Marketing Strategy Jeremy Kees, Ph.D.
Marketing Strategy Marketing strategy: a firm’s overall program for selecting and satisfying a target market A marketing strategy is aimed at satisfying consumers in the selected target market through a careful balance of the elements of the marketing mix – each of which represents a subset of the overall marketing strategy 2 Key elements in marketing strategy Target Market Marketing Mix Variables
Successful Strategies: Tools and Techniques All planning strategies have the goal of creating a sustainable competitive advantage for a firm This is achieved through focusing on a firm’s core competency
Successful Strategies: Tools and Techniques A core competency is… The source of the competitive advantage that is the source of value to the consumer Is difficult for competitors to imitate Has applications in a wide variety of markets The core competency (competitive advantage) should drive strategic planning at the organizational and divisional levels
Target Market Group of people toward whom the firm decides to direct its marketing efforts Toyota Anheuser Busch
Marketing Mix Variables Product Strategy Place (Logistics and Distribution) Strategy Promotional Strategy Pricing Strategy
Product Strategy More than just the product or service offered Deciding what goods or services to offer consumers Decisions concerning customer service, package design, brand names, trademarks and patents, warranties, product positioning, and new product development. One key decisions is: First versus Second Mover Strategy
Distribution Strategy Ensures that consumers find their products in the proper quantities at the right times and places. Transportation modes. Warehousing. Inventory control. Order processing.
Promotional Strategy Blending together the various elements of promotion to communicate most effectively with the target market Informing, persuading, and influencing a consumer’s purchase decision. IMC
Pricing Strategy Deals with the methods of setting profitable and justifiable prices