So... What Even Is Marketing?

In every marketing class, you’ll always start with a quick recap of what marketing even is (apparently people keep forgetting). The textbook answer? Probably a lengthy sentence with way too many commas — trying to cram an over-explanatory definition into one breath. And even when you say you work in marketing, you’ll still get hit with:n“Isn’t that just sales?” “What exactly do you do, though?” Or the all-time favorite: “What even is marketing?”

The Confusion of Marketing (it’s not just about Ads)

I believe the confusion lies in the fact that marketing is so multidimensional — layered, strategic, emotional, creative. It’s often confused with advertising (which is just one part). But marketing is what gets you to notice a brand, like it, trust it, and eventually buy from it. And behind that process lies a mix of research, data, strategy, creativity, and yes, timing. (Digital) Marketing is fast paced and ever-changing and you’ve got to manage to keep up with it. You can’t wow people with outdated content – You’ve got to stay relevant.

It's all Marketing – even how you wake up!

When you begin learning about marketing, whether in theory or practice, you’ll come across the famous 4 P’s (Product, Price, Place, Promotion)… and their extended family: People, Process, Physical Evidence. These elements form the framework of marketing strategies — but to many, it still feels abstract. They would still tell me: “I don’t really think Marketing is such an important part of Business.” So, think about your favorite Coffee Shop: What it looks like, the vibe, the way the barista greets you, how much you pay, the menu, the latte art on your cappuccino, the loyalty card, the pub quiz on Thursdays, the Instagram posts. It’s all Marketing (even the packaging of the sugar packets, trust me). And it’s exactly why you keep going back.

Marketing vs. Sales (The Party Analogy You Didn’t Know You Needed)

I know I said marketing is multilayered, and I get it, some definitions really do make it sound like marketing is everything. That’s probably why people often question the difference between marketing and sales. And honestly, that’s fair. But like most things in life, there’s a fine line. Here’s a very real way to look at it: Marketing is the person who flirts with you at the party. Sales is the one who asks for your number (and hopefully texts). Let’s be real — you probably wouldn’t give out your number before being wooed, right? That’s what marketing does: it sparks your interest, builds the connection, and creates a vibe. Sales is the closer — they seal the deal (and hopefully don’t leave you on read).

Why We Fall for Brands: It’s All Psychology

But why do we actually fall for these brands? Kind of like how you might fall for someone at a party and give them your number — it’s all about psychology. Customer psychology and understanding are huge parts of this métier. And here’s where my favorite part comes in: storytelling, emotion, and brand identity. Who are we as a brand? Who are you as a customer? Why do you pick that toothpaste? Why didn’t you buy that blouse? Let’s take a quick look into one of my favorite psychological effects in marketing: The Decoy Effect. Ever noticed that when you’re buying entrance tickets for an attraction or subscribing online, you often see three options? And usually, the middle one (the second-most expensive) and the last one (the priciest) are super close in price. That’s no accident. The marketing team designed it that way — to steer your perception.Suddenly, the “Gold Version” seems like a bargain, even if it’s actually quite a bit more than the cheapest one. That’s strategic pricing at work. It’s marketing playing mind games… in the nicest way possible.

Marketing Has Many Faces

But wait… there’s more to marketing! There are so many different types. Take traditional marketing — think billboards, print, TV, and radio. It’s old-school, pricey, but still powerful. Then there’s digital marketing: everything you see online, from Google Ads to Instagram Stories. It’s fast-paced, complex, flexible — and has become a true hotspot in today’s digital age. But that’s not all. There’s also content marketing, influencer marketing, SEO, email marketing, branding, social media marketing, and even guerrilla marketing. Curious to learn more about these forms? Stay tuned!

Why should you care? Because like it or not, marketing is everywhere. And honestly? It’s within you. It’s how you present yourself. Your brand. Even how you text back the one from that party.

So now I want to know: What’s your favorite thing about marketing? And which brands have you fallen for lately? Let’s catch up soon.

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