The real difference between content marketing and inbound marketing

Do you know the difference between inbound marketing and content marketing? Many people like to think they are the same thing, while others like to make clear distinctions between the two. The answer, however, is that this isn’t an “either/or” situation: content marketing is a part of inbound marketing and a crucial part of it. Here is the difference between the two and why content marketing is so important. 

Inbound marketing should be thought of as an engine, driving your brand forward on the web. It combines social media, videos, search engine optimization, digital marketing, content creation, blogging and much more. It is a combination of all of these efforts, working in harmony to create a full strategy that brings your audience to your brand as opposed to outbound marketing, which pushes your brand to your audience, such as a billboard or print ad.

Content marketing forms part of this marketing engine. Content plays a huge role in bringing your audience to you. When putting together an inbound marketing strategy, you need to focus on creating high quality content which draws your audience in. We are living in the marketing age of the experience. With so many brands talking over each other and trying to come out on top, it is the brand which offers something of value to the customer that gets the most attention. Coca-Cola is a great example of this; as a beverage brand, they have remained in the top spot for a century. All they really sell are sodas – or is it? Think about where you see the Coca-Cola brand and you will notice a trend. Their customers are buying the experience rather than the beverage. One example is Coke bottles featuring people’s names. Another example is the toy brand, Lego. Lego has gone beyond the toy realm and has developed video games and even a movie. It is all part of their strategy to get more people to purchase Lego toys when they are at the toy store and browsing the many toys on the shelves.

To get started with inbound marketing, check out this checklist. Then get in touch with us at WSI, where we can assist you with digital marketing, PPC, paid advertising, social media marketing and much more. Contact us today.