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Micro influencers have become extremely powerful in terms of swaying buying patterns among consumers. This thesis examines the greater impact that micro influencers have on brand marketing. This was completed through a literature review that highlights the evolution of marketing, influencer marketing, discussing reach, relevance, and resonance, and Generation Z’s

Micro influencers have become extremely powerful in terms of swaying buying patterns among consumers. This thesis examines the greater impact that micro influencers have on brand marketing. This was completed through a literature review that highlights the evolution of marketing, influencer marketing, discussing reach, relevance, and resonance, and Generation Z’s purchasing decisions. In addition, we conducted an online survey through Qualtrics that allowed us to analyze the impact social media influencers have. The results of our research indicate that TikTok is used most frequently, but Instagram is where social media influencers are followed most. From our data, we concluded that Generation Z is most influenced by authentic, genuine content created by influencers regardless of follower count. We recommend that a brand interested in reaching Generation Z (we refer to the brand as “Brand X”) use micro influencers, as our research shows that genuine relationships are valued among this generation. We believe that micro influencers are the most valuable to use as they are able to create meaningful relationships with consumers due to their reach, relevance, and resonance with the individuals their content reaches.

ContributorsYoung, Colbi G (Co-author) / Keenan, Anna (Co-author) / Giles, Charles Bret (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
148372-Thumbnail Image.png
Description

Micro influencers have become extremely powerful in terms of swaying buying patterns among consumers. This thesis examines the greater impact that micro influencers have on brand marketing. This was completed through a literature review that highlights the evolution of marketing, influencer marketing, discussing reach, relevance, and resonance, and Generation Z’s

Micro influencers have become extremely powerful in terms of swaying buying patterns among consumers. This thesis examines the greater impact that micro influencers have on brand marketing. This was completed through a literature review that highlights the evolution of marketing, influencer marketing, discussing reach, relevance, and resonance, and Generation Z’s purchasing decisions. In addition, we conducted an online survey through Qualtrics that allowed us to analyze the impact social media influencers have. The results of our research indicate that TikTok is used most frequently, but Instagram is where social media influencers are followed most. From our data, we concluded that Generation Z is most influenced by authentic, genuine content created by influencers regardless of follower count. We recommend that a brand interested in reaching Generation Z (we refer to the brand as “Brand X”) use micro influencers, as our research shows that genuine relationships are valued among this generation. We believe that micro influencers are the most valuable to use as they are able to create meaningful relationships with consumers due to their reach, relevance, and resonance with the individuals their content reaches.

ContributorsKeenan, Anna Kingsley (Co-author) / Young, Colbi (Co-author) / Giles, Charles Bret (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Division of Teacher Preparation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description

In an effort to create an exemplar for what brands, “Swipe Stories” is a video series that displays how brands can connect with consumers in a way that is engaging and additive to their life. The paper outlines the ideation, creation and extrapolation of the creative project as well as

In an effort to create an exemplar for what brands, “Swipe Stories” is a video series that displays how brands can connect with consumers in a way that is engaging and additive to their life. The paper outlines the ideation, creation and extrapolation of the creative project as well as results that were found. Each step of the process is outlined with detail and notes to benefit both consumers and marketing professionals to understand the ways that longford content can be utilized for the shared value of the consumer and the brand.

ContributorsHuwald, Carter (Author) / Giles, Charles Bret (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
Music, which is easier to access than ever before, has become an integral part of many passionate enthusiasts’ lives. As a fellow music-obsessed listener, I set out to create and sell music-related art to other impassioned fans. This thesis contains every step of the business plan for Album Art By

Music, which is easier to access than ever before, has become an integral part of many passionate enthusiasts’ lives. As a fellow music-obsessed listener, I set out to create and sell music-related art to other impassioned fans. This thesis contains every step of the business plan for Album Art By Andrew, including executive decisions based on primary and secondary research, as well as a projected P&L for the first year of operations.
ContributorsMarkau, Andrew (Author) / Eaton, Kate (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor)
Created2023-12
Description
This thesis focuses on the increasing emphasis on sustainability within the fashion industry and how brands, specifically H&M, can increase their market share through updating their in-store retail strategy. Seven common retail strategies are analyzed and recommendations in each area are made to enhance H&M’s emphasis on sustainability. To support

