Advertising/PR - Differences between initiatives and campaigns from Anonymous: MarketingProfs Question 43696

Topic: Advertising/PR

Differences Between Initiatives And Campaigns

Posted by Anonymous on 12/4/2014 at 10:06 AM ET 125 Points

I am wondering if anyone could provide a clear and distinct difference between a marketing initiative and marketing campaign.

Thanks,

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Posted on 12/4/2014 at 11:46 AM Moderator

Not sure there really is a meaningful difference. It could just be a semantics thing.

Does it matter? Why?
Posted on 12/4/2014 at 12:04 PM Author

I was wondering if one encompassed the other. My thoughts were that an initiative is a singular task in a marketing strategy and a campaign is the full compliment of initiatives. Communications is king and I want to be communicating clearly in my prepared briefs.

Thanks,
Posted on 12/4/2014 at 12:23 PM Moderator

I applaud your striving for clear and precise communication. In this case, though, I don't think there is a substantive difference between the two terms. It's my sense that you can use the terms interchangeably.
Posted by Gary Bloomer on 12/4/2014 at 12:26 PM Member

Your marketing initiative is what COULD go in to your marketing efforts.
Your marketing campaign is what DOES go in to your marketing efforts.
Posted by Gary Bloomer on 12/4/2014 at 12:33 PM Accepted

Both are plural tasks. The initiative is everything that greases the skids of the messaging. The campaign is everything the ship builders create and that then slides gracefully down the skids, into the water, to then sail off in hopes of winning the Blue Ribband. Bon voyage.