Digital Selling Vs. Social Selling – Which Is Which [2023]
In the fast-paced world of sales, keeping up with the latest strategies is essential for success. Digital selling or social selling? Hmm…
While social selling has certainly made waves in recent years, it's important not to overlook the bigger picture.
Enter digital selling – a holistic approach that encompasses all aspects of the sales process, from research to engagement to closing the deal.
As the progenitor of social selling, digital selling is the natural evolution of this strategy, offering even greater potential for sales teams and organizations to thrive.
What Is A Digital Selling Strategy?
Picture this… you're a salesperson in the 21st century, armed with a smartphone, a laptop, and a world of digital tools at your fingertips.
So, what exactly does a digital selling strategy entail?
It's all about leveraging the latest technologies and platforms to reach, engage and convert potential customers.
According to LinkedIn, 73% of sellers use technology to close more deals.
This could include anything from using social media to build relationships with prospects, creating personalized email campaigns, and embracing the power of video to deliver your message in a memorable and impactful way.
With the right strategy in place, you'll be able to leap tall sales targets in a single bound, connect with prospects faster than a speeding bullet, and close deals more powerfully than a locomotive!
What's A Social Selling Strategy?
It's all about using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to engage with prospects, share content, and build relationships.
According to a study, salespeople who use social selling close 40%-50% more new business than those who don't.
You can think of it like a digital cocktail party – except instead of small talk and hors d'oeuvres, you're serving up valuable insights, industry news, and personalized messages that resonate with your target audience.
So, what does a strategy look like in action?
Imagine reaching out to a prospect on LinkedIn, commenting on one of their posts, and sharing an article that you think they might find interesting.
Or perhaps you connect with a prospect on Twitter, start a conversation around a topic they're interested in, and share a link to your blog post that dives deeper into that topic.
Social Selling Vs Digital Selling
| Digital Selling | Social Selling | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Using digital tools to sell products | Using social media to build relationships and sell products |
| Focus | More on sales and closing deals | More on building relationships and trust |
| Platforms | Websites, email, chatbots, etc. | Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. |
| Automation | More automation possible | More personalized and human interaction |
| Metrics | Focus on conversions and revenue | Focus on engagement and relationship-building |
| Sales Cycle | Generally shorter sales cycle | Longer sales cycle due to focus on relationship-building |
| Target Audience | Broad range of customers | Specific target audience based on social media analysis |
| Content | Can be more promotional | Focus on adding value and being informative |
| Importance in 2023 | Important for all industries | Increasingly important for B2B industries |
| Key Benefits | Efficiency and scalability | Building trust and credibility |
Digital selling is like using a bazooka to hit a bullseye – it's all about closing deals quickly and efficiently using a variety of digital tools.
On the other hand, social selling is more like a magnet that attracts potential customers by building relationships and trust on social media platforms.
While they have different focuses, platforms, and target audiences, they both require a personalized approach and a deep understanding of the target audience. It's like making a custom suit for each potential customer – it takes time and effort, but it's worth it for the perfect fit.
Is There A Clear Winner Between The Two In 2023?
It's…. hard to say.
They both have their own unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on… you (or your sales team in this case).
The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the specific needs and goals of a business or sales team.
For example…
Do you want to close deals quickly and efficiently? Digital selling.
Build long-term relationships with potential customers? Social selling is better.
The decision may also depend on the target audience, as some demographics may be more responsive to one approach over the other.
But one thing's for sure: if you combine the power of both digital selling and social selling, you'll have a sales strategy that's super mega-powerful.
