advertising in rural india

The power of rural advertising growing in india

Being a smart entrepreneur, you may already be aware of the immense potential lying in the rural market of India. Yes, times have changed, and it is not a subdued market where consumers will accept whatever is being thrown at them. No, rural market asserts its power today and forces rural marketing agencies in india to design and conceptualize branding and advertising strategies dedicated to the rural population. Reports say that the ad spends and viewership show an increasing trend. The sector has been showing a consistent growth of eight to ten percent in the past decade, and it is expected to accelerate further. According to marketing gurus, the growth percentage may touch 50% mark as digital media leaves behind its counterparts. As semi-urban and rural markets become important strategically, the rural marketing budget allocation needs to be increased. Under-penetrated markets so far become prominent today Statistics shows that the under-penetrated (and under-estimated) markets so far show a promising response today. Massive economic growth in the recent years, increased awareness, and changing mindset of consumers are three prominent reasons behind the surge. No wonder, advertisers are keen to spend money on advertising in rural india. Having said it, cost pressure is still a pain point as far as rural advertizing is concerned. Only creative and innovative companies such as Vritti Imedia have been immensely successful by applying ideas that are ahead of times. Incredible use of Bus Stands and prominent religious events such as Kumbh Mela or Wari for the brand building are examples of outstanding rural marketing. There are pitfalls on the way Advertisers must understand that there are challenges and roadblocks in implementing better and cost-effective ideas of rural advertizing. However, it is their responsibility to find out ways and means of overcoming the same. Increase in the profit margin without affecting the last mile connectivity is the most prominent challenge. As Ecommerce extends the footprint in rural areas, it becomes furthermore challenging to remain competitive without damaging the bottom line. Reports say that vernacular print media will book higher revenues because there will be more focus on rural advertising in india. The rise is expected as high as 15 percent per annum. According to media experts, Hindi as well as regional papers both will show the similar increase. No wonder, entrepreneurs, and media experts derive effective strategies to tackle the rural market. When the business potential is high, it is worth spending big money.

Advertising & Sales Promotional Strategies In Rural Market

Think back to when you were a child what was the face of a typical Indian village? Wasnt it very different from what you see today? Approach roads to the villages were pathetic. People were ignorant of what was happening in the bigger towns or cities. The gap between rural and urban living standard was quite wide. With an immense economic development in the country, we have 180 degrees change in the situation. We have better roads, better infrastructure, and improved literacy. Dont you think Indian villages are transforming? Yes, indeed they are changing! No wonder, marketing managers are forced to rethink and redesign advertising and sales promotional strategies for rural markets. Vritti  has done a remarkable work in the field of rural marketing. With highly innovative ideas and lucrative marketing strategies, it has benefited their clients tremendously. You need different marketing strategies even if rural and urban markets look similar Look at any of the rural markets, and you begin to notice that it is no way different from a typical urban market. Product display, promotional strategies, hoardings; all are identical. According to marketing gurus, it is important to conceptualize specific rural marketing strategies even if the Indian rural market has modernized in the past two decades. There should be specific and precise points of attraction for the rural population. Promoting products in the villages could be quite challenging if you dont move strategically. If you have multiple products in the same category, then the USP of every product has to be precisely explained. People dont perceive the difference categorically unless they are precisely made aware of it. Experts say that rural people get attracted to the direct advertising mode such as outdoor hoardings or wall painted advertisements. Since their lifestyle is quite different from urban people, they dont find much time to watch audio-visual media. Rather, they connect to the conventional mode of communication more. Radio is still one of the popular media because it is portable and doesnt depend on electricity. Language is still a barrier in the rural areas. In spite of the improvement in literacy, the get connected to the local language more instead of English. Hence, rural advertisements should always be vernacular. Marketing strategies that make use of fairs, local events or religious ceremonies become incredibly successful. Vritti iMedia has proved it in the past. Developing right marketing strategies can give big returns and profitability.

