There are 6 different questions. Each answer must be at least 250 words and the reference(s) per question must be at the end of each answer.
Discussion
When thinking of a strong brand, prominent names such as Starbucks, Nike and Apple may come to mind. These companies have not only achieved high brand recognition, but they’ve also managed to release multiple successful brand extensions under their names. Some brand extensions have not been as successful.
Research
Research the topic of branding and building a strong brand image, including some research on some brand extensions that have not been successful
Discuss
- Summarize and share any conclusion that can be made from your research on this topic
- Share an example of a brand extension that could have gone better. What went wrong, in your opinion?
- What advice can you offer a company on successful branding?
Discussion
As you continue working on your final marketing plan in this course, pricing will be a crucial aspect of your plan. You will want to consider current branding efforts, the competitive environment, and the value this brings your market.
Research
Research pricing as it applies to your offering and industry. Consider your options for pricing. Consider your market position in determining your price.
Discuss
What will your price point be?
Briefly discuss how you arrived at this price.
How does this support your market position?
Discussion
Branding has been a heavy marketing focus in recent years. As you shop for products, branding can influence your shopping behavior. You may recognize a familiar brand that is known for its quality. Other times, you may recognize a brand that is more environmentally conscious. Branding can help you to decide which product to buy in a competitive market.
Research
This week do some research on branding as well as marketing channels. Consider the relationship between these two as you reflect on the following questions.
Discuss
- How important is branding or brand image for marketers?
- Marketers have many channels to consider as they decide on placement. Should channel images be consistent with brand images? Why or why not?
- What type of effect has online availability had on branding?
Discussion
Marketers have many means of communicating with the public. With the rise of digital and mobile strategies, consumers can receive marketing solicitation around the clock.
Research
Research communication strategies carefully, considering the pros and cons of each method. Consider how value is communicated in marketing.
Discussion
- Considering the industry you work in or aspire to work in, what type of communication strategies are predominant?
- Considering the many available mediums, is TV advertising still the most powerful, or has it faded in importance?
- For your final marketing plan- which mediums will you focus on and why?
Discussion
Your best friend owns a small children’s clothing store located in the downtown area of a community of 50,000 citizens. The business has been slow the past year due to the construction of several new strip malls and a new Walmart store (Increased competition). She discovered you were taking an online marketing class and asked for your advice for ideas to increase her sales (She owns her present building and will not relocate her business, even though the downtown area is losing stores to the new strip malls). What would you tell her based on what you have learned in this course?
Research
Research small business marketing and low-cost promotional strategies
Discuss
- What advice would you offer your friend?
- What low-cost strategies could she employ to help stay competitive?
- Share your ideas on how small businesses can compete when larger businesses come to town.
Discussion
Throughout this class, you have worked on a complete marketing plan from start to finish tackling each step of the process. This week we will reflect on the process.
Research
Research marketing plans and controls for success. Review information on your final paper topic and the industry it is in.
Discuss
- What were the challenges and triumphs you encountered while writing your marketing plan?
- What would the most significant challenges be to put this plan in place?
- What controls did you put into place to ensure the success of your marketing plan?
