Is inbound marketing still effective? While some believe inbound marketing is dying, it is still a popular methodology, as it combines various marketing tactics into its own philosophy. It can also work well with outbound methods and fits the future of empathetic marketing and storytelling.
Inbound and Outbound Marketing May Be Combinable
You may not have to make the choice between inbound and outbound (or other marketing ideas). Brands often use a combination within their broader Ws Database marketing strategies.
After all, outbound is known for bringing in quick results, while inbound tends to be a long game. This means both could conceivably work together.
That said, it’s best to think about whether an outbound strategy fits your brand and your audience. Or, will it potentially change the face of your brand and its authenticity?
Be careful that the techniques you use don’t oppose each other. For instance, you could potentially offend your buyer persona with an in-your-face ad that isn’t helpful or meaningful.
Some tactics, such as cold calling, may never go over well with your audience, while others, like strategic social media ads, may be considered okay.
Something to consider is to use what you’ve learned from the inbound methodology when placing ads. Think about your buyer persona and how to reach out to them.
Ads don’t necessarily need to be obnoxious or aggressive. You could try connecting by speaking to the problem you know your audience is facing in a genuine, helpful and compassionate way.
In reality, Hubspot lists tactics you may think of as outbound, including ads and social media, as tools you can use to attract customers within the inbound methodology.
While outbound usually sacrifices long-term customer relationships in favor of quick gains, inbound uses techniques like ads to bring new people into its process that aims to convert, satisfy and keep them as long-term connections.
There May Be a Bigger Picture
There may be additional strategies to try. Adjustments might need to be made to conversion techniques. A failure to attract or convert doesn’t conclusively say that this philosophy is a failure altogether.
Patience is required to see some of the results. Some say that it doesn’t work by itself because a business can’t solely wait around for customers to find it. In this case, maybe it’s time to incorporate those ads and social media posts that GE Lists can be used within inbound.
