Branding vs. Marketing: What’s the Difference?
7 min to read
As an emerging eCommerce company or small business, you may have run into this age old question: what’s the difference between branding and marketing? As a digital marketing agency, we often encounter companies that want to start or grow their marketing, but may not have fully developed their brand. Your branding efforts can have a major effect on the results of your marketing efforts.
COLAB wants to give you the best results possible, so let’s walk through the differences between branding and marketing, and discuss ways to build your brand as you move forward and grow your business.
- Table of Contents:
What Is Branding?
You can find many definitions of branding—some that conflict with each other—but we like to define it as the set of elements that allow consumers to identify with your product or service. These elements must also differentiate you from competitors.
Have you ever felt yourself identifying as a Nike person versus Adidas, or iPhone versus Samsung, or Levi’s versus Old Navy? Why is this? Certain brands represent the way that you see yourself, or what you aspire to be, or an experience you want to have, or what you want to be associated with—you therefore identify with those brands.
When you identify with a brand, you’re more likely to buy it. This has a lasting impact that can create loyalty, reduce sensitivity to price, and a whole host of other benefits.
This applies to world-famous brands like Coca-Cola and Apple, as well as local businesses like med spas and plumbers. When you call a plumber, do you want to be associated with one that smells good or one that has over 50 years of experience? Depending on the plumber’s branding, you might find one or the other more appealing.
What Are the Elements of a Brand?
Your brand starts with how your company operates, its goals, its vision, and more. These elements can include:
- Brand story – why did you start your company and what problem does your brand solve
- Mission statement
- Values
- Target audience and market
The elements of a brand that everyone is most familiar with include things such as:
- Name
- Logo
- Tagline
- Typography (includes font)
- Colors
- Value proposition
- Personality and voice
- Design and appearance
- The experience you create
- The emotional connection you create
- Reputation
Together, these elements allow consumers to identify with your company. Do you solve a problem they have? Do your values align with theirs? Does your logo, tagline, and brand voice make them feel like they can trust you?
How to Create a Brand
How do you create your brand? Creating a brand is a multifaceted process. A strong brand is not just a logo or a catchy tagline—it’s a holistic representation of your company’s values, identity, and promise to customers. Here’s a starter guide on how to create a brand that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart in the market.
Understanding Your Business
Defining your Mission and Values
The foundation of any successful brand lies in a clear understanding of its mission and values. What is your company’s purpose? What principles guide your decision-making? By defining a compelling mission statement and core values, you establish a framework that shapes your brand’s identity and resonates with both employees and customers.
Identifying Target Audience and Market
Knowing your audience is key to crafting a brand that connects on a personal level. Conduct thorough market research to identify your target demographic, their preferences, and pain points. Understanding the market landscape enables you to tailor your brand message to address specific needs and position your product or service effectively.
Analyzing Competitors and Industry Trends
A successful brand is not created in isolation. Analyze your competitors to identify gaps in the market and opportunities for differentiation. Stay abreast of industry trends to anticipate shifts in consumer behavior and preferences. By being aware of what others in your industry are doing, you can find unique angles to position your brand.
Crafting a Unique Value Proposition
Define What Sets Your Brand Apart
What makes your brand special? Define your unique value proposition by identifying the aspects of your business that differentiate you from competitors. Whether it’s superior quality, innovative solutions, or exceptional customer service, a clear value proposition helps customers understand why they should choose your brand.
Create a Compelling Brand Story
A brand story is a powerful tool for connecting emotionally with your audience. Share the journey of your company, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the passion that drives your team. A compelling narrative creates a memorable impression and fosters a sense of loyalty among consumers.
Align Your Brand with Customer Needs and Desires
Your brand should resonate with the desires and aspirations of your target audience. Do you want to be functional and affordable or do you want to be high status? Tailor your messaging to address customer needs and showcase how your product or service fulfills those needs. Understanding your customers on a deep level allows you to build a brand that aligns with their values and preferences.
Developing a Memorable Brand Identity
Design a Distinctive Logo and Visual Elements
Your logo is the visual centerpiece of your brand identity. Work with our skilled designers to create a logo that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflective of your brand’s personality and values. Consistency in visual elements across various platforms reinforces brand recognition.
Select Brand Colors and Typography
Colors and typography evoke specific emotions and contribute to the overall tone of your brand. Choose a color palette and font style that align with your brand’s personality and resonate with your target audience. Consistent use of these elements reinforces brand cohesion.
Create Consistent Brand Messaging
Consistency is key in branding. Develop a cohesive messaging strategy that aligns with your brand story and value proposition. Whether communicating through social media, advertising, or customer interactions, maintaining a consistent voice and message builds trust and reinforces brand identity.
What Is Marketing?
Once you’ve decided what your brand should be, and created the assets (logo, website, brand voice, etc.), you have to make people aware of these elements. This brand awareness is achieved with marketing tactics.
Marketing also creates sales. While using the framework of your brand, your marketing messages and tactics generate interest in your products or services and increase sales.
What Are Marketing Tactics?
Marketing encompasses all the activities you use to put your brand and messaging in front of your target audience. These elements can include:
- Advertising
- PPC
- Paid social media ads
- Podcast ads
- Direct mail
- And more
- Promotions and Offers
- Social media posts
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Leads
- Sales calls
- Email marketing
- Event marketing
- Public Relations
Which Should You Do First, Branding or Marketing?
Without question, your business should develop your branding first. Your marketing must reflect your branding and brand strategy. Without that piece, it becomes difficult for you to create a clear message and for consumers to differentiate you from your competitors.
Branding and marketing are inherently interconnected. They have to work together to create a complete experience and message for your customers.
Branding establishes the foundation that your marketing strategies are built on. It involves defining the core identity of a business, encompassing its values, mission, and unique selling proposition. Branding creates the distinct personality and image of your company that will resonate with your target audience.
Marketing is the tactical execution of promoting a brand to your target market. Marketing involves the various channels and methods through which a company communicates its value proposition, engages with customers, and drives sales. Marketing encompasses a wide range of activities, from traditional advertising and public relations to digital strategies such as social media campaigns and content marketing.
Building a strong brand provides the foundation for all marketing efforts. Without a clear brand identity, marketing messages can lack consistency and fail to establish a meaningful connection with your audience. Effective marketing relies on a well-defined brand that communicates authenticity and builds trust.
Branding and Marketing for Your Company
Contact COLAB to discuss how to further develop your brand, or to start marketing your products or services. We are a branding and marketing agency that’s been helping brands in Los Angeles and across the country for over ten years. From eCommerce companies, to med spas, to plumbers, we can get you in front of the right audience with the right branding and messaging.