Oxford Home Study Centre is proud to offer a wide range of endorsed marketing courses to suit all skill and experience levels. This advanced Level 7 Marketing Diploma covers the following topics over 22 in-depth modules, each of which concludes with an online assessment:
Module 1 - Introduction to Marketing
The functions and aims of marketing are examined in the first module, along with the contribution marketing makes to the success of all businesses worldwide. Candidates study the components of the marketing mix, while assessing the differences between marketing and selling, how promotion differs from marketing and more.
Module 2 - Marketing Environment
Candidates then learn how every important marketing decision must be made on the basis of a countless internal and external pressures. Several major economic, political and sociocultural factors marketers must consider are discussed, along with tools and techniques for monitoring and measuring the marketing environment.
Module 3 - Markets and Market Segmentations
An introduction to market segmentation follows in the third module, which plays a key role in the formulation of an effective marketing strategy. Several different classifications of markets and their characteristics are discussed, including organisational markets, consumer markets and more.
Module 4 - Consumer Behaviour
Module Four explores the concept of the customer persona, outlining how and why consumer research forms the basis of high-impact marketing. Candidates consider the various steps in the buying process from the perspective of the customer, along with how purchase decisions are affected by cultural factors and influences.
Module 5 - Market Research
The characteristics of an effective market research strategy are then discussed, in which candidates are familiarised with a variety of market research tools and techniques. The importance of approaching respondents in an appropriate way is also explored, along with the cornerstones of good interview etiquette and a look at quantities data analysis.
Module 6 - Marketing Planning
Module Six provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the marketing planning process, incorporating tips and guidelines for conducting marketing audits. Candidates learn how to set appropriate and viable objectives for a marketing strategy, devise effective promotional strategies and assess the performance of current marketing activities.
Module 7 - Product Development and Product Lifecycle
A breakdown of the product lifecycle follows in the seventh module, familiarising candidates with its main phases and their relevance in marketing. Several essential guidelines for developing and introducing new products are also provided, including how and why product concepts should be thoroughly tested before being launched.
Module 8 - Product Pricing Strategies
Key factors that influence appropriate product pricing are explored in Module Eight, which presents candidates with a series of product pricing models and commonly adopted pricing structures. Price as an important component in marketing and promotion is discussed, along with major cost considerations when creating pricing strategies.
Module 9 - Branding and Packaging
Module Nine covers the characteristics of an effective branding strategy, highlighting the importance of creating a brand that’s original, authentic, distinctive and unique. Learners also explore the purpose of product packaging beyond basic protection, along with the influence packaging can have over purchasing decisions.
Module 10 - Channels of Distribution
The pros and cons of the major distribution channels are then explored, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate channels of distribution for any given product. The potential benefits and drawbacks of distributing products via multiple channels are also discussed.
Module 11 - Promotion Mix
The relationship between promotion and marketing is then examined, including how they differ in terms of functions and objectives. Candidates are presented with a detailed dissection and explanation of the promotion mix, along with how different approaches to promotion yield different results.
Module 12 - Personal Selling and Sales Promotion
Module 12 provides a series of guidelines for becoming a more confident seller, outlining the qualities and characteristics of the effective salesperson. The main differences between sales promotion and selling are also explored, incorporating a step-by-step guide to the personal selling process.
Module 13 - Advertising and Publicity
The concepts of advertising and publicity are then introduced, which in both instances play important roles in a broader marketing strategy. The functions and objectives of the two concepts are discussed, along with the importance of generating positive publicity and how communication holds the key to effective advertising.
Module 14 - The Importance of Body Language in Sales
Learners then consider how nonverbal communication often sends a more powerful message than spoken discourse. The effective use and interpretation of body language, gestures and facial expressions is discussed, alongside the use of inflection and tone to intensify the impact of verbal communication.
Module 15 - Building Relationships for Success in Sales
Module 15 examines how adopting a customer-first approach to sales and marketing often paves the way for success. The concept of the customer-focused organisation is discussed, along with tips and techniques for building meaningful and long-lasting relationships with customers.
Module 16 - Telemarketing
Challenges and opportunities associated with telemarketing are examined in Module 16, which considers the differences between remote telesales and in-person sales. Candidates learn how to improve their listening skills, create an effective telesales script and improve their telemarketing skills through careful pre-call planning.
Module 17 - Preparing for Sales Presentations
The art of putting on impactful presentations is then explored in-depth, in which the roles of confidence and presence are discussed. Course content also covers the functions, objectives and components of business proposals, the criticality of forward planning and how to overcome typical challenges while conducting presentations.
Module 18 - Techniques for Maximum Sales
Module 18 provides practical pointers for maximising the value of every sale, while ensuring every sales opportunity is exploited appropriately. The relationship between personal productivity and successful selling is also touched upon, with a series of guidelines for becoming more productive.
Module 19 - Creativity and Innovation
Module 19 examines the extent to which creativity and innovation can turbocharge the impact and appeal of a marketing strategy. Candidates learn how to nurture creativity and innovation in a team, inspire creative thinking and use ‘out of the box’ thinking to generate more diverse ideas.
Module 20 - Creating a PPC Campaign
A crash-course introduction to paid search marketing follows in Module 20, which provides a step-by-step guide to effective Pay Per Click (PPC) marketing. Candidates learn how to develop and implement a cost-effective PPC campaign from scratch, allocate an appropriate PPC budget and track PPC campaign performance.
Module 21 - Building a Brand on Social Media
Exploiting the influence and appeal of social media to build an online brand is then discussed, highlighting the unique benefits of social media as a major modern marketing platform. Candidates learn how to tap into the power of social media and engage its enormous global audience of users.
Module 22 - Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
In the final module, learners explore the fascinating art of organic search marketing – aka search engine optimisation (SEO). The functions and objectives of an SEO strategy are discussed, along with how to choose the right keywords and search terms, the potential limitations of organic search marketing and more.
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