Marketing, like art, is less about the medium and more about the message.  A marketer’s goal is simple: to introduce a prospect to a product and to suggest it as a solution.

As a marketer, you must first ask yourself what problem the prospect is struggling with; then, based on the answer, decide whether digital or analog marketing will be more persuasive.

When viewed this way, the debate over the superiority of digital vs. analog marketing, or vice versa, is no longer relevant. Instead, what really matters is which will be more likely to shift your audience’s perspective.

If efficiency is what matters, then digital marketing will do the trick. If, on the other hand, a warm and fuzzy approach will seal the deal, then analog, which provides the charm of human interaction, is your best choice.

Let’s take a discount coupon as an example. Will a customer be more responsive to entering a digital coupon code in a website’s checkout page or will the customer prefer the use of personalized stamps on a reward card that brings him or her a few points closer to a free product in the future? The answer, of course, depends on what you’re selling and to whom.

Let’s take a look at both digital and analog marketing options to get a better idea of when to use each one.

When to Use Digital Marketing

1. Write blog posts for continuous content creation.

Blogging is a superb way to express yourself clearly and to share your passion with like-minded people. It’s a way to make a difference. Interestingly enough, when you persistently share your knowledge, you also deepen it and improve your writing skills. Consistent blogging will help you build an audience and a professional network. Remember, every blog post you pen will increase your exposure.

2. Deploy social networking to influence a broader audience.

Social networking will enhance brand awareness. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your company’s visibility. The better your social media strategy, the easier it will be to build your brand, appeal to a broad audience, and engage interest in you and your business.

3. Use YouTube to develop an unfolding dialogue.

YouTube marketing will capture attention and improve search engine rankings. If you have a viral video, you will experience a high volume of traffic, perhaps for months, possibly for years. There has never been a more remarkable way to get worldwide accessibility.

When to Use Analog Marketing

1. Write magazine articles to build quick credibility.

Since space is limited in magazines, only the best articles get published.  You’ll also benefit from an editorial reading to polish your prose. People still read articles in magazines and publishing in a magazine will provide instant credibility. Your best option is to publish in a specialty magazine that targets your audience. If, for instance, you’re marketing a golf product, then publish in a golf digest.

2. Try business networking to develop deeper relationships.

While social media marketing will help you cast a wider net, business networking serves a different capacity. It will be easier to forge connections, snap up opportunities, and get relevant advice when you speak to influencers face-to-face. You can raise your profile and enjoy a positive influence if you craft an exceptional elevator speech and hand out plenty of business cards everywhere you go.

3. Use public speaking to build rapport with a live audience

When you give a good talk, you’ll inspire others, stimulate your own career growth, and develop your social connections. Besides the benefit of receiving feedback from a live audience as you deliver your speech, a particularly good speech may be recorded and uploaded to YouTube or some other video-sharing website.

In conclusion, if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, select the type of marketing that will help you win people over. Both digital and analog marketing have their place in a robust marketing campaign. When you ask customer-centric questions, you’ll be able to decide which will be more influential.