The different communications tools will be used in an IMC mix, according to a communications plan that will have to be integrated into the strategic marketing plan. Th e essential steps
in the communications plan are listed in Table 1.6 .
Since marketing communications have to beembedded in the strategic marketing plan,
the first step is to analyse the marketing communications environment and the marketing
strategy, and assess where the marketing communications activity should fit in. From this
analysis, target groups and objectives and goals of the marketing communications effort can
be derived. Next, which instruments, techniques and media to use and to what extent will be
agreed. On the basis of this plan, a budget can be established, and the communications plan
and timing can be implemented. Finally, the effectiveness of the campaign has to be assessed.
In the following chapters, branding (see Chapter 2 ) and how communications can influence consumers (see Chapter 3 ) are discussed. Branding is an important core issue, since
brands are often the link between marketing strategyand its communication. In subsequent
chapters, the various stages in the marketing communications plan are discussed, and per
instrument a detailed overview of the planning stages is provided. Th e components of the
marketing communications plan are discussed in more depth in the following chapters: target
groups (see Chapter 4 ), objectives (see Chapter 5 ), budgets (see Chapter 6 ) and tools (see
Chapters 7 – 15 ). In each of these chapters the various stages in planning and executing the
campaign are detailed and highlighted. Th e last chapter focuses upon ethical issues in
marketing communications.