Where Should You Invest First This Year?
In today’s economic climate, every marketing dollar matters. And in 2025, the tension between performance marketing and brand marketing is sharper than ever.
Startups want fast results. Established brands want long-term growth. But here’s the real question:
Which one should you focus on first—and when is the right time to do both?
What’s the Difference?
Performance Marketing (PM):
Tactics focused on measurable, direct-response outcomes—like sales, leads, and app installs. Think:
- Paid ads (Meta, Google, TikTok)
- Retargeting
- Email campaigns
- Affiliate marketing
Brand Marketing (BM):
Long-term strategies that build recognition, loyalty, and emotional connection. Examples:
- Storytelling content
- Organic social media
- Video campaigns
- PR and influencer partnerships
2025 Marketing Priorities by Business Stage
| Business Stage | Recommended Focus (2025) |
|---|---|
| Pre-launch | 80% Brand / 20% Performance |
| Launch (0–6 months) | 60% Performance / 40% Brand |
| Scaling phase | 50% Brand / 50% Performance |
| Mature brand | 70% Brand / 30% Performance |
Pro Tip (2025 Insight): Even high-ROAS campaigns can stall if the brand isn’t trusted. That’s why the smartest brands are blending both.
Why This Matters in 2025
- Ad costs are rising: Without a strong brand, your CPC and CPA will only go higher.
- Algorithms are smarter: Platforms like Meta & TikTok now reward engaging brands, not just good creatives.
- Consumers are skeptical: In 2025, users research more, trust less, and prefer brands that “feel human”.
They’re Not Opposites—They’re a Power Combo
At Stork Advertising, we don’t treat brand and performance as separate teams.
We build creative-first performance strategies backed by strategic brand messaging—so your campaigns convert andcompound over time.
Need help balancing your 2025 marketing investment?
Let’s design a roadmap that delivers quick wins and long-term brand equity.
