Written by Allison Herrera
Branding and marketing work hand-in-hand with one another, but they are two separate concepts that many people become easily confused on and/or interchange terms. So many people ask us which one should they focus on to grow my business. The answer is actually both!
What Is Branding?
Think of a brand as a visual component. Brands are comprised of your logo, colors, style, tone, and voice. Branding is who your company is – what it looks like, its personality and how it engages with others. I like to tell clients your brand is your company’s identity and tells your company’s story.
Digital branding is the same concept, but online. It focuses on websites, social media, blogs, and newsletters when developing relationships and building engagement, which educates, entertains, and boosts exposure.
What Is Marketing?
Marketing is the act of promoting and selling your products and/or services. Unlike branding, marketing is high-paced and changes day after day – especially since this digital era has blossomed. Marketing is simply another route for potential clients to see where your products/services are available.
What’s The Difference?
Branding is who you are and marketing is how you build awareness. Branding creates your company’s personality, whereas marketing is an extension of that. Everyone likes parties, right? Well, let’s think of this as a party.
Marketing is the party planner. She sends out the invitations for the event you are hosting. The invitation must look good – enticing the receiver to come to the party. So, if people show up to your party, your invitation (aka marketing) is a hit! Now, where does branding fit? Well, branding is the experience your guests receive from attending your event!
You most definitely cannot successfully market your business without developing your company’s brand. The flip side to that is you can’t build a company’s brand without marketing it. Branding is the key that drives marketing because branding is strategic. Branding defines your long-term goals and how you’re planning to achieve them – giving you the path you need toward achieving your organization’s mission. Whereas marketing is all about tactics – it’s much more concrete and is often oriented toward smaller steps and a shorter time frame along the way.
Do you have any questions about your brand or want to boost your marketing? Let’s chat – we would love to help you out. Email us today at contact@uptowngirl.media for a customized brand + marketing plan.
