Traditional marketing training is broken.
For years, businesses have been sending their teams to generic training programmes, ticking the ‘professional development’ box, and hoping for the best. But let’s be real - does anyone actually walk away from a one-size-fits-all workshop and suddenly become a better marketer? Unlikely.
Here’s why traditional training falls short - and what to do instead. If you’re looking for a training solution that actually works, download our brochure to see how Fabric can help.
1. It’s One-Size-Fits-None
Traditional training is often designed for broad groups rather than tailored to individual needs. While courses may cater to different levels, they rarely adapt to each marketer's unique challenges, learning style, or day-to-day realities. This can lead to a disconnect between the training content and what actually helps someone improve in their role.
And because it’s often delivered in a classroom-style setting or through pre-recorded online courses, it can feel impersonal. There’s little opportunity for real engagement, interaction, or immediate feedback, making it easy to switch off and forget half of what you’ve just learned. If it’s not directly relevant to your challenges or applied in real time, it’s probably not sticking.
2. You Can’t Measure If It’s Actually Working
Ever tried proving the ROI of traditional training? It’s a nightmare.
Most programmes rely on manual tracking or vague feedback forms (“Did you enjoy the session?” - sure, but did it make me better at my job?). There’s little data on whether employees are actually applying what they’ve learned in the real world. And if you can’t measure impact, how do you justify the investment?
3. Knowledge Retention is Terrible
People forget stuff - fast.
Without reinforcement, the ‘Forgetting Curve’ kicks in, and most of what’s taught disappears from memory within days. Traditional training often takes a ‘one-and-done’ approach, expecting attendees to absorb everything in a single session. That’s not how real learning works.
Modern marketers need just-in-time learning - access to knowledge exactly when they need it, not six months before they actually apply it.
4. It Can’t Keep Up With Marketing’s Rapid Pace
Marketing moves fast. Traditional training doesn’t.
Most training courses rely on static content that becomes outdated before you’ve even had a chance to implement it. By the time you’ve finished a course, the landscape has shifted, a new platform has emerged, or consumer behaviour has changed - and you’re back at square one.
On top of that, many businesses focus on training as an ‘event’ rather than embedding a learning culture. A single workshop isn’t enough to keep marketers at the top of their game - ongoing learning is key.
So, What’s the Alternative?
If traditional training doesn’t work, what does?
Personalised, continuous learning that’s tailored to individual needs, provides real-world application, and adapts as fast as marketing does. That’s exactly what we do at Fabric.
Our expert practitioner-led coaching, masterclasses, and community mentoring give marketers the skills they actually need - when they need them. No generic lectures, no wasted time, just real learning that drives real results.
Want to see how it works? Download our brochure to find out more.