Distribution strategies for rural market

Everyone knows that along with creative product promotion, you need an effective distribution strategy to come out with flying colors in the business. It is further significant in India because of the vastness and geographical diversity. Marketing experts emphasize on the fact that decentralized model works better in India than the traditional hub-and-spoke model. Research indicates that only those companies could perform brilliantly that developed multiple distribution centers catering a limited geography. Thus, they can reach the consumers quickly. There is a better control on product promotion and distribution. A few essential things for effective distribution Focus on the local market is essential for a better grip on the situation. Since localized distribution hubs are supposed to cater a limited geography, they can work in a better way. All the stakeholders should be provided with adequate training. Yes, it is very much required because everyone has to be on the same page when you address the needs of rural consumers. Align your customers, vendors, and employees before you derive and implement effective marketing strategies. Tweak the product promotion and marketing tactics to the local needs. Since there is incredible diversity in cultures, traditions, and languages in rural India, the model has to be flexible and adaptive. Your company should make effective use of technology to reach the masses. Yes, there are ways to unleash the immense potential by thinking out-of-the-box ways of reaching people. Companies like Vritti iMedia have proved it. They made outstanding use of bus stands to promote products and services. Audiowala Bus Stand is a brilliant example of creative thinking and innovation. Service delivery is equally important. Marketing strategy shouldnt be limited to promotion and distribution only. Rather, it should be equally efficient when it comes to delivering services. Always remember that an emotional touch works excellently in the rural areas. Once the trust is developed in the product, it is important that you live up to it. Companies like Coca-Cola or Lays have proved it We have seen in the past that companies such as Lays potato wafers or Coca-Cola have backed up their products by the sound distribution network. Also, they used sustainable technology to increase the footprints in the remotest areas. They thought differently and performed brilliantly by overcoming the challenges. It is possible to repeat the success story if a company has enough determination to conquer new heights of success in the rural market.

10 notes keep in mind when doing rural marketing

You need half an hour to cut the tree, but you need six hours to sharpen the axe, the adage is relevant in every situation. rural marketing agency is also not an exception to it. When you derive an effective strategy for the market, it is critically important to look at some salient features. Know what the audience is interested into? Preferences of rural consumers are different from urban ones. One size doesnt fit all; rural marketing agencies in india need to work from the grass root level while designing the campaign. Dont proceed without valid data points. Gather in-depth knowledge about the market sentiments, consumer psyche, product distribution and pricing. Marketers must pay attention to the way things will be communicated to the consumers. Spend some time in making an understanding of the particular market. If the product or services are being launched for the first time, then this point is further critical. You must understand that it is a different ball game. The rules are different here. Dont treat is just another market segment. The more you get into it, better will be the result. Look at the rural marketing strategy as the whole. You should work simultaneously on market development strategy, campaign, distribution, or rural marketing events in india. The overall impact will be effective. Look at the market from a long-term perspective. There is immense potential in the rural market, and the effectiveness of your strategy will decide how successful you will be in grabbing the attention of people. If you are one of the best rural marketing companies in india, then dont forget to include the client in every stage of planning and execution. The final say has to be of your client. Prepare a checklist. It is critical for the success of the strategy. Checklist makes sure that you do not forget anything in the execution process. Dont get disheartened by the initial lukewarm response. May be you need a little bit tweaking here and there. Rural consumers take some time to appreciate a product or service, but they are highly responsive once they get an idea about it. You neednt be extravagant while deriving rural marketing strategy. It is possible to come out with flying colors by adapting a conservative approach. These points help in taking your company new heights of success in the rural market. With a sound groundwork and well-planned execution; you can be the role model for others.

Five little changes that make big difference to rural marketing

Rural India shows a promising future for companies who want to make a distinguished position in the marketplace. It is a huge market with an immense potential. However, it is equally true that using the same age-old marketing gimmicks will not bring any good results. Here are five little changes that will make a big difference. Explore the potential of female consumers Unlike the past, women consumers have started playing a significant role in the rural market. They are ore empowered now, and the paying capacity has also increased a lot. With the increase in the paying capacity and enhanced awareness, they are major contributors to the economy. When a company wants to explore the potential of rural marketplace up to the fullest extent, women consumers need a separate focus. Speak their language Is your product communication is a generic one? Then you shouldnt wonder about the lukewarm response from the rural markets. Experts say that it is a common mistake committed by marketing gurus. Promoting the products in the local language establishes a better communication. People relate to the product better. They feel that the product is for them. Studies substantiate that campaigns designed in tune with the understanding of rural consumers did miracles. Product design according to the market segmentation Experts say that a little tweaking in the product specifications to suit rural condition makes it a great hit. There is a big difference in the lifestyle and mentality between rural and urban segments. For example, a refrigerator in the rural India is considered a way of keeping cooked food and milk fresh. Also, it should not only save electricity but also sustain long power cuts. A brand that offers the aforementioned qualities would be the hot cake. Strengthening the distribution channel A brand that taps the local channels of distribution makes wonders in the rural market of India. Coca-Cola and Lays or Uncle Chips are the success stories. They tapped the local grocery stores, pan shops, and roadside hotels and dhabas to keep their products. Today, these companies have the largest penetration in the rural India. In case of expensive products or consumer goods, it is the best thing to tap the most favorite shops in the town. Adding a pinch of patriotism Making a direct or indirect reference with the spirit of India gives a great boost to the appeal in the rural markets. There have been case studies where products showed a remarkable performance after associating with the patriotic feeling.