Critics of Social Media; The limits of social media and digital marketing

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Social media is a powerful and commonly used tool in the marketing industry. Especially in the 21st century, many business rely on social media to boost brand awareness and in turn, boost leads and sales. However, does this mean that traditional marketing is dead?

Since business have been transitioning from traditional marketing to digital marketing, what is going to happen to traditional marketing?

Lets list down some of the PROS of traditional marketing – it is harder to ignore. It offers more DIY options. It poses less potential risk for your brand. It is better at reaching certain audiences. As it is a form of direct mail, it is better able to deliver specific offers to specific people.

Here are some CONS of traditional marketing – much more expensive than digital marketing. Often not as measurable as digital marketing. Can take longer to execute and refine than digital campaigns. Does not have the same ability to target and sub-segment as digital marketing and is gradually losing its audience.

Moving to the PROS of digital marketing – it is able to have a global reach at a lower cost. Trackable and measurable results. Create personalization and openness to customers.

Some CONS of digital marketing – it requires skills and training to carry out digital marketing successfully. It is time consuming. Has high competition. Complaints and feedbacks are transparent for everyone to see. There might be security and privacy issues.

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As per Mark Ritson – Social media is a waste of time for marketers and those who rely on social media are “poorly trained idiots”.

There will always be a link between traditional and digital marketing. People waiting for the next train will chance upon the billboard poster and take notice of the what is written on the poster. That person might actually be interested and google about the brand or product on the poster on the internet, leading that person to the digital media where there is much more information online.

Gojek was one the company that caught my attention using traditional marketing. I downloaded the app when I chanced upon their ad while waiting for my train sometime ago where it states the first 2 rides is free! Hence, I agree to a certain extent with what Mark Ritson said and that traditional marketing is not dead!

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