Is there a difference between advertising and marketing? I believe that there is.
Here’s why. When you advertise you’re branding your business and putting it out there to create a buzz about who you are and what you do. When you market your business, you’re actually promoting your business and nurturing prospective leads and clients, the brand awareness already exists. You can’t market before you advertise. You have to ensure that you targeting the right audience which requires a lot of thought and research. Too often someone opens a business and just expects that business will just automatically roll through the doors. It takes investment of both time and money to make a business a real success.
Throughout my years of experience in the business world, I have seen several businesses fail at implementing a solid advertising and marketing campaign. Unfortunately business growth can be slowed or diminished when such a campaign is not integrated with a business plan.
The most important aspect of any campaign is knowing who your target market is and where they spend their time learning about your business. For instance, if you’re a local auto dealer, you need to determine who your prospects are and where you should spend dollars in order for them to effectively find you. Local newspapers and direct mail tend to be some of the best solutions for a business of this nature. If you’re an international business however, a local newspaper is not going to work for you. Your advertising might be better through online alternatives and trade shows, as well as international magazine publications. Again, knowing your audience is the most important objective.
Advertising is a needed investment among businesses. Many owners and managers see it as an un-nesccessary expense. This could not be farther from the truth. Advertising in my opinion, should be seen as a business investment. Your goal should be to invest a certain dollar amount to achieve a certain return on that investment. You shouldn’t just spend money on advertising just because. You need to ensure that it works and provides the return you seek. Another important aspect of advertising is to ensure that you track and measure the outcomes of each campaign. This will provide feedback for what works and what doesn’t. Be sure to change your campaigns to fit the needs of your business.
So then what is marketing and where does it fit in the grand scheme of things? Marketing is essentially used after you have implemented a successful advertising campaign and your audience understands your solutions, who you are, and what you do. Marketing is basically keeping your business alive among your audience. You engage on a regular basis, whether it be in local charity events, business events, your local chamber of commerce, trade publications, trade shows, websites, blogs, social media etc. You are maintaining your existence in the business arena.
I have seen some business owners who spend $600 one month, wait for a miracle of new business to come through their door and when it doesn’t, they say advertising didn’t work. Unfortunately their right. You can’t advertise once and expect a result. Statistically it is stated that it takes an average of 5-7 times for a prospect to see your ad or information before they engage to make a purchase or contact. Which means you need to be prepared for the long haul. Be sure to really make an investment in your advertising and marketing campaigns. Success will come when a plan is implemented properly.
Be sure to always include an advertising and marketing campaign within your business plan. If you don’t have one, begin making plans to implement one immediately.
Best of Luck!
Miss Executive, Tina Holtz
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