individualassignment integrated marketing communications

LO1, 2The Fiesta Movement social media campaign launched by Ford to introduce its new Fiestasmall car model in the US market is a groundbreaking marketing effort and has a great impacton

MKT 304

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

Integrated Marketing CommunicationsPrepared by Thieu Thi Phuong LyStudent ID HS171109

Class MKT1813

Lecturer Pham Khanh Huyen

I The chapter opener discussed the Fiesta Movement social media campaign used by Ford to launch its new Fiesta subcompact car in the U.S market Discuss the pros and cons of this program and assess the amount of risk Ford took in allowing the agents to use social media tocommunicate with their friends about the car (LO1, 2) 3

3 User-Generated Content (UGC) 9

4 Contests and Giveaways 10

5 Buzz Marketing (Creating Mystery) 10

IV Do you agree with critics who argue that many of the younger people who work in the creative departments of advertising agencies cannot develop ads that connect with older consumers because of the age gap Do you think advertisers ignore older consumers? Evaluate both sides of this argument (LO1)……… 12

1 Argument in Favor of Age Gap Challenges 12

2 Argument Against Age Gap Challenges 13

V Discuss how one of the consumer response models presented in Figure 5-3 could be used by a company such as Apple in planning the introduction of a new product such as Ipad 14

Ford to launch its new Fiesta subcompact car in the U.S market Discuss the pros and cons of this program and assess the amount of risk Ford took in allowing the agents to use social media to communicate with their friends about the car (LO1, 2)

The Fiesta Movement social media campaign launched by Ford to introduce its new Fiestasmall car model in the US market is a groundbreaking marketing effort and has a great impacton the market This campaign marks a significant shift from traditional advertising methodsand leverages the power of social media and peer-to-peer marketing In this analysis, we willevaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this campaign.

1 Pros

1.1 Increase brand visibility

“"“Fiesta Movement” which involved enlisting a team of 100 “agents” to drive the newvehicle for six months and participate in monthly challenges that would allow them to shareinteresting content with their friends through social media .”(Belch & Belch, 2017)The Fiesta Movement significantly increased the visibility and hype around the Ford Fiestabrand It helped the brand establish a strong online presence and appealed to a younger, tech-

advertising channels.

1.2 Authenticity and Credibility

”“Fiesta Movement” which involved enlisting a team of 100 “agents” to drive the newvehicle for six months and participate in monthly challenges that would allow them to shareinteresting content with their friends through social media ” (Belch & Belch, 2017)By introducing real individuals, called agents, rather than scripted actors, Ford addedauthenticity to its marketing efforts Agents shared their real-world experiences with theFiesta, making the content more relatable and trustworthy.

1.3 Cost-Effectiveness

“generate buzz around the redesigned 2014 model with its "Fiesta Movement: A SocialRemix" campaign Once again, Ford recruited 100 socially vibrant agents and gave themcars to drive and buzz about on social media (Exhibit 5-5).” (Belch & Belch, 2017)The Fiesta Movement provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising It wasbudget-friendly because the campaign relied on agents to create content, reducing the needfor expensive production and distribution of conventional advertisements Ford's decision toextend the campaign beyond its initial timeframe demonstrates the value they found in thiscost-effective approach.

1.4 Interactive Engagement

The campaign encouraged direct interaction between agents and potential customers Agentsengaged with their followers, answered questions, and shared their daily experiences with theFiesta, fostering a sense of community around the product.

1.5 Social Media Reach

Ford to tap into the vast user bases of these platforms Content could be easily shared andwent viral on the campaign's social media, expanding its reach even further.

2 Cons

2.1 Risk of negative reviews

By allowing agents to share their honest opinions and experiences, Ford exposed itself to therisk of negative reviews If agents encountered issues with the Fiesta, they could openly sharetheir dissatisfaction, potentially harming the car's reputation.

2.2 Lack of Control

Ford had limited control over the content created by agents While this contributed toauthenticity, it also meant that messages and tones could vary widely, sometimes not aligningwith the carefully crafted brand image.

2.3 Misrepresentation

There was a risk that some agents might misrepresent the features, capabilities, orperformance of the car intentionally or unintentionally This could lead to consumerdisappointment and confusion.

