Is Traditional Marketing Still Effective in Today's Digital World?

An effective marketing campaign aims to get information about your service or product in front of the people who need or want what you're offering. If the people who need it don't know it's there, it doesn't matter what problem your service solves or how incredible your product is. So, all businesses should ask, "how can I most effectively reach my target audience?"

Once upon a time, the only way to advertise was with ‘traditional marketing’. But thanks to technological advances, ‘digital marketing’ is now the preferred option. Does that mean traditional marketing strategies are no longer effective in today’s digital world? To answer this question, you need to know the difference between traditional and digital marketing. Understanding how each one works allows you to choose the best option for your business.

What is traditional marketing?

Traditional marketing does not need the internet for advertisement purposes. These methods have been around for decades:

• Television or radio commercials
• Newspaper or magazine ads
• Billboards
• Telephone calls

Is traditional marketing still effective?

The short answer to this question is yes because we still come across many types of traditional marketing every day. A better question would be, “is traditional marketing an effective way to reach my target audience?”

Research shows that only 18% of people 18 to 29 watch the local news, while 57% of those 65 and over still watch it. So, if your target audience is 65+, spending some of your advertising money on traditional marketing makes sense. However, if your target audience is 18 to 29, you’ll probably want to invest in digital marketing.

What is digital marketing?

Digital marketing strategies include those that require the internet or smartphones. They quickly evolve thanks to new technology and haven’t been around as long as traditional methods. Digital marketing includes:

• Website development
• Social media posts
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Content marketing
• Clickable ads
• Email campaigns

These methods are favored today because consumers frequently use mobile devices and the internet. According to DataReportal, there are 4.62 billion active social media users and 4.95 billion active internet users worldwide. With numbers this high, it’s no wonder digital marketing has become so popular!

Is digital marketing more effective?

A huge factor that sets digital marketing apart from traditional marketing is its ability to target specific audiences. For example, paid ads on social media allow you to use demographics and behavior on the platform to target a particular audience. Instead of casting a wide net and hoping the right people notice you, digital marketing helps you attract those customers who are most interested in your products or services. This ability to narrow the focus of your advertising enables you to reach your target audience at a much lower cost.

Read More: Why Hire a Digital Marketing Agency

How can traditional and digital marketing work together?

For most small to medium businesses, digital marketing is probably the best option because you can reach a specific group of people wherever they are, all while keeping costs low. Digital marketing also allows you to collect valuable data on your audience and create even more effective campaigns.

There is still a place for traditional marketing, though. While these methods may seem old, they’re still around because they work – especially if your target is a local, older audience.

Is print marketing still effective?

Even in today’s digital world, print marketing is alive and well – and continues to produce outstanding results for marketing campaigns! High-quality print materials build credibility with your brand, help your business stand out above your competition, and lead to profits.

Which print marketing materials make the biggest impact?

Here are the most popular printed materials that will elevate your business:

• Business cards – There is no substitution for business cards – they are here to stay. Use creative colors, materials, and coatings to help your business cards stand out.
• Mailers – These are one of the most-effective printed marketing materials. You can target them to households with specific demographics, so potential customers know about your business. Consider including a QR code that links to your website so recipients can easily learn more about your services.
• Brochures – Useful for every business, brochures provide more detail than a mailer but are still portable, small, and customizable.
• Welcome packets – These convenient packages explain your products and services and welcome new and potential customers to your business. Pocket folders allow you to customize the packet to include business cards, branded pens, informational material, and anything else you think is helpful. Welcome packets are a great way to close the deal and convert prospects into customers.

Read More: Top 5 Reasons Your Business Needs a Local Printing Partner

Impact Group Marketing – a Digital Marketing Agency with Business Printing Capabilities Based in College Station, Texas

Knowing your target audience is the key to both traditional and digital marketing. Traditional marketing strategies can still provide a return on investment if you use them alongside digital marketing strategies. Impact Group Marketing is an Aggie-owned and operated digital marketing agency with full print production capabilities. Contact us today to learn more about our top-quality services!