Traditional vs. Digital Marketing: or a combined strategy?

With the rate of growth in the digital marketing world, one might be wondering if traditional marketing is still relevant. The main truth is it totally depends on your target audience and the reason why you are running the campaign.  

 Digital marketing vs traditional marketing

Traditional marketing involves all offline methods i.e. those marketing options that do not require the use of the internet, like billboard, TV, radio, newspaper, and print advertising. These methods seem to have a longer duration of outcome and are more costly than digital methods. Their effectiveness is difficult to measure especially if there is no call-to-action (ways they can revert back to you).

However, the use of print media is a crucial ingredient when it comes to brand building. For someone that sells designer products, having a graphical brochure with appealing images will play a good part in your brand’s positioning.

Digital marketing, on the other hand, includes those online activities that are employed in marketing, like website, social media, blogging, PPC (Pay-per-Click), third-party marketing platforms e.g. SchoolsCompass. With short delivery times, digital marketing enables schools to respond to changes in parents’ preferences.

In addition to this, the method is cost-effective, adaptable, and interactive. Digital marketing is becoming increasingly valuable, giving real value and returns.   

Do both options deliver?

Surprisingly, traditional marketing is still effective if used appropriately. For instance, let us assume you are a new school trying to run a campaign to increase traffic to your website and your overall brand awareness. Using a traditional marketing tactic like radio, TV, or local print ad can help generate brand awareness and also drive people to visit your website and visit your school.

Is digital marketing replacing traditional?

The real question is this, can the traditional method withstand the rate at which digital marketing is evolving?

When every penny of your marketing matters to you, having a better understanding of where to invest is germane. Traditional marketing and digital marketing should not be seen as adversaries, when both are integrated into your marketing strategy, you can maximize your ROI (return on investment).

Today’s potential parents are better informed

Nowadays, there is numerous information about schools available to potential parents and they will often do research before even getting in touch. The increase in online content has given them the power in making better-informed decisions. They are no longer waiting for you to tell them how great your school is, they are now checking things out for themselves.

Integrated Marketing

The combination of both traditional and digital methods gives a boost that most schools are now taking advantage of. Split your budget between the two while weighing more towards the digital method. Take advantage of the increasing online trends while still maintaining your offline presence – this is the key to a perfect marketing strategy.