3 Risk Assessment

Ford undoubtedly weighed the risks associated with the Fiesta Movement campaign Thedecision to use social media and real people to market the car yielded authenticity andengagement that traditional advertising struggled to achieve While there was a potential fornegative feedback, the genuine enthusiasm of the agents mitigated some of this risk.Ultimately, the campaign's long-term success depended on Ford's ability to maintainmomentum beyond the initial buzz and turn it into enduring brand appeal.

The Fiesta Movement was a pioneering marketing campaign that showcased thepotential of social media and peer-to-peer support in the automotive industry Despitecertain risks, Ford's willingness to embrace these risks was rewarded with brandawareness and excitement, highlighting the power of user-generated content inmodern marketing strategies However, the ultimate success of such a campaignhinges on the company's ability to harness initial enthusiasm and sustain long-termappeal.

II Discuss some of the ways marketers can deal with communication problems such as mistranslations when developing advertising messages in different languages (LO1)

When developing advertising messages in different languages, marketers may facecommunication problems such as mistranslations This can be a significant challenge forcompanies that want to expand their reach to international markets In this essay, we willdiscuss some of the ways marketers can deal with communication problems such asmistranslations when developing advertising messages in different languages.

One way to deal with this problem is to be aware of the connotations of the words, signs,symbols, and expressions brands use as brand names or logos in various forms of promotion.Relying on images rather than text or copy is a great way to market consumers with different

cultures and regions and can help decrease mistranslations Communicating the list ofattributes describing different product qualities that are relevant to a specific language andculture is another way to avoid misconceptions and have an impact on the intended targetaudience.

Another way is to use translators and native-speakers to help guide marketing for a specificproduct line as advertising copy, slogans, images, and symbols do not always transfer wellinto other languages This is essential for maintaining a company’s image/reputation and abrand’s credibility or image It’s important to note that using machine translation tools likeGoogle Translate may not always be accurate and can lead to mistranslations It’s best to useprofessional translation services or hire native speakers who are fluent in both languages.Moreover, it’s important for marketers to understand the cultural differences betweencountries when developing advertising messages in different languages For example, certaincolors may have different meanings in different cultures In China, red is associated withgood luck and prosperity, while in Western cultures it’s associated with danger or warning.It’s important for marketers to research cultural differences before developing advertisingmessages in different languages.

Communication problems such as mistranslations can be a significant challenge formarketers when developing advertising messages in different languages However, bybeing aware of the connotations of words, relying on images rather than text or copy,communicating the list of attributes describing different product qualities that arerelevant to a specific language and culture, using translators and native speakers, andunderstanding cultural differences between countries, marketers can overcome thesechallenges and develop effective advertising messages that resonate with their targetaudience.

discussion and buzz for their brands Discuss the pros and cons of these techniques (LO2)

Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool in today's digital age, as consumers often rely onrecommendations from friends, family, and influencers when making purchasing decisions Marketers have recognized the value of generating word-of-mouth discussion and buzz to enhance brand visibility and credibility This will explore various techniques marketers use for this purpose and discuss the pros and cons associated with each.

1 Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing involves partnering with individuals who have a significant online following to promote a brand or product This technique has gained immense popularity in recent years.

Credibility: Influencers are seen as experts

in their niches, and their endorsement can lend credibility to a brand.

Reach: Influencers often have a large and

engaged audience, allowing brands to tap into specific demographics.

Authenticity: Well-matched influencers can

create content that feels genuine and relatable, increasing trust among consumers.

Cost: Collaborating with influencers,

particularly those with substantial followings, can be expensive.

Authenticity Concerns: Some influencers

may endorse products solely for financial gain, leading to authenticity issues.

Limited Control: Marketers have limited

control over an influencer's content, which can pose risks to brand image.

2 Viral Marketing

Viral marketing aims to create content that spreads rapidly and organically through social sharing, resulting in heightened brand exposure.

High Reach: Successful viral content can

reach a massive audience quickly without significant advertising costs.

Cost-Effective: Viral content often spreads

organically, reducing the need for a substantial marketing budget.

Memorability: Viral content tends to be

memorable and shareable, leading to more discussions.

