Mother Knows Best

“Economic downturn,” it’s a phrase we’re totally sick of hearing, but maybe instead of trying to pretend it’s not there, we should stop and pay attention.  We’ve heard that somehow we can make lemonade with these recession lemons.  How? Let’s start with mom’s.  There’s a really great article that explains how to market to recession moms. (http://promomagazine.com/retail/news/marketing-recession-tips-0428/index.html)  Really it seems as though experiential marketing, sampling, guerrilla marketing, etc. may be the way to go with these newly created prudent shoppers.  We’re seeing less and less of the spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment shoppers and more and more of the wise, cautious shoppers.  This is why experiential marketing is key.  Shoppers need to be able to try the products first-hand now.  Also, they’ll need to understand how this product is worthwhile financially.  The shopaholics’ days are numbered.

Have you heard of the new human race, mommy bloggers?  You may even have one living and breathing in your home.  Not only that, but their population is exploding.  Tropicana’s decided to accommodate this new market by creating an online digital kitchen specifically for these tech-savvy mommas. http://www.blogher.com/groups/juice It’s a great form of viral marketing that allows women to share their kitchen, health, and whatever other secrets they’ve learned about woman-living.

If you’re doubting the kind of pull that these online moms have, just read about the Johnson & Johnson Motrin video ad that was taken off the internet within an hour due to mother’s complaints. (http://bigfatmarketingblog.com/2008/11/19/mothers-brigade-on-the-march/)  How many of us listen to our mothers?  Now mom’s have found a voice like never before, which can mean great and terrible things for business.  We just have to get the moms on our side.