This Week in Brand Marketing (Edition 14)

Avataryug- Finally, a newsletter that talks about updates in the brand marketing industry.

We are presenting our very first newsletter - the #14th edition! Join us as we explore the thrilling highlights of the week ??

Highlights of the week??

1. Classmate integrates AR technology into their Brown Cover Notebooks

Classmate has revolutionized their brown cover notebooks with an Augmented Reality (AR) Series, aiming to make learning engaging and dynamic. Integrating AR technology via QR codes allows students to explore diverse topics like marine life and space, enhanced with gamified elements for interactive learning. CEO Vikas Gupta highlighted how these notebooks transform into gateways of knowledge and wonder, shedding their boring image. The campaign included a life-size notebook cover at a Mumbai aquarium, where scanning the QR code revealed an immersive ocean experience, captured in the hashtag #Brownisnomoreboring. (source)

2.?TVS Motor Company joins hands with CSC Grameen eStores

TVS Motor Company has partnered with CSC Grameen eStores to expand access to its commercial vehicle range, focusing on 3-wheelers. Utilizing Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) as key touchpoints, the collaboration aims to support customers from inquiries to vehicle deliveries. TVS Motor’s popular models like the TVS King Deluxe, Duramax, Duramax Plus, and King Kargo will now be available on the CSC e-store, enhancing their availability in rural India. Executives Rajat Gupta and Avani Kapoor are enthusiastic about the partnership's potential to extend market reach and empower rural communities with reliable mobility solutions. This initiative underscores TVS Motor's commitment to fostering economic growth and connectivity in underserved areas, reinforcing its leadership in the commercial vehicle sector. (source)

3. Netflix launches its line of Popcorn

Netflix has recently diversified its offerings beyond streaming with the launch of "Netflix Now Popping," its brand of popcorn on June 20, 2024. Partnering with Popcorn Indiana, Netflix introduces two enticing flavors: "Cult Classic Cheddar Kettle Corn" and "Swoonworthy Cinnamon Kettle Corn," priced at $4.50 per bag. This initiative marks a strategic expansion into consumer products, aligning with Netflix's broader vision to extend its brand presence into physical spaces. Alongside "Netflix Now Popping," the company plans to introduce "Netflix Houses" and the "Netflix Bites" pop-up restaurant concept, further enhancing its footprint beyond digital entertainment. (source)

4.?Indian and EU StartUps pitch for cooperation in EV Technologies

The India-EU Start-Up Matchmaking event in New Delhi focused on advancing battery recycling technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), showcasing twelve innovative start-ups from India and the EU. An important announcement included an upcoming exchange trip for selected start-ups to visit EV battery recycling facilities to deepen their understanding of the EV landscape in both regions. The event highlighted the impact of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which has significantly bolstered bilateral trade and cooperation. In 2022 alone, trade reached a record high of 120 billion euros in goods exchanged between the two regions. (source)

Marketer to follow???

Embarking on his journey into Social Media Marketing was driven by Nikhil Wad 's deep-rooted passion for connecting people with meaningful content in the digital age. With over a decade of experience, Nikhil has honed his skills in Social Media Management and Marketing, specializing particularly in Content Creation and Curation.

Drawing from a background in Applied Arts and Graphic Design, Nikhil infuses creativity with strategic insight to craft engaging and visually captivating content tailored for diverse platforms and audiences. His collaborative efforts with brands across various sectors such as Sports, Entertainment, Fintech & Finance, and SaaS have consistently amplified their online presence, expanded reach, and enhanced overall impact.

Nikhil thrives on understanding the pulse of different industries, excelling in translating insights into compelling social media narratives. His mission is clear: to empower individuals and businesses to maximize their social media potential through expertise and innovation.

A Cool Case Study of This Week??

MGverse

MG Motor India introduced MGverse, a Metaverse Platform, alongside Auto Expo 2023. This platform digitally replicates MG's physical Pavilion, offering an immersive experience accessible from anywhere. It combines advanced 3D and photorealistic technology to create a virtual environment that mimics real-world settings.

