Running a successful business is not just about offering a great product or deciding on the appropriate market. How are customers going to buy your products and services if they have never even heard of them? That's why at the heart of any successful business lies marketing. Getting people to know you. Just think of big companies like Coca-Cola or Apple, everybody knows them. And why is that? - their ads are everywhere!

Marketing helps businesses promote and sell their products. But it is much more than that. Effective marketing channels reach your target audience and help them understand who you are and why your products are exactly what they need. Essentially, it is about communicating with your potential customers. This will boost your customer base and your sales. But how does marketing work and which is the most effective marketing strategy?

Traditional and digital marketing

Today, businesses have an infinite number of options to advertise their products. Magazine ads, TV spots, and billboard advertising are just a few examples of how businesses present themselves to the world. With the rise of the internet - more than half of the world's population is now using the internet - and the boost in e-commerce, more and more companies have included digital marketing as part of their overall business strategy. But what exactly differentiates traditional marketing from digital marketing?

What's the difference?

The difference between traditional and digital marketing lies in the medium that is used to reach the audience. Before the development of the internet by the end of the last century, the only way for companies to promote their products was through traditional marketing channels that included newspapers and magazines, window displays, posters, and billboards as well as broadcasting and telemarketing. Today, a much wider audience can be reached by using digital marketing channels, such as social media, websites, email marketing, search engine marketing (SEM), content marketing, and affiliates, among others. Amid all these new possibilities, it is not always easy to find what works best for you. Here is an overview of the advantages of traditional vs. digital marketing.

Traditional marketing: Advantages

The advantages of traditional marketing are surprisingly simple but effective at the same time.

• More memorable - outdoor real-life advertising on a billboard or a window display in big size and bright colors tends to attract consumers' attention whether they want to or not. Plus, they can't simply swipe up and get rid of it. This increases your chance of creating a lasting image of your brand and product in the consumers' minds, which will encourage them to purchase it.
• Easy access - Most people don't actively seek out product advertisements, quite the opposite. This is why traditional print and broadcast marketing is such an effective way to embed your advertising messages. During a TV break, while listening to the radio in the car or reading an interesting magazine - pop in some information about you and your business, and consumers will definitely see it.
• More permanent - Traditional marketing lasts longer than digital advertising. The billboard or poster will remain in that exact same spot until renewed. A magazine with an ad about your product will remain in the doctor's waiting room until the next volume comes out, and a TV spot is repeated endlessly until consumers can speak along. Hundreds or even thousands of people will have the chance to see your ad and learn about your products.

Digital marketing: Advantages

Now let's explore the pros of digital marketing and find out what suits your business best.

• Precise targeting and increased audience - Unlike traditional marketing channels, digital marketing allows you to reach exactly who you want to reach. Meeting consumers' interests through customized advertising increases sales significantly. Also, in one click you can reach thousands of people and help get them to know your business.
• Lower costs - An important advantage of digital marketing is its low-cost factor. Sure, designing and producing advertising material may cost you money, but launching and spreading it is much cheaper than traditional marketing methods.
• Feedback - Digital marketing and its effectiveness can be easily tracked and analyzed, providing direct feedback on the consumers' reaction to it. You can see how many internet users clicked on your links, how much time they spent on your ads, and whether they searched for your products online. Shares, likes, and comments let you know exactly how your advertising has been received and how you can improve even more.

What is better for your business?

As you can see, both marketing types offer a number of important advantages that you can use to successfully promote your business. However, not every marketing channel is necessary or will work for you. Ultimately, it really depends on the products and services you offer and who your target audience is. If your main target group is 60+, you might want to pursue a more traditional advertising strategy. If your main audience is younger and more digitalized, consider online advertising options. Don't worry if this is all still very new to you, seek help from professionals to help you promote your business. For instance, if you wish to improve your Google rankings but don't know where to start, you can contact Werbepresse.

Just remember, it is not always about choosing just one marketing type. In fact, the key to successful marketing is a mix of traditional and digital where you choose the marketing options that best meet your needs. Find what works for you.