Many things have helped shaped what marketing is today, but nothing has shaped it more than the ever evolving use of technology. Internet has changed up the way that marketers advertise their products. The use of social networking sites, forums, and web searches has allowed the consumer to become more knowledgeable about products.
As I was reading The Copywriter's Crucible, a blog written by a freelance businesswoman, she said, "You see, no longer do target audiences rely exclusively on news hub like CNN or The New York Times to get the latest buzz. Rather, they find it-- and share it-- virtually via social media channels". Marketing used to be only in print ads and in store displays, but now those two things only make up a small percent of where advertisements are placed. Most of the marketers time and money is spent on advertising online, whether it is making sure the website for the product is easy to use and access, or getting advertisements on social networking sites.
Technology and the internet has drastically changed marketing, but even events that change yearly, or monthly have effects on marketing as well. For example, the presidential election. Many companies took the opportunity to change their marketing campaigns around the election because so many consumers were focused on it. Robin Embry writes in her article, "Convenience store chain 7-Eleven created the "7-Election" campaign where coffee drinkers can choose between a red cup and a blue cup. In the last three elections the cup sales have closely mirrored the final results." This is just one example of many that shows how companies can take an event that is happening world wide or nation wide and use it to their advantage to sell more products.
Internet and computers is a great way to network and advertise at the same time. I agree with you on the fact that you say marketing strategies can change drastically in such a short amount of time. My mother currently owns her own Housekeeping Service and for her to receive customers she has to do a lot of advertising. The internet and computers is a way to reach her customers. So therefor, when you mention in the end that there is never just one way to do something it is a proven fact that advertising has many possible ways to reach out to the public.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing posts about what 7-Eleven was doing during the election. It really catches people's attention and interests, and not just those eligible to vote. It really shows how the young are also involved when something big like this happens.
ReplyDeleteSocial networking has changed the whole idea of advertising and news over the last few years. It is the easiest way for a company to get themselves recognized for the least amount of money; often times for free. Affective marketing is important to a company’s success.
ReplyDeleteWhat's difficult yet exciting at the same time is how one marketing strategy that might have worked well with one consumer segment, might not work well with another. Consumer behavior is very difficult to understand, and at times, unpredictable. What's great about today, however, is that fact that advanced technology has allowed marketers to research, analyze, and share advertising campaigns that were either a success or a flop. Thus, you can say that today's marketing strategies reflect how fast improvements can occur when trying to attract such a complex behavior target... humans.
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