Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

May 18 2010 | Shannon Bryant

The mindset of a preschooler is an important consideration when marketing a product or introducing a TV series to this young age group, says Stacey Matthias of market research agency Insight Kids. There are several key components that companies and brands must remember in order to effectively reach 3-5-year-olds, says Matthias: Keep it simple; preschoolers don’t understand sarcasm or subtle humor. Keep it relatable; preschoolers tend to relate to one of three scenarios in advertising: peer-to-peer, nurturer, or nurtured. Keep it beneficial; parents prefer the message to provide some educational benefit. Keep it safe; don’t include references or images that can scare a child.

May 18 2010 | Jessica Helinski

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Online/Distance Education Providers. The following are the predicted Top 3 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

* A recent study for the Department of Education revealed that when compared from 1996 to 2008, students in online learning conditions performed better, on average, than those receiving face-to-face instruction.
* By 2016, enrollments of students over the age of 30 will increase 14%, compared to only 7% of traditional-age students (18 to 22 years old).
* There are low barriers to entry to delivering online education so many traditional schools have moved to offer some online instruction in order to compete.

May 18 2010 | Kathy Crosett

The U.S. economy may be easing out of the recession but it will be some time before consumers are ready to spend freely on non-essential items. This attitude will definitely apply to items such as jewelry. While several jewelers have felt the sting of restrained spending and gone out of business, Buxbaum Jewelry Advisors executive vice president Stevan Buxbaum sees reason for optimism. It’s all about precious metals – specifically – gold.

May 18 2010 | Kathy Crosett

The way marketers see it, good buzz makes a product sell. While some marketers have long used old-fashioned word of mouth to spread buzz about their products others are checking out the social media sponsorship angle. According to PQ Media, this sector of social media grew 13.9% in 2009 and reached a spending level of $46 million. And PQ Media analysts are looking for this category to continue growing as marketers follow consumers into the online world.

May 17 2010 | Shannon Bryant

Fashion is about more than just clothing for Black women. It is an attainable luxury, an integral part of their career success, and a reflection of their achievement, according to new research featured in Marketing To Women. Black women are particularly connected to brands. Half (50%) claim that buying brandname clothing makes them feel good, and 63% will pay more for brands that have demonstrated quality. The vast majority of Black women (70%) plan to buy luxury apparel and shoes in the near future. Retailers can reach out to Black women by connecting with them on a cultural level. In addition, retailer should focus on service, as Black women often have issues with the proper fit.

May 17 2010 | Kathy Crosett

The latest figures from the Pew Research Center show there’s been a significant demographic shift in who’s giving birth in the U.S. The top level data reveals that today’s new mom in the U.S. is generally older and may be unmarried and nonwhite, especially when compared to 1990 data. As a result of these changes, marketers should review the new demographics and adjust their pitches according.