This thesis focuses on the increasing emphasis on sustainability within the fashion industry and how brands, specifically H&M, can increase their market share through updating their in-store retail strategy. Seven common retail strategies are analyzed and recommendations in each area are made to enhance H&M’s emphasis on sustainability. To support these potential recommendations, two focus groups were conducted to evaluate some potential in-store marketing elements. Upon the conclusion of the focus group research, participant’s thoughts were taken into consideration to revise the recommended retail strategies. Overall, by implementing the recommended retail marketing strategies, H&M can incorporate their Conscious line more fully within their stores and promote their new sustainable focus to further their brand in the future.
ContributorsFoley, Jacqueline (Author) / Riker, Elise (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2022-12
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As social media continues to grow, so does the need to have a strong online presence that exhibits a unique personal brand. However, with social media platforms ranging from Twitter to Instagram to LinkedIn, it is a challenge for Millennials to know how to build a personal brand that is

As social media continues to grow, so does the need to have a strong online presence that exhibits a unique personal brand. However, with social media platforms ranging from Twitter to Instagram to LinkedIn, it is a challenge for Millennials to know how to build a personal brand that is appropriate for all potential audiences. More than just friends and family are viewing our social media profiles; it is common practice for potential employers too and it can be difficult to cater our social media for both. This thesis looks at how personal branding has evolved with the rapid expansion of social media and the relationship between the two. It also looks at the importance of personal branding and best/worst practices for social media. Although there is an emphasis of professional networking platforms in my primary research, I also discuss how social media affects our personal, along with our professional, relationships. There is also a focus on the types of perceptions people make about someone’s personal brand based off of what they see on social media. To better understand people’s perceptions of social media as it relates to personal branding, I conducted interviews with job recruiters and administered a survey, which tested recommendations collected from the first interviews.
ContributorsLee, Juliana A (Author) / Montoya, Detra (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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After traveling to both Germany and Austria and attending traditional festivals such as Oktoberfest in Munich and the famous Christkindl Markets in Salzburg and Innsbruck, we were both inspired by our cultural and culinary experience. This also fostered confusion as to why German and Bavarian cuisine was an underrepresented food

After traveling to both Germany and Austria and attending traditional festivals such as Oktoberfest in Munich and the famous Christkindl Markets in Salzburg and Innsbruck, we were both inspired by our cultural and culinary experience. This also fostered confusion as to why German and Bavarian cuisine was an underrepresented food category in the U.S.

We completed in depth secondary research, focusing on environmental trends (social, economic, technological, political/legal, and natural) that affect the business environment in America, as well as produced a current market analysis of the American restaurant industry. This market analysis includes the discovery and evaluation of the history of the American restaurant industry, its evolution, its forecasted trends, and more specifically, taking a closer look at the nearly visible presence German cuisine establishments currently represent in America’s marketplace. By uncovering forecasted trends and determining the important presence the restaurant industry holds in America’s economy, we confirmed that designing and opening a German inspired restaurant is a great investment in an industry that continues to grow and prosper.

Before settling on a concept, we tested three unique German inspired models. Option 1, Prost, uniquely resembles a bar. Prost is described as a very casual and spacious beer garden placing an emphasis on quality German beer and small shared plates or appetizers. In contrast, option 2, Geister Haus is described as an upscale sit down restaurant that not only provides a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits, but also an extensive menu with traditional German plates. Geister Haus is meant to provide its consumers with the authentic German experience. Lastly, option 3, Das Good is a modern concept that creates a fusion of German and American culture by providing traditional German specialties with a twist.

After conducting a survey testing all three concepts, the feedback we received from our test subjects (41 individuals representing diverse demographics) confirmed that Das Good was the most interesting German inspired concept that they would most likely visit. However, Prost was a close second, and many respondents suggested a combination of the two concepts; that is how the finalized Das Good restaurant was formed. Das Good’s business plan includes:
Company mission and values centered around diversity, community, and celebration
Target consumer profile otherwise known as Jackson Nelson that represents the specific demographic and psychographic qualities of a potential consumer we intend to attract
Competitive analysis of three carefully selected primary competitors (The Yard at Culinary Dropout, Brat Haus, and Pedal Haus Brewery) located within the Valley
Beyond the details of our business plan, we placed an emphasis on the marketing campaigns and design aspects of Das Good. For example, we researched three specific locations in which we will consider to invest, and developed a full menu including item descriptions and prices. We focused on physical evidence of store blueprints including indoor seating and outdoor patio layout and explained the value of our community centered open floor plan. Finally, we crafted a two-fold marketing plan that integrates digital exposure via local influencers and customer engagement via prize-worthy games featured at music, arts, and food festivals.
ContributorsWillett, Sydney (Co-author) / Doloresco, Sophia (Co-author) / Trujillo, Rhett (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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Description
In this paper, I have designed a business model for a new type of fashion retail
store. This store will perfect the personal styling experience by utilizing customer and
apparel data to make individualized apparel recommendations. The format of this store
will heavily reduce the amount of search time for customers by only

