📅 Guide to Marketing & Digital Marketing
1. Introduction to Marketing
What is Marketing?
Marketing is the process of understanding consumer needs and creating, communicating, and
delivering value to satisfy those needs. It involves market research, product development,
advertising, sales, and customer relationship management.
Why is Marketing Important?
● Helps businesses identify and fulfill customer needs
● Builds brand awareness and loyalty
● Increases sales and revenue
● Creates a competitive advantage
How to Be a Great Marketer?
A successful marketer possesses the following skills:
1. Understanding Consumer Psychology - Knowing how and why people make buying
decisions.
2. Market Research Skills - Ability to analyze consumer trends and competitors.
3. Communication Skills - Strong storytelling and persuasion abilities.
4. Creativity & Innovation - Thinking outside the box to engage audiences.
5. Data-Driven Approach - Using analytics to refine strategies.
6. Adaptability - Staying updated with trends and evolving with the industry.
2. Understanding Marketing Needs
Customer Needs & Marketing Needs
● Met Needs: Needs that are already satisfied by existing products. (e.g., Colgate for oral
care)
● Unmet Needs: Needs that are not yet fulfilled, creating market opportunities. (e.g.,
Zomato & Swiggy fulfilling food delivery needs)
3. Marketing Evaluation & Evolution
1. Barter System
Issue: No standardization in quantity, quality, or value.
2. Production Orientation
● Focus on producing more products without considering customer preferences.
3. Sales Orientation
● Businesses focus on aggressive selling rather than customer needs.
4. Market Orientation
● Understanding consumer demand and marketing accordingly.
● Example: Smartphones from various brands targeting different audiences.
5. Management Creation
● Prioritizing customer needs and offering solutions that provide value.
4. The 4 Ps of Marketing
1. Product – Features, design, quality, branding, packaging, services.
2. Price – Competitive pricing, offers, additional products.
3. Place – Location, distribution, stock management.
4. Promotion – Publicity, paid promotions, and viral marketing.
Examples:
● Product: Apple focuses on high-end design and innovation.
● Price: Xiaomi offers budget-friendly smartphones with premium features.
● Place: Amazon ensures global accessibility.
● Promotion: Nike uses celebrity endorsements.
● 5. The Sales Process
1. Sales Prospecting – Identifying potential customers.
2. Approaching – Building trust with customers.
3. Identifying Needs – Understanding customer problems.
4. Presenting the Product – Showcasing product benefits.
5. Product Demo – Demonstrating product features.
6. Quotation Submission – Providing price and offer details.
7. Negotiation – Adjusting price, features, or services.
8. Closing Sales – Finalizing the deal.
9. Follow-Up – Ensuring customer satisfaction.
10.Repeat Business – Building long-term relationships.
6. Types of Marketing
1. Traditional Marketing
● Pros: High reach through TV, radio, newspapers.
● Cons: High cost, limited audience targeting.
2. Digital Marketing
● Pros: Cost-effective, targeted, measurable.
● Cons: Privacy issues, service difficulties, cybersecurity threats.
Comparison Example:
● Traditional: Billboards, TV ads.
● Digital: Google Ads, Instagram Influencer Marketing.
7. Digital Marketing – Advanced Concepts
1. WhatsApp Marketing
WhatsApp is a powerful direct messaging platform for businesses. It allows personalized
interactions, automation, and customer engagement.
Key Strategies:
1. WhatsApp Business API – Automate responses and manage large-scale messaging.
2. Broadcast Lists – Send promotions and updates to multiple users.
3. Interactive Messages – Use buttons, quick replies, and catalogs.
4. Customer Support – Offer instant communication for inquiries.
5. WhatsApp Ads – Drive leads directly from Facebook & Instagram.
2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
● Ranking on Google for organic traffic.
● Example: Blogs with keywords like "best smartphones 2024."
3. Content Marketing
● Creating valuable blogs, videos, and infographics.
● Example: HubSpot’s marketing blogs.
4. Social Media Marketing
● Using Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn for branding.
● Example: Coca-Cola’s interactive Instagram campaigns.
5. PPC Advertising
● Paid ads on Google and social media.
● Example: Amazon’s sponsored product ads.
6. Email Marketing
● Personalized email campaigns.
● Example: Netflix sending recommendations via email.
7. Affiliate Marketing
● Earning commissions by promoting products.
● Example: Bloggers earning from Amazon affiliate links.
8. Influencer Marketing
● Partnering with influencers to promote products.
● Example: Fashion brands collaborating with Instagram influencers.
9. Analytics & Performance Tracking
● Using Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, etc.
● Example: Tracking engagement for social media campaigns.