Marketing is a huge factor in a successful business. Many business owners asked themselves what form of marketing is best for their business – Is it TV advertising? Radio? Out-of-home? Digital? Or Print? As a business owner if you are asking yourself these questions let us help you by breaking down the advantages of digital marketing vs print.
DIGITAL
Digital advertising was first introduced in 1994. Since then, digital advertising has evolved with technology. You no longer just get digital ads on a computer but also on your phone and other handheld devices. The most common known digital ads are:
•Display
A display ad is the basic form of digital advertising. It is one generic image/text and can get shown to anyone on a website. This is most commonly used as a banner, button, or popup ad. For more information, check out this informative blog from MailChimp.
•Social Media
Most all social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) offer ads that can be matched by a target audience. Simply by filling out a form these platforms can put personalized content based on a person’s user history and demographics. (Check out: Best Times For Businesses to Post on Social Media)
•Search
Ever use Google, Yahoo!, or Bing to search for a topic or item? Ever notice the little ads that pop up on that search or the top search that says “ad” next to it? That is known as search advertising.
Many companies ask their consumers for their email addresses. This is to send custom emails to clients to promote new products, sales, and info, and even promote blogs.
•Video
Video marketing is very forward-facing! You can visually and audibly show the consumer the information you’re trying to present and it can vary in length – most commonly 5 seconds to 2 minutes. You can present high-quality, professional videos or even simple videos created from your iphone. For more information, check out How Commercials Increase Sales & Brand Awareness.
Since 1994 digital marketing has taken off. Local colleges and universities have created digital marketing degrees, ad agencies have developed digital departments within their companies, and large companies such as Google offer digital marketing certifications. There are many different ways to market digitally but with any marketing make sure you have a strategy and plan, with clear goals in mind.
The first print ad was a flyer printed in 1472. But some people say print can date back all the way to 3500 BCE. Since the beginning of print marketing, it too has evolved just like digital marketing. We no longer think of print as just a flyer, brochure or newspaper. But labels on food and clothing, sports banners, postcards, business cards and more all create effective ways of Print Advertising! Here are a few print options:
•Company Stationary
Stationary isn’t just a letterhead and envelope anymore. It also includes invoices, labels, business cards (5 Tips for Using Business Cards Effectively), notecards, and folders.
•Direct Mail
Some of the most common forms of direct mail include postcards, flyers, brochures, and letters. This form of mail advertising is ideal for targeting specific demographics that are not always in the same neighborhood. Want to learn more? Check out: How to Create a Successful Direct Mail Campaign)
•Hang Tags
They are exactly what they sound like: a small tag that hangs from an item with info printed on one or both sides. Most commonly, hang tags are used for pricing. But they can also be used to promote additional products, social media sites, production information, and more. Interested in learning more about hang tags? Head over to the blog How to Elevate Your Brand With Hang Tags.
•Yard Signs
When a business needs to get the word out about a new product, service, or promotion, choosing custom yard signs can be an effective way to advertise. Building a great yard sign comes down to utilizing a number of strategies. Check out: Design Tips For Your Custom Yard Sign
•Banners/ Flags
Printed banners and flags can be used for a range of purposes, from product promotions, event promotions, party decorations, store advertisements, and more. They also come in many options and sizes.
Now you know a future trivia question about digital and print marketing! But, what form of marketing is best suited for your business? The first step is to create an effective marketing strategy. Most likely a nice balance between the two will provide you with a holistic marketing approach – one that allows you to reach as many potential customers as possible, in a variety of spaces.
Once you have a plan in mind, reach out to us! Our team is on standby to help you with all your print advertising needs – from custom orders to design – we’ve got you covered.
