Branding and marketing are two vital business function that works together with the aim of increasing revenue. It’s important for businesses to understand the difference between branding and marketing, so they can allocate their resources accordingly. This blog will provide a detailed guide to help you understand the key distinctions between the two.
First, let’s break down the definitions of branding and marketing:
1. What is Branding?
Have you ever wondered how you can create a perception in people’s minds about what your company truly is and what it does, even before people start buying your product or visiting your website? Well, a brand is the perception people have of your company and this is what branding is all about. It’s a little more complex than that, but it all starts with creating a brand.
What is a Brand?
Brand is a name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller’s good or service as distinct from those of other sellers (American Marketing Association). Branding is the process of giving a meaning to specific organization, company, products or services by creating and shaping a brand in consumers minds. It is a strategy designed by organizations to help people to quickly identify and experience their brand and give them a reason to choose their products over the competition by clarifying what this particular brand is and is not.
What is Marketing?
Marketing is the activity that businesses or individuals carry out to promote their product or service. This can be done through various means, such as promotion, advertisement, selling products and services to consumers. Marketing is a key component of any business and can include aspects like writing product descriptions, designing website pages, improving customer service, establishing business & market segments, conducting market research. Marketing involves strategies that aid in the growth of a business venture. There are many steps involved in marketing including studying the market, creating effective campaigns, and analyzing data to see what is working and what isn’t.
Marketing is all around us, whether we realize it or not. It’s the reason we see ads on TV, or why there are billboards along the highway. Even the emails and calls asking us to buy products or sign up for services are part of marketing campaigns.
HOW TO DISTINGUISH BRANDING AND MARKETING?
Your branding is what sets you apart from your competition and builds a connection with your customers that will last over time. Even if your current marketing efforts are designed to engage, it is the ongoing branding that keeps customers coming back. Competition is fierce, and there are companies who offer comparable products and services or even the exact same products and services that you offer. It is your branding that will keep your customers returning for more. It is your branding that builds loyalty and trust. It is your branding that makes you unique.
The world of marketing is always changing- just like the products and services your company offers. In order to be successful, marketing efforts must be carefully tailored to specific sectors of your target audience while still supporting the core values of your brand.
There are many different types of marketing, including but not limited to: Digital Marketing, SEO, Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Pay Per Click (PPC) Marketing, mobile marketing, E-Mail Marketing, Google Ads, Television, Radio, and Print Campaigns.
Conclusion
A strong brand is essential to any business’s success. Without a solid foundation, your success may be short-lived by understanding the difference between marketing and branding you can build a foundation that will allow your business to thrive. Branding is the solid starting point that all strong structures need. It is the foundation upon which you will build your marketing efforts.