Tag Archives: Microsoft

How Marketing Made Xbox More Favorable Among Teens Than The PS3

One of the debates back in high school was that the Xbox 360 was better than the Playstation 3, and while faithful followers of both sides would argue constantly, there really wasn’t a right answer. Little did any of us know that marketing played a major role in the decisions of 14-18 year olds across the United States. From the commercials, to the colors of the logo and the features each console had, the decisions and beliefs both sides had were solidified when these teens not only bought into the product, but also the marketing behind it.

If you’re a hardcore gamer, you could probably give me a list of the differences between Xbox and Playstation, but you can’t tell me that there is a major difference in graphics. Other than a few games that are exclusive to one console, there is no change in gameplay, despite the fact an Xbox or Playstation gamer would tell you otherwise. Online chatting is the real selling point, as you can talk to a friend or a group of friends who are playing different games on the Xbox, but you can’t do that on the PS3.

Getting to the real decision maker was how the product was marketed. If you’ve seen an Xbox commercial lately, you’re aware of the bright green logo and the bright green backdrop. That’s an eye catcher, and that shade of green exudes innovation. Seeing a color that goes well in the tech industry is going to create consumer confidence, even if it’s subliminal and a subconscious reaction by the viewer. While being associated with the NFL on Sundays, Xbox is reaching potential customers on a weekly basis, and by displaying the Madden football game, there is the outlet for gamers to get online and play the only football game on the market.

Playstation on the other hand rarely has good television ads, and even when they do, their darker colors aren’t appealing to look at and are certainly not an eye catcher. They’ve not made a major attempt to attract customers, and instead are banking on the faithful owners of current playstation consoles to return and buy the newest platform, which most likely they will. The PS4 saw strong sales figures last year, and this could have something to do with their lack of ads, but Xbox continues to do what they do best, and that’s get the attention of viewers.

Just as the golden arches of the McDonald’s logo is one of a kind and has become a global icon, so has Xbox’s green X. Consumers don’t forget a good product or brand, and while there is no major difference between Xbox and Playstation, the consumers will always assume Microsoft’s Xbox will create the most appeal when it comes to graphics and gameplay.

Next time an Xbox commercial pops up on the screen, think about what you’re viewing. The eye catching colors, along with quick shots of gameplay will make the idea of owning the new Xbox 1 more appealing. That’s the effectiveness of marketing. While I’m a hardcore Playstation fan, I can’t help but notice that Xbox’s commercials are offering something much more exciting and enjoyable, even if in reality they’re no different than Sony’s Playstation.

Marketing: Where One Industry Got In Right

 

Flickr addiction
Giovanni ‘jjjohn’ Orlando / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

As a consumer, nothing attracts my attention more than a well-done commercial or ad. However many businesses, especially on television, choose the cute or lack of information approach replacing facts with flash, but in the wrong way. Some companies have brilliantly mastered advertising; informing, persuading, and adding humor together that makes sense, and markets to a defined audience. Two major industries, technology and automotive, spend time and money marketing to potential consumers, yet only one industry fully understands how to use the power of advertisement.

There are a variety of laptops, smartphones, tablets, and video game consoles on the market today, and it will continue to expand in the future. Technology is a necessity, without it many business couldn’t run day-to-day operations, staying in contact with friends and family would be more difficult, and students working on a term paper for college would be confined to the library reading books instead of doing research on their laptops. The product is already a guaranteed sell, but which company excels over the other and how? This is where marketing and advertising comes in. One popular technology company went over and above, defined who their audience was, explained the differences between them and the competition, and each commercial brought humor that was backed up by facts. Apple.

The Mac versus PC ad campaign that Apple ran is the perfect example and should be a blueprint for all companies, any size and in any sector. The short commercials said a mouthful in a very condensed timeframe, both visually and contextually. The actor portraying Mac is young, dresses in more comfortable clothes, and is clearly in his 20’s, while the older, more professional, and traditional guy portrays the PC. In each ad, something Mac has that Microsoft PC’s don’t is brought up, such as apps, capabilities exclusive to Mac’s, and the fact that Apple’s don’t get viruses like PC’s.

Apples will always appeal to the younger generations for many reasons other than the fact that PC’s are known to be used by companies and businesses. The ads contributed to the already popular belief that PC’s were for the highly intelligent, hard working business professional, which is why the actor playing Mac is the typical twenty to thirty year old adult. However, Apple didn’t overstep their bounds by offending PC users, but inserted facts about their product that the competition doesn’t offer. As both a Mac and PC user, I understand the differences between the two, and how Apple offers more appealing applications than Windows operated desktops and laptops.

A few years later, Microsoft released a few of their own ads showing what their tablet can do that the iPad couldn’t. USB ports and an attachable keyboard were exclusive to Microsoft tablets, once again displaying a company who knew who their target audience was. Most iPad users are less likely to do business on their tablet, while the keyboard and USB port would come in handy for a business traveler, which fits the criteria for Microsoft users.

 

The technology industry has figured it out. To successfully attract potential buyers; informing, persuading, showing what your product has that the competition doesn’t, and why I, as a consumer should buy your product, should be the basis of your advertisement. For Apple and Microsoft they only have one competitor, and that’s themselves, which is why they need to specifically state the differences in their laptops and tablets. Companies in bigger business sectors fail to see the opportunity and blueprint that those two technology giants laid down for other industries when it comes to marketing and advertising. Separate yourselves from the pack, be creative, do what your competition isn’t, and most importantly, know who you’re marketing to.