Marketing has changed. Gone are the days when cold calls, print ads and radio spots were the only methods used. A critical question that businesses are confronted with today is Inbound vs Outbound Marketing–where do you invest?
The two methods have merits but knowing the difference can be the key between a wasted expenditure and a scalable growth. Let’s break it down.
What is Inbound Marketing?
Inbound marketing is concerned with inviting customers with value and gaining trust. You do not push your message to the customers but draw them in with useful content that is engaging.
Examples of inbound marketing are:
Blogs and articles that are optimized in terms of SEO.
Social media content
Email newsletters
E-books, guides, and resources
Webinars and podcasts
Inbound marketing is more of a magnet–it attracts individuals who are already seeking what you have to offer.
What is Outbound Marketing?
The conventional approach of marketing is outbound. It is about direct contact with the potential customers, with or without their interest in your product.
The examples of outbound marketing are:
Direct sales and cold calls.
TV, radio, and print ads
Paid internet advertisement (Google Ads, display advertisement)
Trade shows and events
Direct mail campaigns
Outbound marketing is aggressive- you place your brand in the hands of the people to generate demand.
Its not about Inbound vs Outbound marketing; it’s all about Inbound and Outbound marketing.