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How to apply the 7 functions of marketing effectively

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Try Bonsai: Your Partner in Strategic Marketing Success
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Updated on:
September 5, 2024
September 5, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Try Bonsai: Your Partner in Strategic Marketing Success
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Marketing is important for the expansion of business activities. It starts with researching for the market, that is finding out for whom the product is made and management of information. The above stages assist in marketing strategy which is a plan on how to access potential customers. Such strategy encompasses product life management and professional marketing methods.

Pricing strategy is also a very important aspect in the sense that the end users should always get profits but the company should as well stay relevant in the industry. There are also self service and other strategic options as to the choice of distribution methods and filling in the sales funnel. Last but not least, customer service is important in customer retention and satisfaction.

Introduction to the functions of marketing

Functions of marketing are an integral part of the marketing effective business growth plan. These include but are not limited to market research, management of goods and services and control of the organization. These functions are necessary for a business to understand its customers, develop a functional marketing plan and to carry out effective promotional activities.

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The adequate control of information in the performance of the above key points enables the marketer to find suitable outlets, create the right price brackets and even maximally fill the sale funnel. At the same time, customer care enhances the total customer satisfaction experience which is a marketing tool by its own merit.

This implies that one can add to business success and growth score by appreciating and executing marketing functions successfully.

1. Market research

Any business success is dependent on sufficient market research study. This also involves a combination of adequate knowledge on the market that one intends to reach, making an effective choice, then coming up with an appropriate marketing plan. These factors and many others enhance business growth.

Usually, market research will include but is not limited to marketing research analysis, data management, sales funnel assessment. It enables proper product management, efficient customer support, and encompasses pricing and promotional activities. All this in turn redirects to revenue optimization.

Moreover, it becomes critical for the actualization of the market research findings in actual distribution of the products and services in the market, thereby making it relevant to the corporate world.

Importance of market research

Every company must put in place at least one market research to enhance strategic decision making within the company. It helps to determine the details of the target market, the best channels of distribution and the means of pricing the product. Market research as a factor balances the shortcomings of net based market information and the posts to marketing research as an inordinate cost and effort.

This research presents sufficient evidence for enhancement of product and services management, design of marketing strategies, and improved customer service management. Thus it plays a major role in the formation of a successful and strategic marketing plan, enhancing profitability, and managing the sales funnel for the purposes of achieving the business goals.

Methods of conducting market research

As a significant driver of the business expansion, marketing research is crucial in identifying areas where it will derive certain advantages against other competitors and uses suitable strategies to get management information systems requirements for the researched marketing activity of the assumed organization focusing on pain creating benefits. One such method is surveys, useful in obtaining knowledge about the targeted audience’s preferences, tastes, and interests.

As another option, observational methods are employed in observing customers while going through a sales funnel or in evaluating rival company’s distribution systems. On the other hand, companies can perform the experimental research in which new product strategies, price strategy, or promotion strategy is tested.

Such approaches provide a foundation for tactical development, growth of revenue, and product and services management effectiveness, thus promoting excellent customer service and competitiveness in the business environment.

Role of market research-market research in marketing strategy

In shaping an organization marketing strategy, market research has to be done. It assists in comprehensive understanding of the target market by looking at what the consumers look out for while buying or using their products. In this regard, research is crucial for management particularly in the area of molding strategies, especially with regard to products, pricing, and promotions.

Having done thorough and proper market research, companies stand to benefit as they will be able to come up with better distribution channels for their products thus enhancing the efficiency of their sales funnel and revenue generation. It also promotes better customer service which in turn facilitates the growth of the business. One thing is for sure that without conducting marketing research, there can be no effective marketing thus making advancement in both products and services management.

2. Product development

Market research, product management and sound judgment are one of the main aspects into the development of our product. Market research acts as a tool for assessing what the target market wants and influences the development and improvement of products that satisfy the needs of consumers. Product management ensures that the product is handled from planning to marketing in an orderly and effective manner.

Strategic decision making is also important in linking the process of product development to improved business growth. This entails developing a price which is commensurate to the value attached to the product and the objectives of generating income for the company. At the same time, it guarantees that the effective channels of distribution have been established to ensure that customers are reached quickly and effectively.