In this paper, I have designed a business model for a new type of fashion retail
store. This store will perfect the personal styling experience by utilizing customer and
apparel data to make individualized apparel recommendations. The format of this store
will heavily reduce the amount of search time for customers by only showing clothing
pieces that each person is likely to purchase, based on predictive analytics. In order to
plan this business model and determine whether a company of this style could be
successful, this paper includes research on the current environment of the fashion
industry, the company’s potential target market segmentation, and tactics for developing
the best customer offering.
ContributorsTrevino, Alexandra (Author) / Riker, Elise (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Top Cup plans on opening its doors by 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona. This differentiation strategy goes into depth about the steps needed to properly and efficiently introduce Top Cup to the coffee industry. A market analysis determined that Top Cup’s ideal consumer is to be described as the “sophisticated” customer

Top Cup plans on opening its doors by 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona. This differentiation strategy goes into depth about the steps needed to properly and efficiently introduce Top Cup to the coffee industry. A market analysis determined that Top Cup’s ideal consumer is to be described as the “sophisticated” customer between the ages of 18-54. They are described as affluent, working professionals who value quality and will spend on luxury items. Considering that Top Cup is advertising its high-quality products, a zip analysis was performed on 85293 to validate the practicality of targeting this market segment. 64% of the population residing in this zip code, labeled Boomburbs, encompass the same appeals as the ideal consumer Top Cup should seek. Top Cup’s mission is to serve consumers the best quality premium coffee products in an ambience-centric environment. By utilizing a product value strategy and expert-recommended strategy, Top Cup can access higher margins of profit in their asking price. The implementation of a pub-themed coffee shop will differentiate Top Cup from industry competitors and provide a unique experience to consumers on a daily basis.
ContributorsJaber, Ranine (Co-author, Co-author) / Eaton, Kate (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Influencer marketing is when individuals with dedicated social media followings are sought out by brands to utilize their position on certain platforms to endorse a brand’s products and be compensated through payment or merchandise. I will be looking at the concept of trust when it comes to influencer marketing alongside

Influencer marketing is when individuals with dedicated social media followings are sought out by brands to utilize their position on certain platforms to endorse a brand’s products and be compensated through payment or merchandise. I will be looking at the concept of trust when it comes to influencer marketing alongside the Fogg Behavior Model. Used to evaluate an individual’s behavior in the decisions making process, The Fogg Behavior Model bases itself in a persuasive environment by focusing on three key elements: motivation, ability, and trigger. When utilized in collaboration with influencer marketing, these elements together could have a strong effect on driving consumer behaviors. I utilized one of the most recent and popular social media platforms, TikTok, known for its short-form mobile videos, to explore these behavioral elements in action. Like any other media platform, TikTok influencer marketing requires a high amount of trust between the consumer and influencer to be successful and efficiently persuade the target market. I collected primary research by surveying opinions on trust and buying behaviors based on three different videos. One video had a hidden partnership disclosure in the caption, the second had a plainly visible partnership disclosure, and the third had a plainly visible partnership disclosure and verbally disclosed the relationship between the brand and the influencer. The analysis showed that participants felt a higher degree of trust towards the video which contained a verbal disclosure of the influencer’s partnership with the brand. The results lacked specificity on whether this perception of trust would successfully lead to a purchase, which could be adjusted for in future research; however, it did show there was motivation through the Fogg Model to look further into the product presented. I recommend influencers be as transparent and genuine as possible to earn the trust or their followers, as well as ensure all three factors of Fogg are present to increase their persuasive abilities over consumers completing a purchase.
ContributorsGraves, Darien (Author) / Giles, Charles (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2022-05