allocations for digital marketing will never go to waste, especially if it’s an effective digital marketing strategy. This is where a digital marketing agency comes in. By working with one, you can build your business or brand through digital marketing. A digital marketing agency will explain to you the uses and benefits of the various components to digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Google AdWords, social media marketing, creative content, etc. and also offer a number of services which will help take your brand or business a long way.

If you are thinking about the future of your business or brand, you will definitely start shifting focus from traditional marketing to digital marketing. The world is yet to go fully digital, so your traditional marketing strategy will still be effective to a certain extent. However, a company looking for sustainability and success will prepare for the future, and that’s why you’ll need an effective digital marketing strategy. And since marketing done right can make a company while marketing done wrong can break a company, it is always best to seek the services of a digital marketing agency that will give you a high quality service from a team of experienced and skilled individuals.