E-COMMERCE MARKETING
- Thien Nguyen |
The E-commerce Marketing course focuses on the principles, strategies, and tactics involved in marketing products and services in the online marketplace. It explores the unique challenges and opportunities presented by e-commerce platforms, digital technologies, and internet-based marketing channels. Students learn to develop and implement effective e-commerce marketing strategies to drive online sales, enhance brand visibility, and maximize customer engagement and loyalty.
Course Information
Course Objectives
- To understand the fundamentals of e-commerce and its impact on marketing practices.
- To analyze e-commerce business models, market trends, and consumer behavior in online environments.
- To explore digital marketing strategies, tools, and techniques for promoting products and services online.
- To develop skills in e-commerce website optimization, user experience design, and conversion rate optimization.
- To examine social media marketing, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies for e-commerce businesses.
- To evaluate e-commerce analytics, performance metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure marketing effectiveness.
- To discuss ethical, legal, and regulatory issues in e-commerce marketing, including privacy concerns and data protection.
- To analyze case studies and best practices of successful e-commerce marketing campaigns and initiatives.
Course Topics:
- Introduction to E-commerce Marketing
- E-commerce Business Models and Strategies
- Consumer Behavior in E-commerce
- Digital Marketing Fundamentals
- E-commerce Website Design and Optimization
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for E-commerce
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Social Media Marketing for E-commerce
- Content Marketing Strategies
- Email Marketing and Marketing Automation
- Mobile Marketing and E-commerce Apps
- E-commerce Analytics and Performance Measurement
- Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
- E-commerce Marketplace Strategies (e.g., Amazon, eBay)
- Legal and Ethical Issues in E-commerce Marketing
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive Lectures: Presentations covering key concepts, theories, and strategies in e-commerce marketing, with real-world examples and case studies.
- Case Studies: Analysis of e-commerce marketing case studies to understand successful campaigns, challenges, and industry trends.
- Guest Speakers: Inviting industry experts and e-commerce practitioners to share insights, experiences, and best practices.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects to develop e-commerce marketing plans, conduct market research, and analyze competitor strategies.
- Online Discussions: Engaging in online discussions, forums, and virtual classrooms to exchange ideas, ask questions, and debate current issues.
- Hands-on Exercises: Practical exercises to apply digital marketing tools, techniques, and platforms in e-commerce settings.
The E-commerce Marketing course provides MBA students with essential knowledge, skills, and insights to succeed in the dynamic and competitive world of online commerce. By exploring e-commerce strategies, digital marketing tactics, and best practices, students gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage digital channels, technologies, and analytics to drive business growth and achieve marketing objectives in the digital age.
Course Topics
- Introduction to E-commerce Marketing
- E-commerce Business Models and Strategies
- Consumer Behavior in E-commerce
- Digital Marketing Fundamentals
- E-commerce Website Design and Optimization
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for E-commerce
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Social Media Marketing for E-commerce
- Content Marketing Strategies
- Email Marketing and Marketing Automation
- Mobile Marketing and E-commerce Apps
- E-commerce Analytics and Performance Measurement
- Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
- E-commerce Marketplace Strategies (e.g., Amazon, eBay)
- Legal and Ethical Issues in E-commerce Marketing
Teaching Methods & Assessment Methods
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive Lectures: Presentations covering key concepts, theories, and strategies in e-commerce marketing, with real-world examples and case studies.
- Case Studies: Analysis of e-commerce marketing case studies to understand successful campaigns, challenges, and industry trends.
- Guest Speakers: Inviting industry experts and e-commerce practitioners to share insights, experiences, and best practices.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects to develop e-commerce marketing plans, conduct market research, and analyze competitor strategies.
- Online Discussions: Engaging in online discussions, forums, and virtual classrooms to exchange ideas, ask questions, and debate current issues.
- Hands-on Exercises: Practical exercises to apply digital marketing tools, techniques, and platforms in e-commerce settings.
Assessment Methods:
- Individual Assignments: Written assignments, reports, or essays on e-commerce marketing topics, theories, or case analyses.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects requiring research, analysis, and presentation of e-commerce marketing strategies or campaigns.
