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Julia Lettinger, Cindy Pfitzmann, Responsive Strategy Academy, and Videokurs Manufaktur
  • You want to learn how to develop a marketing and communication strategy from scratch, and you’re particularly interested in topics such as target audience, positioning, communication, and digital sales.

  • You’re especially interested in workflows and frameworks for creating organic and digital marketing strategies.

  • You want to learn how to practically develop marketing strategies for your company, department, or products.

  • You want to prepare for careers, positions, or new challenges in strategic marketing.

Target Audience:

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  • You want to learn how to develop a marketing and communication strategy from scratch, and you’re particularly interested in topics such as target audience, positioning, communication, and digital sales.

  • You’re especially interested in workflows and frameworks for creating organic and digital marketing strategies.

  • You want to learn how to practically develop marketing strategies for your company, department, or products.

  • You want to prepare for careers, positions, or new challenges in strategic marketing.

Target Audience:

  • Career changers or newcomers to roles involving strategic marketing

  • Anyone interested in digital organic marketing

  • CEOs, team leads, department heads, management consultants, project & product managers, entrepreneurs, and founders looking to refresh their strategic marketing methodology

Topics Covered in the Course:

  • Understanding target groups and target markets, and how to analyze them

  • Positioning your company in the market

  • Creating a communication strategy for your topics, products, and company

  • Building a digital organic (no paid advertising) sales strategy with a marketing funnel

11+ Methods and Concepts Covered:

  • Target Group, Buyer Persona, Spectrum Analysis, Empathy Map, Value Proposition Canvas, Storyboards

  • Positioning with Porter’s Competitive Strategies (Cost Leadership, Differentiation, Niche Strategy)

  • Spectrum Analysis, Frameworks for Developing a Communication Strategy, Pull Marketing (Sog Marketing), Bird’s Eye View, PESO Model, Marketing Funnel

What the Course Includes:

  • 80min of video content with lessons, demos, and examples

  • 5 extensive practical exercises to work on your own marketing strategy in parallel

  • A final test study to test your knowledge

  • A quiz as a final test

  • A 90-page course handout with worksheets and cheat sheets for your daily work

What You’ll Be Able to Do After the Course:

  • You’ll master key terms like target group, positioning, communication, and sales strategy.

  • You’ll know the most important methods for developing marketing strategies.

  • You’ll be able to create marketing strategies for your company, area, or team.

  • You’ll be ready to work in strategically oriented marketing roles.

What You Get:

  • An overview of the most important steps in developing marketing strategies.

  • Enhanced strategic thinking skills.

  • An introduction to the most vital strategy methods of digital marketing.

Why You Should Choose Our Course:Cindy Pfitzmann is a marketing and business consultant focusing on marketing, digitalization, and process optimization. She’s also the founder and publisher of The Bold Woman online magazine, where female entrepreneurs can showcase their work, network, and gain further education in marketing and personal branding.

Julia Lettinger is the founder of the Responsive Strategy Academy, with over 70,000 participants on the Udemy platform, and she runs a management consultancy for corporate strategy in Berlin.

Julia Lettinger and Cindy Pfitzmann have been teaching the course “Foundations of Strategic Management” at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) since 2018 as part of a teaching assignment.

So go ahead and grab the course. We’re looking forward to welcoming you in our videos.

Warm regards,Cindy & Julia

P.S.: If you’re not satisfied, you can get a refund within 30 days.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Development of digital marketing strategies
  • Organic (non-paid) marketing strategies for businesses
  • Methodological concepts for organic marketing
  • Step-by-step guide to implementing organic marketing

