Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

With so many entertainment options competing for consumer attention, it’s little wonder that new TV shows may go unnoticed. New shows on smaller networks such as SOAPnet often face the challenge of increasing their audience with limited marketing budgets. As competition grows, executives will think more creatively about how to vie for audience share.

As advertisers rush to present online video ads to the viewing audience, distinct strategies have evolved. Is one strategy preferred over others by consumers? MTV Networks recently sought to answer this question. The company was chiefly concerned about which ad formats “deliver for brands without compromising the user experience.”

Summer’s here and entertainment and recreation destinations are hoping for the best, despite the economy. Some venues, like Six Flags, have already succumbed to bankruptcy. But that doesn’t mean the company won’t be promoting summer fun. A recent press release indicates the company plans to increase advertising this year.

Earlier this month I blogged about the 1 billion mobile application downloads that iPhone and iTouch users have made. That earlier report noted that most consumers have downloaded between 1 and 5 applications. Many of these consumers are downloading games -some are free but consumers purchase these applications as well. Competition is definitely heating up when it comes to selling mobile games so getting good market intelligence is key. For that, check out the survey just released by Information Solutions Group which contains great data about the demographics and motivations of mobile gamers.

More than 48% of U.S. adults believe that a lack of advertising by a retail store, bank or auto dealership during a recession indicates the business must be struggling. Likewise, a vast majority perceives businesses that continue to advertise as being competitive or committed to doing business.

The latest survey from Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends made quite a stir last week as consumers reported on which items they call luxuries versus necessities in their homes. Kitchen and laundry appliances took quite a hit as anywhere from 15% to 20% of consumers decided microwaves and home air conditioning are luxuries they could do without. While the numbers indicate a significant shift in attitude since 2006, at least 40% of consumers still rate appliances such as TVs and clothes dryers as necessities. Also intriguing is that fewer consumers want to give up mobile phones, home computers or high-speed Internet and call them necessities, not luxuries.