Upstream marketing refers to the strategic process of identifying and fulfilling customer needs. Upstream marketing takes place at a much earlier stage by developing a clear market segmentation map and then identifying and precisely defining which customer segments to focus on. It analyzes how the end-user uses the product or service and what competitive advantage will be required to win the customer and at what price point. It is done very early in the product or service development cycle and is one of the missing links for generating revenue growth at many companies.
Downstream marketing, by comparison, is what most people visualize as marketing, and involves advertising, promotion, brand building and communicating with customers through public relations, trade shows, and in-store displays. While these activities are extremely important — they are primarily downstream in nature — that is, they enhance the acceptance of a product or service that already exists. Further, companies spend an inordinate amount of money on downstream marketing activities and ignore critical upstream marketing activities.
Nine Reasons Why Your Brand Needs Qualitative Research
Listening to your customers is both an art and a science. Well-conducted qualitative research will allow your brand to make something amazing out of something subtle. Here are 9 reasons why you need to conduct in-person qualitative research regularly.
What’s Your Self-Driving Vehicle Brand Strategy? [With Jeff Eckerling from SP+]
Autonomous vehicle technology represents a major source of disruption in virtually every industry. We interviewed Jeff Eckerling, Senior Vice President of Revenue and Growth at SP+ Corporation, to discuss the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on marketing, branding and operations in various industries. SP+ (NASDAQ: SP) manages parking facilities with more than one million parking spaces across the United States and Canada.
What Is A Customer Journey Map?
A customer journey map can be a valuable tool in developing a successful growth strategy. The process of developing a journey can be as beneficial as the deliverable itself. Understanding the thoughts, feelings, and actions [...]
What is Blockchain’s Impact On Marketing Strategy? [Interview with UCLA’s Beverly Macy]
Besides powering crypto currencies like Bitcoin, Blockchain has the power to be transformative at all levels of corporate strategy. We caught up with Beverly Macy, educator at the UCLA Anderson School Of Management and [...]