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction (Julia and Cindy)
Background: What is a Strategy (Julia)
When and For What do you Need a Marketing Strategy (Julia)
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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Marketing Foundation: From Target Audience to Digital Growth. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Marketing Foundation: From Target Audience to Digital Growth will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Marketing Strategist
A Marketing Strategist is responsible for developing overarching marketing plans that align with business objectives, identifying target markets, and defining how a company will position its products or services. This course is exceptionally well-suited for aspiring Marketing Strategists, as it provides a robust foundation in understanding target groups through methods like Empathy Maps and Buyer Personas, and how to analyze them effectively. It delves into the intricacies of company positioning using frameworks such as Porter's Competitive Strategies, which are crucial for crafting a distinct market presence. Furthermore, the course directly addresses the development of comprehensive communication strategies and organic digital sales strategies, including the use of a Marketing Funnel. Learners will be prepared to create detailed marketing strategies for a company, area, or team, mastering key terms and essential methods for success in this role. The practical exercises included will reinforce strategic thinking skills vital for any Marketing Strategist.
Growth Marketer
A Growth Marketer focuses on acquiring, activating, and retaining customers across the entire customer lifecycle, often employing a mix of strategic, analytical, and tactical approaches to drive sustainable growth. The 'Digital Growth' aspect in the course name directly aligns with the objectives of a Growth Marketer. This course provides an introduction to vital strategy methods of digital marketing, particularly emphasizing organic digital sales strategies and the utilization of a Marketing Funnel. Understanding target groups, positioning, and developing effective communication strategies are fundamental skills that a Growth Marketer needs to identify opportunities for expansion and engagement. The course's practical approach to developing marketing strategies equips learners with enhanced strategic thinking skills, preparing them to implement data-driven initiatives to achieve digital growth in various companies or product contexts. This course specifically prepares learners for new challenges in strategic marketing that are central to growth initiatives.
Entrepreneur or Founder
An Entrepreneur or Founder conceives, launches, and manages new businesses or ventures, requiring a diverse skill set from strategic planning to execution. This course is explicitly listed as beneficial for Entrepreneurs and Founders looking to refresh their strategic marketing methodology. For anyone starting a new venture, the ability to develop a marketing and communication strategy from scratch is invaluable. The course guides learners through defining target groups, understanding target markets, and effectively positioning their company or product in a competitive landscape, using concepts like the Value Proposition Canvas. Furthermore, the practical development of organic digital sales strategies, including the Marketing Funnel, is critical for new businesses seeking cost-effective growth. This course helps build a foundation in strategic thinking and provides concrete methods to plan and execute a successful market entry and growth strategy, making it ideal for new business leaders.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their performance, solving problems and finding new and better ways of doing things, often specializing in areas like strategy or operations. This course is specifically aimed at Management Consultants looking to refresh their strategic marketing methodology. The entire course focuses on strategic thinking, frameworks, and methodologies for developing marketing and communication strategies, which are core competencies for consultants. Learners will gain an overview of crucial steps in developing marketing strategies, understanding target groups, positioning, and building organic digital sales strategies. The course introduces 11+ methods and concepts ranging from Empathy Maps to Porter's Competitive Strategies and the PESO Model, providing a robust toolkit for advising diverse clients on market entry, growth, and communication challenges. It enhances strategic thinking skills vital for effective client engagement and problem-solving.