A study on endorsers’ smiles in service-brand marketing brings new relevance to the slogan, “Service with a smile.” But which type is more effective, broad or slight? Researchers analyzed these two different types of smiles and found that they resonated differently, depending on how consumers relate to other people and the brand. Service marketers can use the study’s methods to more easily develop and test their spokesperson’s smile.
Member Only Access
Companies increasingly target nonprofit web and social media followers by using cause-related marketing display ads on the websites of charity or nonprofit organizations. Two key formats are used: either transactional (representing an explicit donation amount that a consumer can make to the nonprofit) or nontransactional (representing online cause sponsorship). Which one is more successful? A new study has some answers.
Member Only Access
How much does political positioning affect a brand’s value and performance? Quite a lot, according to this new MSI working paper. It argues that business performance and firm value are driven, in part, by how closely a brand’s image aligns with that of the winning (or losing) party in a US presidential election. This goes beyond the impact of actual policy or regulatory changes. So how does a highly polarized political environment affect a brand? It presents opportunities and threats, which ultimately impact a firm’s value and performance.
How do consumer’s latent sentiments about patriotism, nationalism, xenophobia and “economic patriotism” affect their willingness to pay for imports? This research shows that in cases of perceived economic, political or cultural conflict with the homeland, domestic products can shore up sales by emphasizing their connection a consumer’s country of origin. A “buy local” message helps defend against imports, even from allied nations.
Member Only Access
