Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

August 10 2010 | Jessica Helinski

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Sporting Goods, Indoor Games. The following are the predicted Top 3 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

* Billiard rooms are making a comeback in consumers’ homes, with an increasing number of homeowners adding/creating a room specifically for the sport.
* Many players go online to watch trick shot videos, view live tournaments, get playing tips, and join social forums. Retailers may want to consider advertising on these websites to boost awareness.
* Mobile advertising may also pay off for retailers: Of the approximately 2.8 million Americans who participate in sports and hobbies, 37% have smartphones, compared to 17% of Americans overall.

August 10 2010 | Shannon Bryant

Four in 10 moms (40%) say it was their decision to purchase their child’s cell phone, yet it’s important technology-marketers target both parent and child, says Ipsos OTX Media CT’s Donna Sabino. Parents tend to have decisive viewpoints on the best ages to first purchase a technology device, according to electronics review website Retrevo. For instance, parents are more accepting that kids get their own computers before they get their own TVs. Although Ipsos research finds kids are increasingly receiving their first cellphone at age eight, six in 10 parents (61%) feel their child should first receive a cellphone as a teen. Three in 10 (28%) feel the tween years are the perfect time for their first cellphone.

August 10 2010 | Kathy Crosett

During the recession, ultra-affluent consumers cut back on spending. These cutbacks weren’t made out of necessity. The super-rich reduced spending because many consumers frowned on conspicuous consumption. The latest data from American Express indicates that the sentiment of affluent consumers is changing.

August 10 2010 | Kathy Crosett

Marketers have long known that conceiving the right brand name contributes to a product’s success. For decades, marketers followed a fairly simple set of rules when naming products that were promoted via TV or radio ads or in print. But now that more consumers are using online search to learn about products and services, a few new rules should be applied when coming up with a brand name that will find success in the digital universe.

August 9 2010 | Shannon Bryant

Amid the dark cloud of high unemployment, home foreclosures and the global credit crisis, a transformation has taken shape: the modern consumer has undergone a makeover of sorts and adapted to the new economy. Cutbacks on travel and dining out have driven a growing number of consumers to reinvest in their homes to make it a more welcoming and inviting space. Sales of private-label personal care products have also surged. In addition, consumers have grown increasingly aware of and concerned about the environmental and sustainability practices of their favorite brands. As consumers evolve, product marketers must keep a finger on the pulse of what’s driving consumer behavior in order to rise above growing competition.

August 9 2010 | Kathy Crosett

The use of custom content as a marketing tool is now a well-established practice in the B2B sector. Up to 90% of B2B companies use custom content. But not everyone agrees that the content is effective. There’s also concern that the distribution methods could be improved.