Marketing strategy of Appex Corp

Posted by Zander Henry on Aug-22-2018

1. The vision of Appex Corp

The vision of Appex Corp is to be the leading quality service and product provider for customers. Being the best and the leading player means that Appex Corp marketing strategy and operations focus on:

• Providing high quality of products and services
• Providing value to customers
• Concentrate on building customer experience

2. The mission of Appex Corp

Appex Corp marketing strategy is grounded in its mission. The mission for Appex Corp is to be the favorite brand of the customers. This mission is essential for the marketing strategy of Appex Corp as it focuses on all operations and marketing activities in the direction of:

• Consumer centrism
• Using research to understand and influence consumers

3. Brand Equity of Appex Corp

Understanding and knowing the brand equity is vital for directing and giving meaning to the marketing strategy of Appex Corp. The knowledge of brand equity will help in shaping Appex Corp marketing strategy effectively – thereby facilitating the growth of business for Appex Corp.

3.1. Brand awareness

• Appex Corp has high brand awareness because of international operations
• The company focuses on higher budget allocation in the country of origin
• Each market for Appex Corp has modified marketing and strategic directives and plans

3.2. Brand association

• Appex Corp is directly associated with the brand name and product category
• Appex Corp has a broad product portfolio
• Appex Corp is associated with promising and delivering quality and innovative products
• Appex Corp is also associated with excellent customer service

3.3. Brand loyalty

• Appex Corp has been successful at gaining high consumer loyalty because of unique and influential marketing strategy
• Appex Corp has a global customer base
• Appex Corp keeps adding value addition to the products and product portfolio to keep consumers engaged

3.4. Brand asset

• Appex Corp has a substantial brand value
• Appex Corp also enjoys the high financial worth
• Appex Corp focuses on building a reliable and robust employee base

3.5. Brand element

• Appex Corp uses the brand element as a means of competitive advantage
• Uses adaptability in product, services, and marketing to meet different cultural demands

4. Situational Analysis of Appex Corp

The situational analysis will help in developing the marketing strategy of Appex Corp by conducting a thorough market analysis. This market analysis will aid in understanding the compatibility between external opportunities and other factors, and internal strengths – to be used to maximize the marketing influence of Appex Corp.

4.1. SWOT

4.1.1. Strengths

Appex Corp marketing strategy can benefit from the following internal advantages:

• Strong brand image
• Global distribution network
• Investment in market research
• Innovation

4.1.2. Weakness

Appex Corp faces challenges in marketing strategy because of the following weakness:

• Slow organizational processes
• High product prices

4.1.3. Opportunity

Appex Corp has the following possibilities of business growth:

• Green lifestyles
• Regional expansion
• Diversification

4.1.4. Threats

Appex Corp faces business threats because of the following factors:

• Increased competition
• Increased imitation

4.2. PESTEL

4.2.1. Political

• Appex Corp operates I markets with political stability
• Appex Corp has funding support from the government for small businesses

4.2.2. Economic

• Appex Corp enjoys high sales because of higher GDP
• Lower interest rates make business expansion and loaning easier for Appex Corp
• Low inflation strengthens the financial position of Appex Corp

4.2.3. Social

• Higher education and awareness increases sales of Appex Corp predict
• Appex Corp focuses on understanding consumers and fulfilling their demands through its offerings

4.2.4. Environmental

• Appex Corp has an active CSR program
• Appex Corp ensures environmental safety in all its operations

4.2.5. Legal

• Appex Corp is aware of local and global laws of business and human resource management
• Appex Corp abides by all statutes – especially labour law, discrimination law, and employee safety laws

4.3. Porter’s Five Forces

4.3.1. Threat of substitutes

• High risk of replacements
• Substitutes offer similar products at low prices

4.3.2. The threat of new entrants

• New entrants need high financial investment
• New entrants need updated technology for keeping par with industry progress

4.3.3. Bargaining power of buyers

• Sales made to end consumer directly
• Stocking of products at retailers, as well as own-controlled retail outlets

4.3.4. Bargaining power of suppliers

• Multiple suppliers of raw materials
• Suppliers are chosen after careful inspection, and through contracts

4.3.5. Industry rivalry

• High industry rivalry
• Players offer similar products
• Players compete through marketing to influence consumers

5. Marketing Objectives for Appex Corp: The Marketing Strategy of Appex Corp

Appex Corp marketing strategy has the following objectives for the current financial year:

