On and offline media are atwitter with stories about social networking, new media and the like, often making it seem as though traditional forms of marketing are completely outdated. And perhaps some are.
But in a recent post entitled “Why New Media Evangelists Annoy Me”, copywriter Bob Bly points out that although new media and social networking have had some good initial results, these new tactics have not been sufficiently proven to replace conventional marketing methods such as direct mail and space advertising.
And I agree. However, if we’re talking about selling professional services, social networking and new media can be combined with other more conventional relationship building tactics and referral marketing to form an effective, comprehensive marketing strategy.
Granted, a blog can be used to provide good information and help to position you as an expert. Facebook, Linkedin and twitter can help connect you with people who may not otherwise be approachable. Youtube, digg, technorati and google can help your site be found on the internet…
But without getting back to the basics – a solid marketing message, consistent real world marketing efforts and referral relationships with other trusted professionals in your geographic community, can you bring in enough prospects to fill your pipeline, and your bank account?
Anyway, that’s my two cents, what do you think?
Susan Martin, Marketing Coaching