Strategy:

To enhance engagement, MG partnered with Metadome to integrate cutting-edge technology into MGverse. Key features include the Explore & Creator's Center, where visitors can interact with lifelike avatars and personalize their MG vehicles in the MG Arena. This strategy aims to cater to digital-native consumers by providing a comprehensive and interactive virtual experience.

Challenge:

The primary challenge was adapting traditional auto show formats, which rely heavily on physical presence and interactions, into a compelling digital experience. Maintaining engagement and replicating the tangible aspects of a physical event in a virtual space posed significant challenges.

Solution:

MG addressed these challenges by leveraging advanced technology within MGverse. They offer virtual tours, interactive engagements, and the ability to customize and purchase vehicles virtually. These solutions aim to recreate the immersive aspects of physical auto shows while offering the convenience of remote accessibility.

Implementation:

Initially launching the Explore & Creator's Center, MG plans to gradually introduce additional zones like the NFT Gallery, MG Car Club, Gaming Arena, and MG Knowledge Center. This phased implementation strategy aims to expand the platform's immersive capabilities over time.

Outreach Takeaways:

MGverse extends customer touchpoints beyond physical boundaries, catering to the expectations of digital-native consumers. It allows for a seamless transition from physical to virtual engagement, offering interactive experiences and enhancing brand interaction.

Revenue Growth:

Through features like the MG Arena, which facilitates virtual vehicle customization and purchasing, MG anticipates increased engagement and potential growth in online sales. This digital approach aims to drive revenue growth by capturing consumer interest in a virtual setting.

Sustainable Success:

MGverse exemplifies MG's commitment to technological innovation and customer-centricity. By embracing digital trends and evolving consumer demands, MG aims for sustainable success in the competitive automotive industry, ensuring the platform continues to meet evolving consumer expectations in the Metaverse era.

Trend of the week??

Consumer Escapism and Joy Economy

The concept of the Joy Economy is gaining momentum as consumers increasingly seek respite from the stresses of modern life. Central to this trend are several key themes that shape consumer behavior and preferences:

Nostalgia plays a crucial role as consumers gravitate towards familiar brands, products, and experiences that evoke simpler times and provide a sense of comfort and security. Inspiration and aspiration are integral components of the Joy Economy, where consumers actively engage with content, influencers, and activities that uplift their spirits and help them achieve personal goals. Self-care has evolved significantly, especially in the wake of the pandemic, with consumers increasingly prioritizing proactive wellness practices. This includes seeking out products and experiences that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Joy Economy reflects a collective response to global challenges such as economic uncertainty and societal pressures. Despite these adversities, consumers are resilient and actively seek positive avenues for connectivity and fulfillment. For retailers and brands, embracing the Joy Economy represents an exciting opportunity to not only meet consumer demands but also foster deeper connections and enhance both sales and loyalty in an evolving market landscape

Tip of the week??

"Sell a product, get paid for months. Build a brand, get paid for decades"

~ Nikhil Wad, Social Media Marketer

Tweet of the week ??

Video of the week ??

LinkedIn premiered this 30-minute documentary, directed by Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot, at Cannes Lions this year. Now you can watch the inspiring story of B2B marketing’s evolution from the comfort of your home. Watch the video here.

Upcoming event ???

Brand World Summit’24

In today's networked economy, traditional marketing paradigms are being reevaluated amid the rise of CMOs as pivotal figures in business strategy. They now wield significant influence in the conversion process, even progressing to CEO roles. This shift reflects advancements in technology and the influence of generative AI, marking a departure from traditional agency reliance on boutique firms for strategic planning.

With the proliferation of screens and increased viewer engagement, marketers are investing heavily to craft compelling brand narratives that resonate and drive purchasing decisions. Global ad spending is projected to reach USD 859 billion by 2023, with digital channels accounting for 76% of this expenditure. India ranks 8th globally and is one of the fastest-growing markets, leveraging digital platforms supported by advanced technology to fuel its growth trajectory.

When – 5th July 2024

Where – Taj Lands End, Mumbai

Register here