There are so many marketing myths we could go on for weeks! Instead of tackling them all and boring you to tears, we’ll address a few of the most common ones. Those do the most damage anyway.

What’s a marketing myth?

A marketing myth is a thing most experts know is wrong but which we somehow keep believing as “folk-knowledge” about marketing, selling, or advertising for your business.

Why do we believe marketing myths?

Our beliefs shape the decisions we make, so when we believe in things that are wrong about marketing it can lead to some really poor decisions that have a negative impact on your business.

In this rapidly evolving digital world, there are certain marketing myths that could be holding you back. We tend to believe in these myths because of poor information, outdated information, or someone like an expert who honestly believes they know this information to be true but they’re working with bad information and passing it on to other people.

Debunking marketing myths on the marketing and cocktails podcast

In episode 001 of the Marketing and Cocktails podcast we covered these marketing myths:

1. Marketing & advertising are the same thing
2. Facebook ads are like an ATM

Listen to episode 001 of the Marketing and Cocktails podcast!

Download the show notes for episode 001 by clicking on this link.

Marketing and advertising are the same thing

It’s important to note that advertising is a component of marketing.

I did a marketing degree (Bachelor of Business Administration, marketing major) — we had to study two major fields: sales and advertising & promotion. I was definitely a natural in advertising and promotion. My prof for sales classes encouraged me to not ever get a sales job lol. While I was good at sales, but wasn’t a true salesman if you know what I mean.

Marketing refers to preparing a product for the marketplace. Advertising is making your product and service known to an audience or marketplace.

Marketing is a more controlled and wider-reaching process, while advertising is specific to brand communication. In a way, marketing is both research and practice, while advertising is straight practice.

Facebook ads are like an ATM

The most aggravating thing I hear is when people say that Facebook ads are the next big money maker – so much so that they’re pretty much an ATM that spits out cash (hello, that sounds more like a slot machine but who am I to argue with bro marketer logic).

Guess what, Facebook ads can feel that way. But they are only able to feel that way if you have a solid marketing foundation. If you don’t, then they’ll feel more like investing in a pyramid scheme. Ick.

I’ve seen so many good people waste money on ads that they were not ready to run. So many agencies will run ads for people who aren’t ready just so the agency can make a buck. So not ethical (and not how I roll).

This problem is so rampant that it encouraged me to create a checklist to help my clients and other business owners to get their ducks in a row before they even think about running ads.

By getting your marketing foundation on point you will have a better chance of getting good advertising results. It will also help you build relationships with your audience and boost your brand awareness. So, leave the marketing myths at the door. Focus on getting to know your audience deeper so you can create awesome copy that converts!

Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes after you’ve listened to episode 001!