Axe Marketing and Strategy
Axe Marketing and Strategy
Axe Marketing and Strategy
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT................................................................................................. 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:................................................................................................ 3
PRODUCT RANGE:....................................................................................................... 3
BRAND POSITIONING:................................................................................................. 3
IDENTIFYING THE TARGET MARKET:............................................................................4
CHANGE IN TAGLINE:.................................................................................................. 5
BRAND PERSONALITY................................................................................................. 5
SITUATION ANALYSIS................................................................................................... 6
SWOT Analysis........................................................................................................ 6
Brand Identity Prism................................................................................................ 6
4Ps Analysis............................................................................................................. 7
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS............................................................................................... 8
Scenario in 2013:.................................................................................................... 8
Current Scenario 2014............................................................................................ 9
SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYSIS........................................................................................... 10
Overall Strategy.................................................................................................... 11
Axe on Facebook................................................................................................... 11
Axe on Twitter........................................................................................................ 13
Axe On Other Social Media Websites.....................................................................17
COMPARISON WITH COMPETITOR.............................................................................17
RECOMMENDATIONS ON POSITIONING.....................................................................19
APPENDIX................................................................................................................. 20
Are Brand Communities Influencing Axe brand Through Co-creation?..................20
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
A Unilever product describing itself as a cool, iconic brand, Axe was launched in
India in 1999 with Axe Deodorants. It is the largest selling male deodorant in India &
has a variety of male grooming products such as Axe Aftershave Lotions & Axe Body
Wash. The scents of Axe deodorant arent just developed in Unilevers lab. Every
aroma is tested on the target audience real women. Every year, a new Axe
deodorant fragrance is launched, combining captivating scents with the latest
technology from the irresistible chocolate-inspired Dark Temptation fragrance to the
stimulating Axe Rise range. The Axe effect is also creating a buzz in social media.
The official Axe Facebook page launched in 2010 and has more than 3.5 million
fans, while more than 1.2 million users have viewed Axes advertising and video
games on the official Axe YouTube channel. Axes award-winning, attention-grabbing
ads never fail to push boundaries. Theyve impressed judges at the prestigious
Cannes Lions Advertising Awards too theyve won more than 10 of the events
sought-after accolades. The Axe Effect also has a high profile on social media. We
have hosted a competition to win tickets to travel in space and have more than 25
million fans around the world on Facebook.
PRODUCT RANGE:
BRAND POSITIONING:
Axe helps guys look, smell and feel more attractive
Axe has become one of the worlds most popular male grooming brands, by being a
guys best first move.
Cool, adventurous and never dull, Axe is designed to keep guys a step ahead in the
dating game.
The Axe brand is built on epic and disruptive advertising.
The Axe brand of deodorants is from Hindustan Unilever and is primarily targeted at
15 to 25 year old males. The brand portrays normal yet cool, trendy and confident,
a positioning that is aspirational to the target segment. And the portrayed outcome
where the girls flock to the Axe user is very desirable. At a more subtle level, the
Axe Effect also acts on the confidence levels of the user. The very act of being
associated with the brand serves to boost the ego. This strategy has proven very
effective for the brand. It comes across as approachable and it acts like a confidante
and friend to its users. While everyone would love to be friends with a celebrity,
there would still be a distance or an aloofness that would prevent a close
relationship. Axe bridges this very gap effectively, and yet keeps the dream of
getting a Charlies angel some day. It is for this very reason that Axe continues to be
the market leader in its category.
However, in 2013, Axe redefined its positioning statement, stating that it will
reposition its Axe deodorant from its current target market of 15-25 young men, to
40 to 65 year old men. This is being done by shifting towards a message that
promotes male innerconfidence.
The Predator -- He takes advantage of drunk girls, and lies about his job and
where he lives
Natural Talent -- Athletic, smart, and confident. He doesn't need to lie to
score
Marriage Material -- Humble and respectful, he's the sort of guy you want
to bring home to Mom and Dad
Always the Friend -- He always hits that glass ceiling
The Insecure Novice -- He has absolutely no clue what he's doing, and
things get awkward fast -- the geeks and nerds
The Enthusiastic Novice -- He has absolutely no clue what he's doing, but
he's outgoing and tries valiantly anyway
Then, they determined that The Insecure Novice would be their natural target,
since he needs the most help in getting women, and would be easily persuaded into
buying a product that could aid the woes of nerdhood.