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst gathers and analyzes data to help organizations understand market conditions, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes, informing strategic business decisions. This course is highly beneficial for aspiring Market Research Analysts, especially with its detailed modules on 'Defining Your Target Group' and 'Methods of Analyzing Target Groups.' It introduces key concepts like Target Group versus Target Market, and practical methods such as Market Research, Empathy Maps, and Buyer Personas which are fundamental tools in market analysis. The course also covers Spectrum Analysis, a method for understanding market dynamics and competitive positioning. By learning how to analyze target groups and understand market positioning, learners will gain enhanced strategic thinking skills crucial for interpreting data and providing actionable insights, preparing them for the analytical demands of a Market Research Analyst role.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A Digital Marketing Specialist plans, executes, and optimizes digital marketing campaigns across various channels to achieve marketing goals. The course offers a robust introduction to vital strategy methods of digital marketing, making it an excellent preparation for roles as a Digital Marketing Specialist. It emphasizes developing a marketing and communication strategy from scratch, with a particular focus on 'digital sales' and 'organic digital marketing strategies,' which are key areas for any specialist in this field. Learners will gain proficiency in concepts like the Marketing Funnel and the PESO Model, understanding how to drive digital growth without relying solely on paid advertising. The practical exercises reinforce the ability to create comprehensive digital marketing strategies, ensuring that individuals are ready to work in strategically oriented digital marketing roles and master key terms in the field.
Content Strategist
A Content Strategist plans, develops, and manages content initiatives to achieve specific business goals, focusing on target audience engagement and distribution. This role strongly correlates with the course's emphasis on organic digital growth and communication strategy. The course helps build a foundation in understanding target groups and buyer personas, which is paramount for a Content Strategist crafting relevant and engaging content. By exploring methods for developing a communication strategy and building an organic digital sales strategy, including the Marketing Funnel and PESO Model, learners will gain insights into how content can drive business objectives without relying on paid advertising. The course's focus on positioning and understanding topics for communication provides the strategic backbone necessary for creating a coherent and impactful content plan, making it extremely relevant for those aiming to excel as a Content Strategist.
Product Marketing Manager
A Product Marketing Manager is responsible for bringing products to market and driving their success by understanding customer needs, positioning the product, and developing compelling messaging. This role aligns significantly with the course's focus on target audience analysis and positioning. The course teaches how to define target groups using methods like Empathy Maps and Buyer Personas, which are invaluable for a Product Marketing Manager to understand their ideal customer. It also covers positioning a company in the market and creating communication strategies, directly transferable skills for articulating a product's unique value proposition. Learning about building an organic digital sales strategy with a Marketing Funnel further helps in planning go-to-market strategies and driving product adoption and sales. Those interested in product success through strategic market understanding will find this course particularly helpful for advancing their career.
Communication Manager
A Communication Manager oversees internal and external communications for an organization, crafting messages and managing channels to maintain a positive public image and achieve strategic objectives. The course explicitly covers 'Developing a Corporate Communication Strategy,' making it a highly relevant offering for those aspiring to become a Communication Manager. Learners will delve into aspects such as identifying who to reach and what message to convey, alongside the importance of a communication strategy for companies. The course provides frameworks for developing a comprehensive communication concept, which is a core responsibility of this role. By understanding target groups and how to position a company in the market, individuals will be better equipped to shape coherent and impactful communication narratives. This course helps build a foundation in strategic thinking essential for managing an organization's communications effectively.
Brand Manager
A Brand Manager oversees the overall image and perception of a product or company, developing strategies to enhance brand equity and ensure consistent messaging across all touchpoints. The course offers a foundational understanding of key elements crucial for a Brand Manager's success. It covers defining target groups and understanding target markets, which is essential for tailoring brand messages to resonate with the right audience. More specifically, the course's module on 'Positioning of a Company in the Market' using frameworks like Porter's Competitive Strategies directly supports a Brand Manager's need to carve out a unique and memorable space for the brand. Additionally, developing a corporate communication strategy, including audience identification and message crafting, is a core responsibility that this course addresses, preparing learners to manage and grow a brand's presence effectively and strategically.
