Marketing has changed — and it’s still changing fast.
Not long ago, billboards, flyers, newspaper ads, and radio slots were the backbone of business promotion. Today, social media ads, email campaigns, SEO, and online content dominate the conversation. For small and medium businesses, the real question is no longer if marketing has shifted, but how to adapt without falling behind.
At MyDailyLink, this shift is something our Head of Marketing, Katleho Bala, has witnessed firsthand over the years.
What Is Digital Marketing and What Is Traditional Marketing?
Traditional marketing refers to offline methods such as:
- Print ads (newspapers, magazines, flyers)
- Billboards and posters
- Radio and TV adverts
- Direct mail
Digital marketing, on the other hand, uses online channels like:
- Social media advertising
- Email marketing
- Search engine optimisation (SEO)
- Paid online ads and marketplaces
- Website and content marketing
Both aim to reach customers — but the way they do it, and the results they deliver, are very different.
The Difference Between Digital Marketing and Traditional Marketing
One of the biggest differences is measurability.
With traditional marketing, it’s often hard to know what’s working. You may distribute thousands of flyers but never truly know how many converted into sales.
Digital marketing offers real-time data:
- Clicks
- Leads
- Conversions
- Engagement
- Return on investment
Katleho Bala has observed that while traditional marketing still builds awareness, digital marketing allows businesses to test, optimise, and scale faster than ever before.
Why Digital Marketing Has Reached New Heights
Over the years, digital marketing has evolved from simple online ads to highly targeted, data-driven strategies. Businesses can now reach the right people, at the right time, with the right message.
According to Katleho, one of the biggest accelerators has been automation and artificial intelligence. AI-driven tools now help with:
- Audience targeting
- Email personalisation
- Content optimisation
- Performance analysis
This means digital marketing isn’t just growing — it’s becoming smarter, faster, and more effective.
Is Traditional Marketing Becoming Obsolete?
Not completely — but its role is changing.
Traditional marketing still has value for:
- Local brand awareness
- Certain industries and demographics
- Reinforcing trust and visibility
However, for most small and medium businesses, relying on traditional marketing alone is no longer enough. Costs are higher, tracking is limited, and flexibility is low.
Digital marketing, by contrast, continues to expand — and with AI entering the space, its influence is only going to increase.
Which One Is Better Suited for Your Business?
For most modern businesses, the answer is clear: digital-first marketing.
That doesn’t mean abandoning traditional methods entirely, but it does mean shifting focus. Businesses that invest in digital marketing gain:
- Better targeting
- Lower entry costs
- Measurable results
- Long-term scalability
At MyDailyLink, we help businesses strike the right balance — but we’re clear on one thing: the future of marketing is digital, and it’s already here.
