After Reading Chapter 7 You Will Better Understand Advertisi
After Reading Chapter 7 You Will Better Understand That Advertisers Us
After reading Chapter 7 you will better understand that advertisers use market segmentation when promoting products to consumers. For each major consumer segmentation variable, find an example of a print ad that appears to be based on that variable. For each ad, identify the target market and explain why you think the advertiser is using the segmentation variable you identified for that ad. Post the print ads by taking a picture of them with your phone, scanner, or camera. List and describe three examples of service-provider attempts to reduce service intangibility.
List two products that you believe are in the introduction stage of the product life cycle. Justify your beliefs. List one product you purchased or wanted to purchase that turned into a fad. Discuss why and how the product turned into a fad.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Understanding the strategic application of market segmentation in advertising is crucial for effective marketing. As outlined in Chapter 7, advertisers tailor their messages by identifying specific consumer segments based on various variables. This practice enhances the relevance and appeal of advertisements, thereby increasing the likelihood of consumer engagement and purchase. This paper explores the primary segmentation variables—demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioral—by providing real-world print ad examples, analyzing service providers' strategies to reduce service intangibility, and discussing product lifecycle stages and fads to contextualize marketing approaches.
Market Segmentation Variables and Print Ad Examples
Market segmentation divides a broad consumer market into subgroups with shared characteristics, enabling targeted marketing efforts. The four major segmentation variables are demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioral.
Demographic Segmentation
An example of a print ad based on demographic segmentation is an advertisement for luxury watches targeting middle-aged men with high incomes. The ad’s imagery, language, and product positioning appeal to age, income level, and gender—key demographics that influence purchasing behavior. The target market here is affluent middle-aged men who value status and quality, and the advertiser uses this segmentation variable to foster brand loyalty and premium pricing.
Geographic Segmentation
A regional travel brochure promoting winter vacation packages in the Alps exemplifies geographic segmentation. The target market is consumers living in warmer climates who might be seeking snow and winter sports experiences. The ad likely emphasizes the scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and winter amenities specific to that geographic location to attract the right audience. The segmentation variable is used to appeal to consumers’ geographic preferences and climate needs.
Psychographic Segmentation
An ad for a trendy, eco-friendly clothing brand targeting environmentally conscious, socially responsible consumers illustrates psychographic segmentation. The target market consists of individuals with particular lifestyle values, attitudes, and personalities—those who prioritize sustainability and ethical consumption. The advertiser aims to align the brand’s values with consumer identities, using this segmentation to foster emotional connections and brand loyalty.
Behavioral Segmentation
A print ad promoting a promotional deal for a streaming service offers a good example of behavioral segmentation. It targets consumers who have shown a preference for digital entertainment, such as frequent users of streaming platforms. The ad might highlight benefits like content variety, cost savings, or convenience, appealing to consumers’ behavior patterns. The segmentation variable employed is to attract behaviors indicating engagement with digital content consumption.
Reducing Service Intangibility
Service providers often face challenges related to the intangible nature of services, which can hinder consumer confidence and trust. To address this, providers implement several strategies:
- Use of tangible cues: Companies enhance physical evidence, such as professional signage, clean facilities, and branded uniforms, to convey quality. For instance, a hotel chain emphasizes its pristine lobby and guest amenities to assure quality and comfort.
- Customer testimonials and reviews: Sharing positive customer feedback, testimonials, and online reviews provides social proof, reducing perceived risk. A spa business might showcase reviews highlighting customer satisfaction and relaxation experiences.
- Guarantees and warranties: Offering satisfaction guarantees or service warranties alleviates uncertainty. An auto repair shop might guarantee its work, assuring customers of service reliability.
Products in the Introduction Stage
The product life cycle (PLC) describes the stages a product goes through from introduction to decline. Two products currently believed to be in the introduction stage are:
- Wireless Charging Devices: As the technology gains traction, new wireless chargers are emerging, but widespread adoption is still developing. Consumer awareness remains relatively low, and the market is still in an early growth phase, justifying the introduction stage classification.
- Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft: These innovative urban air mobility solutions are in early deployment phases, with ongoing testing and limited commercial availability. The market is nascent, and consumer familiarity is limited, indicating the introduction stage.
The Fad Product
A notable example of a fad product is hoverboards from several years ago. These self-balancing scooters became immensely popular seemingly overnight, driven by novelty, social media hype, and celebrity endorsements. The rapid surge in popularity was fueled by mass media coverage and viral sharing but proved short-lived as safety concerns and regulatory issues emerged, leading to a decline in popularity. The hoverboard’s fad status was characterized by intense consumer interest, hype, and rapid decline once the novelty wore off or safety issues surfaced.
Conclusion
Market segmentation remains a fundamental marketing tool that enables advertisers to craft targeted messages aligned with specific consumer characteristics. Understanding these segmentation variables, coupled with strategies to mitigate service intangibility and insights into product lifecycle phases and fads, enhances marketing effectiveness. Continual analysis of these elements ensures that businesses can adapt and excel in dynamic markets, ultimately fostering consumer engagement and loyalty.
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