Marketing Strategy - Should You Market With Celebrity Endorsements?

When it comes to marketing, should you play the fame game? 

The 2008 Beijing Olympics has been a fascinating study in marketing, advertising and public relations.  From great ads for big brands to the major (if sometimes faltering) public relations campaign of the Chinese government, it's been a wild ride.  We've also seen many companies venture into the land of celebrity endorsements.  One of the more interesting endorsements?  Gold metal swimmer Mark Spitz for Botox.

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Of course, most marketing professionals will never face the challenge of choosing a celebrity to endorse their brand.  In fact, we may spend most of our time advising against it.  Celebrities (even aging Olympic athletes) have their share of scandals.  It's hard to tell when a grainy, compromising photo of your squeaky-clean spokesperson may show up in a tabloid.  And, a few will choose to badmouth your brand after their contract has ended.  It happens.

On the plus side, certain celebs may have strong pull with your target market.  For example, Mark Spitz tested well among the Botox-buying set.  The best bet when choosing a celebrity to endorse your product?  Don't get caught with stars in your eyes.  Test the spokesperson carefully with your consumer groups, choose them for a good reason and vet them as you would a vice presidential pick. 

Once you have your celebrity on board, be sure to keep them happy -- even if they have signed a tightly-worded contract.  And once their contract is up, try to maintain a relationship with them.  Celebrities give a lot of interviews, and what they say (or don't say) can make a big difference for your brand. 

Marketing Strategy - Should You Market With Celebrity Endorsements?

Megan Tsai is a seasoned communicator and award-winning writer with high-profile experience in media relations, marketing communications and journalism. As a full-time freelance writer, she provides copywriting and marketing communications for businesses and publications in the Twin Cities and beyond. Visit http://www.RedWagonWriting.com to learn more and sign up for the Red Wagon Writing monthly e-mail newsletter full of writing and marketing tips.

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