Digital vs. Traditional Marketing: Some Facts on Which Provides Better Outcome

Selecting the right marketing strategy in the current world is very important for the success of any business. TV, radio and print media have been in existence for many years while digital marketing has only recently emerged as a tool that can also be used in reaching out to the market. But which approach is more effective? It is now time to make a comparison between digital and traditional marketing based on evidences.

1. The ability to reach a large number of people and the possibility to target the audience very closely

Traditional Marketing

Traditional marketing can also cover large markets. For instance, a TV commercial can influence millions of people within a single airing of the advert. However, the targeting capabilities are somewhat restricted. According to Nielsen, the TV ad viewability is at a low 25%, meaning that only a quarter of the ad impressions are being delivered to the intended target, thus, a lot of money being spent on marketing is wasted.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is more effective here, in terms of targeting accuracy. A report by eMarketer has it that 76% of the marketers agree with the assertion that the most significant benefit of digital marketing is the ability to target specific audiences. Tools like Google and Facebook enable business people to place advertisements strategically with certain demography, interest, and behavior so that they reach the appropriate audience at the right time.

Output

Digital marketing is more effective than traditional marketing in terms of targeting accuracy, low wastage and high probability of reaching the target consumers.

2. Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

Traditional Marketing

Marketing through the conventional methods can be costly. For example, a simple 30-second television advertisement spot during prime time may range from $200 000 to over $1 million. The ROI is also more difficult to measure, only being estimated from consumer polls and increased sales.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is usually cheaper. HubSpot also has it that organizations that invest in digital marketing are 13 times likely to reap a positive ROI. The cost per click on Google AdWords is between $1 and $2; using tools such as Google Analytics, one can monitor every dollar spent and the resulting sales.

Output

Digital marketing has a higher ROI, because the expenditure can be closely measured and controlled to achieve the best returns.

3. Engagement and Interaction

Traditional Marketing

Traditional marketing on the other hand is characterized by a one way communication process. Whereas a billboard or a magazine ad can grab attention, there is not much that can be done in terms of engagement. According to a study conducted by Marketing Charts, a paltry 28% of consumers felt personally connected to brands through traditional marketing media.

Digital Marketing

While digital marketing is a one way communication, it allows for two way communication. Social media, e-mail newsletters, and other engaging content enable brands to communicate with the audience. According to the Sprout Social, 70% of consumers feel more connected to a brand that interacts with them on social media.

Output

Digital marketing provides considerably higher levels of customer engagement and offers more effective and friendly ways of reaching out to customers.

4. Measurability and Analytics

Traditional Marketing

Marketing communication evaluation is quite a difficult task especially when it comes to traditional marketing. It is often used by marketers who have to guess their success by observing the changes in the number of people entering the store, the number of products sold, or by asking customers. Deloitte also found that 54% of traditional marketers are challenged by the lack of a clear understanding of the ROI of the campaigns that they are running.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a very measurable form of marketing by its very nature. Metrics such as CTR, conversion rate, and others can be seen in tools such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, SEMrush, and others. Gartner also revealed that digital analytics increase marketer’s decision-making capabilities and ROI by 74%.

Output

Digital marketing is also highly measurable and provides a lot of information that can be used to optimize the strategies that are used.

The Verdict: Digital Marketing Gives Better Outcome

When comparing traditional and digital marketing, the data is clear: digital marketing is more effective than traditional marketing as it provides better target, higher return on investment, higher engagement, and better measure. In other words, if you want your marketing investments to pay off, digital is the place to be.

At UpBran, we offer you bespoke digital marketing services that are informed by the data of your business. Whether you need help in increasing your online presence, communicating with your audience or measuring your marketing return on investment, we can assist you. Get in touch with us right now to begin the process of changing your brand in the virtual space!