We are constantly told that SEO and social media are the keys to market your business in this digital age.

Though, we acknowledge the strides digital marketing has made over the last three decades. But, let's not forget that whatever digital marketing has garnered, it has done it alongside traditional marketing.

YES. You read that right.

It would be foolhardy to say that digital marketing has replaced traditional techniques.

Print Media Is Still Popular

Does your father or your uncle still read a magazine? Do you still receive letters and postcards through post? We know you do, even if it is seldom.

There is still a significant population that likes to read conventional printed content. Now, be it on a magazine cover or in a daily newspaper.

Although the print media might not perform as good as it did about three decades ago, it does not mean it is not practical.

Even if the printed media reaches only half of the number of people that digital marketing could, it still counts as one-third of the total audience.

Now, that's something you can't really afford to lose. Or is it?

Never mind, there are still some key performing areas where printed media proves to be more effective.

Consider this example.

When people walk into Walmart stores, they still pick up brochures and read printed information. For nutritional facts also, people rely on the prints at the back of the food packages.

Likewise, people come across flyers and banners in a business event or a trade show (mostly flex). And they are still engaging!

What do these examples signify?

Well, printed media is still popular, although not everywhere.

Traditional Marketing As A Constant Reminder

Did you know - about 80% of internet users never click on a banner ad?

There are even opinions that consider display ads as forced marketing.

Now, compare this with a leaflet or a flyer that someone puts in your hands. You're more likely to look into it, although it might eventually end up in the recycling bin. Or the best, it could end up on your desk.

No matter what happens with the printed media, it is more likely to be a constant reminder. More so, if you come across it again and again, let's say when it ends up on your desk.

The same goes true with other traditional advertisements. For example, business cards are still important. Even if they may seldom come out of your wallet, they may still remind you of the brand or the person who gave it to you. And seed a constant memory of the same.

Thus, creating a longer-lasting impression.

Here are some traditional print media marketing tools that still work.

Billboards

How many times do you come across large billboards by the side of a freeway or highway? And how many times do you ignore them? And, even if you miss them once, do you try to read them the next time you pass them by?

Studies reveal that billboards with less text and more images are more likely to engage the audience. Moreover, since the time that travellers or passers-by spend on a billboard is often less than 4 seconds, clever placements and creative content ideas can help raise brand awareness to an all-new level.

Perhaps, Times Square in NY is the perfect example of this statement. It still engages thousands of citizens and travellers every day.

Business Cards

Human interactions are still considered the primary driver for nurturing business relations.

It helps build credibility and earn customer trust. And business cards are the key to it.

Think of it this way. You meet up with a potential customer. You introduce yourself and your company.

They might seem moved by your conversation, but you still need them to remember you. And your business card helps with the same.

Plus, it acts as the key contact note for your potential customers.

Direct Mails

When it comes to ads, direct mails offer a more personalized experience.

Studies reveal that direct mails yield faster conversions than emails. More so, your customers would find it more trustworthy if they receive direct mails in their mailbox.

You can send newsletters, merchandise or even an exclusive deal to your customers through direct mails. And be assured that they would respond back.

Flyers And Brochures

In this digital age, flyers and brochures can still be a feasible marketing method.

Besides, they are economical as compared to other traditional advertising methods such as TVCs and Radio ads.

More so, flyers and brochures nurture a physical connection between your brand and your customers. As a result, they are more likely to absorb printed information than any of the digital messages you share with them.

How To Merge Traditional And Digital?

For most business owners, reaching out to the right audience would mean using data. But at the same time, neglecting a convertible audience is something that they cannot compromise.

Merging traditional marketing tools with digital could be the answer to this problem.

For example, you can use the data from your social media efforts and determine your audience demographics. Besides, you can also identify the key locations where your audience is present.

Further, you can use traditional print media in those locations and create content per your demographic target.

It might not be accessible on the first go, but believe us, it would improve with time.

Taking Up A Holistic Approach

On average, a web page contains four or more ads. Whereas, in a magazine, this average reduces down to 0.6 per page.

Simple mathematics. Right?

You stand higher chances of being noticed by your target audience. But does it mean that digital marketing is not vital?

Well, we don't intend to say so in any way possible.

Indeed, there's still a need to find a careful balance between these two seemingly different practices.

With a careful understanding of the market trends and marketing effectiveness, it is possible.

So, what are you waiting for? Start modifying your marketing efforts and get ready to reap the benefits.