How are Product Marketing & Product Management Different?

Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t responsible for the same things — but you aren’t alone if you work at a software company and have ever wondered about the difference between the two roles.

In short – the product manager is responsible for helping to create and define a new product. They own the problem. A product marketer is responsible for bringing it to market and putting it on the shelf. They are focused on marketing to customers, not prospects and leads.

But there is a reason the roles often get confused.

How are Product Marketing & Product Management Similar?

Despite their different responsibilities, product marketers and product managers have three big things in common:

The customer is always at the center of their universe. The great ones are invaluable because they can work effectively across the entire organization (product, marketing, sales) There is no one-size fits all description of either of their roles — and thus the subject of great debate.

Check out the Product Management vs Product Marketing Infographic