Response to Matt's Post: Social Media Marketing

I think it is smart for Corporations to use Twitter and Facebook. I think especially

Facebook because the user can have pictures of the business, entertainment they have have to offer and have had in the past, contact information, present deals and specials, and upcoming events. I do not have a twitter so I cannot speak about the Twitter aspect but I feel either would be beneficial especially how Matt pointed out that it is free of cost to advertise your business. However, I do understand the aspect of it becoming too informal and jeopardizing the reputation of the corporation. I think the corporation would have to decide if this type of advertising was appropriate depending on the product or service they provide. If it is too informal or low key then I would suggest other types of advertising.

I think especially small local businesses would benefit because they have less money to spend on advertising than corporations. I also do not think small businesses would jeopardize the reputation of the business because it allows them to reach out to their customers in a more personal way. Small, local businesses will be able to have the social media support of those in the town and with positive reviews and “likes” on Facebook others may be prompted to go to the business.

Fritz could post their daily specials and those following might be more likely to go into the restaurant that day because the special sounds good, where they otherwise may not have thought to go to the restaurant that day. Also, being on social media keeps the business relevant and will keep Fritz on the minds of the people so they will be more likely to want to go to Fritz over another restaurant they may not think to go to. It also adds a personal touch opening up to the public and connecting with the locals who give them their business. I know I have “liked” many businesses from my hometown to show support and it is good to see what is going on and the deals.

What would be another downfall of having a company on social media? Do you think the benefits outweigh the potential downside? 

Dr. Pepper 10

Dr. Pepper 10 is a product put out by Dr. Pepper. In class we talked about how they received a lot of negative attention because the slogan was “It’s not for women.” I can see how this can be taken offense to, I however thought it was part of the commercial with how the scene was a man doing a lot of “manly” things. I thought it was pretty clever so guys would want to try it because it still had all the bold flavor as original Dr. Pepper and they would not feel out of place drinking a lighter soda.

I do think it was too far to make more commercials based off that. I completely understand how they were trying to market diet soda to men by calling it Dr. Pepper 10 instead of Diet Dr. Pepper. I even agree with changing the can so it does not undermine the original soda. I do think they could have had additional commercials that were more generic, targeting any gender.

But what I don’t understand is I have seen plenty of men drink diet coke. Coke is such a popular brand and flavor that diet or original is satisfactory depending on preference. Maybe Dr. Pepper isn't a popular enough soda to try to also had a diet soda and an original. I also think men don’t typically drink diet soda because they do not care as much about their figure as women. I do not think any marketing would make men drink Dr. Pepper 10 unless they were trying to lose weight and really loved Dr. Pepper. If the company was looking for ways to target men they should look into other aspects.

Do you think companies would be more successful if they market towards one gender only? Does the product come into effect, is it who is more likely to purchase the product to begin with?