The Marketer’s Dilemma
As a marketer, we all have faced ‘the marketer’s dilemma’ frequently. Should we focus on driving short-term sales or building long-term brand equity? Or should we appeal to rational needs or emotional desires? Do we play it safe or take risks?
The good news is that there’s no single right answer to these questions. The bad news is that there’s no single right answer to these questions. In marketing, as in life, we often have to choose between two equally tempting options.
Marketers have a tough job. On the one hand, we are tasked with creating campaigns that capture attention and drive sales. But on the other hand, we must be mindful of the potential backlash that can come from marketing too aggressively.
It’s a tricky balancing act and one that can often result in marketing fails. From offensive ads to tone-deaf social media posts, there are plenty of ways for us to misstep. And in today’s age of instant internet fame, it only takes one misstep to go viral – for better or for worse.
So what do you do when you’re confronted with the marketer’s dilemma?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Consider your audience
When facing the marketer’s dilemma, the most important thing to do is consider your audience. Who are you trying to reach? What do they want? Their aspirations. What will resonate with them? What motivates them to take action?
Weigh the risks and rewards
Once you have a good understanding of your audience, you can start to weigh the risks and rewards of each option. In today’s age of instant internet fame, it’s essential to consider the potential backlash of your marketing campaigns. Is the campaign likely to offend anyone? Could it be construed as insensitive? Is it worth taking a risk that could potentially backfire? Or is it better to play it safe?
Be prepared to pivot
There’s no right or wrong answer here – it depends on your situation. However, it’s important to be prepared to pivot if things don’t go as planned.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Sometimes, trying something new is the best way to figure out what works. It helps if you can start small, test, experiment, make the adjustments and then scale.
Always stay true to your brand
No matter what you do, make sure it aligns with your company’s values and mission.
There is no single right answer
As much as we would like there to be, there is no magic bullet in marketing. Sometimes you have to take a risk, and sometimes you have to play it safe. The key is to know your audience and what they’re likely to respond to and think long-term.
It’s easy to get caught up in the short-term gains of a marketing campaign, but it’s also crucial to think about the long-term effects. Will this campaign help build your brand? Or will it just be a flash in the pan? When in doubt, err on the side of long-term thinking.