5.1. Increased market penetration

• Increase top of mind recall for Appex Corp brand and products by 30%
• Increase sales for Appex Corp by 40% by the third quarter of the financial year
• Achieve a trial rate for new products of 10% during the first quarter of the launch
• Increase consumption rate of existing products by 45% during the current financial year

5.2. Enhanced brand recognition

• Increase top of mind recall by 65% during the current fiscal year
• Increase brand recognition by 80% during the first two quarters of the current financial year

5.3. Increased use of digital marketing

• Acquire 25,000 new online customers during the financial year
• Increase website traffic through using blogging and email tactics effectively by 505 during the first two quarters of the year
• Acquire 65,000 likes on the official Facebook page of Appex Corp during the first quarter of the financial year

5.4. Retail Growth

• Contract with five more leading supermarkets in the first quarter of the year to stock product at eye level shelving
• Contract with two leading online retail sites – eBay and Amazon – to stock our products, and increase accessibility for consumers globally by the second quarter of the financial year

6. Segmentation of Appex Corp

Appex Corp marketing strategy uses different means of segmentation to reach an increase in market penetration.

6.1. Demographic segmentation

6.1.1. Age

Appex Corp has consumers of age groups

• 20-45 years
• 45-60 years

6.1.2. Gender

• Appex Corp has a broad product portfolio for both males and females

6.1.3. Life-cycle stage

Consumers for Appex Corp, according to the marketing strategy, are in the following various life cycle stages:

• Single students
• Single graduates
• Single people living at home/not living at home
• Young couples without children
• Married couples with one to four children – all at home
• Married couples with one or two children in college
• Old married couples with an empty nest

6.1.4. Occupation

The marketing strategy devises the following occupations for Appex Corp consumers:

• Professionals
• Students
• House makers

6.2. Psychographic segmentation

6.2.1. Social class

• Appex Corp focuses on segments of middle-upper and upper social classes

6.2.2. Lifestyle

Appex Corp consumer segments have the following lifestyle characteristics:

• They aspire towards a better and higher living standard
• They want to be successful – professionally and socially
• They are not hesitant to try new things, products and services in life
• They are confident in their behaviour and attitude
• They are mainstreamers in their fields

6.3. Geographic segmentation

6.3.1. Region

• Appex Corp has operations spread across the western developed countries such as America, the united kingdom, and the Netherlands
• It also has operations in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and China

6.3.2. Density

• The focus of Appex Corp remains on the urban part of the population

6.4. Behavioural segmentation

6.4.1. Personality

The marketing strategy defines personality characteristics for the consumers of the brand of Appex Corp, such as:

• Determined
• Confident
• Ambitious
• Hardworking

6.4.2. Usage frequency

• The consumer segments for Appex Corp are regular and frequent users of the product

6.4.3. Benefits sought

• Consumers seek functional benefits
• The focus, however, is more on the emotional benefits reaped from the consumption of the brand

6.4.4. Degree of loyalty

• Consumers are very loyal
• Have an emotional attachment with the brand

7. Targeting of Appex Corp Positioning of Appex Corp

The marketing strategy of Appex Corp targets consumer groups based on segmentation as follows:

7.1. Target market

• The target market for Appex Corp is from middle to upper class
• The target market is ambitious and desires to purchase high-end consumer products
• This target market also seeks affordability
• To meet target market expectations, the Appex Corp focuses on quality control

7.2. Mass marketing

• The marketing strategy of Appex Corp focuses on mass marketing
• This also requires unique marketing designs and product promotion programs
• Appex Corp makes use of one strategy to influence all segments

7.3. Undifferentiated marketing strategy

• Appex Corp does not differentiate between market segments
• It uses a single marketing strategy to target all segments and consumer groups
• Based on this, Appex Corp also created the marketing mix under the marketing strategy as a singular one for the whole market – regardless of the segmentation divides.

