Posted: September 16th, 2017

Identified the demographic, think about any future or aspirational demographics that the brand might be seeking.

The following are instructions on writing a midterm analysis that I need help with. The instructions state to use a product or service but I rather use a simple product. I really need help in writing!!!

Dear Business and Finance Students,

You need to have done some readings from both the text and notes to really give you directions for the upcoming midterm analysis. 

I would like you to really ferret out the 4 P’s utilized to market a real product, person, or service. First, think about a product, person, or service that you are interested in and then consider how this product is being placed into the marketplace. You will need to touch on each of the 4 P’s (product, packaging, pricing and promotion). 

For example, if you were to select a shampoo, consider how the product looks, smells, is packaged, is placed (drug store or department store) and what sort of promotion is used. Ever see any product placement of this product in a movie or show? From the product’s presentation (colors, type face, place where it is marketed, talent in ads) who do you surmise is the target demographic? What are the media vehicles used to promote this product (a media class is a broad area of media such as TV, radio, magazines etc. where as a class is specific such as How I Met Your Mother, Vogue magazine, NY Times etc.)

Once you have identified the demographic, think about any future or aspirational demographics that the brand might be seeking. What is the competition doing (if there is competition), are there special effects? What about the photography and lighting?The mood of the product presentation (humorous, serious, youthful?)

I really expect you to thoroughly look at each of the P’s and discuss all of the components found within them. Remember, this is not a broad marketing analysis – this is a specific study of one product and the use of the 4 P’s to place it.

What is your opinion as to the efficacy of the effort in appealing to the targeted audience? A research component would be helpful to situate the product and internet sources will be accepted (so don’t worry about library time).

If you do use outside sources (and I do recommend that you do in order to inform your discussion), you must provide citations and a reference page. You must run your product, person or service by me BEFORE STARTING so that I can make certain you have selected an appropriate product. It can be a non-profit effort if you want. It can be a personality like Rachael Ray, or a favorite product or a political candidate, however, these might be more difficult than a simple product.

Additionally, BC has made a commitment to “writing across the curriculum” and therefore grammatical construction and spelling will be considered in the grading. If you are concerned about your writing, then PLEASE go to the Writing Center and have it read. And everyone should use both grammar and spell check – OK??

Submission should be made by BOTH pasting the paper into an e-mail and attaching it as a document. It should be about 3 pages. Try to make your own unique observations regarding the product. It is very important that you follow these directions and paste the analysis into the e-mail as I am often unable to open student attachments.

If I’ve used terms in this e-mail that you don’t understand, please look them up first before writing to me – these are terms that are used within this industry and you will be expected to know them by the end of our very short 3 week semester.