What are the different types of promotion methods
Updated: Jun 18
There are above-the-line and below-the-line promotions
Above-the-line Promotion
Above-the-line promotion uses newspapers, radio, television as advertising media, as they reach out to all segments of the general population. The main types of advertising are informative and persuasive advertising. Informative advertising focuses on providing information of the product and its benefit, while persuasive advertising targets a specific market segments to purchase the product with attractive messages and images, encouraging impulse buying.
Below-the-line Promotion
Below-the-line Promotion is directed to a very targeted customers that makes purchasing decisions using a "pull" strategy. They usually complement above-the-line promotions. They use
Publicity
Sales literature - booklets, handouts, posters, brochure
Signage - on business premise
Product endorsements - by social media influencers and celebrities
Product placements - a demonstration of the product in movies or television programmes
Trade shows - live demonstration event to attract individual and business customers
Public Relations
Sponsorship - involves funding a sports or charity event
Donations and fundraising - promoting a social cause through donation, part of a firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Press releases - to clarify or provide explanation on certain business decisions effecting the public
Point-of-Sale (POS) promotion - product display at convenient location, such as the check-out counter
Sales Incentives
Vouchers/Coupons - freebies or discounts to purchase a specific product within a period of time
Competitions - creates awareness on the product benefits or features through a contest.
Loyalty programmes - incentives are awarded when points are accumulated from continuous purchases.
Direct Mail - Persuasive promotional messages in letters or emails to customers
Personal Selling - Involves personalize one-to-one customer and client relationship. Services are usually highly customized.
After-sales Care - After sales services offered to customers who have purchased the product.
PAST YEAR QUESTIONS
Identify two aims of promotion. (2 marks) May/June 2018/11
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