Successful Brand Activation
Strategies for FMCG Brands

Customers are inundated with a variety of options in every retail segment, particularly the FMCG segment where the competition is huge, and the margin of error is miniscule.

In such a situation, how can brands catch and hold the attention of shoppers long enough to drive incremental business. Brands must develop experience-driven market activation strategies to attract shoppers and generate trials/demos among them. Let’s look at some of the best brand activation strategies for FMCG brands to win customer loyalty and increase sales. 

Brand-consumer relationships have evolved considerably in the last few years pivoting from a transactional one to a more experiential one. Shoppers today are no longer just looking to buy a product, but want an experience that aligns with their value system to form a deeper connection.

What is brand activation?

Brand activation means orchestrating a marketing campaign that aims to promote your brand through interactive storytelling across offline and online touchpoints. It is part of the larger brand marketing campaign to move brands from one stage to another in their sales cycle.

Depending on your products, distribution channels, and budget, your FMCG brand activation strategy must be tailored across different types of brand activation, such as interruption marketing, experiential marketing, or guerrilla marketing. 

Types of brand activation

Now we know what brand activation is, lets look at the different types of strategies that FMCG companies can consider while activating their brand among their targeted consumers. 

#1 In-store activations

This is one of the most common brand activation ideas as it allows your brand to interact and engage with customers right at the point of sale. As shoppers visit stores to buy products, they have money in their pockets and products are readily available, the probability of purchase increases.

Using interactive displays, creative signages, and POS displays can not only be engaging but also disruptive. These in-store displays not only inform customers about the availability of products but also help communicate any offers/promotions. 

#2 Experiential retail

Shoppers today expect more from brands and want unique, interactive experiences that align with their preferences and behaviours. Brands must delight, engage, and surprise their buyers through interactive in-store marketing and visual merchandising at the point of sale.

From pop-up stores to in-store sampling activities, brand must offer experiences that help shoppers feel valued and engaged in their buying journey. To create a lively experience in store or anywhere else, FMCG brands must not focus on their products but the lifestyle they are advocating to win customer trust and convert them into brand advocates. 

#3 Sampling

Another great type of brand activation for FMCG brands is to offer free samples and make them try your products. This helps customers make an informed choice and goes a long way in garnering real-time feedback. Sampling is the perfect way to allow shoppers interact with the look and feel of your products as well as your brand. 

How to implement brand activation strategies?

Brand activation strategies must carefully planned and implemented at the right place and at the right time to generate the desired brand buzz. Let’s see how FMCG brands can implement a ROI-driven brand activation campaign to engage customers and win their buying trust.

1. Identify your brand differentiators

To stand out in a crowded market, it's essential to identify what sets your brand apart. Think about your brand's values, mission, and vision, and use them as a foundation for your brand activation campaigns. Once you know your differentiators, it's time to get creative with your campaign idea. Take inspiration from current trends, but don't go overboard and risk damaging your brand's image.

2. Select the right type of brand activation

Consider the type of brand activation that aligns with your product and resources. In-store campaigns can be effective for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) since shoppers are already in buying mode. Retailtainment, on the other hand, is an exciting way to engage consumers and showcase your brand's message, but it may require a bigger budget.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive retail marketplace, FMCG brands are struggling to keep pace with consumer needs, manage operating costs, and generate incremental revenue. Eventually, brand marketing becomes a necessary step to get in front of the customers and pull them into their sales funnel. Brands need to focus on experience-driven market activation strategies to win customer loyalty and increase sales.