Performance Marketing Vs Growth Marketing

Understanding the difference is important when determining strategies that are looking for short term wins vs long term gains. 

Performance marketing is a results-driven strategy that prioritizes immediate, measurable outcomes, often through paid channels. Growth marketing, on the other hand, takes a more holistic, long-term view, focusing on the entire customer lifecycle, emphasizing customer retention, engagement, and sustainable growth through experimentation and data analysis

When I’m putting together a strategic marketing plan, I look at what the goals are first and foremost, the timeline and budget we have to achieve them. Understanding your business goals and objectives first and foremost will allow you to design your marketing plan with the appropriate approach in mind.

Definition

Performance Marketing: Prioritizes short-term, measurable results like clicks, leads, or sales, often through paid advertising campaigns

Growth Marketing: Takes a broader, longer-term perspective, focusing on sustainable, customer-led growth across the entire customer journey

Focus

Performance Marketing: Short-term, measurable results (clicks, leads, sales)

Growth Marketing: Long-term, sustainable growth through customer acquisition, retention, 

and engagement

Goal

Performance Marketing: Immediate ROI and quick wins

Growth Marketing: Building a strong brand, fostering customer loyalty, and driving exponential growth

Approach

Performance Marketing: Data-driven, focused on optimizing campaigns for immediate performance

Growth Marketing: Experimentation, data analysis, and continuous optimization across the entire customer journey

Channels

Performance Marketing: Primarily paid advertising (PPC, social media ads, etc.)

Growth Marketing: Content marketing, SEO, email marketing, social media, and referral programs

Metrics

Performance Marketing: CPC, CPA, ROAS, conversion rates

Growth Marketing: Customer lifetime value (CLTV), customer retention rate, 

engagement metrics

For a quick snapshot of the differences, check out the graphic below 👇

Need help putting with performance or growth marketing? Send me an email - happy to help!