“Marketing” Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means

Ever heard someone say they’re “doing marketing” when they’re really just posting ads on social media? Yeah, us too.

Turns out, this little mix-up happens every day, even among the so-called pros.

The problem? It’s like calling your whole outfit a “hat” just because it might be the most visible part.

Marketing and Advertising… These two terms get tossed around like they’re twins, but they’re actually more like distant cousins.

Marketing is the big picture—everything from researching what makes people tick to figuring out how to keep them happy.

Advertising? That’s just one piece of the puzzle, all about spreading the word.

This confusion isn’t just about semantics. It’s kinda like mistaking a single ingredient for the whole recipe. Marketing is way more than just ads; it’s the entire game plan for how a brand connects with its audience.

Think of it as a behind-the-scenes orchestra, where advertising is just one instrument playing a catchy tune. But there’s a whole lot more going on, from market research and product development to pricing and distribution.

When folks don’t get that, they miss out on the big picture. Marketing is about more than just creating attention-grabbing ads. It’s about understanding your audience, crafting a compelling brand story, and creating a meaningful connection with consumers.

From Apple to Nike — Behind the Scenes of Iconic Campaigns

Here’s an example: Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign. Dove didn’t just create ads featuring diverse body types. They sparked a global conversation about beauty standards, challenging the industry and empowering women. This involved social media engagement, partnerships with advocacy groups, and even the creation of educational resources for schools. In other words, a lot more than just stickers and posters, jingles and commercials.

Then we have Apple’s “Think Different” Campaign: This wasn’t just about those cool ads with all the famous faces. It was about Apple flipping the script on their whole vibe, tapping into this whole wave of individuality and creativity. The ads were just one piece of the puzzle, man. They redesigned their products, created those sleek stores, and even made sure their own employees were living the “Think Different” mantra. It was a total brand makeover, not just a catchy slogan.

Finally, out of countless more examples, Nike’s Colin Kaepernick Campaign: Remember when Nike put Colin Kaepernick in their ads? Yeah, that was huge. Not just because he’s a football star, but because of what he stands for. Nike took a stand on social issues, sparking a national debate about ‘race’ (which is a construct) and equality. The ads were just the spark, but they lit up a whole conversation, and Nike’s sales went through the roof because people connected with their values.

“Eating” is not “cooking”

Next time you hear someone bragging about their “killer marketing campaign” when all they did was post a few selfies with a product, you’ll know better.

Think of it like this: strolling through a bustling farmers market, you’re drawn to a vibrant food truck. The sizzling aromas, the colorful signage, the enticing menu – that’s the advertising, the final, delicious result.

But real marketing is the whole journey: the farmer carefully selecting the freshest ingredients, the chef perfecting the recipe, the meticulous prep work, the sizzle of the grill, and even the friendly banter with the customers.

It’s the entire experience, from farm to food truck, that makes a meal unforgettable.

Marketing is that entire journey, and advertising is just the last, delicious bite.

Don’t get it twisted—marketing is the whole farmers market, bustling with possibilities, while advertising is just one tasty treat.