Marketing vs Advertising The Essential Differences Every Business Owner Should Know

Hi there,

I’m Kate! You might not have seen me on GADD’s social media posts, but I’ve been part of the GADD team (or should I say family!) for over a year now, working behind the scenes and adding my bit of GADD magic into every client’s journey.

One thing I’m super passionate about is marketing… no surprise really, considering I’m currently completing my BSc Marketing degree! But here’s the thing… so many businesses think they know what marketing is, when in reality, most only focus on advertising. It’s the same when you ask someone to describe marketing, most people picture catchy promotions or Facebook ads.

Marketing & Advertising. What’s the difference? And how can understanding the terms help small businesses?

For me, marketing and advertising are like a parent and child. Marketing is the parent, it lays the foundations, sets the direction and nurtures the bigger picture of your business. It’s everything from understanding your audience and shaping your brand identity to creating a strategy that helps your business grow long-term. Advertising is the child, it’s just one part of that bigger plan, the fun and visible bit that everyone notices, like your social media ads, flyers, or sponsored posts. The thing is, a child can’t thrive without a strong parent behind them and advertising only truly works when there’s a solid marketing strategy guiding it. That’s where so many businesses can get stuck, but it’s also where we can help.

At GADD Marketing, we do things a little differently from most agencies. We’re a small but powerful team based in Warwickshire, and we genuinely care about every single client we work with. No one gets lost in the process, we take the time to really understand your business, your goals, and what makes you unique. That’s one of the reasons I love working here so much. Every day is different, and I get to work closely with passionate business owners, helping them bring their brand to life online. Whether it’s small local businesses, rural brands, or equine clients, we create tailored strategies rather than one-size-fits-all plans and that’s what sets GADD apart. It’s personal, it’s creative and it’s always focused on real results.

If you’re a small business in Warwickshire (or beyond!) looking for help with your social media, content creation, or marketing strategy, we’d love to chat. At GADD, we’re as passionate about growing your business as you are.

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