Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Importance Of Cause Marketing To Consumers

By Sebastian Troup


It used to be a simple decision for a consumer to choose which company to do business with. There were a lot fewer brands out there to pick from and customers would choose based on which company was closer to them or which one was in business the longest. But now, advances in transportation and communications have reduced the distance barrier, and consumers have learned that a lean start-up can bring a killer product to market in record time and compete head-to-head with century-old companies. The choice is not so simple anymore.

In today's ever-changing business environment, it has become increasingly difficult for companies to differentiate themselves in the eyes of the consumer. But it's not impossible. One differentiating factor that has grown in importance in recent years is a company's attitude towards social responsibility. Consumers truly do care about what a company does to make the world a better place.

Promoting a business giving project or philanthropic initiatives has become essential in connecting and alluring customers. Marketing your cause is now of utmost importance but what is its significance?

Believe it or not, there are people out there who view businessmen as greedy and mean people taking money off of ordinary persons without any sign of concern towards that person. Another dismal reality is that there are a few business people whose crooked ways add more damage. This kind of thinking has led several consumers to believe that businesses exist only to make money and in return, do not trust them.

Showing signals of social responsibility by supporting a good cause helps in changing the mean and greedy businessman stereotype. When giant corporations have been victorious in showing people especially in their local communities that they do care, they don't appear as bad.

There is a good number out of your current customers that are interested in supporting a charity but many not have the financial capabilities to do so. Plenty of them may even have families and close friends who will be helped greatly by the charity so they look for other means to show their support.

Corporate giving programs allow you to help your customers help others. When you promote the fact that your company contributes time and resources to a cause they believe in, they can view their purchase of your products or services as a means of giving back while obtaining something of value they would have paid for anyway. Their purchase allows them a chance to be part of something bigger, and it gives them a compelling reason to choose your product over a competitor's.

A well-planned and executed cause marketing program can provide education and encouragement to people who may otherwise have never heard of the cause you are supporting. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can be some of the best promotional opportunities available for nonprofits doing important work.

By actively telling people about the cause, you open the door for others to also do their share in making betterment to the world. Your company can be the way for people to find the right cause for them which can be a really good feeling.

With this, the spotlight is shifted away from your company and unto the cause. You can get the support you needed for the cause and your customers feel happy that they have made a small contribution; it's a win-win situation for all.




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