Clock Creative - Official News

 

Pet marketing specialists Clock Creative held a timely seminar at the UK’s biggest pet expo, to advise the pet industry on maximising their marketing activity in tough financial times.

“Effective Marketing in an Economic Downturn” was held at GLEE Petindex at the NEC in September. Clock’s Managing Director, Mark Taylor, spoke on a range of topics which explored how marketing activity can improve business performance, customer loyalty and attract new customers – specifically aimed at the pet industry.

Manchester-based Clock Creative has been offering design, PR, new media and strategy expertise to pet clients across the UK and Europe for the past five years.

Brands worked on include Staywell Petdoors, Petsafe, Sport Dog, ECMA, T.COG, PetBrokers, Quicko and ByoFresh as well as British equestrian and Olympia Showjumping champion John Whitaker.

Clock used Glee as an opportunity to show the pet trade how they can really benefit from making their marketing spend work harder, even in the present economic climate.

 In these uncertain times, many companies are already feeling the pinch and starting to make cutbacks. Often, one of the first areas to have its budgets slashed is marketing. Indeed, some companies choose to stop promotional activity all together.

Clock’s 50 minute presentation highlighted how there is much that can be done to prepare and prosper during an economic downturn – particularly for companies in the pet industry.

 The UK is renowned as a nation of pet lovers with many owners treating their animals as a member of the family - so people will still spend money on their beloved four-legged friends. Buying criteria may change and customers may need to be more price sensitive, more open to offers and promotions and will need to feel that they are getting real value for money. However, they are there and willing to spend - and so it’s essential that companies maximise each opportunity to make a sale.

 Effective marketing and communications activity that delivers a real return on investment is crucial to achieve this. By using the following tips, the pet industry can continue to thrive – whatever their budget.

PLAN, PLAN AND PLAN – It’s crucial that any business which wants to stay afloat during difficult times has a robust marketing plan.

LOVE YOUR CUSTOMERS – Your existing customers are your biggest ally , especially end users (consumers) and so it is crucial to develop and nurture your relationships with them.

 CONVERT NEW CUSTOMERS
Converting new customers is a time consuming and challenging task – but its one that is essential in the current climate.

KNOW YOU BRAND
This may seem obvious. But it’s surprising how few companies within the pet industry carry out a basic self assessment exercise.

 PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITY
There is a huge array of promotional activity that a brand can carry out in order to boost its sales. The pet market is particularly responsive to such activity and this can be done within the confines of a tight marketing budget.

INCREASE BRAND AWARENESS
Keeping your brand in the public eye is a great way to attract new and retain existing customers. Your reputation is your most valuable asset  and .its important to continually tell new and existing customers just why they should spend their hard earned cash with you.

Mark Taylor, Clock’s Managing Director said:

“We were thrilled to be asked to hold our seminar at Glee, the UK’s biggest pet trade show. With our experience in the pet sector, we are well place to advice the industry on how to make the most of their marketing spend in these tough economic times.

“The ‘credit crunch’ is an unavoidable news headline and with it will come changes in consumer behaviour. Marketing does not necessarily require a huge budget and there are plenty of ways that companies can adapt to the change in landscape. This is what we aimed to get across to the pet industry at Glee”.

Ends.