Marketing

What is marketing?

Marketing is the business process of analyzing consumer and marketplace trends in order to design the most effective promotional strategies for a company’s products or services.

What should I look for in an online marketing school?

The best online marketing schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online marketing schools based on:

• The school’s name and status
• The school’s history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online marketing school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online marketing programs are available?

The following levels of marketing degree online programs are available:

• Online Marketing Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Marketing
• Online Bachelor in Marketing
• Online Masters in Marketing
• Online PhD in Marketing

How long does it take to get an online marketing degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online marketing degree depends on the level of marketing degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Marketing Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
• Online Marketing Associates Degree – 2 years
• Online Marketing Bachelor Degree – 4 years
• Online Marketing Masters – 2 years
• Online Marketing PhD – 2 to 5 years

What are some examples of online marketing courses?

Classes in the top online marketing schools give students a working knowledge of business basics as well as train students in the research, promotions and trend-analysis skills required for success in marketing jobs. Core course typically include:

• Introduction to Business
  The fundamentals of business and economics, including the operations of supply and demand, trend analysis, and how marketing, advertising, finance, management all work together in businesses.
• Consumer Behavior
  Since marketing focuses on what drives consumers to purchase products, this class hones students’ analysis of consumer activity such as investing and buying, plus looks at factors that positively and negatively affect consumers’ interest and activity.
• International Marketing
  With the expanding global market and e-commerce developments, U.S. marketing students need to know the nuances of working with clients and consumers from countries all over the world and how culturally different marketing strategies are necessary to achieve the same goals.
• Brand Management
  This course narrows in on one aspect of marketing—brand naming. Consumers recognize and trust brands they know, so this class discusses strategies for products becoming and remaining well-known commodities.
• Trends in Advertising
  Advertising is an important aspect of marketing that specifically targets consumer interests in products and services. This class addresses the development of advertising and how to use promotions to advance sales.

What areas of marketing specialization are available?

Online marketing degrees are usually a specialization within business or business administration programs. At the best online marketing schools, additional concentrations are available that allow marketing majors to focus on particular aspects of marketing such as:

• Internet Marketing
• Services Marketing
• Market Research
• Sales
• Marketing Management
• Consumer Behavior
• Advertising and Promotions

What can I do with a marketing degree?

Marketing specialist jobs vary by the type of industry a graduate wants to join. Every kind of organization and business uses marketing, from for-profit companies to government agencies to academic institutions to entertainment companies. Some of the most popular marketing jobs include:

• Marketing Manager
• Public Relations Manager
• Advertising Manager
• Product Developer
• Promotions Manager
• Sales Manager
• Local Government Public Relations
• Regional Corporation Marketing Executive
• Marketing Agent for Sports, Movie or Music Personalities

What is a marketing specialist?

A marketing specialist is the person who works on behalf of a company in order to find out where, when, and how to best introduce, promote, or advertise the company’s product to achieve maximum consumer sales.

What does a marketing specialist do?

A marketing specialist starts by doing market research to test the buying-selling viability of a new product. Marketing executives may oversee teams of marketing specialists, each working on a different aspect of consumer behavior trends and market trend analysis in order to determine if the economic dynamics in a certain area will accept the intended cost of the product, if customers will have interest in this product and how and when are best to release and advertise the so it reaches the customers most likely to purchase it.

How much does a marketing specialist earn?

Marketing careers can become high paying specialties, as most companies employ full-time marketing specialists. Marketing managers earn between $98,500 and $127,870 per year. Other marketing specialists such as those in public relations marketing positions, earn annual salaries around $55,500. The economy is expected to support an increase of 13% in upper level marketing jobs until 2018; public relations marketing jobs look to increase 24% in that time. Many new marketing jobs will involve internet marketing strategies and advancing e-commerce business.

How do I become a marketing specialist?

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is often required for most marketing positions, as the program will teach the fundamentals that will become necessary in the field. To improve marketing job options, further education, such as those that are available through online masters or MBA programs should be considered. Internships and work-study programs may also be valuable to future employers who are seeking experience and knowledgeable employees.