This is the combination of two or more separate stages in the channel of distribution through ownership, including mergers or acquisitions. • See Also: Integration, Horizontal Integration, Backward Vertical Integration, Forward Vertical Integration

This is a marketing approach that encourages and makes it easier for people to pass a long a marketing message. The concept of a virus is used, since the number of people exposed to a message resembles the process whereby a virus or disease is transmitted from one person to another.

This is a measure of the number of times individuals request a page on the firm’s server. The first request is counted as a visit. Subsequent requests from the same individual do not count as visits unless they are made after a specified timeout period (usually set at 30 minutes).

The passing of information from person to person. It is an inexpensive kind of marketing that relies on the perceived experience of current customers. It incorporates many of the components of inbound marketing, such as product marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.