Differences in Marketing: Traditional Marketing vs. Online Advertising

Traditional versus digital marketing. Technology continues to disrupt many industries, none more so than marketing.

Where once print, television and radio dominated the marketing world, now the action and growth are in the digital 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 remain important for success in a competitive marketplace. Blending the two has become crucial. And the size of the 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 and digital marketing. 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 because 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 an advantage, especially with older consumers.

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 cost effective.

Some other advantages of digital marketing include the following.

Data analysis.

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

Cost.

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

Two-way conversation.

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

Recommendations.

Delivering great service remains a hallmark of 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 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 will increase 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.