Week 7 Case Analysis: Online Marketing At Big Skinnya
Week 7 Case Analysis Online Marketing At Big Skinnya Case Study Is
Evaluate Big Skinny's online marketing strategy and establish Kiril's priorities for future online expansion. Assess how effectively the various digital marketing methods discussed in the case promote sales of wallets, considering the differences between online marketing and conventional advertising. Determine what Kiril should focus on next and what should be the lowest priority, providing reasons. Analyze how Big Skinny utilizes social media to sell its wallets and whether expanding partnerships with online distributors would be beneficial. Support your analysis with research and concepts from chapters 14-17.
Paper For Above instruction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of retail and marketing, online marketing has become an essential component for brands seeking growth and visibility. The case of Big Skinny, a company renowned for its ultrathin wallets, presents a compelling scenario where traditional marketing expertise contrasts with a somewhat fragmented and ad hoc digital strategy. This paper evaluates Big Skinny's current online marketing approach, identifies strategic priorities for expansion, and offers recommendations for Kiril Alexandrov, the company's CEO, to enhance online sales and brand presence effectively.
Assessment of Current Digital Marketing Methods
Big Skinny’s current online marketing strategies primarily rely on basic digital advertising and limited social media campaigns. Although these tools provide a platform to reach audiences beyond in-person interactions, their effectiveness is inconsistent. The company's website functions as a sales portal but lacks robust SEO optimization, which limits organic traffic. Additionally, the social media presence—primarily on Facebook and Twitter—is modest, with infrequent engagement and limited content tailored to target audiences.
This approach underscores a significant gap between the potential of online marketing and its actual utilization by Big Skinny. Unlike traditional advertising, which relies heavily on reach and frequency through media buys, online marketing offers targeted and measurable avenues such as social media advertising, content marketing, and influencer collaborations. The case indicates that Big Skinny is not leveraging these capabilities optimally, which results in missed opportunities for customer engagement and conversion.
Strategic Focus for Future Online Expansion
Given the current state of digital efforts, the foremost priority for Kiril should be a comprehensive digital presence overhaul. This includes dynamically optimizing the website for search engines, developing compelling content that highlights the company's unique value propositions, and implementing targeted advertising campaigns on social platforms. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) should be central to this strategy to increase organic traffic and enhance visibility among consumers actively searching for minimalist wallets.
Furthermore, investing in social media advertising with precise targeting—such as Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns—can significantly amplify brand awareness and drive conversions. Collaborations with influencers and affiliate marketers can extend reach organically and authentically, leveraging the trust and following of niche audiences interested in minimalist accessories.
Conversely, Kiril's lowest priority should be expanding traditional media advertising, such as print or television ads. These channels require substantial budgets with less precise measurement of ROI. In a digital-first world, resources are better allocated toward metrics-driven campaigns that can be optimized continually for maximum engagement and sales.
Effectiveness of Social Media Usage
Current social media usage at Big Skinny appears limited in scope and engagement. While the company does maintain pages on major platforms, the content strategy lacks consistency and does not effectively leverage interactive features like stories, live videos, or user-generated content. Engaging potential customers through social media is crucial because it allows for real-time interaction, brand storytelling, and community building—factors that influence purchasing decisions.
Effective social media marketing involves more than presence; it necessitates strategic content planning, regular updates, and engagement with followers. Incorporating customer reviews, showcasing everyday use scenarios, and highlighting the product’s unique benefits are ways to increase engagement. Using targeted advertisement campaigns on these platforms can also help reach specific demographics aligned with the brand’s target market.
Expanding Partnerships with Online Distributors
Partnerships with online distributors such as Amazon, eBay, or niche retail stores have the potential to substantially increase sales volume and brand awareness for Big Skinny. Online marketplaces can serve as an entry point to new customer segments that might not encounter the brand otherwise. Moreover, these platforms offer built-in audiences and marketing tools such as sponsored product listings, reviews, and ratings which can boost visibility and credibility.
However, expanding these partnerships requires strategic management. The company must ensure consistent branding, control over the customer experience, and competitive pricing strategies. Additionally, leveraging data from these platforms can inform marketing efforts, helping to tailor campaigns and optimize product listings for better conversion rates.
Research indicates that brands integrating online marketplaces into their distribution channels experience increased sales and customer insights (Jansen & Mullen, 2018). Therefore, a cautious yet proactive approach to expanding online distribution partnerships aligns with best practices.
Recommendations for Future Online Marketing Strategy
Based on the evaluation, Kiril should prioritize the following initiatives for future online marketing efforts:
- Enhanced SEO and Content Marketing: Develop a content-rich website with optimized keywords related to minimalist wallets. Regular blog posts, customer stories, and FAQs can improve search rankings and educate consumers about product benefits.
- Targeted Social Media Campaigns: Invest in paid advertising on social media platforms with well-defined audience segments. Use engaging visuals, user stories, and influencer collaborations to build community and trust.
- Influencer and Affiliate Marketing: Partner with niche influencers to reach targeted groups interested in minimalist accessories, leveraging their credibility to increase sales.
- Data-Driven Email Marketing: Build and nurture a customer database with personalized email campaigns highlighting new products, offers, and content.
- Expansion of Online Distribution Channels: Broaden partnerships with online marketplaces and boutique online retailers while maintaining brand consistency.
Implementing these strategies will not only increase sales but also deepen brand loyalty and awareness in competitive online spaces.
Conclusion
Big Skinny’s potential to grow its online presence is significant yet underutilized. By focusing on SEO, content marketing, social media advertising, and strategic distribution partnerships, the company can establish a robust digital footprint that complements its traditional sales channels. Kiril’s priority should be to develop a data-driven, targeted online marketing plan that maximizes engagement and conversion, while de-emphasizing less effective traditional advertising methods. With strategic investment and consistent execution, Big Skinny can significantly enhance its market position in the online realm.
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