When working in a business, either big or small, many companies struggle when deciding what their marketing approach should be. Even large corporations with significant marketing budgets don’t want to want to spend a fortune on marketing their business. It always comes down to ROI. Will traditional or digital marketing give us the most bang for our buck? As a marketing agency in Phoenix, we think about this a lot. And to answer that, we must first understand the difference between these two marketing approaches.
What is traditional marketing?
Traditional marketing is a way of promoting a company’s products or services in a tangible way to their would-be consumers. This includes collateral pieces, flyers, magazines and newspapers advertisements. Traditional marketing also includes billboards, TV and radio ads. It’s called traditional because it’s the OG of the marketing world. It’s beyond established.
- Companies feel like they have an easier time reaching their local audience.
- It feels more tangible for business leaders. They can drive by their billboard or hear an ad on the radio.
- Consumers understand it. They know what they’re getting, and don’t feel “targeted.”
Disadvantages of Traditional marketing:
- Measuring success can be tricky.
- There isn’t much engagement with the consumers and the brand, and when there is, it is nearly impossible to measure.
- Traditional marketing can be very expensive for companies to invest in print, radio or television advertising.
So, what’s Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is, well, digital! Digital marketing utilizes social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, plus mobile apps, email, SEO, retargeting, PPC, and especially a company’s website.
- It allows a company to directly interact with consumers, often in real time.
- Digital marketing can be much more cost-effective for a business.
- ROI can be accurately measured, even to the penny.
Disadvantages of digital marketing:
- There could be negative customer feedback that is visible to other potential customers.
- It depends entirely on the internet. If your target audience doesn’t have reliable access, you’re out of luck.
- Average consumers don’t understand how it works, and that can make them feel like they’re being “followed” on the internet.
Why can’t we have it all?
Although traditional marketing is considered “old school,” and the world is quickly moving over into the digital realm, we believe there’s room for both. Some marketing agencies in Phoenix will say that one is always better than the other, but we’d respectfully disagree. Sometimes traditional is still the way to go, while other times digital will get the results we’re looking for. We believe in setting goals first, then determining strategy. If you’re struggling to decide which route to take, let us know. We’re only a phone call away (or email – who calls anymore, right?).
Tyler Rathjen
Tyler Rathjen is a partner in Decibel Blue, where he leads some of its highest-profile lifestyle clients. Whether developing strategic marketing plans, establishing creative programs, or managing digital, advertising, social media, influencer and branding projects, Tyler has a wealth of communications expertise. Tyler began his career with Decibel Blue in 2006 and has since overseen the launch of more than 120 franchises across the nation, including 80 Dunkin’ Donuts stores.
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