Which of the following is NOT one of the three elements of a marketing mix?
Earned media
Owned media
Social media
Paid media
Explanation: The correct answer is Social media. In the context of the marketing mix, which is a strategic framework used to outline the elements required to market a product or service effectively, the traditional components consist of Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, known as the 4Ps. Earned media, owned media, and paid media are categories that fall under the ‘Promotion’ aspect of the marketing mix, representing different channels and methods through which companies promote their offerings. Earned media encompasses publicity gained through organic sources such as word-of-mouth, social sharing, and press coverage. Owned media refers to assets and channels that a company owns and controls, including websites, blogs, and social media profiles. Paid media involves advertising placements for which a company pays, such as paid search, display ads, and sponsored content. However, Social media itself is not a distinct element of the marketing mix but rather a subset of the broader ‘Promotion’ category. While social media platforms play a significant role in modern marketing strategies, they are considered channels for delivering promotional messages rather than standalone elements of the marketing mix. Therefore, the option ‘Social media’ is not one of the three core elements of the marketing mix, making it the correct answer.