All these factors must be present in our marketing system, enhancing effectiveness in the marketing system in promoting good customer service whilst enabling a functioning sales funnel.

Acknowledging the product life cycle

In any field that lays claim to product management and strategic directions, it is important to have a clear comprehension of the product life cycle. Such a cycle begins as soon as an idea becomes a product until it is put to rest and needs to be consistent in terms of market reviews as well as information management. 

More specifically, the life cycle which has the four major phases consisting of: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline will determine the kind of marketing, pricing and distribution channels to engage in for the growth of the business and revenue generation.

It is thus during the introduction stage, that online customer service and feedback is very much essential, while during the growth stage, marketing strategies and efficacious market selection is very important. In developmental marketing, throughout each stage, there is a constant move towards improving each stage, especially on how to build a sales funnel.

Contribution of product development to marketing

Marketing is attributed to product development, a key ingredient in strategy formulation and business development. It encompasses product management, pricing strategy, and selection of distribution avenues which are all determinants of revenue.

Through proper product development an achievable marketing strategy can be designed in that market research and information management will furnish the target market and therefore the product develops successfully which will help in increasing the sales funnel conversion rate.

Additionally, it has an effect on promotional plans and customer support systems, thus allowing organizations to have a manageable product and service delivery management that eventually improves competitiveness and growth potential in the market.

3. Promotion

Effective growth parameters defining business development, and constituting the effective management of product and services, are captured in a proper marketing strategy. Also, the importance of market research and management of information comes to the fore. This is important in the identification of the market, and the creation of promotional techniques that the customers will respond to.

In making strategic decisions, conducting effective marketing research, formulating the appropriate pricing policy, selling to the clientele efficiently, and streamlining the distribution network to make the most sales are included. Following through these processes is essential in building a formidable sales funnel.

But also combining these interventions the enterprise did not achieve a well-functioning business system hence stunted growth of the organization. While advertising remains a vital part of promotion, it does not always encompass the whole scope of promotion in the ecosystem of the product.

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Types of promotional strategies

The promotional strategies are also instrumental for development in the firm effectiveness in service and product management. Such strategies include, carrying out a marketing research on what your market audience is then utilizing that information for pricing strategy decision making, sales funnel, distribution and customer service.

  • The marketing strategy is one of the promotional strategies and it is all about planning which message and what type of media will communicate better with the target audience targeted.
  • Another strategy is revenue generation, which in other words, is increasing sales by introducing special promotion offers or discounts to clients, as well as premium service.
  • Thirdly, customer service oriented promotional strategies incorporate the formulation of relationships with existing, and even new customers by providing them with additional services.

The promotion in marketing

Promotion comes next to the marketing strategy. It is a marketing activity which aims at creating communication between enterprises and consumers. It includes the different types of promotional strategies which are advertising, personal selling, sales promotions, public relations, and direct marketing. These moves in creating product management and customer service relations make clear the merits and characteristics of a good or service.

When it comes to the growth of the business, – proper promotion is one of the essentials. It brings sales and more importantly affects strategic directions by addressing the sales funnel and providing avenues for distribution. At the same time, promotion is usually inspired by marketing and information management and actualizing the ideal mixture of factors for a marketing campaign.

4. Sales

A good understanding of how to manage the product is important in the development of any business. By conducting market research and managing information, companies can focus on the audience available as well as design necessary marketing incentives. That is a big plus for the company's success as well as customer service development and revenue generating activities.

Every sales funnel management process will require a strong strategic decision. Such components as marketing strategy, pricing strategy and technological choice for market distribution can make all the difference. All these strategies of course are supported with effective market research and are important for the business expansion.

These strategies are designed not so much for earning profit but for successful management of the product or services rendered. This means that there is a goal of earning profits as well as maintaining the customers trust.

How to understand the sales process

The sales process encompasses all possible steps needed for the company’s development which are based on the marketing research aimed at the specific audience, development of the functional pricing policy and effective product management. Examples of tasks that should be performed are: creating distribution networks; carrying out marketing activities in order to attract an audience; providing customer support for generating revenue.

