You can't separate business life from marketing. In order to develop effective strategies, you must absolutely understand this concept. What is marketing? What is an effective marketing strategy? The answers to these questions are below.
MARKETING: DEFINITION
The question is: what is marketing? First of all, we should have clear and simple answers to this question.
Marketing is the set of means to be deployed to sell a company's products. When we talk about products, it also concerns services. Then, it encompasses loyalty strategies, the search for new customers as well as the development of new products or services according to consumer demand.
The goal of marketing is simple: to be ahead of the competition in every respect.
In addition, consider it as an art: "The art of communication". Even if it is an art, you must master the fundamental techniques. Which brings us to the next point.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MARKETING STRATEGIES
Various marketing strategies exist, but those listed below are the most used in a company.
- Influence strategies
These are methods that aim to change consumer opinions and behaviour. As mentioned in its name, it is about influencing customers. For example: talk to the Internet users who visit your e-commerce site in order to convince them of the quality of the products you sell.
This strategy also includes the distribution of gifts after purchase. You have already noticed that there are some companies that distribute small gifts to their customers (diaries or pens in the company's colors).
- Relationship marketing
It says it all in the name. These are the methods used by marketers to build relationships with customers. The goal is to build customer loyalty through dialogue.
- Promotion
In a nutshell, this is what we call "Advertising". You know that the concept of advertising is to convince consumers to buy your products by any means available: flyers, banners, advertising insert or others.
- E-marketing
The Internet has been indispensable for every company for some time now. The development of a digital strategy is therefore of great importance, especially for online sales sites.
Natural referencing, optimisation of Google Adwords accounts, etc., are all very important. The objective is to encourage Internet users to click on your offers or ads. For a total control of this type of marketing, you can call upon the services of digital agencies.
HOW TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES?
In order to set up an effective strategy, you must absolutely listen to your potential customers. What are they asking or looking for? You have an obligation to meet their expectations as best as possible.
Knowing how to anticipate needs is also a great help. How do consumers behave and what is the best solution to remedy this? Be honest with your customers. The strategies listed above are not exhaustive. They are just the most commonly used.
Then put your customers at the heart of your strategy. Reassure them and listen to them for a long-term relationship. For example: for every problem you have to develop effective solutions.
Finally, analyse the results of the campaign. Were the solutions deployed effective with consumers? The answers to this question may help you in the future. In some cases, fine-tuning is necessary for greater effectiveness.
In short, to better master marketing and its various techniques, you must absolutely understand the concept. The above explanations are only indicative, but you can consult specialists for more information.