Critically Discussed Issues, Dimensions, Benefits and Barriers Associated with Imc (integrated Marketing Communications) in Relation to Advertising Strategy and Planning in the Uk

“Critically discussed issues, dimensions, benefits and barriers associated with IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) in relation to advertising strategy and planning in the UK”

- by Chirag Rawal (BA in Marketing Management)

Introduction

We begin defining the two main aspects of this study. Even though there are many different views, descriptions and definitions of these two terms, I find it easier to adapt the one stated by Tony Yeshin (2006) in his book �Advertising’; �advertising is paid-for non-personal communication from an identified organisation, body or individual designed to communicate information and to influence consumer behaviour’. IMC is �a concept of marketing communications planning that recognises the added value in a program that integrates a variety of strategic disciplines, for example, general advertising, direct response, sales promotion, and public relations – and consistency, and maximum communication impact’ (Schultz 1997).

Relationship between IMC and Advertising

IMC can be defined as a tree with its main branches being Advertising, Sales Promotion, Public Relations and Direct Marketing. Advertising is a part of the IMC structure and is proven to be one of the most powerful tools. However, Tony Yeshin explains to us that �advertisings position is being eroded dramatically as the other tools of marketing communications gain more widespread use.’ (Yeshin, 2006) For a second let’s take ourselves outside the UK and see whether advertisings position is eroding elsewhere. Looking at (Jones