Marketing V's Advertising

Do you know the difference between "Marketing" and "Advertising"?

Many people and businesses see marketing and advertising as the same thing.

However when broken down they are very different beasts.

Marketing:

Put as simply as possible is the accumulated processes of making your product or service stand out, appear compelling or enticing to a set consumer group or demographic.

V's

Advertising:

Advertising can be defined as a subset or process within the overarching definition of marketing as the vehicle you use to deliver your marketing message to its intended recipients.

Eg. 

Your business has a Logo and Catchphrase. 

This is Marketing as it builds a perception, market position or brand of your business.

You then put this Logo or Catchphrase onto a sign out the front of your business. 

This is classed as Advertising as the sign is the vehicle used to create awareness for your marketing message which is your Logo.

The big stand out for me amongst businesses is the blurred line between marketing and advertising and the different beasts they both are.

They are two critical components of any successful business, but they are often mistaken as one and the same.

While they both play a role in promoting a business and driving sales, they are two distinct strategies that require different approaches and methods to be effective.

Marketing is a comprehensive approach that encompasses a wide range of strategies and techniques aimed at promoting and selling products or services. It encompasses everything from product development to market research, including advertising, and public relations.

Marketing is the driving force behind a company's overall brand strategy, and it is responsible for creating and maintaining a business's image and reputation.

Advertising, on the other hand, is a subset of marketing that specifically focuses on promoting and selling products or services through various media channels. It involves creating and placing advertisements, such as TV commercials, online ads, and print ads, to reach a large target audience.

Advertising is an important tool in promoting a business and driving sales, but it is just one component of a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Let's put it into a different context

One of the key differences between marketing and advertising is their focus.

Marketing is a broader strategy that focuses on the overall image and reputation of a business, while advertising is more focused on how we actually reach our audience and in turn generating leads and sales.

Marketing strategies are often long-term and can take time to show results, but they are essential for building brand recognition and establishing a strong reputation in the market.

Advertising, on the other hand, is a more immediate and direct way of promoting a product or service, and it is designed get your message or marketing in front of your target market to drive sales quickly.

Another important difference between marketing and advertising is their cost.

Marketing can be expensive and resource-intensive, as it requires a range of strategies, systems and techniques to be implemented effectively.

Advertising, can be cost effective depending on what results or KPI you are measuring it against. It involves creating and placing advertisements, which can be less expensive than other marketing efforts like market research, product development, public relations and general brand development.

Finally, it is essential to understand that marketing and advertising are complementary strategies, and both are necessary for a business to succeed.

A well-executed marketing strategy will help establish a strong brand and reputation, while effective advertising can position that strategy converting it in to leads and sales.

The key is to find the right balance between the two, so that they work together to achieve the desired results.

In conclusion, while marketing and advertising are defined as different things, they are both critical components of any strong and successful business ecosystem.

To put as simply as I can:

Marketing = The Businesses message.

Advertising = The delivery system to get that message to your customers.

Understanding the differences between the two and how they complement each other is essential for businesses that want to promote their products or services effectively while keeping costs under control.

With the right approach and balance, businesses can achieve their marketing and sales goals while building a strong reputation and brand in the market.

If you feel like delving into this even deeper feel free to drop me an email or reach out on any of the contact details below.