Are you even marketing?
When it comes to marketing, entrepreneurs often lose their way amidst all the terms and 'buzzwords'. We still frequently hear that setting up a Google AdWords campaign, posting on social media, or distributing flyers on a street is being mistaken for marketing. Although these activities are certainly part of it, they don't quite capture the essence of what true marketing entails.
The misconception lies in viewing marketing as a series of isolated actions rather than a cohesive strategy. Just like building a home isn’t just about laying bricks or painting walls. In the same way, effective marketing is not just a collection of individual tactics, but a well-thought-out strategy that combines various elements to achieve a specific goal.
The Local Bakery and the Essence of Marketing
Imagine a small, family-run bakery in a local community. The journey of this bakery in attracting customers and building its business is a perfect example to distinguish and remember the various elements of marketing.
Advertising
The bakery starts the day by placing a sign in the window showcasing today's special - perhaps a freshly baked apple pie. This is advertising. A straightforward way to inform people about what's available, usually using a special deal or exclusive offer.
Promotion
Next, the bakery decides to set up a stall at the local market, offering free taste samples of their bread and pastries. This is promotion. It's not just about telling people what you have; it's about letting them experience it firsthand.
Publicity
One day, a well-known food blogger visits the bakery and writes a glowing review about their croissants. This is publicity. The bakery gains attention through someone else's platform, reaching a broader audience without direct advertising.
Public Relations
The bakery actively engages with its community, participating in local events and sponsoring a youth sports team. This is public relations. Building a positive image and relationship within the community.
Sales
When customers come into the bakery, the staff talks to them about the variety of breads, the special ingredients in their pastries, and the story behind their famous apple pie. This interaction is sales. Directly engaging with customers to encourage purchases.
Marketing
The bakery didn’t just put up an advertising sign; it created a presence in the community through a blend of advertising, promotions, public relations, and customer engagement. This approach ensured not just immediate sales but also long-term customer loyalty.
Understanding that marketing is a strategy, from advertising to customer experience, can be crucial for the success of your business, establishing a strong brand, and building a loyal customer base, just like our beloved local bakery.
Would you like to brainstorm about your marketing strategy? We'd love to hear your story. Feel free to get in touch or schedule an online meeting.
More articles
Prototyping: The Key to Efficient Concept Development
Prototyping is the rapid development of a first version of your concept, which isn't perfect yet, but functional enough to test your idea in the real world. Let's take a look at the benefits of this way of working.
Laravel and Statamic as Successors to WordPress?
As a CMS, WordPress has long set the standard with its user-friendly interface and a wealth of themes and plugins. It's the go-to choice for many websites. However, Laravel and Statamic offer an interesting and viable alternative.
The importance of quality content in your marketing strategy
A good marketing strategy is all about connecting with your audience, and quality content is ideally suited for this purpose. Developing a content strategy can creatively enhance your marketing.