Social Media Strategist
A Social Media Strategist develops and implements social media campaigns and content plans to build brand awareness, engage audiences, and drive traffic or sales. The course is particularly helpful for those interested in becoming a Social Media Strategist due to its focus on developing communication strategies and organic digital sales strategies. Understanding target groups and buyer personas, which the course covers in detail through methods like Empathy Maps, is fundamental for crafting social media content that truly resonates with the desired audience. The principles of positioning, communication, and building a digital organic sales strategy using a Marketing Funnel and the PESO Model are directly applicable to planning effective, non-paid social media initiatives. Learners will be prepared to create robust strategies that foster community and drive engagement without relying on paid advertising.
Corporate Strategist
A Corporate Strategist works on long-term planning and decision-making for an entire organization, focusing on how it will compete and grow in its market. This course, titled 'Marketing Foundation: From Target Audience to Digital Growth,' inherently provides comprehensive insights into strategic thinking that can be highly relevant for a Corporate Strategist. It teaches foundational concepts like defining target groups, understanding market positioning using frameworks such as Porter's Competitive Strategies, and developing coherent communication strategies. The emphasis on 'enhanced strategic thinking skills' and an 'overview of the most important steps in developing marketing strategies' directly aligns with the analytical and planning demands of a Corporate Strategist role. While it focuses on marketing, the strategic methodologies are transferable to broader corporate planning, helping learners understand how market dynamics influence overall business direction.
Search Engine Optimization Specialist
A Search Engine Optimization Specialist works to improve a website's visibility on search engines, primarily focusing on organic ranking through technical, on page, and off page optimization strategies. This course, with its strong emphasis on 'organic digital sales strategies' and 'digital growth,' provides a relevant foundational understanding for aspiring Search Engine Optimization Specialists. The techniques for understanding target groups and defining buyer personas are crucial for an SEO Specialist to identify relevant keywords and content topics that resonate with the audience. Furthermore, the course's exploration of communication strategies and the Marketing Funnel helps contextualize how SEO fits into broader digital marketing efforts to drive non-paid traffic and conversions. The strategic approach to developing digital marketing plans helps learners understand the bigger picture of organic online presence and how to contribute effectively to it.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image and reputation of an organization or individual, crafting messages and engaging with media and stakeholders. The course supports the development of crucial skills for a Public Relations Specialist, particularly through its focus on communication strategy and target audience understanding. Learning how to define target groups and create effective communication strategies, including identifying whom to reach and what message to convey, is fundamental to successful public relations. The course's introduction to the PESO Model (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned Media) is directly relevant, as earned and shared media are significant components of PR efforts. Understanding how to position a company in the market and craft compelling narratives, as taught in this course, helps build a foundation for managing public perception and achieving communication objectives. This course helps prepare individuals for new challenges in strategic marketing and communications.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies new business opportunities, builds strategic relationships, and negotiates to expand a company's sales and market reach. The strategic foundations provided in this course are directly helpful for a Business Development Manager. By learning how to understand target groups and analyze target markets, individuals can better identify potential partners and customers. The course's lessons on 'Positioning of a Company in the Market' and 'Developing a Corporate Communication Strategy' are directly applicable to articulating a company's value proposition during partnership discussions and sales pitches. Furthermore, an understanding of organic digital sales strategies and the Marketing Funnel can inform approaches to expanding market presence and generating leads in a strategically sound manner, contributing to overall business growth. This course helps to enhance strategic thinking skills for identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities.

