Marketing Channel Benefits

This module will define the scope and importance of marketing channels in the firm's route-to-market strategy. A case example involving distribution of oral rehydration salts in Africa will be used as an example of the trade offs, objectives, and practical solutions that a channel strategist would employ. This module will also overview the course structure and the general framework for developing your channel strategy, solving route-to-market problems, and the organization of the course content. Begin by downloading the slide deck in the reading section to annotate and follow along with the video lecture.

In this session, we will consider how marketing channel strategy can be a source of value, leading to revenue growth via the identification of new customer segments or intensifying existing segment purchases. A series of examples will illustrate how innovative routes-to-market can result in explosive value and differentiated product-channel offerings that can become the basis of competitive advantage.

Overviews the most common channel benefits desired and valuation differences. Provides a case example of how these preferences can and should drive key channel decisions, like whether a grocer should offer an online channel to customers.

This session will illustrate how to use a channel benefit audit tool to guide channel solutions and resource priorities. The channel benefit audit is fundamental to informing decisions around positioning, pricing, and competitive advantage.