Week 4 Part B: Defining YOUR Target Market

 

By Tuesday Blog Week 4 Post 2:

The Target Market of our establishment is a combination of people of all ages and cultures.  Those who have yet to find a church home.  We think about how many other churches are in the area and who are they catering to, would it be the individual, Families, is it multicultural. Most importantly because we are located in the Vista area, What would the residents of Vista and surrounding areas of Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas, and Fallbrook are searching as far as a church to make a home. 
 
There are not perfect people and certainly not perfect churches.  The target members would want a service that is not judgemental, people who care and would follow up, having connections with the church body and pastors. Those that seek out prayer, and want to learn why we pray and to whom. 

Week 4 Post 1

My research was on Subway, and Hungry Bear both sandwich shops. Both have very good advertising, and both had my mouth watering to buy subs.  Subway is a larger company that is national with over 37,000 locations across the United States. Hungry Bear is a smaller establishment with one location in Vista CA. Hungry Bears' target market is in San Diego County.  Hungry Bear will cater to the young family crowd and mature adults. The experience is not to just order a sandwich and take it on the go. Subways audience going to working Americans who are on a quick lunch break or the large lunch party crowd. Subways marketing has wrapped subs, Catering food in boxes, and salads in bowls with tops to go.  There isn't an expectancy for a large group of people to sit down and eat at the subway. 

Both are sandwich /Sub shops that have ventured into selling more than sandwiches yet keeping the products sub-oriented. Both establishments have crossover into selling salads. Hungry bear does sell not subs, such as Patty melts, Grill Cheese,  A super Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich and tuna melt. Both have established catering. It seems as if Hungry Bear deli would attract more families, especially with a super peanut butter and jelly sandwich and grilled cheese. 

The audience for subways aesthetic stays the same using Yellow/Green in all their advertising, logo, down to the wrap and containers the food is served in.  It does not matter where you go, you will know the subway. The website immediately and always markets some type of 2-for-1 deal. This is to get that lunchtime crowd. Now subway advertises catering, orders online, and delivery service using your mobile device. It doe not matter where one might be located. Subway is available to be ordered at almost anytime depending on location.

Hungry Bear Logo and website aesthetic seem more family oriented, basically saying come eat here at any time with friends, family, and coworkers. The logo of the bear eating a sub, with a napkin around its neck, is the indicator you can sit and eat, not just order and go. Being unfamiliar with Hungry bear, the photos of the food reeled me in. There is no doubt that the food is freshly made and cooked by hand daily.  The page with the menu has a cabin-style feel, but it's inviting you to come to sit and eat.  The eat item is explained in detail with the price on the side. 

 

Week 3 Part B: Developing a Brand

 

At this time I don't have my business fully established. Going into the development of my brand, I have yet to start making a logo but I know a little about what it will look like.  It would be just a face with a speaker headset, the wire of the headset will spell out the name of the company.
The logo and name will give a small idea that it has something to do with customer service.  My color scheme would be vibrant with some earth tones, browns, beige and blue. I would possibly use a Times font, 16-18 for font size.  

I would use the same color scheme for the business cards and for email and my website a Social media sites. It would be important to keep everything consistent. My business would be set up for more corporations. My company would be geared towards teaching customer service etiquette, from working on a sales floor to a Call center.  My highlight points would be set around, what my business could do for their company,  How productivity will increase with better customer service,  and Representatives, Agents will be more inclined to engage and be empowered to apply for leadership positions.

Week 3 Part A: Aesthetics, Design, and Branding

Websites that are poorly designed and hard to use.  

