Introduction
Inbound and outbound marketing are strategies used to attract potential customers and guide them through the marketing funnel. People have debated for decades which one of these strategies is better for lead generation and ultimately, conversions.
Both methods work well if done correctly. Let’s explore them further and discuss what they are, their differences, and how to incorporate both into your upcoming marketing plan in this month’s Vortex Marketing Blog.
Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing is a strategy where businesses make relevant content their target audience would find interesting. The goal is that their clients will come to them through organic discovery and brand awareness. A successful inbound marketing effort prioritizes quality content creation and SEO.
Some examples of inbound marketing include social media marketing, blog posting, video content marketing, SEO, and podcasting.
Outbound Marketing
Outbound marketing is a direct marketing strategy where businesses actively seek out potential clients and initiate conversations. The goal is to drive customers through the marketing funnel by sheer attention and approachability.
Some examples of outbound marketing include cold calling, TV ads, billboards, cold emails, and display ads.
Inbound vs. Outbound: The Main Differences
There are a few important distinctions between inbound and outbound marketing.
To begin, inbound marketing is more passive and usually slower to gain exposure. Whereas, outbound marketing is direct and usually quicker.
Outbound marketing tends to be more expensive because it involves traditional paid advertisements. Inbound marketing is an internal effort and can be accomplished without buying ads.
The one exception is PPC ads, which are thought to be