Advertising

Advertising is the paid, public, non-personal announcement of a persuasive message by an identified sponsor; the non-personal presentation or promotion by a firm of its products to its existing and potential customers. Advertising is bringing a product or service to the attention of potential and current customers. Advertising is focused on one particular product or service. Advertising plans for one product is different than that for another product. Advertising is usually done with signs, business cards, flyers, brochures, TV commercials, direct mailings, radio sponsorships, e-mail messages or personal contact.

Marketing

Marketing is the systematic planning, implementation and control of a mix of business activities intended to bring together buyers and sellers for the mutually advantageous exchange or transfer of products. Marketing is the wide range of activities involved in making sure that you're continuing to meet the needs of your customers and getting value in return. Marketing is usually focused on one product or service. A marketing plan for one product will be different than that for another product. Marketing activities include "inbound marketing," such as market research to find out, for example, what groups of potential customers exist, what their needs are, which of those needs you can meet, how you should meet them, etc. Inbound marketing also includes analyzing the competition, positioning your new product or service (finding your market niche), and pricing your products and services. "Outbound marketing" includes promoting a product through continued advertising, promotions, public relations and sales.

Public Relations

Public relations include ongoing activities to ensure the overall company has a strong public image. Public relations activities include helping the public to understand the company and its products. Often, public relations are conducted through the media that is, newspapers, television, magazines, etc. As noted above, public relations are often considered as one of the primary activities included in promotions.

Promotion

Promotion keeps the product in the minds of the customer or a potential customer and helps stimulate the demand for the product. Promotion involves ongoing advertising and publicity also known as a mention in the press. The ongoing activities of advertising, sales and public relations are often considered avenues of promotions.

Publicity

Publicity is mention in the media. Organizations usually have little control over the message in the media, at least, not as they do in advertising. Regarding publicity, reporters and writers decide what will be said.

Sales

Sales involves most or many of the following activities, including cultivating prospective buyers (or leads) in a market segment; conveying the features, advantages and benefits of a product or service to the lead; and closing the sale (or coming to agreement on pricing and services). A sales plan for one product might be very different than that for another product.

Placing an ad here and there can produce results but may not produce recurring customers. The key is developing a good relationship with your customers. You can build a good customer base by providing excellent customer service along with a great product or service. We start by reviewing your product or service and researching the market to find your niche.

If location is important for a store isn't it just as important for your website?

Are you throwing money away or effectively advertising?