What's The Difference? Marketing & Advertising

We have all heard the terms "marketing" & "advertising" and we all know roughly what they mean. These terms are often used interchangeably, and some people don't even realize they are not the same. As a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone interested in the field, it is important to understand and distinguish between the two.  

If I am trying to lose 20lbs before my wedding in 8 weeks, there are many things I may take into consideration. How long do I have? What foods should I avoid? What foods should I eat more of? How many grams of carbs, protein, fat? What should I do at the gym? How much cardio? Do I lift weights? What time do I eat? How much do I eat? 

If I were to say, "I am only going to eat 1 salad every day for 8 weeks until I lose 20lbs," I could likely lose weight over those 8 weeks. Going from 3-4 meals a day to only 1 would make me quite irritable - not to mention when that 1 meal is crunchy water... 

If I were to say "I am going to the gym every day for the next 8 weeks. I am running 25 miles until I lose 20lbs." I would more than likely lose the weight. For someone who doesn't run a lot (especially 20 miles) I can tell you my legs would be screaming at me more than my little cousin when I told her Santa wasn't real – a story for another time.  

What if I were to say, "I'm going to eat healthy (salad, chicken, fruit) and do some moderate exercise (jogging, lifting, stretching) for the next 8 weeks and lose 20lbs." That will likely work. I can tell you; I will also be much happier compared to the first two options.

Why would I do the last option, you may ask? Why would I work out when I can just change the way I eat? Why would I change the way I eat when I can just workout?  

Both of those options are at the extreme ends. You can't put all your eggs in one basket.  

When it's my dad's birthday in 2 weeks am I supposed to tell him I won't be enjoying his 2 favorite things with him on his birthday (steak and ice cream cake) because I am on an 8-week salad diet? What if this is his last birthday? 

What happens when I pull my right ass cheek running on the treadmill during week 2? Am I supposed to make like a waitress at IHOP and 1 leg it?  

Marketing is no different. Advertising is a subset of marketing focused on promotional activity, brand awareness, and is usually a short-term tactic. If you spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on solely advertising, you would inevitably increase your sales (I would hope), but is the juice worth the squeeze? 

Marketing is the entire process of bringing a product to market, building customer relationships, and ensuring your product gets in front of your target audience. Marketing is eating right and exercising. With good marketing you will get the results you want faster, more efficiently, and won't be putting all your eggs in one basket! 

Building the entire process is important, just like everything else on your to-do list. With guaranteed results, D. McNabb Marketing could be a good match for you. Get in touch!