Next came the ads themselves. The Axe TV ads proclaim that it will help you get
women attracted to the user. And not just one at a time -- their research showed
that the ultimate male fantasy is to be irresistible to several women.
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CHANGE IN TAGLINE:
The Axe
Effect
Score
More
BRAND PERSONALITY
The main personality characteristics associated with Axe are masculinity, seduction,
individuality, unconventionality and young.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS
1. Each of the fragrance is created by international fragrance diva Ann Gottlieb
2. The formulation is a base with higher efficacy
3. Excellent advertising and branding targeting the youth
4. Good distribution, Promotions and campaigns for luring customers
5. Also provides grooming range like shaving gel, foam, After-Shave lotion, and
Cologne Talc
6. International reach
7. Fragrance
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8. Advertising Tone
9. Availability
WEAKNESSES
1. Only an urban market phenomenon
2. High pricing reduces the target market
3. Controversial advertising often leads to legal issues
OPPORTUNITIES
1. Coming up with Limited Edition fragrances
2. Tie up with hotel chains and large organizations like gym chains etc
3. Large product line for men
4. Brand image in sports
5. Social media expansion
6. International expansion
THREATS
1. Deodorants sales are seasonal. Maximum sales happen in the summer months
(April to September)
2. Competition from Premium Segment Deodorants like Burberry, Body Shop
3. Degrades women; invites legal issues
4. Sprays are not good for environment
5. Intense competition
states: Spray more, get more. Thanks to the simple use of Axe, men become more
handsome, attractive and seductive.
Physique: Physique consists in a whole range of deodorant products with different
flavors, a packaging with a round shape and an advertising slogan: Spray more,
get more. The logo is either black or white.
Relationship: The brand helps men to be more attractive to women and brings
them the necessary self-confidence to be able to flirt with girls. The brand
community members communicate directly with the brand. Consequently, the
relationship between the brand and its consumers can be described as close and
friendly.
Reflection: the brand represents young and dynamic seducers and seductresses
(they party and dance).
4Ps Analysis
1. PLACE
a. Strong marketing logistics network
b. Relies Heavily on location and distribution channels
c. In store communication
d. Online and Offline availability
2. PRODUCT
a. Variety:Wide range of Fragrances
b. Quality: Dematological testing: No side effects and strong fragrance
c. Packaging: Distinctive metallic can with custom designed typography
3. PROMOTION
a. 360 degree branding effort around central idea of seduction
b. Online initiatives
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c. Viral marketing
d. Events and experiences
e. Extensive use of television marketing
f. Interactive Marketing
4. PRICE
a. Cheaper substitutes for other expensive brands
b. Pricing done considering middle income groups helps in gaining market
penetration
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Scenario in 2013:
The deodorant sprays saw the highest value growth of 28% and the market attained
a value of INR 19.5 billion in 2013.
The value growth in deodorant market could be attributed to its growing acceptance
as a cheaper alternative to fragrances , higher penetration in tier 3 cities and rural
areas an growing awareness among consumers about healthcare and hygiene. But
if we compare the value growth figure of 35% in 2012, there has been a decline
because deodorants were relatively new in India and moving towards a stable
growth rate.
Mens deodorants accounted for 70% value share of the total market attributed to
greater proportion of working class men and also to the use of mens deodorants by
women due to strong smell.
2013 also saw the launch of many women deodorants such as Fogg for women by
Vini Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd., Engage for Women from ITC Ltd and Flip for Women range
from provogue Ltd. Owing to scarcity of deodorants for women.
Most of the mens deodorants are marketed on a sensual theme except for some
new entrants such as Fogg and Nivea which use no gas and antiperspirant.
Womens deodorants marketed on additional benefits such as under-arm whitening
and antiperspirant where exceptions included Engage for Women which was based
on sensual theme.
Brand loyalty is a major issue in deodorant market and impulse buying is very
prominent. Owing to this manufacturers focus
The deodorant market being lucrative, continuously attracts new companies and
international players.