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Marketing Foundation: From Target Audience to Digital Growth.
Widely considered the 'bible' of marketing, this textbook is commonly used in academic institutions like HWR Berlin, where the course instructors teach. It provides the deep theoretical background for the Marketing Mix and Porter’s strategies mentioned in the syllabus. It serves as an exhaustive reference tool for students who want to explore the academic side of strategic management and market research.
Is the definitive guide to the Value Proposition Canvas mentioned in the course syllabus. It provides the necessary tools to bridge the gap between the Empathy Map and the final marketing strategy. It is highly practical and functions as both a textbook and a workbook for students working on their own business cases.
Provides a foundational mindset shift that aligns perfectly with the course's focus on understanding target groups rather than mass marketing. It is highly valuable as additional reading to help students transition from traditional advertising to the organic, empathy-based strategies taught by Cindy and Julia. Godin emphasizes the 'smallest viable market,' which directly supports the course's lessons on niche strategy and buyer personas.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital strategy, including the PESO model and marketing funnels covered in the syllabus. Published recently, it offers up-to-date insights into how organic and paid channels interact. It adds significant breadth to the course by covering data analytics and social media governance in more detail.
This very recent book (2021) updates traditional marketing foundations for the digital age. It aligns with the course’s transition from basic strategy to digital organic growth. It is helpful for students who want to understand the future of the 'Digital Marketing' concepts introduced by Cindy and Julia.
Gini Dietrich is the creator of the PESO model mentioned in the course syllabus. is the primary reference for understanding how Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned media work together in a communication strategy. It is essential reading for the 'Development of an Organic Digital Sales Strategy' module.
Is essential for the 'Story Board' and 'Communication Strategy' sections of the course. It offers a practical framework for visualizing the customer journey and ensuring the brand message is clear and effective. It is particularly helpful for learners who need a step-by-step guide to creating the communication concepts discussed in the 10-step framework.
Authored by leading authorities in marketing strategy, this book provides a high-level view of market analysis and competitive advantage. It useful reference for the 'Bird’s Eye View' and 'Spectrum Analysis' portions of the course. It is commonly used as a textbook for MBA-level marketing courses.
The 2023 edition of this book is perfectly timed to supplement the course's focus on organic digital growth. It provides a strategic framework for 'Pull Marketing' (Sog Marketing) and content-driven sales funnels. It highly reputable guide for professionals looking to build the 'Owned Media' part of the PESO model.
This classic text founded the concept of 'Positioning' that the course covers in its second module. It is foundational knowledge for anyone looking to understand how to occupy a specific space in the consumer's mind. It provides historical context that makes the modern digital strategies in the course easier to grasp.
Provides a deep dive into the 'Buyer Persona' topic, which core component of the course's first module. It explains the research methods required to build accurate personas, going beyond the basic templates. It is particularly useful for learners who find the course's intro to market research too brief and want a professional-grade methodology.
This textbook provides the academic rigor that complements the instructors' background at HWR Berlin. It covers target market selection and positioning with a focus on long-term competitive advantage. It strong choice for students taking the course for academic reasons or to prepare for university studies.
Highly visual and practical guide to the marketing funnel and organic digital strategy. It matches the course's use of worksheets and cheat sheets by providing clear diagrams of how traffic converts into sales. It is an excellent current reference for the course's final practical case study.
Is excellent for understanding the 'Earned' and 'Shared' portions of the PESO model. It explains the psychology behind why certain messages spread organically, which key objective of the course. It adds significant depth to the 'Communication Strategy' module by providing psychological frameworks.
Highly practical companion for the 'Your Turn' exercises in the course. It simplifies the complex strategic concepts of the marketing funnel into a single page, making it ideal for the entrepreneurs and small business owners in the target audience. It is more valuable as a current reference for implementation than as a theoretical text.
Since the course emphasizes organic digital sales and communication strategies, writing skills are paramount. acts as a reference tool for the 'Communication Concept' and 'Story Board' parts of the syllabus. It helps learners turn their strategic ideas into effective digital content.
Focuses on the empathy and human connection aspects of the 'Communication Strategy' module. It supplements the course by showing how to apply the 'Empathy Map' and 'Buyer Persona' to actual digital communication. It is particularly relevant for those looking to refresh their strategy for a digital-first world.
While more focused on the technical side of funnels, this book provides the practical 'how-to' for the course's 'Marketing Funnel' section. It illustrates the customer journey from awareness to sale with clear diagrams. It is helpful for providing the prerequisite knowledge of digital sales architecture before students tackle the practical exercises.
Provides a fascinating look into the 'Target Group' behavior that the course aims to analyze. It explains the 'why' behind consumer decisions, which adds depth to the course's 'Market Research' and 'Buyer Persona' sections. It is an engaging read that offers additional reading value for professional development.
For students specifically interested in the 'Organic Digital Sales' section, this is the definitive technical reference. It covers the 'Pull Marketing' aspect in great detail, focusing on how to get found by the target group without paid ads. It is more valuable as a deep-dive reference than as a general overview.

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