The terms branding and marketing are often used interchangeably. But they are two distinctly different things that serve different purposes. Both are important, and it’s important that you understand both and how to utilize them to build a strong business. So, what’s the difference? Read on to find out.
Branding is the pull. Marketing is the push.
Your brand is your identity. Branding says, “This is who we are.” Marketing, on the other hand, is how you share your identity with others. Marketing says, “This is why you should pick us.” You need a strong brand and a strong understanding of your brand identity before you can effectively market yourself to your audience.
Branding is the why. Marketing is the how.
Your brand should center around your “why.” As you develop your brand, it should all come back to your mission and what motivates you to do the work you do. Marketing is how you share that why, your values and goals, with your audience.
Branding is the story. Marketing is the delivery.
Branding is your story. It tells your audience what makes you and your company unique and different. Marketing is the tactic you use to deliver your story. It’s how you choose to communicate your story to your audience. It’s the voice and tone you use, as well as the platforms on which you deliver your message.
Branding stays the same. Marketing changes based on the campaign.
Your brand message shouldn’t change much, because it’s a reflection of your mission. It’s the core of your business and why you do the work you do. And while all of your marketing efforts should relate back to your brand and your mission, your marketing message will change based on the campaign and what your current goals are. For example, you may choose to tailor your message to a specific audience for a particular marketing campaign, but it should always stay true to what you set out to accomplish when you started your business.
In summary, branding is who you are and marketing is how you build awareness of who you are. At Rise Marketing Solutions, we work with you to customize your content so that it stays true to your mission, vision, voice, and goals–your story–regardless of delivery. Let us help you build a strong brand and help your message RISE ABOVE THE NOISE.
