Advertising or Marketing?

What's The Difference?

Since so many of us STILL use the words "advertising" and "marketing" like they are one in the same, I thought I'd quickly note the difference because although they are different, they are equally important to the growth of any business.

So here it is...

Advertising:

The act or practice of calling public attention to one’s product or service by paid announcements in newspapers, internet, directories, television, radio, etc.

Marketing:

The process of educating consumers on why they should choose your product/service over your competitors. It’s how you present your product from start to finish; from advertising to customer service and even how you follow up after the sale.

The Original Girlfriends Network put those concepts together, with a splash of networking, to give women with small businesses their own unique platform to creatively promote their businesses!

Now, if you're woman with a small or home-based business; in direct sales or network marketing, then you know how expensive advertising and marketing can be. If not, check out these average rates just for advertising alone-without any marketing included:

Billboards:
Average minimum investment of $4,000
production, minimum 3 months

Coupon Mailings:
Between $200-$900 per month

eMarketing: From $200-$1,500+ per month for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), ad management, etc...

Newspapers/Magazines:
An average of $375 monthly for 1/4 page ad

Radio Ads: up to $150+ for one 30-second spot

Television Ads: up to $400+ for one 30-second spot during prime time-plus production costs

Yellow Pages: From $500-$10,000+ per year depending on type of ad

As an ultra small business owner, when you try to advertise this way, you're basically throwing your money away on a hope that someone sees your ad and wants to buy what you have the first time they see it. The problem with that is that experts say a consumer has to see your ad at least 7 times before they decide to buy!

As you can see, traditional ad methods are not beneficial to the small, home based business at these prices! The Original Girlfriends Network offers an affordable, effective way for passionate women entrepreneurs to market their businesses consistently to their communities! !

Through a collaborative effort, members of the Original Girlfriends Network work together to help promote our products and services at a fraction of the cost of just advertising alone!