Differences in Marketing: Traditional Marketing vs. Online Advertising




Traditional versus digital marketing. Technology continues to disrupt many industries, none more so than marketing. Consequently, there are now quite a few differences in marketing tactics. Where once print, television and radio dominated the marketing world, now the action and growth are in the digital or “online” world. It’s a different type of marketing than in the past, however, and requires a specific set of skills to achieve success.
Both traditional and digital marketing remains important for success in a competitive marketplace. Blending the two has become crucial. And the size of the business or organization no longer matters. Digital marketing, in particular, offers a variety of relatively inexpensive channels to market a product or service.
Earning an online MBA with a concentration in digital marketing can prepare graduates for leadership in both traditional marketing and digital advertising. Here’s a look at the differences between the two.

Traditional Marketing

Traditional marketing essentially refers to any marketing campaign that has been in use for decades and pre-dates the digital age. This includes advertising in print publications, newsletters, direct mailings, television, billboards, and radio.
The advantages of traditional marketing have not changed. However, they now are more closely analyzed for return on investment. Some of those advantages include the following.

Time tested.

The reason traditional marketing remains viable is that it has worked well for decades. While consumers now have more channels to interact with a company’s product or service, a significant percentage can still be reached through traditional methods.

Clear messaging.

A well-planned television campaign or direct mailing offers the chance to deliver a marketing message clearly and concisely to millions of people.

Targeting location.

Specific locations can still be targeted. For example, buying advertising on local television, radio or in newspapers and magazines. Billboards can also prove effective.

Consumer understanding.

This is harder to quantify, but generations of consumers have become comfortable with receiving advertising messages through traditional means. That level of familiarity gives traditional marketing advantages, especially with older consumers.

Online & Digital Marketing

With an audience-focused approach, digital marketing can reach more people with less effort and result in faster brand awareness. The market is literally worldwide with the reach of the internet. If done correctly, it can prove more cost-effective then traditional marketing.
Some other advantages of digital marketing include the following.

Data analysis.

With marketing online, organizations collect enormous amounts of user and activity data. They know immediately what online campaign has worked and what hasn’t. The ability to get a clear picture of the return on investment is an enormous advantage of digital marketing.

Cost.

Done correctly, content marketing and search engine optimization can result in a product or service reaching people without spending money on traditional marketing or digital advertising.

Two-way conversation.

Relationship building with customers is the bedrock of marketing online. This is especially the case on social media marketing and ads, where organizations can actively interact with consumers on social networks like Facebook and Linkedin. This give-and-take is not possible with traditional media.

Recommendations.

Delivering great service remains a hallmark of a successful business. However, it is magnified in the digital world. One positive review in an online forum such as Yelp or among a large circle of friends on Facebook can have a significant impact.

Traditional marketing online.

Digital marketing also allows for campaigns that mirror traditional advertising. This includes buying space on popular websites for video, using email campaigns much like direct mail or buying pay-per-click advertising on search engine results on Google and Bing.

It’s growing.

The bottom line is that digital marketing is the place to be. According to CEOs around the country, spending on digital marketing and paid ads will increase by 15% in 2018, while traditional advertising will drop by 1.7%.
Both traditional and digital marketing have their place in a company’s overall campaign strategy. However, for those who wish to work in the cutting edge of a marketing department – or attain a leadership position over one – earning an MBA that focuses on digital marketing can be a step in the right direction.

Learn more: 100% Online MBA Specializing in Digital Marketing

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