Marketing Communications: Process Theory and Promotional Mix

The promotionPromotion is the business of communicating with customers. It will provide information that will assist them in making a decision to purchase a product or service. The pace and creativity of some promotional activities are almost alien to normal business activities.The cost associated with promotion or advertising goods and services often represents a size-able proportion of the overall cost of producing an item. However, successful promotion increases sales so that advertising and other costs are spread over a larger output. Though increased promotional activity is often a sign of a response to a problem such as competitive activity, it enables an organization to develop and build up a succession of messages and can be extremely cost-effective.

In conclusion, this essay has outlined the six key elements of the marketing process: (i) situational analysis; (ii) market research; (iii) establishing marketing objectives; (iv) identifying target markets; (v) developing marketing strategies; and (vi) implementation,

The importance of developing an integrated marketing communications plan has become even more important in the modern era. With so many different touch points, or ways that a prospect can experience a company 's message or advertisement, it is important that the message be clear and consistent (Business Training Schools, 2011). Developing the proper lines of communication, especially with a new product is vital to a company. In this paper Team C will evaluate factors involved in developing and managing an effective marketing communications plan. We will also discuss advertising and promotion programs. Technology trends available to help market the product is

Marketing is an integrated communications-based process through which individuals and communities are informed or persuaded that existing and newly-identified needs and wants may be satisfied by the products and services of others....

In relation to promotions we believe an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) strategy would be the best way to proceed. Through IMC the brand will be able to maintain a personality and attitude that communicates effectively with the target segment. It will also help to build a desirable ‘brand image’ and relationships with consumers and distributors. The marketing activities will be very specific. It will involve a range of communication mediums including advertising, media, public relations and sales promotion.

Integrated marketing communication is combination of all marketing tools, resources and approaches within a corporation which capitalize on impact on consumer mind and results into maximum profit at low minimum cost. In general marketing starts from "Marketing Mix". Promotion is one part of Marketing Mix. Promotional activities consist of Advertising, sales and trade promotion and personal/ direct selling activities. It also includes sponsorship marketing, internet marketing, direct marketing, public relations and database marketing. And incorporation of all these promotional tools along with the other components of marketing mix to achieve edge over rivals is called Integrated Marketing

Communication in marketing channels can serve as the process by which influential information is conveyed, shared decision making is encouraged, programs are created, power is put into effect and commitment and loyalty are built. Communication is the bond that holds together channels of distribution. Marketing communication builds awareness of a business, its products and the business’s position through customer interaction materials such as brochures, press releases, web sites and other forms of direct, indirect and interactive marketing. Marketing communication represents the “voice” of the brand and is one way to establish a dialogue and build relationships with consumers (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279). Altadena Computer Company must have an in-depth understanding of the company’s target audience and the process of buying, selling, and communicating to customers.

Marketing is an important area in any company. Integrated marketing is an area of the marketing world. This type of marketing can increase brand value and this allows for a high turnover on the company’s investments. We will review a company and describe the purpose and value of integrated marketing, as well as showing what value the plan adds to the company.

“One of the most talked about ideas in marketing during the 1990s was the notion of integrated marketing communications (IMC). And while marketing managers still clearly feel that it is a valuable concept and one that will play an increasingly important role in their companies, there is unfortunately a great deal of evidence to suggest that truly integrated marketing communications is the exception rather than a rule”

“Marketing communication is an ever changing field. New theories, new techniques, cultural changes and technological advances all combine to create a dynamic environment within which marketers try to ensure that their messages get through to their target audiences” (Blythe, 2006, p.2). Fill (2005) argues that marketing communications is the way in which organisations reach their target audiences or it is an “audience-centred activity” (Fill, 2005, p.9).

Several facts are changing in today’s marketing communications. Owing to the growing numbers of alternative communication media and promotion, marketing communication does not just primarily focus on advertising and promotion. Organizations and entrepreneurs begin moving toward the process of integrated marketing communication (IMC), which has emerged as a new concept and the major communication development in marketing in the 21th century. More and more companies adopt IMC to convey a consistent message about their brand and products to derive competitive advantage and brand value. In addition, IMC has developed into a beneficial strategy for companies to reach more customers as well as build good customer relationships. Smith et al.

This integration of marketing tools in association with the organisation’s strategic objective transmitted through a carefully chosen media, results in an effective integrated marketing communication strategy. This amalgamation of strategy, tool, message and media is called the marketing communication mix.

The term "product" refers to tangible, physical products as well as services. A product is everything one receives in an exchange,

To ensure an effective marketing campaign an Integrated Marketing Strategy must be developed to communicate the brand and work collectively with various tactics to deliver a seamless message to consumers that stand out amongst competition. The objective is to make certain all elements of the marketing communication including, public relations, advertising, online communication, direct marketing, social media, and sales promotions are a collaboration of a unified campaign to effectively promote a product, rather than each tactic working independently, and would not have a maximize effectiveness. Csikósová (2014).

Consequently Marketing Communications Plan is the marketing plan which promotional plan incorporates two or more integrated marketing communications mediums aiming to reiterate the same goals and objectives. Marketing Communications Plans are considered by many professionals as an excellent way to effectively communicate with target audience. The development of a cohesive and integrated marketing communications plan demands the adoption of a systematic process to ensure that all dimensions of the plan are carefully and considered (Yeshin, 1998, p. 70). the