Unpredictability: It's challenging to predict

what content will go viral, even with crafted campaigns.

well-Short-Lived Impact: Viral content often

has a short lifespan, and the buzz may dissipate rapidly.

Risk of Backlash: Controversial or

misunderstood viral campaigns can lead to negative discussions and brand damage.

3 User-Generated Content (UGC)

UGC involves encouraging customers to create and share content related to a brand or its products.

Authenticity: UGC is created by real

customers, providing a genuine perspective on a brand's offerings.

Social Proof: Positive UGC serves as social

proof, influencing potential customers' decisions.

Engagement: Encouraging UGC can foster

customer engagement and build a sense of

Negative UGC: Negative reviews or

content can also spread, potentially harmingbrand reputation.

Inconsistent Quality: The quality of UGC

varies, and brands may not have control over content consistency.

Moderation Challenges: Managing and

moderating UGC can be time-consuming

4 Contests and Giveaways

Contests and giveaways involve creating promotional events where participants have the chance to win prizes in exchange for engagement with the brand.

Increased Engagement: Contests and

giveaways can boost user engagement as participants share their involvement and invite others to participate.

Data Collection: Brands can collect

valuable customer data through entry forms or registrations.

New Customer Acquisition: Contests can

attract new customers who might not have engaged with the brand otherwise.

Short-Term Focus: Engagement generated

through contests can be short-lived, and participants may lose interest once the contest ends.

Quality vs Quantity: Brands may attract

participants more interested in winning prizes than in the brand itself.

Resource-Intensive: Running contests and

managing giveaways can be intensive in terms of time and effort.

resource-5 Buzz Marketing (Creating Mystery)

Buzz marketing involves creating anticipation and intrigue around a product or campaign by withholding certain information until a later date.

Anticipation: Creating mystery and

suspense can generate anticipation and excitement among consumers.

Risk of Disappointment: If the mystery

doesn't live up to expectations, it can lead todisappointment and negative discussions.

finally unveiled, it can lead to extensive discussions and media coverage.

Longer Engagement: A well-executed

mystery campaign can keep audiences engaged over an extended period.

level of mystery without frustrating or confusing consumers can be challenging.

Limited Applicability: Not all products or

services lend themselves to buzz marketing through mystery.

Generating word-of-mouth buzz is an essential component of modern marketing strategies While these techniques offer various advantages, marketers must carefully consider their pros and cons to choose the most suitable approach for their brand, target audience, and objectives Successful word-of-mouth marketing requires meticulous planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure that discussions and buzz remain positive and align with the brand's image and goals Ultimately, the effectiveness of these techniques lies in their ability to create authentic and engaging conversations around the brand

IV Do you agree with critics who argue that many of the younger people who work in the creative departments of advertising agencies cannot develop ads that connect with older consumers because of the age gap Do you think advertisers ignore older consumers? Evaluate both sides of this argument (LO1)

Advertising plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior, influencing purchasing decisions, and conveying brand messages In this digital age, advertising agencies are increasingly relying on young, creative talents to craft compelling ad campaigns However,

connecting with older consumers due to the perceived age gap This essay will evaluate both sides of the argument, drawing upon relevant references to shed light on this complex issue.

1 Argument in Favor of Age Gap Challenges

Limited Life Experience: Critics argue that younger creatives may struggle to create ads that

resonate with older consumers because of their limited life experience Older consumers often have distinct values, preferences, and experiences that may not align with the perspectives of younger professionals (Bruce et al., The influence of televised food commercials on children's food choices: Evidence from ventromedial prefrontal cortex activations 2016)

Generational Differences: The generation gap can be a significant barrier to effective

communication Younger creatives may not fully grasp the cultural nuances, references, and communication styles that appeal to older audiences This can lead to ads that feel disconnected or irrelevant.

Trends vs Timelessness: Younger professionals may have a propensity to focus on trendy,

youth-oriented concepts, potentially neglecting the timeless and classic messaging that often resonates with older consumers

2 Argument Against Age Gap Challenges

Fresh Perspective: Younger creatives can offer a fresh perspective and innovative ideas that

may resonate with a broad audience, including older consumers Their creativity and adaptability can lead to unique and effective campaigns