This articles was updated: 02 October 2025
The great debate – is digital marketing better than traditional marketing? There are many ways to skin a cat, as they say, and it’s no different when it comes to marketing. Traditional marketing vs digital marketing has been a hot topic for decades, but just what is the difference and how can it benefit your business:
What is digital marketing?
Digital marketing uses the internet and various digital channels to market to potential customers. Websites and social media are great examples of using these channels to attract customers through effective marketing communication.
What is traditional marketing?
The flip side is traditional marketing which uses offline media to reach potential customers. Traditional channels such as billboards, printed media and TV commercials are all examples of this form of marketing.
To get a clearer definition, we reached out to Nosisa, Marketing Assistant at SOMS Digital, who could break it down for us. In her words: Digital marketing is not designed to cast a net wide, but rather to be targeted and precisely for whomever it’s meant to reach.
Which is better?
As the digital revolution continues to grip various industries, many believe traditional marketing is slowly falling away. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Utilising traditional marketing (magazines, radio ads, etc.) to connect to customers has its place, especially when you consider many are starting to look for ways to disconnect from the digital world.
Digital marketing is important in its own right, especially when considering so much of our lives is spent online. Whether this is scrolling social media, searching for our next holiday destination or paying bills, the internet has infiltrated every aspect of our daily lives, and digital marketing attempts to take full advantage.
Each marketing channel provides its own benefit to your business. Here are just a few:
Traditional Marketing:
Pro: It reaches potential customers who spend time away from their computers and smartphones. It’s perfect for reaching an “older demographic that’s not very tech-savvy or invested in smart phones,” says Nosisa.
“This audience is usually best reached by means of offline mediums such radio, television and print media.”
Con: It’s not always as measurable as digital marketing, and it can become quite costly.
Digital Marketing:
Pro: You can reach a targeted and larger audience that affordably increases brand awareness.
“It’s easier to conduct market research, hence it’s easier to target your ideal audience.”
Con: The digital landscape is vast, but it’s also highly competitive. To reach the right audience and convert them, you will need an effective digital marketing strategy to help you beat out the competition. What’s more, “success of a brand in the digital landscape can be fickle due to constant algorithm changes on social media platforms and search engines can impact the visibility of your brand, ” notes Nosisa.
The Bottom line…
Find what works for you! Your business is unique, and you have a great understanding of where your potential customers hang out. Each marketing channel has advantages and disadvantages, but understanding what your marketing needs are will help you decide whether traditional marketing or digital marketing is best for your business.
As a leading Digital Marketing Agency in South Africa, you can speak to us about creating a digital marketing strategy which helps your business reach the right people.
