What’s the Difference Between Sales and Marketing?

“I don’t need marketing, I just need to generate more sales!”

Ever heard someone say that? Or perhaps you yourself have had that thought?

Well rest assured, you’re not alone! AND you just dipped your toe into a long-running debate between us marketers and our frenemies over in sales.

Back story: I have a good friend who was born to be a salesman. I’m not joking - his dad is a top sales rep at his company so my friend has been walking, talking, and breathing “sales” since he was a kid. He’s dang good at what he does but…he’s adamant that marketing is a waste and that his company doesn’t need it.

<insert dagger to the heart, lines drawn in the sand, or other dramatic metaphor here>

I, on the other hand, am adamant that his company needs marketing and he’s foolish to think that what we do is a waste. Shocking, I know.

Unfortunately my friend is not alone in his thinking. There are several folks out there who don’t see the value of marketing. And I get it because it can be a bit confusing!

So I’m going to break down the differences between sales and marketing for you, how they have a symbiotic relationship to one another, and how marketing is clearly the more important of the two. 😉

Marketing Lays the Foundation

Picture this: You're strolling through a shopping mall, browsing the stores, and suddenly, something catches your eye. It's a sleek, eye-catching display showcasing the latest smartphone model. Your curiosity piques, and you're drawn to learn more. Congratulations, my friend! You've just embarked on a customer journey, where marketing and sales play their unique roles.

Marketing is the wizard behind the scenes. It's all about understanding your customers, their needs, and desires. Think of it as the mastermind crafting the perfect strategy to captivate and entice your target audience. From market research to branding and promotion, marketing lays the groundwork for a successful business.

In our little shopping mall adventure, marketing's magic was at work even before you laid eyes on that sleek smartphone. Through extensive market research, the company identified a need for a stylish and innovative device. They then crafted a compelling brand image, carefully selecting colors, slogans, and messages that resonated with their ideal customers. This captivating display was just one of their many tactics to grab your attention and create awareness.

Sales Seals the Deal

Now, as you approach the display, the spotlight shifts to sales. Picture a friendly, knowledgeable sales representative ready to answer your questions, demonstrate the phone's features, and address any concerns you might have. Sales swoops in at the critical moment when you're considering a purchase and helps seal the deal. It's all about building trust, understanding your customer's pain points, and offering tailored solutions.

Marketing Keeps Your Brand Top of Mind

We’re not done yet! After you swipe your credit card, marketing comes back into play, nurturing that relationship through email campaigns, loyalty programs, and personalized offers. The goal is to turn you into a loyal, repeat customer and, ideally, an enthusiastic brand advocate.

So as you can see, marketing and sales are two halves of a dynamic duo. They work in harmony, each playing a crucial role in driving your business forward.

But it’s obvious that marketing carries the team on its back.

(Come on, you know I had to shamelessly plug that in here!)