Integrated marketing communications

Research always shows that 1+1 = 3 when incorporating more marketing channels into a campaign.

Our Quick Guide to integrated marketing communications...

What is integrated marketing communications?

US marketing guru Philip Kotler describes an Integrated Marketing Communications approach as

“the concept under which a company carefully integrates and co-ordinates its many communications channels to deliver a clear, consistent message about the organisation and its products”.

Media neutral planning is a key concept within implementing IMC.

Media neutral planning or MNP is not a new technique, but we don’t think the power of this campaign planning technique is highlighted enough. It’s a great way of thinking to create integrated campaigns.

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Integrated marketing communications success factors

The characteristics of integrated marketing communications have been summarised by Pickton and Broderick as the 4 Cs of:

  • Coherence – different communications are logically connected.
  • Consistency – multiple messages support and reinforce, and are not contradictory.
  • Continuity – communications are connected and consistent through time.
  • Complementary – synergistic, or the sum of the parts is greater than the whole!

The Account Planning Group (www.apg.org.uk), in its definition of media planning, highlights success factors for IMC when they say that the planner

“Needs to understand the customer and the brand to unearth a key insight for the communication/solution [Relevance].

As media channels have mushroomed and communication channels have multiplied, it has become increasingly important for communication to cut through the cynicism and connect with its audience [Distinctiveness].

…the planner can provide the edge needed to ensure the solution reaches out through the clutter to its intended audience [Targeted reach].

…needs to demonstrate how and why the communication has performed [Effectiveness]”

Best websites on integrated marketing communications

Please let us know your comments on our Quick Guide to integrated marketing communications. Tell us what you like, don't like or other ideas of what it should include. Thanks!

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