What's the Difference Between Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing?

As a business owner, you know that you need to set aside a budget for marketing to increase traffic to your website, win client leads, and gain more revenue. Popular digital marketing strategies can help a company achieve its goals and see the results they crave. 

You might think that content marketing and social media marketing go hand in hand, which is true. Yet, you should know that they aren't the same thing. 

While this might be a bit of a shock, we will help ease the blow and walk you through the differences between content marketing and social media marketing. 

Be sure to keep reading for our guide on the key differences between social media marketing and content marketing. 

What Is Social Media Marketing?

Social media marketing is all about using social media platforms to help reach your target audience. For a small business, this can be an inexpensive way to start marketing your products and services because social media is free for everyone. 

You'll find that social media marketing works by promoting the content you create. Therefore, it isn't necessarily content marketing but rather a vessel to home your content. 

What Is Content Marketing?

Content marketing consists of posts that add value, entertainment, or relevancy to your industry. Potential customers are attracted to content marketing because there is a reason behind it, and they will gain something from it. 

When using content marketing correctly, you can build your brand's identity and become a leader in your industry. Your audience will come to you with questions or concerns because they will trust your company. 

What Is the Difference? 

You'll find similarities between content marketing and social media marketing. For example, on Instagram, you can post IGTV videos to help gain a wider audience. Some could consider this content marketing on social media. 

Yet, what is the difference between the two? 

Overall, content marketing is a way for companies to add value to their audience through what they produce. The content helps educate their audience, whether it is a blog post, video, or web page.

Conversely, social media marketing is a way for companies to spread that information to their audience. You can use social media to build a better relationship with your target audience. 

Deciding Which Is Best for You

If you feel like you need to decide whether you should focus on content marketing or social media marketing, you should do both. Content marketing can help you to educate and entertain your audience. Yet you'll find social media marketing will help you get closer to your audience. 

While these two marketing strategies are different, they often go hand in hand to help reach your business and marketing goals. 

Are you ready to take your social media strategies to the next level? We're here to help! Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for you.