Branding or Marketing? What do you actually need?

If you've ever been confused by the actual differences between branding & marketing, you're not alone. Often the explanations are full of jargon and not written for you, the business owner.

Here are some of the key roles of branding & marketing side by side.

Branding explains why. >> ie: We believe in xyz & we know you do, too.

Marketing tells how. >> ie: We can work together in these 3 ways.

Branding is your promise. >> ie: We promise to do x internally, for our audience & in society.

Marketing shares your promise. >> ie:

• Every quarter, we do ______ for our team to help them achieve x

• Our offerings include ________to help our audience achieve x

• We participate in these events that also have x as their mission.

Branding defines your message. >> ie: This is how we communicate to close the gap between where we are & where we want to be.

Marketing delivers your message. >> ie: Getting the word out.

Branding builds loyal customers. >> ie: Emotional connections happens because of branding.

Marketing finds & activates buyers. >> ie: For people to love you, they have to know that you exist.

Branding is long term. >> ie: Influencing how people feel about your business happens over time.

Marketing is short term. >> ie: How to meet a specific goal in a set period of time.

BOTH branding & marketing drive sales. >> The two work together as business tools that serve your business.

The ongoing debate is which to tackle first: branding or marketing. 

Interested in talking about how to leverage branding & marketing in your business? Connect with us here.

About the author

Jaime Di Dio is a brand strategist, creative director & designer. With over 20 years in the design industry and 15 years as a business owner, she has consulted on a diverse portfolio of brands in both the B2B and B2C space working directly with business owners and marketing VPs.