Self-Instruct
Marketing and selling are two concepts that are often used interchangeably. While it's true that they share similarities, they are actually different. This article aims to explain the difference between marketing and selling.
Marketing is the process of creating a relationship between a product or service and its potential customers. It involves identifying the target market, understanding their needs, and developing a marketing mix that satisfies those needs. The marketing mix comprises of product, price, place, and promotion.
Product refers to the physical product or service that is being offered. Marketers aim to differentiate their product from their competitors by adding unique features, improving its quality, or enhancing its branding. For instance, Apple's iPhones are built with unique features like the FaceID and Siri, which differentiate them from other smartphones.
Price is the amount that is charged for the product. The price should be set at a level that makes it profitable to the company and also acceptable to the customers. If the price of a product is too high, customers may not be willing to purchase it. On the other hand, if the price is too low, the company may not be able to cover its expenses.
Place refers to the channels through which the product is distributed. This includes physical locations such as stores, as well as online platforms and e-commerce websites. The product should be placed in a way that is convenient for the target market to access it. For instance, popular food franchises like McDonald's are usually located in busy areas such as malls.
Promotion refers to how the product is marketed. This includes advertising, public relations, and personal selling. The aim of promotion is to make the product known to the target market and to persuade them to buy it. Popular brands like Coca-Cola use famous celebrities to endorse their products and create buzz around their brand.
Selling, on the other hand, is the process of convincing someone to purchase a specific product or service. This involves direct communication between the salesperson and the customer. Selling requires persuasive skills, product knowledge, and negotiation skills.
The process of selling starts with identifying potential customers who are interested in the product. The salesperson will then approach the customer and provide them with information about the product. The salesperson will create a connection with the customer by understanding their needs and preferences. After creating this connection, the salesperson will convince the customer to make the purchase.
Selling involves more aggressive tactics than marketing. Salespeople may use high-pressure methods to close a deal, and they are focused on making the sale. The selling process is more transactional, and the goal is to make a sale at all costs.
The main difference between marketing and selling is that marketing is a much broader concept that involves creating a relationship with the customer, while selling is focused on persuading the customer to make a purchase. Marketing is a long-term process that involves building brand recognition and loyalty. Selling, on the other hand, is a short-term process that is focused on closing a sale.
Another major difference between marketing and selling is that marketing is oriented towards the customer, while selling is focused on the product. Marketing is based on understanding the needs and preferences of the customer, while selling is focused on promoting the unique features and benefits of the product.
In conclusion, marketing and selling are two different concepts that are often confused. While both concepts involve promoting a product or service, they have different approaches and goals. Marketing is a long-term process that involves building brand recognition and loyalty, while selling is a short-term process that is focused on closing a sale. Understanding the difference between marketing and selling is important for businesses to succeed in their marketing and sales efforts.