The Difference Between Sales & Marketing

The Difference Between Sales & Marketing
by
Corin Tomasello

While both are similar in that they are concerned with increasing revenue, these two roles are wildly different. Yet many small businesses will have their sales team try to do both jobs! They are closely related; however, marketing has a crucial role in supporting sales. Both sales and marketing are crucial to the success of a business. Learn the key differences between sales and marketing!

Marketing Promotes Interest, Sales Closes the Deal

The difference between sales and marketing comes down to their individual roles in the sales pipeline. Marketing refers to all the activities concerned with the process of getting the audience/public interested in the products being sold. Sales solely refers to all the activities regarding the selling of the product. As the marketing team does everything they can to grasp and influence prospective customers, the sales team does everything possible to seal the deal and acquire payment or a signed contract.

The main difference: sales focuses on a smaller group and even individuals. While marketing handles a larger audience.

Need to clear more time to focus on sales? Contact Charisma Communications! Selling stays the same but marketing is always changing. Our unique marketing approach blends your sales, service, and marketing efforts to help you reach more prospects and close new deals.

Related > Am I Killing My Marketing Strategy

Who Handles What?

In smaller companies, it can be quite difficult to distinguish between the two since you may wear multiple hats. While the two may appear to be similar, here is what both marketing and sales really do.

Sales

Sales strategies and techniques are focused on closing the sale, which is essential to any business. The sales team:

  • Works to convincing the consumer to buy the product
  • Direct communication between the salesperson and potential consumer
  • Concerned with the challenges and relationship between the salesperson and potential consumer
  • Attempts to convert consumer demand to match the product
  • Usually aimed for short term goals basically to end with a sale
  • Seen as a short-term process

Focusing on the individual buyer and what will get them to open their wallet, or press purchase now when it comes to online selling. If you can bring the customers into your store but cannot get them to purchase your product or service, then you have a problem with your sales strategy.

Marketing

This is the groundwork for sales. Marketing is more of a long-term strategy and involves understanding the customer’s current and future needs, influencing their perceptions, and identifying how the company can capitalize on that.Internal marketing reps or outside marketing consultants:

  • Study the targeted audience to better understand their wants and needs
  • Development of new products/services
  • Sparks an interest in the product being sold
  • Advertising the product through integrated marketing tactics
  • Creates awareness and knowledge about the product
  • Targets on meeting the consumer demands
  • Usually focused on long term profit

Marketing directly supports making the sales cycle easier. Building your brand is one of the main elements of a marketing strategy. Sales can still happen without very effective marketing however; it surely makes the job more challenging.

Related > Is it time to Hire a Marketing Consultant?

Bridging the Sales and Marketing Gap

It’s no secret there can be tension between the sales and marketing departments, but we must work well together so the company can meet or exceed their annual goals.

For small companies, at least a call or meeting once a month for the teams to work together and learn more about what each side is dealing with. These meetings help marketing understand what’s confusing customers, who are good quality leads, and allows crafting a sales message everyone can use.

Help in the Marketing Department

Both marketing and sales are essential to increase company revenue. Charisma Communications can serve as your virtual customer experience and integrated marketing team! Top-rated experts will work with your sales team to generate more sales and retain your best clients.

Our full-service marketing firm will create unique campaigns and content that draws clients in and keeps them engaged. Book a consult today and start communicating with Charisma!