- Online Quizzes: Quizzes to assess understanding of course materials, concepts, and terminology.
- Case Study Analysis: Analyzing e-commerce marketing case studies and presenting findings, insights, and recommendations.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering course content, concepts, and applications in e-commerce marketing.
- Participation: Evaluation of active participation in online discussions, group activities, and class engagements.
Course material
1. Textbooks:
- "E-commerce 2019: Business, Technology, Society" by Kenneth C. Laudon and Carol Guercio Traver
- "E-commerce Essentials" by Kenneth C. Laudon and Carol Guercio Traver
- "Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice" by Dave Chaffey and Fiona Ellis-Chadwick
- "Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel" by Wayne L. Winston
2. Lecture Slides and Notes:
- PowerPoint presentations covering topics such as e-commerce business models, digital marketing strategies, and online consumer behavior.
- Lecture notes and summaries provided by instructors, supplementing lecture content and readings.
3. Case Studies:
- Harvard Business School cases and industry-specific case studies focusing on e-commerce marketing challenges, strategies, and success stories.
- Case study analysis guides and discussion questions to facilitate critical thinking and application of concepts.
4. Readings and Articles:
- Academic articles and research papers from journals such as the Journal of Marketing Research and the Journal of Interactive Marketing, covering e-commerce trends, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies.
- Articles from industry publications like eMarketer, MarketingProfs, and Digital Commerce 360, offering insights into e-commerce best practices, emerging technologies, and market trends.
5. Video Lectures and Webinars:
- Recorded video lectures by instructors and guest speakers, providing in-depth explanations of key concepts, case analyses, and industry insights.
- Live or recorded webinars featuring discussions on e-commerce marketing topics, guest presentations, and Q&A sessions.
6. Online Resources:
- Interactive online modules, tutorials, and simulations on e-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools, and analytics software.
- Access to online databases and research platforms such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ProQuest for additional readings and resources.
7. Tools and Software:
- Access to e-commerce platforms and tools such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento for hands-on experience in setting up and managing online stores.
- Digital marketing tools and software for search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, social media management, and analytics.
8. Supplementary Materials:
- Podcast episodes and TED talks featuring experts discussing e-commerce trends, digital marketing strategies, and innovations in online retail.
- Whitepapers, industry reports, and market studies from consulting firms and market research organizations providing insights into e-commerce markets and consumer behavior.
9. Assignments and Projects:
- Case analyses requiring students to analyze e-commerce business models, marketing strategies, and performance metrics, and propose recommendations.
- Group projects involving the development of e-commerce marketing plans, including market research, target audience analysis, and campaign strategies.
- Research papers on topics such as emerging trends in e-commerce, the impact of technology on consumer behavior, or the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies.
Resources
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Online Courses and Tutorials:
- Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a variety of online courses and tutorials on e-commerce marketing, digital marketing, and related topics. These courses often provide video lectures, quizzes, and practical exercises to enhance learning.
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Industry Reports and Market Research:
- Accessing industry reports, market research studies, and whitepapers from sources like Statista, eMarketer, Forrester Research, and Gartner can provide valuable insights into e-commerce trends, consumer behavior, and competitive analysis.
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E-commerce Blogs and Websites:
- Following reputable e-commerce blogs and websites such as Shopify Blog, Moz Blog, Neil Patel's blog, and HubSpot Blog can keep students updated on the latest trends, best practices, and case studies in e-commerce marketing and digital marketing.
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Podcasts and Webinars:
- Listening to podcasts and attending webinars hosted by industry experts and thought leaders can offer valuable insights and practical tips on e-commerce marketing strategies, optimization techniques, and emerging trends.
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Professional Associations and Events:
- Joining professional associations such as the Digital Marketing Association (DMA) or the Internet Retailer Association (IRA) can provide access to networking opportunities, conferences, and workshops focused on e-commerce marketing and digital retailing.
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E-commerce Forums and Communities:
- Participating in online forums and communities like Reddit's r/ecommerce or LinkedIn groups focused on e-commerce marketing can facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and peer support among industry professionals and enthusiasts.
