Chapter 3

Marketing Strategy

How businesses plan a coordinated marketing mix, obey legal controls and enter new and international markets.

What is a marketing strategy?

A marketing strategy is a plan to meet marketing objectives by coordinating the marketing mix (the four Ps). All four Ps must work together and match the target market. For example, a luxury product needs a high price, exclusive place and image-based promotion.

Key idea

A strategy links objectives (such as raising market share) to actions in product, price, place and promotion.

Legal controls

Governments use consumer protection laws so marketing is honest. Businesses must not make false claims, sell unsafe goods or use misleading adverts. Breaking these rules can bring fines and loss of reputation.

Remember

  • Adverts must be truthful and not mislead customers.
  • Products must be safe and fit for purpose.

New and international markets

A business may grow by entering new markets, including selling abroad. This brings opportunities such as more customers and higher sales, but also problems.

Example

Selling in another country may need changes for language, culture, laws and different customer tastes, and strong local competition may already exist.

Technology and social media let small firms reach customers cheaply worldwide, but the marketing mix must still suit each market.

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