Digital marketing and traditional marketing share the same fundamental mission: identifying a target audience and their needs, connecting the audience to products that fill those needs, and convincing the audience to follow through with purchasing products. However, connecting with customers in a virtual space (digital marketing) involves different methods of connection than traditional marketing. Here are a few of the key differences:.

Digital marketing typically refers to online marketing campaigns that appear on a computer, phone, tablet, or other device. It can take many forms, including online video, display ads, search engine marketing, paid social ads and social media posts. Digital marketing is often compared to “traditional marketing” such as magazine ads, billboards, and direct mail. Oddly, television is usually lumped in with traditional marketing.
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Terence F. Atab

Traditional marketing includes:

Reaching out to locally targeted audiences—e.g. purchasing print or broadcast advertising that runs in specific geographical areas.

Producing physical marketing materials—things like brochures, catalogs, and fliers.

Relying on traditional delivery channels—think familiar delivery methods like television, newspaper, magazine, and radio ads, mailed advertisements, and voice sales calls.

In-person marketing events—establishing a brand presence at conferences, conventions, seminars, etc.

Digital marketing includes:

Customizing an audience from a global population—digital audiences can be reached anywhere with internet access, meaning digital marketers can fine tune their audiences using demographics that best fit their campaign (not only region, but also age, gender, personal preferences, etc).

Audience interaction—unlike more passive traditional marketing (e.g. a television viewer watching a commercial), digital marketers are able to interact directly with their audience through forums like website comment sections, social media accounts, and interactive quizzes.

Using multiple delivery channels based on audience needs and preferences—dynamic web content allows digital marketers to offer their audience a range of delivery channels (including YouTube videos, Instagram posts, blog articles, and marketing emails), then letting the audience engage with the channels that appeal to them the most.

Online marketing events—similar to conferences and conventions in traditional marketing, digital marketers host online events like webinars, product demonstrations, and courses, which can often be attended “live” or viewed afterward on demand.