Internet Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing

So what’s the right choice for you?

Call 888-601-5359 to speak with a strategist about your company’s marketing strategy, or keep reading to learn more about the differences between digital and traditional marketing methods.

What is traditional marketing?

Traditional marketing includes any non-Internet advertising methods, some of which have been used for decades, including:

• Print
• Direct mail
• Broadcast
• Referral

These types of marketing are typically seen in newspapers, magazines, television, and more. Today, traditional marketing media are butting heads with the Internet as they compete for the same audiences.

For example, online video streaming services like Netflix and YouTube directly compete with television. Google can deliver phone numbers much more quickly than a phone book. Plus, an increasing number of consumers prefer to read their news online instead of in newspapers.

Yes, traditional marketing still works for many businesses, but Internet marketing can provide a better avenue to connect with customers and even build a relationship.

What is Internet marketing?

Internet marketing is the term used to describe any advertising efforts that occur online, including:

• Email marketing
• Social media marketing
• Content marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Pay per click advertising

Internet marketing is making waves in the advertising world as well, and it’s difficult to ignore the results.

•  Ninety-five percent of brands tweet.
•  American companies have an average of 500,000 people subscribed to their email lists.
•  Approximately 60 percent of all Internet activity in the US occurs from a mobile device.

In the digital world, marketing is becoming more streamlined and profitable than it has ever been. So where does this leave traditional media?

Traditional marketing vs. Internet marketing

Internet marketing has the edge in a lot of statistical comparisons, and it’s typically much more affordable and easy to use than traditional media. But does all of this mean you should abandon traditional marketing?

In short, no. Every industry is different, and every company within those industries has its own subtle nuances and niche audiences. The differences between online and offline advertising ultimately depend on your brand personality, the age demographic you serve, your geographic location, and hundreds of other factors.

Above all else, you must consider your unique situation before making a decision about abandoning traditional marketing. It’s important to remember that Internet marketing is quickly growing, but traditional marketing can still deliver results.

If traditional marketing works for your business, then keep on doing what you’re doing. But it’s still smart to add some Internet marketing strategies to your marketing plan, so you can start to reach out to a wider audience. Traditional marketing and Internet marketing can work wonders in tandem.

Still, Internet marketing is effective on its own, and businesses that may not have the money to break into traditional marketing media can more efficiently use Internet marketing to grow their brands. The key to Internet marketing is determining what strategies work best for you.

Which type of Internet marketing is right for you?

When you begin an Internet marketing campaign, you have to start from the ground up. Among other responsibilities, that includes:

Considering your target audience

Determine as much as you can about your target audience. If you’re catering to younger millennials, make sure you can engage them digitally for a more solid brand interaction. If you’re targeting senior citizens, an email marketing plan can probably hit all the customers you want.

Researching your keywords

Find out what search engine queries bring visitors to your website. Once you know the search terms people use to find you, you can use them to your advantage by expanding on them in detail. For example, if customers find your pet store by looking up “North American lizards,” write a blog or informational page about North American lizards to maximize the chance search engine users will find you.

Creating high-quality content

Whether you’re working on blogs, social media, press releases, or eBooks, you should dedicate some time to producing original, high-quality content. This will be the backbone of any good Internet marketing plan, since it can show up in search engines while showing your expertise. The more authoritative you are in your field, the more likely customers will be to engage your website.

Maintaining social profiles

Maintaining an active presence on social media can show customers that you’re willing to engage with them. With that in mind, you can use as many social media avenues as you want to get the results you seek, including:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Keep your account active by posting routinely and offering customers something that they can’t get normally, like photos of new products or exciting behind-the-scenes information. You can also show off any charity work your company does to further humanize your company.

Hire a professional internet marketing agency

If you’re sold on the idea that Internet marketing is a vital component to any successful digital marketing plan, but you don’t have the time to launch your own campaign, consider hiring a professional Internet marketing company.

WebFX is made up of a team of Internet marketers who have experience in maximizing the results of every campaign. We employ award-winning designers, developers, SEO strategists, and more who are capable of driving traffic to your business, so you can grow your brand and your bottom line.