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Books and Publications:
- Reading books and publications by industry experts and thought leaders in e-commerce and digital marketing, such as "The Long Tail" by Chris Anderson, "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini, and "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" by Nir Eyal, can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
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Online Tools and Software:
- Exploring and experimenting with online tools and software platforms such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Buffer, and Mailchimp can help students gain hands-on experience in e-commerce analytics, SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing.
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E-commerce Case Studies and Success Stories:
- Studying e-commerce case studies and success stories from companies like Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, and Shopify can provide practical examples of effective e-commerce marketing strategies, innovative business models, and successful digital transformation initiatives.
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E-commerce Podcasts:
- Listening to e-commerce podcasts such as "The Ecommerce Influence Podcast," "The Ecommerce Marketing Show," and "The Smart Passive Income Podcast" can offer valuable insights, tips, and strategies from industry experts and successful e-commerce entrepreneurs.
Assessment
1. Individual Assignments:
- Case Analyses: Students analyze real-world e-commerce marketing cases, identify key issues, and propose strategic recommendations based on course concepts.
- Research Papers: Students conduct in-depth research on specific e-commerce marketing topics, such as consumer behavior in online markets or the impact of social media on e-commerce, and present their findings in written format.
- Digital Marketing Plan: Students develop a comprehensive digital marketing plan for an e-commerce business, including strategies for SEO, social media, email marketing, and content creation.
2. Group Projects:
- E-commerce Website Audit: Groups conduct an audit of an e-commerce website, assessing usability, user experience, and conversion optimization, and propose recommendations for improvement.
- Marketing Campaign Development: Groups collaborate to design and implement an e-commerce marketing campaign, integrating multiple digital channels and measuring campaign effectiveness.
- Market Research Project: Groups conduct market research to identify trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape in a specific e-commerce market segment, and present their findings to the class.
3. Online Quizzes and Exams:
- Midterm and Final Exams: Assess students' understanding of key concepts, theories, and strategies covered in the course, including e-commerce business models, digital marketing tactics, and online consumer behavior.
- Weekly Quizzes: Short quizzes administered throughout the course to gauge students' comprehension of weekly readings, lectures, and discussions, reinforcing learning objectives and concepts.
4. Presentations and Demonstrations:
- Digital Marketing Campaign Presentation: Students present their digital marketing campaigns developed for a hypothetical e-commerce business, explaining their strategies, target audience, and expected outcomes.
- Tool Demonstrations: Students demonstrate their proficiency with digital marketing tools and software, such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, or social media management platforms, showcasing their ability to analyze data and optimize campaigns.
5. Participation and Engagement:
- Class Discussions: Students actively participate in online class discussions, sharing insights, asking questions, and contributing to debates on e-commerce marketing topics and case studies.
- Peer Review and Feedback: Students provide constructive feedback on classmates' assignments, presentations, and projects, fostering collaboration and peer learning.
6. Practical Assessments:
- E-commerce Website Development: Students build and optimize an e-commerce website using platforms like Shopify or WordPress, applying principles of user experience design, conversion rate optimization, and mobile responsiveness.
- Social Media Marketing Campaign: Students create and manage a social media marketing campaign for an e-commerce brand, including content creation, audience targeting, and performance tracking.
7. Case Study Analysis:
- Case Study Presentations: Students analyze and present case studies of successful and unsuccessful e-commerce marketing campaigns, identifying key factors contributing to their outcomes and lessons learned.
8. Online Proctored Assessments:
- Proctored Exams: Secure, online proctored exams may be administered to ensure academic integrity and assess students' understanding of course materials and concepts.
9. Reflections and Self-Assessment:
- Reflective Essays: Students write reflective essays or journal entries, discussing their learning experiences, challenges encountered, and insights gained throughout the course.
- Self-Assessment Portfolios: Students compile portfolios showcasing their assignments, projects, and accomplishments, along with self-assessments of their skills and competencies in e-commerce marketing.
Coaches
Thien Nguyen