The Web-Marketing Mix model identifies the online marketing critical elements and addresses the main E-Commerce strategic, operational and organizational issues in an integrated and manageable manner.
After the evolution of technology and Internet innovation, everything is continuously changing from its traditional characteristics. Even the communication system, transport, lifestyle, business model, and marketing strategy is changing due to the internet. 4P defines the marketing mix, and was first expressed in 1960 by E. J. McCarthy in his book, “Basic Marketing – A Managerial Approach” is only applicable for physical business, not the online-based business. As the internet has taken over the world of commerce swiftly; as a result marketing mix 4P has an alternative which is known as web marketing mix 4S and this theory is developed by Efthymios Constantinides. To become a successful marketer it is essential to apply 4S in e-commerce or online marketing.
The Web-Marketing Mix model identifies the online marketing critical elements and addresses the main E-Commerce strategic, operational and organizational issues in an integrated and manageable manner. The WMM is an appropriate basis for Web Strategic and Marketing planning, especially intended for click-and-mortars operating in the Business-to-Consumer segment.
The model can be also useful to pure-plays or existing online organizations in re-evaluating their E-Commerce presence, provided that such organizations already have or are considering having a physical presence next to the virtual one.
The Web Marketing Mix approaches the marketing planning process in an integral manner, on different levels:
Scope: Strategy and Objectives
The scope of the web marketing mix covers all the strategies which are related to an organization’s online marketing and operations. This strategy includes a web-based marketing strategy, market analysis, synchronizing objectives and organization’s responsibilities, definition & classification of the potential customers and analyzing their buying patterns and behaviour online.
Site: Web Experience
Site in the web marketing mix focuses on communication between the organization and their customers. User-friendly website, customer service, website design and content are included in this marketing mix.
Moreover, during the website development a developer has to focus on some areas like whether visitors get the related information during searching in the website or not, offer or campaign banner in the website have to be linked up with the products page, landing page loading time, flexible order system, organized and precise information of product or service. Usually, a customer looks into this matter and if she/he had a great experience during browsing or purchasing then obviously she/he will come back to your website for the next order or will feel more connected with your website than your competitors.
Synergy: Integration
Synergy in business indicates that teamwork outcomes will be greater than the individuals. In a web marketing mix synergy is the combination of 3 components- the front office, the back office, and third parties. Usually, online marketers invest most of their investment in synergy for a greater result.
- The Front Office: It indicates the website itself and conventional corporate communication and distribution strategies. It is important to have an online presence of the organization to provide primary level support, order and campaign-related support to make a worthy marketing campaign.
- The Back Office: It refers to a service which is provided after processing the orders. Starting from the marketing campaign strategies to product-related after service strategies all are included under the back office.
- Third Parties: It is quite costly and time-consuming for an organization to do all the tasks internally. So for cost-cutting and increasing the productivity; usually, an organization linked up with external parties on a campaign or project basis.
System: Technology, Technical Requirement and Website Administration
It deals with technological related issues of a website. Based on time, and customer demand; it is necessary to give a right to your team to keep the online platform always up to date for effective online marketing. Moreover, while running a sale or promotional campaign the technical team always has to check whether the software is working properly or not and is able to process the order in their system. As a result, marketing team efforts will bring great success to the organization.
Conclusion
As every physical business is now trying to have an entity on the internet; it is very important for a business owner to give attention to the web marketing mix theory. So that they can handle their online business very smartly and effectively. At the beginning level implementing this theory in their online business can look a bit terrific but later on it will be easier after entering and understanding the pattern of the online business. This web marketing mix 4s will help a web business owner to maintain a standard and increase the business size.
