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Advertising & Marketing

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In a rapidly changing industry, the key to staying ahead is staying on top of developments – from demographics to analytics, from publications to legislation. Here we share our observations on some of the articles we have found useful and also some industry news and updates.

Online Talk Peter Field: Insights On Advertising In Recession – Slide Deck

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When faced with a recession, most firms cut back on advertising alongside cutting other costs, yet there is a body of evidence that suggests a positive impact for companies that keep advertising during a recession.

• Why do marketers need to continue investing in brand advertising?
• What is the type of advertising that works best under the current circumstances?
• How can TV and Radio brands equip themselves with the right set of tools and arguments so that they can gain in efficiency when they approach their client base, both the advertisers and agencies?
• How can brands defend their share of voice and seize their market opportunity?
• What does a good “long term strategy” mean in this context of crisis?

Hosted by @egtaconnect  @globaltvgroup

 

The positive impact of advertising on your share price

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This paper reminded me of a logo drama many years ago. The client – on instructions from Head Office – wanted to super the Group (a big listed plc.) logo in the end-frame of their first ever TV commercial. We dug our heels in with local management based on irrelevance to the Target Market & Brief. Eventually, air-date approached, and I was sent to present the campaign to the CEO and Executive Committee. The CEO loved the spot – the Media and Production budget being no small dough to them. He patiently listened and then explained that his target market wasn’t just the end-user; it was the Stakeholders, Workers and particularly the Institutional and Retail investment community that held, bought or held their stock. He reckoned that to number about 3000 people in total, his target market. The logo appeared. The Campaign was well received. Sales maintained momentum. The acquisitive group soared to greater International heights. And the share price grew …

 

“Background Noise? TV Advertising Aff ects Real Time Investor Behavior

Jura Liaukonyte                                                                 Alminas Zaldokas

February 2020

Abstract

Using granular minute-by-minute television advertising data covering approximately 326; 000 ads, 301 rms, and $20 billion in ad spending, we study the real-time e ffects of TV advertising on investor search for online nancial information and subsequent trading activity. Our identi fication strategy exploits the fact that viewers in di fferent U.S. time zones are exposed to the same programming and national advertising at di fferent times, allowing us to control for contemporaneous confounding events. We find that an average TV ad leads to a 3% increase in SEC EDGAR queries and an 8% increase in Google searches for financial information within 15 minutes of the airing of that ad. Such advertising eff ects spill over through horizontal and vertical product market
links to financial information searches on closest rivals and suppliers. The ad-induced queries on the advertiser increase trading volume and contribute to a temporary rise in the stock price. This suggests that advertising, originally intended for consumers, has a non-negligible eff ect on financial markets.

Keywords: Advertising; Limited Attention; Retail Investor Behavior”

SSRN-id3336176

The Novel Normal

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The Novel Normal

We are now in the ‘hope’ phase of the crisis. Hope to be let out, hope to go back to work, hope to find a cure.

I suspect we will very quickly enter the ‘Reality’ phase of the crisis which will really hammer consumer sentiment as Social Welfare payments taper off and the potential implications for a second wave of C-19 becomes apparent.

Business has been suffering a lack of confidence due to the death by a thousand cuts of Brexit negotiations over the last few years. Now workers will find themselves unemployed and Businesses will find themselves unable to reopen and there will be a surge of insolvencies with associated debt issues which are going to compound an increasingly difficult situation in the short to medium term, well before a treatment or even a vaccine.

The resumption of the US China trade war – and potentially a real war to help the Maniac get re-elected – is further going to dent confidence and consumer spending and that’s before we experience the full effects of a hard Brexit.

We need strong leadership and let’s hope the current bunch of well rewarded wastrels who fell asleep in February can get their act together and give us badly needed social and economic direction before long. I also believe that they need to look after individuals and Medium to Small business rather than the large corporates to kickstart economic activity and by that I don’t mean lorrying unwanted debt on them.

 

Media Update

There are big increases in consumption of all media except OOH.

There are big declines in ad revenue across the board.

There are great deals to be had.

All the media gurus will tell you to invest now, to build share of voice and emerge from the crisis stronger and that’s true if you can afford to be brand building for the long-term or have a direct route to your consumer.

However, unless you have the logistics in place or a doorway to the consumer open – or can create such a doorway – our view is to hold your powder until such a time as you do. Plan for that route to your customer when it will perform rather than spend now and hope your customer remembers your business.