7.4. Focus on quality

• Appex Corp has created, developed, and maintained a brand that satisfies all consumers under the undifferentiated marketing strategy and mass marketing
• No compromise on quality has been made in the broad product portfolio
• To ensure the influence of a single marketing strategy, the Appex Corp has also adopted a consumer-centric approach in its overall marketing strategy and operations as well
• This was used for targeting strategy as well as for maintaining growth

8. Company Competitive Advantage in the marketing strategy of Appex Corp

The marketing strategy of Appex Corp stands out from the clutter and competition. Appex Corp has also achieved a sustainable competitive advantage in its marketing strategy. This is because of the following factors that Appex Corp has utilized:

8.1. Cost-effectiveness

• Appex Corp focuses on reaching consumers effectively rather than grandeur
• Appex Corp focuses on developing an integrated marketing approach
• The use of digital marketing efficiently and expertly has helped the company reach a wider audience at a lower cost
• Appex Corp has in-house copywriters for marketing campaigns which also helps in controlling costs
• Appex Corp also focuses efforts on ground activities – which are less expensive than commercial marketing tactics

8.2. Innovation

• Appex Corp has stayed updated with latest developments in marketing research and marketing knowledge
• Appex Corp makes use of new and innovative tactics to reach its target consumers
• Appex Corp also employs top of the field marketers to facilitate its marketing strategy and promotional campaigns
• Each marketing campaign launched by Appex Corp is effective catchier and more influential than the previous one

8.3. Strong market research and consumer understanding grounded

• Appex Corp marketing strategy is strongly grounded in consumer and market research
• Appex Corp makes informed marketing campaigns and goals based on consumers’ behavioural feedback
• Appex Corp also incorporates consumer feedback in its marketing strategy
• Appex Corp marketing strategy is based on market trends, and consumer needs and wants

8.4. Making effective use of emotional appeals

• Consumers’ emotional needs strongly influence all marketing objectives and marketing goals set by Appex Corp
• In addition to fulfilling functional needs, Appex Corp also tries to fulfil the emotional and psychological needs of the consumer
• Appex Corp tries to build a strong emotional bond with the consumer, which also results in high consumer loyalty

9. Distribution Strategy of Appex Corp

Appex Corp marketing strategy highlights the use of the following distribution strategy to maximize reach and accessibility for consumers.

9.1. Intensive distribution strategy

• Appex Corp makes use of intensive distribution strategy because it is mass marketing
• Appex Corp’s marketing strategy is based on undifferentiated segments, and thus an intensive distribution strategy allows high penetration and reaches in the overall market
• With the use of the intensive distribution, Appex Corp tries to maximise its coverage of the markets where it's present
• For achieving the intensive strategy, the company uses hardcore 360-degree integrated marketing strategy and campaign to reach all consumers, across all segments in the market.

9.2. Direct distribution strategy

• Appex Corp uses direct distribution country of origin as well as in locations where it has subsidiary operations
• The Appex Corp also makes use of modern retailing channels
• Also, Appex Corp makes use of e-commerce and makes a sale through online retailers, as well as through the company website
• Direct distributions have allowed Appex Corp to increase market penetration and accessibility for consumers

9.3. Indirect distribution strategy

• This strategy is largely used for offshore operations where the Appex Corp does not have a subsidiary
• In these offshore locations, Appex Corp largely works through the export model
• This makes use of several intermediaries in between, before the product by Appex Corp reaches the target consumers
• Intermediaries for Appex Corp include not only the end retail outlets, but also sales agents, retail agents, and distribution agents in offshore locations

9.4. Selective distribution strategy

• For some products of its portfolio which are premium in nature, Appex Corp makes use of selective distribution channel
• Appex Corp has maintained a few outlets in the country of origin, and in selected offshore markets for these products
• These placements and locations are chosen based on the niche market that Appex Corp has for its premium products
• These locations, placements, and marketing strategy helps make the company’s product selectively, but readily accessible for its niche target audience

10. Competition Analysis in the marketing strategy of Appex Corp

The industry in which Appex Corp operates is very responsive to market and consumer trends. Appex Corp, therefore, needs to be vigilant in its market strategy towards competition – to make sure that it maintains its competitive advantage.

10.1. Strategic Group Analysis

• Appex Corp competes with direct and close competition based on quality and price
• Consumers choose between different companies from the industry based on their functional offering
• Consumers have progressively evolved to strengthen loyalty and form an emotional bond with products that they consume
• Appex Corp also competes, thereby, with close competition for building stronger brand image, increasing consume loyalty, and for forming strong emotional ties with the consumer

10.2. Industry rivalry

• Appex Corp experiences high industry rivalry
• The barriers to entry for the industry are low, and new entrants gain easy access in the industry
• The number of local as well as global players is increasing

11. Marketing mix of Appex Corp

The marketing mix for Appex Corp as per the marketing strategy is the following:

