Semantic Soup: Marketing vs. Advertising

By Danielle Avenoso / Senior Brand Strategist & Marketing Director, NJ Marketing Agency Graphic D-Signs, Inc.

In our industry, the terms advertising and marketing are routinely viewed as one in the same—and with the growth of non-traditional media, social media and the digital landscape, the lines are increasingly blurred. While advertising and marketing are both important to long-term business success, they are different components of a tactical communication plan. When you understand the differences, you’ll be better prepared to allocate funds and establish a strategy for business growth.

It’s easy to see how advertising and marketing are commonly confused, since they both play a role in generating brand awareness and driving sales. So, what’s the difference?

Think of it this way.

Marketing is the big picture that includes how your company differentiates itself, builds relationships, and promotes/sells/distributes services and products.

Your marketing plan may include a number of different components such as:

·      Logos

·      Websites

·      Social media

·      Marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, data sheets)

·      Packaging & displays

·      Trade shows

·      Press releases & publicity events

·      Door-to-door & personal sales

·      Advertising (print, online and vehicle) 

Advertising is just one facet of this marketing process.    

Here’s where it gets dicey. Whether you’re a startup or well-established business, it’s tough to determine how much money you should spend on marketing and advertising.  Advertising tends to be one of the most expensive ways to market your business. While print ads, pay-per-click campaigns and radio/TV commercials could yield worthwhile returns, there may be more affordable ways to achieve your marketing goals. Email marketing, networking, social media and publicity are inexpensive—and can go a long way to spreading the word about our business.

One of the best things about working with GDS? We’re not advertising salespeople—and we never try to sell you what you don’t need. Instead, we are marketing masters: working with you to develop holistic communication tactics for your business. Tailoring full-service marketing solutions to your budget and business objectives, we develop short- and long-term strategies that guide your advertising decisions. Then, we evaluate your marketing strategy at regular intervals to adjust to the changing market climate—because what works today may not be the best solution for tomorrow. 

To learn more about developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for your business, contact a GDS team member today. Already have a marketing plan in place? We can help you create impactful advertising, websites and social media platforms while keeping your image consistent across all media. Give us a ring and get started today.

ADCNJ 2013 Honors NJ Advertising Agency Graphic D-Signs with Nine More Accolades

By Dan Antonelli / President & Creative Director, NJ Advertising Agency Graphic D-Signs, Inc.

GDS was proud to be one of the top award winners at the recent 50th annual Art Directors Club of New Jersey (ADCNJ) Awards, where our team took home nine total awards for web, logo, vehicle and print design. Held at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ, the ADCNJ Awards recognize industry excellence in New Jersey advertising, marketing and creative strategy.

Sure - we’re proud of the awards, because they affirm our efforts to provide targeted branding and marketing solutions for small businesses. But we’re even more excited about the results we continue to achieve on behalf of our clients: for web design, print marketing, social media and turnkey advertising strategy. It’s your success that inspires us!

ADCNJ Awards Categories

• Gold Award, Advertising: Consumer (Out-of-Home Advertising: Billboard, Transit, Posted or Painted Bulletin) for Town & Country, a heating and air company serving KS and MO.
• Silver Award, Advertising: Consumer (Out-of-Home Advertising: Billboard, Transit, Posted or Painted Bulletin) for Main Street Heating and Cooling, a Utah based HVAC contractor.
• Silver Award, Advertising: Consumer (Out-of-Home Advertising: Billboard, Transit, Posted or Painted Bulletin) for Prestige, an indoor comfort expert based out of Illinois.
• Silver Award, Advertising: Consumer (Out-of-Home Advertising: Billboard, Transit, Posted or Painted Bulletin) for Mr. Handy, a handyman professional located in Las Vegas.
• Bronze Award, Design: Corporate & Promotional Design (Booklet and Brochures:12 pages or more, 4/C or more) for Main Street Heating and Cooling, a Utah based HVAC contractor.
• Bronze Award, Design: Corporate & Promotional Design (Trademarks, Logos:Brand) for Main Street Heating and Cooling, a Utah based HVAC contractor.
• Bronze Award, Design: Corporate & Promotional Design (Trademarks, Logos: Corporate) for Metromedia Energy, energy partner and marketer.
• Bronze Award, Design: Consumer Design (Website Design: Consumer) for Harrell King, a HVAC contractor located in GA.
• Bronze Award, Design: Consumer Design (Consumer Design: Business to Business) for Coffin  Turbo Pump, a New Jersey based high-pressure turbo pump manufacturer.

Images of Our Award-Winners

Graphic D-Signs Continues to Grow!

Our 14-member creative team consists of illustrators, designers, developers and copywriters whose work has been published in dozens of magazines, trade publications and graphic design books. Our specialized marketing services include: logo design, brand identity strategy, website design and development, print collateral, marketing materials and social media campaigns. In addition, we offer full-service retainer agreements designed to manage all of your advertising--soup to nuts--so you can get back to running your company.

If you’re already a Graphic D-Signs client, thank you! We value your business, and plan to continue wow-ing you with our award-winning creativity. If you’ve been thinking about partnering with us, now is the time! Make sure your logo, brand and website are garnering the attention they deserve: call today to discuss your small business advertising and marketing needs!


Dan Antonelli is the President and Creative Director of Graphic D-Signs, Inc, a NJ advertising agency specializing in small business advertising, marketing, and brand development.