Internet Marketing vs Social Marketing

It’s a tough distinction to understand for many in the field, so I can imagine how it seems to those just entering the world of internet marketing and social marketing.   I have been involved in one heavily over the past several years, and interested in being involved in the other.   So what is the difference between internet marketing and social marketing?

Internet Marketing

Internet marketers can be recognized by one service they all have on the tip of their tongue:  aweber.   I’ll get to aweber in a bit, but seriously for a second, Internet marketers can be found throughout the Internet offering many different deals, advice on deals, buy-it-now’s and the most prevalent – info products.

I have had many different Internet marketers I have aspired to learn from.   Ed Dale (http://www.thirtydaychallenge.com) is an Internet Marketer.   Joel Palmer (http://www.quityourdayjob.com) is an Internet marketer.   Joel Comm (http://www.joelcomm.com) is an Internet marketer.  And the list continues.

All of the above people have made substantial income on the Internet by selling things online.   They have built up giant lists of interested people through their special offers, allowing them to merely send out a simple email and have hundreds, if not thousands, of people instantly buy their products, or the products they recommend.

They make money when you buy something.   They have a specific product or products, and offer it to the public, usually with a “discount” code, special offers, and other “but wait there’s more”’s.  Their daily battle is how to create better converting landing pages and sales copy.

And they do it well.

Social Marketers

Then come the social marketing experts.   This group of people also try to get people to buy things, but moreso than not also strive just to “get the word out” about a product, brand, company, or movement.   They don’t come right out and sell you a widget, they build awareness with a widget or service, building a buzz with others through social networking sites and giving away the product for free.

Some of the current leaders in social media marketing are Chris Brogan (http://www.chrisbrogan.com), CC Chapman (http://www.cc-chapman.com) and local Des Moines company Lava Row (http://www.lavarow.com).

They make their money from being hired (usually) by a firm to help the company’s online presence on the Internet.  The social marketer then advises them on how to leverage networks like Facebook, Twitter, and other social places.

They want you to buy their client’s widgets.  But arent so direct about it.

While an Internet marketer spends time tweaking their landing pages, a social marketing professional spends time trying to analyze a particular campaign’s success or failure.   You won’t find them engaging in “make fast money now” campaigns or publishing their client’s Google Adsense statistics.

So Where do I Fit In?

You probably have noticed one of the main differences between Internet marketers and Social marketers – cash.   Internet Marketers spend a good portion of their time making money – and telling others about just how much they made, and then selling information on how YOU can make that much… etc etc.   Social marketers are generally content with working with a client to realize their social media goals.

In a recent conversation after Highlight Midwest (An unconference held in Kansas City) there was some discussion about how none of the participants aspired to be multibillionaires.   And that is a key discussion point.   Many of the social marketers are trying to do things for faith, justice and the American way – launching projects that benefit others, make lives easier… not necessarily building immeasurable wealth. (Although that is always a nice side effect).

The main goal of an Internet marketer is, however, making money.  Pure and simple.

While I consider myself a pretty good social marketer, I have failed, miserably as an Internet marketer.  I keep asking some of the gurus mentioned above to mentor me, and I will be more than happy to tell the world about their product.  I will be the puppet of their next sales letter if only they would take me in, teach me the secrets, and get me on my way to my own wealth.

None have taken the offer.

Well, Joel Palmer sent me a free copy of his High Performance Marketing ebook, but that’s about it.  The offer is still open.   I would like to get in on the Internet Marketing angle too – without losing my dignity.

Concluding Thoughts

Distinguishing between an Internet marketer and a social marketer is difficult at first, but once you  examine the core reason for their existence, the meaning becomes clear.   Internet marketers are in it to make wealth for themselves, social marketers are in it to help their clients earn money.

What do you think?   Are these points enough to distinguish between Internet and Social marketers?  Are theere other differences I didn’t cover?  Please comment and let me know.