Branding or Marketing: What’s the difference?
Make Your Business Social Media Savvy
Advertising is a major part of the way we absorb information about the world around us. In recent years, the terms branding and marketing have been used interchangeably, but in reality, they are quite distinct. If you’re wondering what the difference is you’re probably not alone. Do you market your brand or brand your marketing? Is one better than the other? Which one is the better bang for my buck? We hear you. First, let’s break down the key differences between branding and marketing so you can recognize the benefits of each.
Picture this: you’re with a date strolling down 17th Avenue in Calgary on a crisp fall evening, and your eye catches a billboard featuring a handsome cowboy riding a rocket snowboard. This “Winter Cowboy” campaign by a ski resort sticks in your mind, especially if it includes a witty tagline like “Saddle Up and Shred Down,” long after you’ve walked past and found your way to a cocktail bar.
That’s branding at work. It’s the art of creating a unique, distinct identity for your business that shows off your personality. Think of it like a signature style that tells customers what to expect. You might have heard the term “brand recognition,” this happens when a company becomes so ubiquitous that everyone knows what it looks like and what it represents. People want to support it because of what it means to them, there’s a relationship. A memorable and appealing identity invites trust and loyalty, which can lead to increased customer retention and referrals.
Marketing, on the other hand, includes the promotional tactics and strategies you employ to drive customers through your door (even if it’s a metaphorical one). Consider it the snowstorm that ensures our friend the “Winter Cowboy” is seen by everyone. It’s about leveraging every tool at your disposal to reach your target audience, tell your story, and serve a community.
Content Marketing involves creating and sharing content like blogs, videos, podcasts, etc, to attract customers. It builds personal trust while informing the audience and drives organic traffic to your website. Social Media Marketing focuses on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X to connect directly with your audience, build a community, and promote your stuff. It doesn’t matter if your focus is regional or worldwide, you can use paid target advertising to increase visibility and reach a broader audience. Search Engine Optimization is strategically creating your content to rank high in results on search engines like Google. When done effectively it can increase traffic and improve your rankings, making it easier for people to find you.
One paints the canvas, the other ensures the world sees the masterpiece. At Social Boss, we know how to strike the perfect balance between branding and marketing. As a Calgary business, we love providing for our neighbours and we’re happy to extend that offer far and wide. That’s right, our services are available everywhere! If you’re looking to elevate these two pillars of promotion we’re here to help. Let’s connect!