The rehabilitation of information in the most proper way is imperative for smooth flow as well as for the purpose of eliminating any possible disruptions. As a neatly defined sales funnel captures the attention of the customers from the moment they consider making a purchase and up to when they buy a product or service. Familiarity with the number of sales that they get enables them to improve their marketing techniques, improve the managing of the products and services offered, and conduct marketing research to ensure continuity.

Role of sales in marketing

It is stated that "Sales are responsible for draft and execution of marketing strategy”. Furthermore, this department plays a major role in formulating certain internal policies that are practiced within the organization’s marketing strategies. In addition to that, the sales team is involved in developing marketing techniques and in developing pricing systems and even in channelizing the distribution processes to effectively target the market.

In addition, they also help in the growth of the business through the generation of sales and increasing the profitability of the business. These are the personnel in charge of the sales funnel and customer servicing, where they aim to make a customer into a loyal one. Finally, sales too are involved in information management, where they ensure that every important item of information regarding the marketing research is put into the use of managing and marketing the products and services.

5. Pricing

It is important to make sure that the best pricing system or strategy is put in place in this regard so as to augment the revenue generation and expansion of the business. Such consideration takes into account the evaluation of the potential price range for the specific potential clients plus proper management of the product. It is part of the general compositing strategy of marketing that the price and demand are realized and integrated with the sales funnel as well as alter the moons of customer service.

The channels of distribution also influence the pricing policy by specifying the legal settlement price policies in case of the pricing geography. Information management becomes useful in providing feedback on these changes and helping to adjust the pricing responsiveness when there is a change in the market situation or when customers redesign their preferences.

Factors influencing pricing decisions

In any Marketing Strategy, a pricing strategy is an integral part as it relates to generation of revenue and development of business activities. There are several factors that affect the pricing decisions, such as:

  • The target market: How much the consumer is ready and willing to pay for a given product or a service.
  • Product management: What it costs to manufacture the product, marketing, distributing & servicing the product.
  • Competitor pricing: This involves market analysis to establish the price a competitor offered for a similar product or service.

Firms rely on efficient marketing research and information management as key drivers in the pricing strategies towards company policies. Pricing Policies and their significance in marketing

Role of pricing in marketing

Marketing incorporates the pricing elements that operate in market areas because it grossly determines the sales revenue of an organization. It is a critical aspect of the marketing plan of the company and is usually done after doing the market research. The results of such a study are important in developing a pricing plan for the specific market. 

When policies on setting prices are well entrenched, they can positively affect the sales funnel, bring more customers to use products, and improve customer support which in turn boosts the revenues of the business. 

The pricing strategies being studied should also assist in the effective control of the distribution activities of products and services. Therefore, it is clear that pricing is not merely assigning a price to a product, but rather it is fundamental to both promotional strategies and customer service aspects while also enhancing business growth. 

6. Distribution 

Other than making the sales in order to make sales, a well elaborated marketing strategy is very important for the growth of the business. Such an approach requires thorough studies on marketing for purposes of identifying target audiences and appropriate marketing activities. Familiarity with distribution structures is also important in product development and pricing processes.

Managing Information is essential in strategic management particularly in identifying appropriate sales funnel and revenue generation activities. Once more, excellent customer relationship management is one component of broader product and service management that can result in company growth.

These are the types of activities that enhance the proper understanding and application of those key factors that result in an efficient delivery of either products or services to the market.

Translation of distribution channels

Grasping the concept of distribution channels is crucial, in fact, the most crucial thing, whenever coming with a marketing plan. It means effective and elaborate marketing research to identify the effective channels of communicating the products/services to the market or target audience. All processes of making marketing decisions, alter the whole business from the products managed to the services provided.

Revenue generation and or business expansion are directly issued to these channels. They are crucial in the funnel of sales of a firm and pricing that has some degree of information flow in the right direction. Certain characteristics of the market such as size and potential of the clients, distribution range of the firm’s clients, competition in the market, and customer characteristics may limit or enhance the distribution structures utilized.

In addition, distribution channels can enhance or constrain a company’s image and promotional measures through controlling product availability and customer experience. This means that identifying effective distribution channels is critical in achieving desired market performance and effective product and service management.

Rotation in the context of marketing

Distribution is a crucial component in every marketing strategy. It refers to how the target needs are satisfied in terms of making the product or service accessible. This process of making strategic decisions is essential in the achievement of business expansion, income earning and management of products and services offered.

