NORTHERN SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Course Overview

Introduction to Marketing Principles

Marketing Training for Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and New Marketers

What is marketing, really? This entry-level course cuts through the jargon to explain how marketing works in the real world. Whether you’re starting your own business, working freelance, or pivoting careers, this course equips you with essential marketing knowledge and practical tools to help you grow with confidence.
You’ll explore customer needs, branding, promotion, ethics, and how to develop simple strategies that resonate—using relatable UK-based examples and step-by-step guidance.

Introduction to Modern Marketing
Certification: NSOM Certificate
Delivery: Online
Duration : Own pace
Resources: Downloadable

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Step into the World of Modern Marketing

Marketing has never been more dynamic, more creative, or more influential. Every message you see, every product you choose, every brand you trust—behind it all is a marketing story crafted to connect with you. This course is your invitation to learn how those stories are made, why they work, and how you can create your own.

At The Northern School of Marketing, we believe that great marketing is about more than clever slogans and glossy adverts. It’s about understanding people, delivering real value, and building relationships that last. Whether you’re launching your first business, changing career, or simply curious about the strategies behind the brands you love, this course will give you the skills and confidence to stand out.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Define marketing and articulate its core functions and importance in business.
  • Distinguish between needs, wants, and value, and explain how marketing creates and delivers value.
  • Identify and apply the principles of market research, product development, communication, delivery, and feedback.
  • Analyse customer value and its impact on loyalty, brand differentiation, and profitability.
  • Understand and implement market segmentation strategies in competitive environments.
  • Compare and contrast traditional and digital marketing channels, and design integrated campaigns.
  • Evaluate emerging trends and technologies, including AI, big data, AR/VR, and ethical marketing practices.
  • Adapt marketing strategies to changing environments, fostering resilience and innovation.
This course is ideal for:
  • Marketing professionals seeking to update or broaden their knowledge.
  • Business owners and entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their marketing effectiveness.
  • Students and recent graduates preparing for a career in marketing.
  • Professionals in related fields (sales, communications, management) who wish to understand marketing’s role in business success.
Course Structure

The course is structured into three main modules, each comprising several lessons. Each lesson includes a microlearning video, a long-form article, practical worksheets, quizzes, and resource toolkits to facilitate active learning and application.

92%

Of UK employers say they are more likely to hire marketing professionals who demonstrate up-to-date digital skills gained through structured training.

94%

Of learners report that microlearning formats — short, focused lessons — make it easier to absorb and apply marketing concepts directly to their work.

96%

Of students completing our marketing-focused programmes say they feel more confident using digital tools and strategies in real-world projects.

Why Choose The Northern School of Marketing?

At The Northern School of Marketing, our team is lead by a UK University Lecturer in Digital Marketing, a TechStartUp Awards Finalist 2025 and Tech Rising Star Finalist 2025, with over 13 years of hands-on experience across agency, corporate, and consultancy sectors.

What makes our approach different is the balance of academic insight with real-world application. We strip away unnecessary theory and instead provide practical, actionable knowledge that reflects current UK marketing standards, ethical practice, and the realities of entrepreneurial growth.

You’ll be learning from a team who has:

  • Taught at undergraduate and postgraduate level at a UK university
  • Built and scaled marketing systems for small businesses, start-ups to global brands
  • Developed and led tech platforms designed for freelancers and micro-businesses

This means every course is grounded in real-world experience and backed by academic credibility. Whether you’re completely new to marketing or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll gain relevant, up-to-date knowledge tailored to the UK market.

For just £37 per month, you’ll unlock unlimited access to all our courses – not just one. Learn at your own pace, revisit content whenever you need, and grow your marketing expertise with full support from The Northern School of Marketing.

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Find out more about what you will learn

Explore how this course will support you and your Marketing Journey.

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Build a simple but effective marketing plan
  • Understand what marketing is (and what it’s not)
  • Identify your target audience and what drives their behaviour
  • Apply the 7Ps of marketing to real-life business situations
  • Distinguish between marketing and sales—and see how they work together
  • Communicate with customers clearly, responsibly and inclusively

The course is delivered across 3 in-depth modules, each broken down into clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Each module includes:

  • Optional extension activities for deeper insight
  • Practical examples from UK freelancers and small businesses
  • Interactive worksheets and checklists to apply your learning
  • Short quizzes and reflection tasks to reinforce your understanding

  1. What is Marketing?
    Covers the purpose, history and practical role of marketing in business.
  2. The Marketing Mix (4Ps to 7Ps)
    Understand how product, price, place, promotion, people, process and physical evidence shape effective strategy.
  3. Value Creation & Market Orientation
    Learn how to deliver meaningful value and put the customer at the heart of your decision-making.
  4. Marketing vs. Sales
    Discover how these two disciplines align and differ, and how to move people from interest to action.
  5. Ethics & Sustainability in Marketing
    Build long-term trust through inclusive, honest and environmentally conscious marketing practices.

  • Worksheets and checklists you can apply to your own brand or business
  • Step-by-step exercises to build out your marketing plan
  • Downloadable templates for brand positioning, customer journeys and promotional messaging
  • Interactive elements to help solidify learning without overwhelming complexity.

You can complete the full course in approximately 6 to 8 hours, at your own pace. It is designed to fit flexibly around busy schedules, family life or freelance work.