Growth Marketing Versus Demand Generation? What’s The Difference?

Growth marketing and demand generation are two essential strategies for any business looking to expand its customer base and grow its revenues. But what’s the difference between the two?

At its core, growth marketing is about driving sustainable, incremental growth by acquiring and retaining customers. This is typically done through a combination of acquisition channels (i.e. SEO,  influencer marketing, PPC,  etc.) and retention initiatives (i.e. email marketing, content marketing, etc.).

On the other hand, demand generation is focused on creating demand for a product or service through awareness and education. This is usually done through top-of-the-funnel activities like lead generation and nurturing.

Is growth marketing the same as demand generation?

No, growth marketing and demand generation are not the same. While both focus on driving growth, they take different approaches to achieve this goal.

Growth marketing is focused on acquiring and retaining customers through acquisition channels and retention initiatives. Demand generation is focused on creating demand for a product or service.

A company typically hires a demand generation specialist to create awareness and interest in their product or service, while a growth lead would be responsible for acquiring and retaining customers.

So, while growth marketing and demand generation share the same goal of driving growth, they are two distinct activities that take different approaches to achieve this goal.

What are the 4 types of market growth strategies?

There are four main types of market growth strategies:

  1. Market penetration
  2. Market development
  3. Product development
  4. Diversification

1. Market Penetration

Market penetration occurs when a company sells more existing products or services to its current market. This can be achieved through various means, such as price discounts, promotions, and improved marketing and sales efforts. 

2. Market Development

Market development is when a company expands its sales to new markets. This can involve selling to new geographic markets, customer segments, or distribution channels.

3. Product Development

Product development is the creation of new products or services. You would take customer feedback and market trends into account to create a new offering that meets the needs of your target market.

4. Diversification

Diversification is when a company enters a new market or launches a new product line unrelated to its current business. This is usually considered a high-risk growth strategy as it requires the company to enter.

What are the 4 types of demand in marketing?

There are four main types of demand in marketing:

  1. Price Demand
  2. Quantity Demand
  3. Product Demand
  4. Service Demand

1. Price Demand

This is when customers are only willing to buy a product or service if it is at a certain price point. For example, if a customer is only willing to buy a new car under $20,000, then that customer has price demand.

2. Quantity Demand

This is when customers are only willing to buy a certain amount of a product or service. For example, if a customer is only willing to buy two pairs of shoes from a store, that customer has quantity.

3. Product Demand

This is when customers are only willing to buy a certain type or quality of product. For example, if a customer is only willing to buy organic produce, that customer has product demand.

4. Service Demand

This is when customers are only willing to use a certain type or quality of service. For example, if a customer is only willing to use a certain type of shipping, that customer has service demand.

Which Is Better For Your Company?

Now that you know each definition, you may wonder which is better for your company. The answer to that question depends on various factors, including your company’s size, product, target market, and budget.

Growth marketing may be better if you have a large company with a diverse product line.  This is because growth marketing covers many marketing strategies, from product development to customer acquisition.

On the other hand, demand generation may be better if you have a small company with a limited budget. Demand generation focuses on generating leads and converting them into customers.

Ultimately,  the best marketing strategy for your company depends on your specific situation. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, talk to a marketing consultant for professional advice.