With respect to the distribution channels chosen and controlled, resulting is the effectiveness of the sales funnel as well as the level of customer service. The combination of market analysis, marketing and market information systems design gave the companies the opportunity to gain the competitive edge in developing the right customer and product strategies intending to dominate market/ profitability margins.

7. Customer service

With the ability to project a very strong customer service, a company can project a very strong marketing strategy which can result in great business advancement. Additionally, it can give meaningful data for market research and enable the marketing development in the entire product management chain.

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Proper customer service is also a great help in determining the right prices for the products, improving the funnel for sales and diversification of the channels of distribution. The main objective is to increase the inflow of revenues and to help with the formulation of strategies.

In this way, the specific customers are better served which helps to better the management of the products and services. In addition to that, customer service post and pre-sales services include the tools for market analysis and strategic marketing communication planning.

The importance of customer service in marketing

Customer service is quite essential in the marketing mix since it affects optimization of the profit capacity of the business. It focuses on deciphering the market through marketing processes, providing solutions to the concerns on time and assuring them of their continued patronage which is key in both retention and acquisition of the customers.

Use of distinctive competency in customer service resonates with its primary aim of product management, effective pricing, developing promotions or advertising campaigns. Good customer service also assists in marketing management by generating user feedback on the product which helps in building the sales channel and network distribution. It can be said that to have a good marketing performance, a company also needs great customer service.

How important is customer service in promoting customer retention

Customer service is part of the strategies of the business and its importance in the process of growing the company and earning revenues cannot be under emphasized. It is an aspect of marketing strategy of an organization as it helps to achieve the level of satisfaction desired by the potential customers.

Effective customer service improves the sales funnel, ensures customer loyalty, and contributes to market research. As such, it follows that customer service can increase the productivity of a business, influence the policies regarding products and services, and determine the success of advertising campaigns.

How can Bonsai help you successfully manage your marketing projects?

Managing marketing projects can be complex, but Bonsai is here to simplify the process and ensure your success. Bonsai centralizes all your project information, making it easy to access and manage.

Here’s how Bonsai can help you effectively manage your marketing projects:

1. Comprehensive project management

With Bonsai, you can break down your marketing projects into manageable tasks. Assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track progress effortlessly. The task management feature helps you stay organized and ensures that every aspect of your project is covered.

  • Easily assign tasks to team members based on their skills and availability.
  • Monitor the progress of each task and the overall project to ensure timely completion.
  • Set and track key milestones to keep your project on schedule and ensure all critical deadlines are met.

2. Client management

Bonsai includes powerful client management features that help you maintain strong relationships with your clients. The client portal allows you to share documents, updates, and progress reports with clients, keeping them informed and engaged throughout the project. This promotes better communication and ensures that client expectations are met.

  • Share documents and updates with clients in real-time.
  • Receive and incorporate client feedback seamlessly.
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with clients to ensure satisfaction.
Link to Project Management

3. Financial Management

Managing your project budget is crucial for the success of any marketing campaign. Bonsai provides tools to track expenses, allocate budgets, and monitor financial performance. This ensures that you stay within budget and make informed financial decisions.

  • Keep track of all project-related expenses to avoid overspending.
  • Allocate budgets to different tasks and phases of the project.
  • Generate detailed financial reports to monitor the financial health of your project.

By leveraging Bonsai’s range of features, you can streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and ensure the success of your marketing projects. Bonsai’s centralized project information, comprehensive project management, client management, and financial management tools provide everything you need to manage your projects effectively.

Ready to take your marketing projects to the next level? Try Bonsai today and experience the difference!

Conclusion: Integrating all functions to make marketing more effective

Accurate marketing is of utmost importance for a business’s development and it calls for the integration of various functions including product and service management, information management, pricing strategy. It is important to include market research and to get to know the audience one wishes to target in order to develop a more appropriate marketing plan to reach a wider audience.

There is more revenue that can be obtained by using the distribution channels and the proper sales funnel. Strategic decision making is important in establishing promotional strategies and enhancing the service quality. By integrating all these aspects, a business is able to utilize its full marketing potential for and enhance the ability to grow.

Try Bonsai: Your Partner in Strategic Marketing Success
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