Social media has become a part of our daily lives. We download them as apps on our phones to make sure we stay connected. As a result content marketing finds its way to us by the links we click and the content that we consume. Many marketers interchange social media and content marketing. A few even think that they are the same. Understanding the difference between these two and recognising where they meet helps us better utilise them.
Difference in Focus
Social media marketing and content marketing operate in different spheres. Social media occurs within social sites such as facebook, twitter or Instagram. Marketers use statuses, posts, tweets, or pins and these activities all occur inside the social media channels. Social media marketing, while maintaining the company’s persona, uses the language that is native to each platform such the use of catchy, humorous one-liners on Twitter.
The focus of content marketing is the website. The content is tailored for the target audience. The language used is consistent with the company’s persona and tailored to the type of audience or buyer persona that the business want to attract.
Difference in Objectives
With social media marketing, businesses are able to be present on their customers newsfeed. Brand messages appear alongside posts from their friends. Because of this, they are able to:
- Increase brand awareness and reach
- Increase website traffic and search ranking
The content marketing activities are centered on producing different pieces of content that speak to the website’s target audience. Content marketing objectives are:
- Lead generation
- Lead conversion
- Build authority
- Nurture customer relationships and build trust
- Encourage brand advocates
On your social media platforms, your call to action should be towards your audience learning more about you. Your content marketing call to action is about building the brand and customer relationship.
Shirish Deshpande
www.digitaladvoice.com / www.sapphireinfotech.net