Weakening of domestic currency and inflation led to an increase in the price per unit
of deodorant sprays by 9%.
Hindustan Unilever ltd still leads with 24% value share in the deodorant market in
2103.
The deodorant market is expected to reach INR 34.1 billion increasing by a value
CAGR of 12 % .
Communication Key
Attributes
Positionin
g Focus
Approach/
Tagline
Long
lasting,
freshness,
strong and
pleasant
fragrance
Attractivene
ss
Fogg
a deodorant that
provides you with
absolute value for
money
Axe
Deodorant
brand with the
most
distinctive
approach
deodorant
brand from ITC
Attractiveness
Application all over
the body
Wild
Ston
e
Making it
happen!
Dove
Brand expert
on hygiene and
skin care
Nive
a
Brand expert
on hygiene and
skin care
Hydration
Soft skin
Intense routine
protection
Technology
No white and yellow
stains
Protection
Enga
ge
Attractiveness
Market
Share(% by
value)
17.8
6.5
fresh and
irresistible
fragrances,
chemistry
between
the couples
Irresistible
fragrances,
chemistry
between
the couples,
unexpected
encounters
Protection
and
hydration
Be interesting
6.6
Bus Zara Sa
Kaafi Hai
6.7
Real beauty
Protection
without
stains
What men
want
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This also reflects in the number comments and shares posts on Wild Stones FB
page gets. But then Wild Stone tries many different things, which is almost missing
from Axes page. Despite that, average per-post engagement of Axe is a higher than
that of its competitor.
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Axe is seen to be softening its stand on its chick magnet proposition in certain developed
markets by engaging both the sexes equally in a sensuous relationship. Following up the on the
success in the global market, Axe should bring in the Axe Effect of Fragrance for women and
equilibrate the mating game. Research suggests women wearing Mens Deodorants due to
strong and appealing fragrance. Releasing a ladys deodorant in the Indian scenario as a limited
edition would help gauge the consumer acceptance to axes new product and marketing
proposition.
Positioning : Adventurous, sporty and experimenting women between the age group of 18 to 27
This age group is appropriate as HULs Dove targets women in the age
group of 26 and above , working class middle aged women so as to
avoid cannibalization of its sales.
PRICING STRATEGY:
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Personality:
Sexy
Seductive
Physique:
Spunky
Culture:
Logo
Bold
Color
Nonchalent
Shape
Relationship:
Self-image:
Weapon of Seduction,
Liberty
Personal Wingman
Confident
Reflection:
Point of Sale:
Exclusive
Cool
Digital Campaign:AXE OR X
for AXE users (integrated with AXE male grooming
Will design a social gaming cum dating app exclusively products also)
After registration, users will start seeing profile picture of random* opposite sex user (*based on
Below the picture will be two options AXE (with a thumbs up sign) & X (with a thumbs down
sign)
Users will click on AXE, in case they find the other user hot and vise-versa for X
In case both the users click on AXE for each other, theyll get a notification to interact with each
The AXE scores will also be integrated with users facebook profiles, so they can flaunt the
Promotional Strategy
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13-20; 21%
40+; 24%
21-30; 19%
31-40; 36%
13-20
21-30
31-40
40+
People do not only follow the brand in social media, they talk quite positive about it,
as shown in the following two images.
17.04
17.92
65.03
+ve
-ve
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Neutral
Overall Strategy
Axe has a very strong positioning, the highest-in the-category brand recall, and a
communication potential which is almost is so extensible that it borders on
limitlessness. The challenge for a brand with so many strong attributes is not to
think of what to do on social media, but to think of how to use the platform to
maintain the brand positioning it has. To that end all the social media activities of
Axe is directed.
The brand uses social media to continue the story line it created in the mass media
and has succeeded till now in doing so.
Axe on Facebook
To create one of Indias largest and most well engaged fan pages on Facebook,
which reaches out to more than a million users on a daily basis.
There is a strong community of Axe on Face book. Axe Angels Club, as the brand has
named its online gang, has more than 41 lac fans. Following the lead of television
commercials, the content pieces on Axes Facebook page has continued to excite its
fans. An example of which can be seen in the following image which has caused
some serious engagement.