11.1. Product

• Appex Corp has a broad product portfolio
• Appex Corp provides mass marketed products for all segments across the market undifferentiated
• Appex Corp also provides some selected, premium products to niche customer groups
• All products in the portfolio consistently maintain high quality
• All products are tailored to meet consumer specifications, demands and needs across different regional markets
• The Appex Corp maintains a high focus on innovation in products and introduces new products frequently to keep the consumers engaged

11.2. Place

• Appex Corp wants to have a close, emotional and personal relationship with its consumers
• The company maintains high control in its distribution strategies – especially through direct distribution strategy
• The company has a presence in leading supermarkets
• The Appex Corp also has company-operated stores in malls, and otherwise to make products accessible to consumers easily
• Appex Corp also makes use of e-commerce to increase penetration and sales

11.3. Price

• The Appex Corp prices its products so that its target consumers can afford it easily
• Appex Corp uses relative pricing strategy for its products
• The price of Appex Corp’s products include not only the high quality raw materials and value additions but also the enhanced customer experience they deliver
• The company’s pricing strategy allows it to enjoy stable revenue and profit growth

11.4. Promotion

• The Appex Corp has a high budget allocated towards marketing activities
• The Appex Corp invests substantially in digital marketing activities to reap high and effective results
• Use of digital marketing has also allowed Appex Corp marketing strategy to cap costs and expenses
• Appex Corp also takes part in direct consumer engagement through on-ground activities where the company initiates trials
• Appex Corp also invests in traditional media channels to reach maximum consumers in the market

11.5. People

• Appex Corp has a large workforce across different companies
• This workforce is continually trained to become experts in their respective fields of operations
• Appex Corp hires without discrimination
• Appex Corp ensures that its employees remain motivated through building an inspirational and creative organizational culture
• Appex Corp focuses on also building and maintaining organizational commitment and loyalty in its employees

11.6. Process

• All activities at Appex Corp - from raw material procurement to the final sale to the end consumer - undergo systematic processes
• The processes at Appex Corp are well defined, and well communicated to all employees
• All employees are trained to follow the processes internally to ensure consistently high quality as well as timely production and deliveries
• The systematic processes also ensure a smooth running of operations at the Appex Corp

11.7. Physical evidence

• The physical evidence for Appex Corp includes the company logo, company store designs, and the product packaging
• Satisfied and excited customers in the retail spaces of Appex Corp, as well as during product consumption create a bubbling and an inviting atmosphere
• The e-commerce website for retail by Appex Corp is also designed with a friendly customer interface to allow maximum interaction with the brand
• The store designs created by Appex Corp for its retail space allow consumers maximum interaction with the products directly.

12. Promotional tactics for the marketing strategy of Appex Corp

12.1. Digital marketing

• The company uses social media for reaching consumers effectively
• The Appex Corp interacts with the consumers directly, and engages with them, answers their queries and takes their feedback
• The company also shares information and build relationships with consumers through digital marketing
• Appex Corp also makes use of blogging, emails, and content creations as a means of digital marketing

12.2. Conventional marketing

• The company uses a 360-degree approach in its marketing strategy
• This means that the company makes use of traditional marketing channels as well – such as TV, magazine adverts, and out of house placements

12.3. Influencers

• For direct, on-ground engagement, the company uses influencers
• Influencers interact with consumers directly, or through their channels of communication as a means of content creation and endorsing the Appex Corp brand

13. Monitoring and evaluation of the marketing strategy of Appex Corp

13.1. Changes in sales

• Appex Corp regularly tracks its sales to identify the effectiveness of its marketing strategy
• Increase in sales reflect the success of marketing strategy of Appex Corp
• Sometimes, Appex Corp experiences increase ins ae after some time of the launch of the marketing promotions

13.2. Surveys and focus groups

• Appex Corp frequently conducts focus groups and surveys to identify its brand worth
• These methods also help the company identify brand value, brand recall, and brand recognition
• Focus groups allow Appex Corp to gather feedback on its marketing strategy and helps it understand consumers better

13.3. ROI

• Effectiveness of marketing strategy of Appex Corp can also be seen through the revenue and profit growth
• Return on investment allows Appex Corp to effective gauge the effect and influence of the marketing strategy, and measure its success

13.4. Attainment of marketing objectives

• All marketing objectives set by Appex Corp are SMART
• The quantitative set against each of the marketing objective can facilitate attainment evaluation for the overall marketing strategy
• Successful and timely attainment of these marketing objectives highlight the success of the marketing strategy of Appex Corp