Your tone of voice is also important. People’s behaviour has changed – deep and lasting changes to the way we shop, work, travel and simply move around and will not return to ‘normal’. We all need to get to grips with the Novel Normal and deal with it.

To that end the AAI proposal to seek a tax rebate on Ad Investment is welcome and something that would help clients – who can afford to advertise – to ease their way into some activity.

 

The New Frugality

The transformation to our Novel Normal is going to be painfully slow and expensive.

Will Pubs, Clubs, Restaurants, Sport, Events (Weddings, Theatre, Cinema, Gigs, Festivals), Foreign Travel, be able to work under the Novel restrictions.

Why would you spend money on new clothes, jewellery, accessories, shoes when you aren’t going anywhere? Furniture, Tech and Food for the stay at home, certainly. Replace your vehicle if it’s about to cave in, maybe.

As Lula da Silva noted, the way to a customer’s purse is through their Heart. However, the heart is now fearful and is going to say hold on to what you have. Savings will grow.

 

2 years of Digital acceleration in two months

Digital adoption has exploded exponentially since Paddy’s day.

Broadband has enabled White Collar workers to work from home. Office space anyone?

Bookclubs, wine tastings, quizzes, even interviews are doable on Zoom.

Contactless ))) is booming.

Universal’s release of Trolls World Tour direct to Premium VOD took in $100M in three weeks. Bypassing Cinemas.

Activision’s Call of Duty Warzone launched on March 10 and now has 60 million gamers in less than 28 weeks.

Netflix’s Extraction garnered views in 90 million downloads since last Friday

 

The Novel Normal

 

 

Recipe for Success – Chosing the Right partner

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There are a few obvious pointers when choosing the right Communications partner, a bit like your friends you don’t always have to get along with them, but good chemistry does help. And choose carefully, because with the right choice you could be together a long time.

 

A good agency is like a good restaurant. Same quality control, attention to detail, desire to please.

 

There are front of house staff; maître d’hôtels, account executives, sommeliers, planners that must have the knowledge and skill to interpret what the customer wants or needs and well as explaining the plat du jour.

 

There are the back of house staff; the chefs du cabinets, art directors, copy strategists, artists and writers who create and deliver the vision, excellence and ideas.

 

There are the chefs de partie, managers, expediters, traffic and production teams who ensure that the right message and work gets delivered to the right table on time.

 

Supporting all are the supervisors, cashiers, accounts and receptionists required in any business to ensure smooth operation and accurate billing.

 

On top of that the suppliers – Butchers, Fruit and Veg merchants, the Media, Fishmongers, Production Companies, Wine Merchants, Contractors, etc. – are equally important to ensure that all the ingredients are of the finest quality and in season.

 

All must play their part. Good food or Creativity will compensate for bad service, but consistently bad food or Creativity will never be overcome by great service, weakness in one area will impact on another and detract from the overall experience. Just as you can tell how passionate a good Restaurant is about the package when you walk in, you can sense a good (or bad) agency almost immediately.

 

Other considerations.

 

Are they in the right time at the right place – for you. There’s no point going to the flashiest designer or Michelin starred restaurant if you just want a logo to fit in with existing brand identity or a Hamburger. Likewise you don’t go to blunt pencil design or a food stall if you need a corporate make-over or wedding catered for. Trust your own instinct as you would a good chef.

 

Can they manage all or some of your needs? Are you looking for a one-stop shop or just one specific skill, a table d’hôte or à la carte. Most agencies are jacks of all trades and can provide the full service adequately. Others offer specific specialist skill sets or alternative cuisines. There appears to be recent movement back toward the set menu as opposed to the graze or buffet option. Decide on what’s best for you but don’t just go for fad or flavour of the month.

 

Do you have a budget? It is remarkable how flexible things have become but you still can’t expect star cuisine for diner prices. You might sometimes have a voucher or get a bargain but be realistic in your expectations of your wallet when you approach the menu and you’ll be surprised what can be achieved.

 

In some magical relationships you will achieve the magical trinity of quality, service and price in one restaurant or even campaign. Mostly though it stands to reason that you need to decide which two of the trinity you need to achieve, and balance your needs and expectations accordingly. Be clear in your particular dietary needs as they will dictate your future partner’s approach.

 

And remember. Never sign off on or order something you’re not comfortable with. It’s a sure recipe for disaster.

 

Buon appetito!

 

This article published in the Sunday Business Post on February 16th, 2014