Have you ever tried to add pieces to a puzzle only to realize that they don’t fit? Push and pull marketing might look like two sides of the same coin, but they’re entirely different. Much like puzzle pieces, they both support vastly different parts of a whole. And using one over the other can make your message, ideas, or intent completely unrecognizable. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

When you break down the differences between push and pull marketing, you avoid leaving any room for unnecessary trial and error, potentially alienating your target audience, and wasting valuable resources on ineffective campaigns. Knowing what these strategies are can help you save time, money, and energy.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:

• What is push marketing?
• What is pull marketing?
• Examples of push marketing
• Examples of pull marketing
• Push vs. pull: which is better?

What is Push Marketing?

Push marketing is focused on bringing the products and services you offer to your customers. This is typically done through marketing campaigns, with the goal being to spread the word about your business.

With push marketing, think of things like display ads, billboards promoting a sale, or even an email notifying you that the item you really wanted is back in stock. It’s best to use push marketing if your business identifies with any of the following:

• Your business is new
• There’s a new sale or multiple sales across products
• You have an established business but want to quickly grow your sales in the short term
• Are trying to set up remarketing ads for people who visited your site but unfortunately didn’t buy anything

What is Pull Marketing?

Compared to push marketing, pull marketing takes the complete opposite approach. Instead of trying to push a message, pull marketing aims to get customers to seek out your brand. 

If you’ve ever gone onto Google and searched “best shoes,” “what are the best watches,” or “top bike brands” and clicked on a search result, then you’ve been “pulled” in by a successful pull strategy. 

Conversely, you could also be searching “how to [what you’re looking for goes here]” in order to solve a specific problem or learn more about a product or topic of interest—these are all examples of pull marketing. 

Use a pull strategy if your business is looking to:

• Build a community
• Increase brand awareness
• Position itself as a trusted industry leader
• Generate high-quality leads at little to no cost

What Are Some Examples of Push Marketing?

Ever wanted to grab your audience’s attention and make sure they don’t miss what you have to offer? 

That’s the magic of push marketing.

Whether it’s a striking visual, an email that sways your mind at the last minute (maybe even when you’ve decided against buying a product), or a bold outdoor ad offering 20% off for first-time shoppers, push marketing ensures that your brand not only gets noticed but stays unforgettable.

Display Ads

Scrolling through Instagram, Amazon, or even YouTube, you’ve probably noticed a bold banner promoting a flash sale or a sleek product launch. These ads pop up on high-traffic sites to grab your attention, enticing you to click and explore more. They’re a go-to for businesses wanting to make a quick impact and drive instant engagement, but you’ll typically have to pay-per-click (PPC).

Video Ads

Ever had a short, captivating clip stop you mid-scroll on social media? It’s enough to make anyone pause their late-night TikTok binge. Video content brings a product or idea to life, usually by showing how it works or why it’s a must-have.

Emails

Sometimes, all it takes is a well-timed message in your inbox to sway your decision. A note about an exclusive discount or a “Back in Stock!” alert can make all the difference in nudging someone toward a purchase. Deliver the right message to the right audience at the right moment (which might sound difficult but is easier than ever with programmatic marketing), and you can turn an undecided shopper into a loyal customer.

Billboards

Driving through town, you sometimes can’t help but notice a huge sign with a bold, simple message about a sale or event happening nearby. These giant, eye-level ads are designed to be unmissable, especially in high-traffic areas. They work best when the message is quick to absorb and impossible to ignore. 

Billboards also tend to be more affordable than digital ads as they require an upfront cost and don’t involve ongoing fees for impressions or clicks.

What Are Some Examples of Pull Marketing?

Pull marketing focuses on creating value that naturally draws your audience in rather than directly promoting to them in ways that can sometimes feel pushy and abrasive (if done incorrectly).

You might come across an in-depth blog post comparing the best hiking boots for your next adventure—it’s informative, helpful, and subtly leads you toward a specific business. Or maybe you follow an outdoor clothing brand on Instagram because their community is so supportive in the comments. This might even motivate you to be more kind and active yourself. 

These are just a few ways pull marketing works to engage and attract customers by building trust and loyalty over time.

SEO 

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the backbone of pull marketing—and it’s no surprise. 

Organic search helps your brand appear exactly when someone is searching for answers. Think of how a quick Google search for “best laptops for students” can lead you to a carefully crafted landing page from a trusted brand like HP, Dell, or Apple. 

By optimizing your content with relevant keywords, sharing useful information, and writing it so it’s accessible to all audiences, SEO makes sure your audience finds you when they need you most.

Social Media Engagement

Social media pull marketing is about creating content that people genuinely want to follow, share, and engage with. A well-designed Instagram page showing off your brand’s personality or an inspiring Pinterest board full of DIY ideas can naturally attract followers and drive interest in your products. 

Conversely, one of the best examples of when pull marketing tactics go viral is when companies interact directly with users on platforms like X, TikTok, or Instagram. When done right, this kind of engagement can be as funny as it is authentic. It not only humanizes the brand but also builds a deeper connection with the audience—a must when developing brand loyalty. 

Here’s a screenshot of a company (cleverly) interacting with a user on X, formerly Twitter:

Customer Reviews

Ever read through glowing reviews before deciding on a purchase? That’s pull marketing in action. Whether it’s a heartfelt testimonial on a product page or a recommendation on a forum, positive customer feedback creates trust and draws new customers in. People are far more likely to choose a brand that others already love and trust.

Blogs

Blogs are a classic example of pull marketing, offering valuable insights that educate, entertain, or solve problems for your audience. For example, a blog titled “10 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party” could subtly feature your brand’s tableware, encouraging readers to explore your products. When done well, blogs position your business as a helpful resource that drives organic traffic—often without paying for PPC ads.

Push vs. Pull Marketing: Which One is Better?

As with many things in marketing, it depends. 

The best approach for your business will ultimately hinge on your goals, audience, and resources. Push marketing is great for generating quick results, like boosting sales during a promotion or increasing visibility for a new product. However, costs can also add up fast, so striking the right balance is key to staying profitable.

On the other hand, pull marketing excels at building long-term relationships and fostering brand loyalty by attracting customers who are already interested in what you offer. By creating content that provides genuine value, such as SEO-friendly blogs or even interacting with customers on social media posts, pull marketing encourages customers to seek you out naturally.

If you decide to go solely with push marketing, consider something like paid social media ads, email marketing campaigns, or a digital OOH (out-of-home) ad to go in tandem with your display or video ads. In fact, digital OOH advertising amplifies all major media ads by over 90%.

Often, the most effective strategy combines elements of both—leveraging push tactics to inspire immediate action while using pull techniques to sustain interest and engagement over time. The most important thing to take away from push or pull marketing is simply knowing when and where to use each approach.

Need Help Starting a Marketing Campaign for Your Business?

If you’re considering push marketing for your business, Alluvit Media specializes in building campaigns with ease. From billboard advertising, transit ads, stadium ads, and more, we’ll be there from start to finish. 

Need help drawing up a design for your ad? You get access to no-cost, in-house graphic design services with our creative experts. Want to calculate the ROI for your OOH ad? We’ll walk you through how well your campaign performed.
Don’t compromise on your marketing—connect with an outdoor media team that’s trusted by the world’s leading brands.