Is email marketing better than social media? This answer may be different depending on who you ask.

The folks at Email Delivered created an infographic that argues both sides. I disagree with some of these points, but I’ll keep them to myself.

Let’s debate this issue in the comment section at the end of this post.

Email Marketing vs Social Media

While there are many valid and profitable reasons for adding social media marketing to your toolbox, the current research shows that it would be a costly mistake to toss email marketing out just yet.

Email Marketing

• Social media has not surpassed email marketing.
• Email is still converting better for a variety of reasons.
• Research shows that spending on email marketing campaigns has increased.
• When someone opts into an email list it is typically in the context of an interest.
• Social media channels are more complementary and additive to email than displacing.

Social Media

• When someone ‘likes’ a Facebook post or follows a company on Twitter, the context is typically more indirect and less overtly commercial.
• Social media is more geared towards sharing statuses.
• To be effective in social media marketing, it is generally agreed that a less direct, more entertaining approach that respects the nature of why people visit sites like Facebook works the best.
• People on Facebook like to stay on Facebook so try sending them to a fan page instead of your home page.
• Most social media can now run laser targeted ad campaigns to people who are ideal for your product or service.
• Capture the people who are interested in your Facebook ads to an email list. Accomplish this by incorporating an opt-in form inside your campaign.

Infographic