Skip to content
The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryStrategy & FrameworksOutbound Marketing

Strategy & Frameworks

Outbound Marketing

Marketing that pushes messages to audiences who did not request them, such as cold outreach, TV spots and display ads.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Outbound marketing is marketing that pushes messages to audiences who did not request them, such as cold outreach, television spots, direct mail and display ads. It contrasts with inbound marketing, which attracts people who are already searching. Outbound can build reach and awareness quickly, but it depends on targeting and relevance.