The Apple logo on an iPhone, the swoosh on Nike shoes, and countless other examples are signs of branding, not marketing. People often confuse the two, but they are distinct concepts. Here’s the difference:

Branding: Branding is about creating an identity. It’s the process of defining who you are as a company—your values, mission, and the emotional connection you want to build with your audience. The Apple logo or Nike swoosh symbolizes the brand’s essence and what it stands for (innovation, quality, inspiration).

Marketing: Marketing, on the other hand, involves the strategies and actions you take to promote your products or services. It’s how you communicate your brand and drive engagement or sales. Marketing campaigns showcase the product, but branding ensures people remember and trust the company behind it.

In short, branding is who you are, and marketing is how you tell people about it. Branding lays the foundation, while marketing brings it to life.