Marketing
mix is perhaps one of the most basic but most crucial tool of
marketing. No marketing strategy can be complete without formulating the
marketing mix and filling any loopholes in it. So what do we learn from
the Marketing mix.
1. Marketing is dynamic in nature
– All the different variables in marketing mix are interlinked. Change
in one variable of marketing mix will bring a change in all the other
variables as well. For example – Price can bring a change in product,
place as well as promotions.
2. Product is not the most important factor –
Although a good product forms the base of marketing mix, without proper
price, promotion and distribution, your product will not get many
customers.
3. You cannot ignore market prices
– Your competition is smart and you can be assured that your
competitors have their eyes on you. If you slip out by keeping the wrong
pricing for your product, you are sure to suffer. A high price will
allow the competitors to penetrate whereas a low price as compared to
the market can cause loss of margins.
4. If you don’t advertise, you probably won’t sell
– Today, the competition is immense, and there is so much advertising
and promotion noise, that being heard in the crowd is difficult. You
need a unique marketing message along with a carefully drafted marketing
communications strategy to have the right position in consumers mind.
5. Redefine your distribution to match your products
– The distribution strategy for retail is very clear from ages. The
success of Retail depends on three factors – Location, location,
location. Just like retail, many other products are dependent on their
distribution. Be it FMCG, Consumer durables or electronics, your
distribution and your business location should match your target market.
6. Keep your people motivated
– Ask companies like Accenture and TCS about what are their major
assets and the answer will be PEOPLE. But, after you ask these top
players, go down to your local supermarket and ask them what is THEIR
biggest asset. They too will answer PEOPLE. Training and retaining good
people is a differentiator for top as well as small players.
7. Audit your physical elements
– Though physical elements do not apply to products, the success of a
service industry very much depends on the physical element. all will have physical
elements in their office which encourages you to go for a holiday
straightaway. Similarly restaurants, pubs, bars also have their physical
elements depending on the customers they want to target. Physical
elements can be perfected through customer feedbacks, consultants, and
architects. Using such external expertise is advisable if you want the
right marketing mix.
8. Define your process
– Service blue print is a concept used in the services and hospitality
sector to define customer experience step by step. For example, when a
customer steps into a hotel, his check in, his stay as well as the exit
is charted in a blue print and the whole process is defined. After the
process is known, steps are taken to ensure customer satisfaction and
delight. The same is done for airlines and hospitality segment.
9. Look at the complete picture
– Today, the concept of holistic marketing is in vogue. This is because
business environment is very competitive and top management knows that
there is immense benefit if the company works together as a complete
organization. The target is to have good co ordination between various
departments. After devising the marketing mix, it is important that you
take finance, HR and operations into confidence and communicate each and
every department of the strategy which the company is planning. This
strategy gives confidence to your people and makes them focus towards a
common goal.
Marketing
mix is an important strategic tool. But more important is understanding
the various elements involved in building a marketing mix. Each and
every element in the mix is dynamic and each of them has the power to
make or break a marketing strategy.
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