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Belch: Advertising and
Promotion, Sixth Edition
I. Introduction to Integrated
Marketing
Communications
Exhibit 2-21 Advertising for designer clothing
2. The Role of IMC in the
Marketing Process
Branding Choosing a brand name for a product is important from a promotional
perspective because brand names communicate attributes and meaning. Marketers search
for brand names that can communicate product concepts and help position the product in
customers’ minds. Names such as Safeguard (soap), I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
(margarine), Easy-Off (oven cleaner), Arrid (antiperspirant), and Spic and Span (floor
cleaner) all clearly communicate the benefits of using these products and at the same time
create images extending beyond the names themselves. (What about La-Z-Boy?)
One important role of advertising in respect to branding strategies is
creating and maintaining brand equity, which can be thought of as an
intangible asset of added value or goodwill that results from the favorable
image, impressions of differentiation, and/or the strength of consumer
attachment to a company name, brand name, or trademark. Brand
equity allows a brand to earn greater sales volume and/or higher margins
than it could without the name, providing the company with a competitive
advantage. The strong equity position a company and/or its brand
enjoys is often reinforced through advertising. For example, Rado
watches command a premium price because of their high quality as well
as the strong brand equity they have developed through advertising
(Exhibit 2-22).
Packaging Packaging is another aspect of product strategy that has
become increasingly important. Traditionally, the package provided functional
benefits such as economy, protection, and storage. However, the
role and function of the package have changed because of the self-service
emphasis of many stores and the fact that more and more buying decisions
are made at the point of purchase. One study estimated that as many
as two-thirds of all purchases made in the supermarket are unplanned.
The package is often the consumer’s first exposure to the product, so it
must make a favorable first impression. A typical supermarket has more
© The McGraw−Hill
Companies, 2003
Exhibit 2-22 Rado creates
strong brand equity
through advertising
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Chapter Two The Role of IMC in the Marketing Process