What is the difference between direct marketing and branding?

Brand marketing is largely immeasurable but intended to increase brand awareness and trust. Direct marketing is entirely measurable and intended to elicit a particular response (clicks, impressions, or purchases).

If you own a start-up or a small firm, your primary focus should be on direct marketing, or creating more leads to boost sales. Building credibility can be your initial brand strategy rather than spending a lot of money on visibility (brand awareness), which will cost you a lot of time and won't result in quick revenue generation. (particularly if you opt to use mass media for advertising).