Digital vs. Traditional Marketing

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Digital marketing has been rapidly stealing the spotlight from traditional techniques such as print, direct mail, billboards, etc. We’ve outlined some of the reasons for this change, and explained why this marketing strategy is not going anywhere.

Facilitates conversation – Marketing in the social sector allows for an exchange between companies and consumers. Questions can be answered, comments shared, and the ever-effective word of mouth promotion is simpler than ever.

Wider Reach ­– Digital marketing allows businesses both small and large to reach consumers all over the world, while traditional media costs limit this type of exposure. 

Immediacy and Easily Measurable – We have all seen it happen online marketing campaigns have the potential to go viral overnight. Digital media, and the Internet allow this type of instantaneous spread to happen in a way that traditional is not able. Instant access and sharing abilities allow for digital campaigns to do in one day what a traditional campaign might take weeks or months to accomplish and evaluate.

Targeting – Tools like Facebook Graph Search allow marketers to narrow down their audience and target messages specifically to receptive consumers. By entering search queries like “friends from Connecticut who like running” a small sport shop can better communicate with potential customers.

Less cost  – Social media is a free tool that is easily accessible and personalized for businesses. You can convey the same messages on these platforms and potentially reach customers more rapidly.

Find people when they’re looking – Search engine optimization allows companies to advertise to consumers when they are actively searching. This sort of marketing is not as obtrusive as traditional ads.

Social sharing – By marketing your products/services on social networks, your consumers and fans can easily share your message with their friends. This sort of free promotion is vital and you can let your consumers help you reach a wide audience.

If You’re Not Mobile You’re Missing Out

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In today’s world having a website is no longer enough. Mobile is the new craze, and a good one at that! Making your information translate well to a 4”x2” screen is something you want to make happen as soon as possible. Mobile compatibility is not hard, in fact it can be a quick and easy way to boost relevancy, accommodate customers, and most importantly drive more business.

88% of consumers who search for a local business on a mobile device call or go to that business within 24 hours. Here is what your business can do during those valuable minutes when consumers are searching for your business on mobile:

1.) Make It An Easily Navigated Experience
Your phone number, address, and other relevant information that people are likely searching for on mobile should be at the forefront of your page.

2.) Make Your Business Searchable On Google And Apple Maps
A good way to get started is to optimize as many directories as possible.  You can start by running a directory report; tapping into these directories can increase your reach in a big way. Run a free directory report here.

3.) Social Media Badges
By having social media badges on your mobile site customers can easily browse your content and like/follow your pages with the tap of a finger.

4.) Incentives
Mobile coupons get 10 times the redemption rate of traditional coupons and you’re saving money by not having to run them in various print publications.

5.) Run Mobile Ads
Mobile ads get 3x as many clicks as traditional web ads, this is because when your user is searching for you on mobile they are ready to go. Supplement their readiness with an ad that they can relate to, and for SMBs this means proximity. By running ads to users 10-15 mi from your business you will experience more clicks.

6.) Offer Wi-Fi In Your Business
Customers will more readily like/review/tweet/check-in while at your business if it is not sucking up their data. So encourage them to do so and boost your business’s social credibility.