Types of Marketing Channels: Direct and Indirect

Marketing channels can be divided into two main categories: direct and indirect. Direct channels involve a direct connection between the company and the customer, while indirect channels involve a third party. Today, the most popular types of marketing channels are websites, email, targeted digital advertising, and events (digital or in-person). In the past, people used to use a direct distribution channel (such as emails) or an indirect marketing channel (such as television).

Broadly speaking, there are four main types of marketing channels: paid, free, digital and traditional. Paid channels include social media, influencers, and paid ads. Free channels include content marketing, organic search engine optimization (SEO), and word-of-mouth. Digital channels include websites, email, and targeted digital advertising.

Traditional channels include television, radio, print media, and direct mail. Placement is the way in which a company ensures that its target market has access to its products or services in the place where it is most likely to look for that product or service. If you hire professionals to help you with marketing, you'll invest more resources, such as cash, in free marketing channels. Whether you need quick inspiration or a complete step-by-step guide to using the right marketing channels, this resource can help.

A marketing strategy is the highest-level global vision that ensures that all marketing activities align with strategic business objectives. Tactics are not specific to a single type of content or marketing channel, but are concepts that can unify campaigns. Terminus can help you consolidate all your marketing channels and marketing efforts, making it easier than ever to determine if your organization is moving in the right direction. Terminus provides marketing teams with the data they need to know who their next customers are, all the channels they need to capture their attention, and the customizable reports and attribution to demonstrate their impact.

According to a survey by Terminus, 83% of marketers use affiliate marketing in the awareness phase and 79% use it for conversion. Either approach can work well as long as all marketing activities align with the overall vision established in a unified marketing strategy. While online marketing may be “something new”, traditional marketing is still extremely effective today. For example, you might hear marketers refer to a digital marketing strategy, which would take advantage of many digital marketing channels, including the website, email, and social media. A great example of using podcasting to build authority is Michael Stelzner's World Social Media Marketing Summit.

Stelzner wanted to better publicize the summit and increase attendance. Nathan has 15 years of proven experience in corporate and startup marketing and continues to venture off the beaten path.

Amber Reynolds
Amber Reynolds

Typical internet junkie. Typical music trailblazer. Extreme web practitioner. Amateur music guru. Extreme beer advocate.