And it is not just the created content that has caused its fans to like the posts. Axe
has properly curated content pieces, added a witty turn to it, and shared it on
Facebook, as see below. This has affected the engagement.
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The brand is clear about it positioning and the message it wants to convey, and like
on television and print, on Facebook as well it has succeeded in creating an
engagement that can be source of envy for other brands.
Even the nature of posts is different. Not all of them are text heavy. There are posts
which convey volume even with very little text. It has also placed the brand midst
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the recent happenings. The image below is an example which capitalizes on the
theme of space-thriller movie Gravity.
Axe on Twitter
(As on December 6, 2014)
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On YouTube, apart from sharing its ads, which itself has a lot viral potential, the
brand has created some animated videos that are completely in line with Axes
positioning. The videos, though grotesque, at times, didnt fail to excite audience.
Here also the brand has shown its creative genius, like the Mario-themed video it
shared which got more than 7.50 lac views.
APPENDIX
Are Brand Communities Influencing Axe brand Through Co-creation?
Adapted from a study by Hla Cherif & Ben Miled
Research Center PRISM, France
In order to build long term relationships with customers, companies involve them
more often on their activities. They are now prosumers through co-creation
process and social media.
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Full Moon Party which gathered French and International celebrities around an
exceptional concert. The requirement to participate and win Axe Boat tickets and go
on tour with the Axe team is to subscribe to the Anarchy Run facebook application
game and beat the scores of other members. This is called an advergame, ie., one
online game with the brand signature. The rule is to grab the last VIP pass which
allows its owner to access to a party on the Axe Boat. The games trick is that an
alarm is triggered; consequently the player needs to thwart the premises and
disarm the guards tracking him. In order to win, the player has to use, as weapons,
the brands latest deodorants For Him and For Her enabling them to escape.
Every day, the player having the best score wins a VIP pass. At the end of the game,
the player having the highest score wins the ultra VIP pass.
Here, four types of co-creation are identified: major co-creation with a strong
interaction component on a long-term basis, major co-creation with a strong
interaction on a short-term basis, minor co-creation with a weak interaction on longterm basis and minor co-creation with a weak interaction on short-term basis. The
level of interaction defines the type of co-creation. In case of a strong interaction,
co-creation will be defined as major. On the other hand, in case of a weak
interaction, co-creation will be qualified as minor.
Major long-term co-creation refers to the strong interaction existing between the
members of a same community and between the community and the brand itself.
This interaction is maintained over time and continues outside the participative
event. The Axe Boat event displayed on the Axe Effect Facebook page
demonstrates that, beyond the co-creation of shared experiences, co-creation
occurs outside the Axe boat event itself. To be sure, interaction starts and continues
before and after the event. The brand community is not only interested in sharing
the Axe Boat tours pictures or to post comments regarding an event. Members give
also their feedbacks either on a product or the brand and provide new idea to the
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brand. The communitys influence over brands is even more important than
members interaction.
Short-term minor co-creation refers to the example of the Axe Dark Temptation
campaign where one can see consumer participation generally belonging to online
communities (for instance facebook or twitter, forum websites and so on), but who
share little or no common values with the brand. Participation occurs on a shortterm or temporary basis, generally corresponding to the duration of the
participative event. Interaction between community members is limited during the
event (for instance they comment pictures and videos). Member feedbacks and
reactions stop at the end of the competition. Internet users lose interest for the
Facebook page; they dont react anymore and are expecting a new event to be
launched. From this observation one can conclude that the participation in the Axe
Dark Temptation contest is mainly motivated by the financial profit and by the
experience of conviviality and sharing nice moments.
Short-term major co-creation: Internet users have participated in the
elaboration of new advertising concepts and in the production of videos designed
for the competition. The competition is temporary, on a short-term basis and limited
to the participative event. Interaction is strong since winners have been invited by
the brand and advertising agencies to discuss about the advertising concept
created by the competition winner.
Long-term minor co-creation: In this case, interaction is weak between the
community members and between the brand and the community; and it takes place
on a long-term basis.
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