Companies Have A Broad Choice Of Marketing Communications
Companies Have A Broad Choice Of Marketing Communications Choices
Companies have a broad choice of marketing communications choices. The 8 major tools of communication are advertising, sales promotion, public relations and publicity, events and experience, direct and interactive marketing, word-of-mouth marketing, and personal selling. Companies opt for different marketing communication tools depending on their brand objectives. Suppose you have the contract to market two brands of laundry detergents, Ultra (an established brand) and FreshX (a new brand) in the US East Coast region. Both brands belong to Company A. The combined advertising budget available to you for both products is about $500,000. The target market for Ultra is the budget-conscious customer segment, while FreshX is targeted toward younger, upwardly mobile professionals. Design specific communication tools for each of the products with regard to the following: message strategy, creative strategy, message source, and experiential marketing tools, including measurement of outcomes.
Paper For Above instruction
The marketing of laundry detergents Ultra and FreshX presents an opportunity to employ tailored communication strategies that resonate with their distinct target audiences. Effective segmentation and understanding of consumer psychology are pivotal in designing message themes, creative appeals, sourcing decisions, and experiential marketing initiatives.
Message Strategy
For Ultra, the core message theme should emphasize cost-effectiveness and reliability. This demographic, comprising budget-conscious consumers, values affordability, value for money, and consistent performance. Messaging should communicate that Ultra offers excellent cleaning power at an affordable price, emphasizing durability and economic benefits. If Ultra has established brand recognition, maintaining a theme of trust and dependability can reinforce consumer loyalty.
In contrast, FreshX’s messaging should appeal to the aspirations and lifestyles of younger, upwardly mobile professionals. The theme may revolve around freshness, modernity, and convenience. Emphasizing how FreshX integrates seamlessly into an active, health-conscious lifestyle, and offers superior cleaning technology for vibrant, energetic living, can attract this segment. Messaging should evoke feelings of freshness, innovation, and social status, aligning the brand with a dynamic lifestyle.
Creative Strategy
For Ultra, an informational appeal is most effective. Highlighting product features such as stain removal efficacy, value for money, and long-lasting results can build consumer trust and reinforce brand loyalty. Testimonials and statistics demonstrating performance are compelling to budget-conscious consumers who seek rational justifications for their purchase.
FreshX should utilize a transformational appeal. Imagery and narratives that evoke an aspirational lifestyle, emphasizing freshness, cleanliness, and vitality align with the desires of young professionals. Creative visuals may include vibrant visuals of active individuals using the product in real-life scenarios, coupled with taglines that emphasize rejuvenation and energy.
Message Source
For Ultra, trusted and familiar spokespeople such as long-term loyal customers or trusted community figures should be used. Celebrity endorsements are less necessary here; instead, emphasis should be on authenticity and credibility, perhaps using testimonials from everyday consumers who vouch for cost savings and effectiveness.
For FreshX, relatable influencers or young celebrities within the target demographic can effectively communicate the brand message. Influencers who embody modern, active lifestyles—their credibility and ability to connect emotionally will enhance brand resonance among younger professionals.
Experiential Marketing
Experiential marketing can be highly effective for FreshX, which targets a demographic that values engaging, memorable experiences. For instance, organizing pop-up events in urban centers—such as outdoor wellness classes, eco-friendly clean-up drives, or interactive product testing booths—can immerse consumers interactively with the brand. These events can be designed to emphasize freshness and energy, aligning with the brand’s positioning.
For Ultra, experiential marketing may include in-store demonstrations or loyalty events that reinforce the brand’s reliability and value. Sampling programs and coupons at supermarkets can influence purchase decisions directly.
Measuring Outcomes
Outcomes from experiential marketing initiatives can be assessed through various metrics, including foot traffic, social media engagement (shares, likes, comments), and brand mentions. Pre- and post-event surveys can gauge shifts in brand perception and awareness. Tracking redemption rates of coupons or samples provides tangible data on consumer conversion. Digital analytics can also measure website traffic generated from event promotions and influencer collaborations, providing insights into reach and engagement.
In summary, a tailored communication plan—incorporating specific message themes, appeals, suitable spokespersons, and immersive experiences—can maximize the marketing effectiveness for Ultra and FreshX within their respective market segments. Aligning strategies with consumer motivations enhances brand relevance and encourages consumer interaction, ultimately leading to increased market share and loyalty.
References
- Belch, G. E., & Belch, M. A. (2018). Advertising and Promotion: An Integrated Marketing Communications Perspective (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing Management (15th ed.). Pearson.
- Fill, C. (2013). Marketing Communications: Contexts, Strategies, and Applications (6th ed.). Pearson.
- Armstrong, G., & Kotler, P. (2017). Marketing: An Introduction (13th ed.). Pearson.
- Shimp, T. A. (2014). Advertising Promotion and Other Aspects of Integrated Marketing Communications (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Baker, M. J. (2014). Marketing Strategy and Management (5th ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.
- Cook, P., & Hughes, G. (2017). The Marketing and Communications Strategy: Achieving Competitive Advantage. Routledge.
- Blackwell, R. D., Miniard, P. W., & Engel, J. F. (2006). Consumer Behavior (10th ed.). Thomson/South-Western.
- Lai, F. (2015). Experiential marketing: a practical approach. Journal of Marketing Management, 31(1-2), 1-16.
- Schmitt, B. (1999). Experiential Marketing. Journal of Marketing, 63(1), 53–67.