What Is the Difference Between Advertising vs Marketing?

Written by Acme Mag

Advertising and Marketing are not synonyms, and they’re not interchangeable words either. 

Let’s begin with their definitions – according to the Oxford Dictionary.

Advertising (noun)
the activity or profession of producing advertisements for commercial products or services.

Marketing (noun)
the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.

Advertising is a part of the broad marketing family, however marketing is more than just advertising. The real estate industry is closely aligned with marketing, however many assume this simply refers to advertising deliverables such as market reports and social media. In truth, marketing in it’s true and broader definition is vital for success in the competitive real estate industry.

Before high performers of the industry start their advertising, they pay particular attention to their market and consumer research, business strategy, public relations and service delivery. Once considered, they begin their advertising venture. As these all fall under the broad umbrella of marketing. it’s important to differentiate them in the marketplace.

For example, a message advertised across multiple mediums that doesn’t align with  your market can quickly soak up your marketing budget without ROI. With changing social demands, it’s now more important than ever to ensure that the advertising you deliver is aligned with your business, your image, your team and your market.

Ensure your advertising is aligned by using the below checklist:

1. Do you have access to relevant and accurate consumer research? (Do you really know what your market wants?)
   
2. Do you have a business and marketing strategy?
   
3. Do you have protocols in place to anticipate and manage how your brand is seen by the market?
   
4. Is your service delivery documented and even across your teams?
   
5. Do you deliver advertising that takes the above into account?