The Difference Between Traditional Marketing and Digital Marketing

The distinction between traditional marketing and digital marketing is connected to the evolution of communication methods.

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Traditional Marketing

Traditional marketing is based on promotional advertisements through:

• Newspapers and magazines
• TV
• Radio
• Business cards
• Flyers and handouts

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves the advertisement of products and services via:

• Websites
• Social media (such as Twitter, Instagram)
• Online videos

As new technologies are developed, new forms of digital marketing emerge. Businesses need to carefully consider which marketing communication techniques will suit their target audience and business objectives.

Digital Marketing or Traditional Marketing?

Digital marketing is not a solution for all businesses. The question should not be ‘digital marketing or traditional marketing?’, it should be on where the money should be spent within digital or traditional marketing, what to prioritise and how to integrate it.

Your task

The above image highlights the distinction between digital marketing and traditional marketing. Do you agree with the comparison?

• What other distinctions can you identify?
• Do you think digital marketing has significant advantages over traditional marketing? Why?
• When prioritising digital marketing or traditional marketing, what key differentiation will have the most impact on your decision?

References

_{Yasmin, A., Tasneem, S., & Fatema, K. (2015). Effectiveness of digital marketing in the challenging age: An empirical study. International Journal of Management Science and Business Administration, 1(5), 69–80. Web link}