What is Marketing? It's Actually Closer Than You Think!

Hello, I'm Haru!

Today, I'll be explaining the theme of "What is marketing? in a way that's easy to understand, even for those who don't know anything about it.

What is "Marketing"?

First, here's a quick quiz💡

Q. What do you think "marketing" is?

Which of the following do you think applies to marketing?

1. Selling things

2. Advertising through commercials and the like

3. Conducting market research

4. Sharing information on social media

The answer is... All of them!

Marketing includes everything listed above. In short,


marketing is "the mechanism for creating the desire to buy".

To sell products, it's not enough to just line them up; you also need to communicate their appeal and create an environment where they are easy to purchase.

Before I became a professional marketer, I thought marketing was just "market research." However, I remember being very surprised when I learned that marketing is not just that, but actually includes a wide variety of elements.

Examples of marketing in everyday life

I'll explain using familiar examples of marketing that are easy to visualize.

1. Supermarket tasting booths

Have you ever been at a supermarket and been offered a sample of a new product? This is also a great example of marketing. Tasting booths aim for the following effects:

• Having people actually taste it so they get to know the product (providing an experience).

• Having them purchase it on the spot because they thought it was "delicious!"

It's not just about lining things up; the effort to let customers experience the product is what creates the 'desire to buy'.

2. Trending products on social media

For example, have you ever seen a trending gadget on Instagram or similar platforms?

When a popular influencer introduces it by saying, 'I recommend this!', don't you feel like, 'That looks interesting!' or 'I want that!'?

This is an example of marketing that utilizes social media.

• Making products look attractive through photos and videos.

• Increasing the desire to purchase by having trusted people recommend them.

Sharing information on social media draws out the 'desire to buy'.

What does marketing actually involve?

When you hear the word 'marketing,' you might think it sounds difficult or something only experts can do. However, it is actually just a collection of very simple ideas.

For example, the following things are included in marketing.

• Understanding the customer
  Who needs the product? What kind of problems do they have?
  For example, if you are selling a warm drink in a cold season, you target 'people who want to warm up easily.'

• Communicating value
  Thinking about how to convey the appeal of the product.
  For example, if you write 'special aromatic blend' instead of just 'coffee' on a cafe menu, its appeal increases.

• Creating an easy-to-buy environment
  Where the product can be bought and how it is delivered are also important.
  Recently, systems like 'order online and have it delivered the next day' are also a form of marketing.

How even beginners can get a feel for marketing

In fact, we experience marketing naturally in our daily lives.
Here, I will share some points for observation.

1. Think about the reasons for the products you bought

Let's try to remember things you bought recently.

• Why did you choose that?

• Was it because the packaging caught your eye? Or because you saw reviews?

Just by thinking about that 'trigger,' you can see the mechanisms of marketing.

2. Observe shops and advertisements

Let's observe the advertisements and campaigns we see in town and online.

• What kind of words and visuals are being used?

• What are the points that make me feel attracted to them?

Just by doing this, you can experience and learn about the process of 'creating the desire to buy.'
By standing in the customer's shoes, you can gain hints that can be used in marketing.

Conclusion

Marketing is the overall activity of creating a system that makes customers want to buy.

Selling things, advertising, conducting market research, sharing information on social media...
These are all essential elements.

I would be happy if this article made you think, 'Marketing is interesting!' 😊

This is knowledge that can also be applied to note!
I would like to write more detailed articles in the future ✏

Introducing Recommended Books

Finally, I would like to introduce my, Haru's, recommended books! 📚

👉How Brands Grow: Part 1 - 11 Marketing Laws Nobody Knows

It is a quite famous book, but it is a volume that clearly explains 11 laws that move consumer hearts. I read it 2-3 times to deepen my learning. I highly recommend this book to those who want to become marketers or those who want to learn!

👉How Brands Grow: Part 2 (New Market Development Edition)

There is also a Part 2, 'New Market Development Edition.' While Part 1 teaches the 'basic growth laws of brands,' this one specializes in 'how to fight and grow in new markets.'
If you have read Part 1, please read this one too! 📚