Catalogs/brochures and websites
Many companies used to use catalogs and brochures to visually showcase their collection of products. Websites have since replaced them - they provide enhanced interactivity including search functions, sorting functions, 360 degree product photos and in some cases even embedded videos. You can also update websites instantly at any time and use analytics to determine who is interacting with them. This tend to make them far superior (although catalogs and brochures can still have their uses). By working with an internet marketing service for website development, you can build a site that is user-friendly and converts customers.
Phonebooks and search engines
Search engines have almost completely replaced the phonebook. It used to be the case that if you wanted to search for a particular service, you’d look it up in the Yellow Pages (and companies could pay top dollar for full page or highlighted listings). Nowadays, everyone uses the likes of Google and Bing and paying SEO agencies to achieve high rankings has become the equivalent of a pride-of-pace phonebook ad.
Direct mail and email marketing
People used to get all kinds of promotional materials mailed to their address. Much of this mail has now been replaced by emails - which are quicker, easier and cheaper to send. Of course, nowadays many of us receive too many emails to read. This has led to some companies returning to direct mail (particularly as more people are now working from home and there is less direct mail to compete with).
TV advertising and online video advertising
The internet has helped to make video advertising accessible to all. Most regular companies who could not afford to run a TV advert can now share video adverts much more cheaply via Facebook, YouTube or other social media sites. There are big differences however - online video ads are typically skippable on platforms like YouTube, while Facebook automatically mutes videos while scrolling. The major benefit: online videos can be more carefully targeted.
Public noticeboards and social media
Social media has largely replaced public noticeboards when it comes to adverts, announcements and other information. However, social media sites are also so much more than this - they are virtual town squares where everyone can meet and where you can engage with your audience. Of course, you also need to be more careful or what you say and do, because social media pages can be shared much further and wider.
Seminars and webinars
Webinars the obvious digital equivalent of seminars. Also known as virtual conferences, these digital events can serve educational or promotional purposes. People can more easily attend them from around the world and can ask questions via a live chat. They don’t offer the same networking potential as physical seminars - and, for this reason, haven’t completely replaced them. To make it easier for attendees to connect with speakers or organizers, many hosts share a digital business card qr code during or after the session so participants can quickly save contact details and follow up.
