With the proliferation of digital and social media, there has never been a more dynamic time to engage with marketing communications - and never has the integration of marketing communications (marcoms) principles into a strategic marketing plan been more challenging. Even the best product in the world won’t sell without the right reach to your potential customers and the right message to engage them. This textbook applies a uniquely practical approach to the topic so that, whilst a structured overview of planning, development, implementation and evaluation of marketing communications is in place, the detailed cases made available by the Institute for Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) show how actual challenges faced by professionals in the field were addressed. This book will help you to develop the skills you need to turn theory into the right integrated communication plan, in order to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment. Aided by a veritable wealth of pedagogical features, Marketing Communications will be essential reading for both students and professionals in marketing, communications and public relations. This textbook also benefits from a companion website which includes a comprehensive instructor’s guide with PowerPoint slides, testbank questions and answer checklists.

Providing a fresh and innovative framework for the management of marketing communication processes, this textbook shifts the focus from message-making to relationship-building, focusing on a planned, integrated marketing communication programme.

An essential book for today's marketer now that integrated marketing communications form a critical success factor in building strong brands and strong companies This new edition is still the only textbook on the market to deal with all aspects of IMC from a strategic perspective Corporate image, identity and reputation have never been more important and this book unlocks the key factors in achieving and enhancing this Integrated Marketing Communications is not just about utilizing different communication options in your marketing campaign; it is about planning in a systematic way to determine the most effective and consistent message for your target audience. As such, it depends upon identifying the best positioning, generating positive brand attitude, a consistent reinforcement of the brand's message through IMC channels, and ensuring that all marketing communication supports the company's overall identity, image, and reputation. This textbook is a roadmap to achieving this, thoroughly updated to reflect the dynamic changes in the area since the first edition was published. New to this edition: New sections on social media and now to integrate them into your marketing function New chapter on message development and an enhanced chapter on the IMC plan Robust pedagogy to help reinforce learning and memory Enhanced teaching materials online to help lecturers prepare their courses Brand new real-life case study vignettes

Now in its third edition, this comprehensive text offers a classroom-tested, step-by-step approach to the creative processes and strategies for effective integrated marketing communication (IMC). Blakeman covers key areas, from marketing plans, branding/positioning, and creative briefs to copywriting, design, and considerations for each major media format. Throughout, she explores visual and verbal tactics, along with the use of business theory and practices, and how these affect the development of the creative message. This user-friendly introduction walks students through the varied strands of IMC, including advertising, PR, direct marketing, and sales promotion, in a concise and logical fashion.

Marketing Communications: A Brand Narrative Approach is a mainstream, student-driven text which gives prominence to the driving force of all Marketing Communications: the imperative of Branding. The book aims to engage students in an entertaining, informative way, setting the conceptual mechanics of Marketing Communications in a contemporary, dynamic context. It includes key current trends such as: Brand narrative approach - Cases such as Dove, Harley-Davidson, Nike and World of War Craft feature real-life, salient examples which are engaging for students and reflect the growth of co-authored brand ‘stories’ to help build and maintain brands by customer engagement through meaningful dialogues. Media neutral/multi-media approach - This text has a sound exploration of online and offline synergy combining one-message delivery and multi-media exposures, through examples of companies and political campaigns using ‘non-traditional’ media to reach groups not locking into ‘normal channels’. This brand new text features an impressive mixture of real-life brand case studies underpinned with recent academic research and market place dynamics. The format is structured into three sections covering analysis, planning and implementation and control of Marketing Communications. Using full colour examples of brands, and student-friendly diagrams, the book acknowledges that the modern student learns visually as well as through text. ***COMPANION WEBSITE - www.marketing-comms.com ***