Quick check · one tap
Is marketing just advertising?
Marketing is a core part of IB Business Management. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
ProductGood or service offered
PriceWhat buyer pays; signals value
PlaceDistribution channel and outlet
PromotionAdvertising, PR, sales promotion
PeopleStaff who deliver the service
ProcessHow service is delivered
StarHigh growth, high share — needs investment
Cash cowLow growth, high share — milks profit
Question markHigh growth, low share — uncertain
DogLow growth, low share — divest
Brand equityPremium value held in the brand name
Ethical marketingTruthful, fair, non-exploitative promotion
SegmentationSplitting market by demo, geo, psycho
TargetingChoosing which segments to serve
What your exam board covers
Where Marketing sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.
HLUnit 4 — Marketing
- 4.1 Introduction to marketing
- 4.2 Marketing planning
- 4.3 Sales forecasting (HL only)
- 4.4 Market research
- 4.5 The seven Ps of the marketing mix
- 4.6 International marketing (HL only)
Source: IB Diploma Business Management guide (first assessment 2024), accessed 23 June 2026.
SLUnit 4 — Marketing
- 4.1 Introduction to marketing
- 4.2 Marketing planning
- 4.4 Market research
- 4.5 The seven Ps of the marketing mix
Source: IB Diploma Business Management guide (first assessment 2024), accessed 23 June 2026.
LLearn Marketing step by step
Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Is marketing just advertising?✗ Yes, marketing means only advertising. ✓ No — it's the whole mix: product, price, place and promotion.
Does a higher price always reduce sales?✗ Yes, always, for every product. ✓ Usually, but for premium brands a higher price can signal quality.
Practise Marketing — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
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