The two websites that I found to be very poorly designed and hard to use are Craiglist, (https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nd)  and  Best Electronics (https://best-electronics-ca.com/). 
Craigslist is just a list of stuff for purchase, how to sell, where to rent, and volunteer all clustered on one page. The heading craigslist is on the left side of the page all lowercase. For concept, it doesn't state the reason for the page, or what is trying to do.  It doesn't have a big image and a large headline. Does not grab the attention of the reader. It's a page with a search bar, a calendar, and lots of words like a dictionary.   Craigslist is designed for its name, which represents a list. It would be more effective if it had a header or subheader that may read. A place to find any and everything. Craiglist would do better in giving us the individual headers with a link that goes to the many different subheaders. Also in the body explain more about the site and what is its functionality. 

Best Electronics hit me in the face and scared me. If a reaction is what they wanted they received it from me. All I can say is WOW.  Maybe they were on a budget! The concept has it down, in what their products are.  For Contrast, the mark was truly missed. The Bigger to Big font does not work. There is no image, The alignment in the body in the middle was not clean and the size is just too big for the page. Oddly the front page says Website Index page/Site listing. When clicking the link to the website, The beginning of the text was good, then when getting to the list of items again the misalignment. Just made the experience of looking for an Atari game exhausting. The website is not well designed. Seem as if an individual starting off to sell an old video game and is not quite sure how to set up a website properly.  The typography needs to be reevaluated by reducing the number of words and listings.  Put pictures of the Atari on the front page next to the large heading.  Get rid of the blue color and reduce the size of the lettering. Most importantly correct the navigation. 

The two websites were easy to use and very well designed

I choose Headhunter Hairstyling and Apple.com
What Headhunters Hairstyling and apple did right on their websites is that they both represent their products or service. Headhunters hairstyling the first thing I saw was a hair brush.  I didn't look at the tabs but I saw the hairbrush so immediately I knew it was about hairstyling. The next thing that caught my eye was the lighter colors which represent Florida, The waves, the ocean you felt beach. The brush was almost a representation of a surfboard. Scrolling down you see a picture of the shop in the body of the webpage. Each section ended with a link from Contact us, Meet the stylist. Each clicked to a broader full page of their subtitle. Each page was aligned perfectly, that one was not distracted by uneven words or pictures. Every page had repetition. 

 As I was reviewing apple.com one thing that I love about this site is that the heading and how the product is represented changes often. Apple is known for selling the newest product and making it the main attraction on its main page. The list of tabs is always individualized by the product.  There is no problem finding the product. For any consumers who have an apple product, Apple even gives you the option of having an online account to store all your pictures, notes, and calendars in iCloud storage.  The page stays consistent with the main page where the tabs of the products are also on your profile page. 

After looking at both of these websites, it made realize it just takes a little time to make a great website.  Apple.com is a very higher end product that makes millions daily on their product. They were able to have the site well constructed to meet the needs of the consumers, and also sell products that cost between $500 to $1500. Pulling one in that this product is what you truly need and this is what it does. Headhunters Hairstyling, has a great website for half the price, getting its point across to the consumer that we are the place you should get your hair styled. The gallery page sells it along with meeting the stylist.   

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Today I was able to comment on a few sites regarding Business Research.  They had great things to say. 

Jessica Keilitz - https://csit155-sp23-jessicak.blogspot.com/

Barbara Moraga-https://kasparella.blogspot.com/

Week 2 Part B- Business Research

 BUSINESS RESEARCH

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment
https://www.wwe.com/

https://corporate.wwe.com/careers/careers-overview

World wrestling entertainment owned by Vince Kennedy McMahon has been in operation since 1953. There is multiple division under the WWE banner which is RAW, SMACKDOWN, AND NXT. WWE is a Global corporation with offices in Stamford, Connecticut, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, and Munich. It's estimated that there are 890 employees that work for WWE

 

The Social Media platforms The WWE uses are The WWE website- Daily updates with 2M Facebook subscribers, they post during the weekly events Monday and Friday. Also when there is important breaking news. / last post 2/6/2023// Subscribers 42M, Instagram posted Daily several times an hour/ last post 2/6/23 //Subscribers 27.3M. Twitter posts daily several times an hour/ last post 2/6/2023// Subscribers 12.9M and YouTube posts mostly video highlights of each show, at least 3 to 4 a week/ last post 2/6/2023// Subscribers 92.3M

WWE uses its Social media effectively. During the live events a complete recap of photos and clips. The best advertising is through the wrestling superstars under the heading WWE (and stage name) having accounts promoting the various events, on every platform, interacting with the fans, talking smack about other superstars, and even sharing personal things about their families and life. 

Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/

Netflix is a Global company is streaming subscription service and production company. Netflix employs 12,800 full-time workers.  

The social media platforms they use are  Instagram where they post three times a day with the last post on 2/6/2023, they have  32.3M followers, Also Netflix uses Facebook where their Posts are not steady, and the content is mostly on coming attractions their last post was on 1/26/2023 and they have 83M likes, the last site is Twitter where they post 2 to 3x a day with the last post on 2/6/2023 this site currently has 21.4M followers.

Netflix utilizes using their platform for different content.  One is just for new movies, one highlights the actors, and one is just pictures of the movie with a comment to the post. Netflix uses Twitter and Instagram more than Facebook. 

Red Lobster
https://www.redlobster.com/

Red Lobster Hospitality LLC is an American casual dining restaurant chain headquartered in Orlando, Florida is now International,  They have around 45,000 employees worldwide

Social media platforms are Facebook where they post once or twice a month possible. The last post was on 1/31/2023 and they have 4.6M followers. They post on Twitter every two days, with the last post on 2/6/2023 they have 339.4M followers. Instagram is the same they post every two days with the last post on  2/6/2026 and they have 459K followers. Their YouTube post was Last updated 7 months ago, they have around 75.3 Subscribers
Redlobster uses there website as the basis for promotion.  The two additional social media sites they use are Twitter and Instagram. Looks like to promote the newest food menu or to highlight a selection. 

Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/
Walmart is a retail/Grocery that is global with 10,500 stores and 24 countries. 

Social Media platforms are Facebook which is not consistent, most posts are by consumers' last post in Jan 2023 34M Likes. The Twitter post is the same not consistent, the last post was on 2/6/2023, and they have 1.3M followers. Instagram however post once daily with the last post on 2/6/2023 they have 2.9M followers. Pinterest has 33K followers. 

Walmart. com-online is not sure of subscribers however this is where most of the advertising is done, and this is up to date due to the overwhelming of online shoppers. 

Ross Dress for Less
https://www.rossstores.com/
Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California. There are 1694 locations nationally with 100k employees. 

The social media they have are Facebook which seems to be structured around consumers posting, they have 2.1M likes, and Instagram where they post 2-3x a week and have 515k followers, 
Ross stores main advertising is their website and Instagram page. It was not easy to locate, since the name is Ross Dress for Less. If they do have a Twitter page, is not a verified account. 

My overall finding is that each company can have over a million likes or followers, it's the content that drives the consumer.  I notice that for entertainment such as WWE, they are able to stretch themselves with all their platforms and all the post are up to date.  You get post after post of your favorite event, when, where, and how, and you can interact with other fans that post.  WWE is consistently getting some type of reaction negative or positive. 

Walmart and Ross dress for less and have to rely on shoppers and online reviews. They really can't rely on Social media for the retail business social media is just a platform for the consumers to interact with their reviews likes and dislikes. 

Week 2 Part A: Communication Between Business & Consumer

 
Going back in time in my thoughts, thinking about all the little corner stores in the neighborhood, that came long before the 7-Eleven.  The record stores where everyone hung out all day, looking at album covers of our favorite artists.  The local dance show where the whole entire city knew who you were because now you are a local star, who works at the blockbuster video. Most of these places faded out right at the mega boom of Social Media. Everything at that time was word of mouth, walking down the street after school.

Nowadays, having Social Media in our back pocket can open up new doors of opportunity such as engaging in groups who sell the same items in another state. The incentives of having so many followers can earn money and sponsorships. I know with Youtube and Instagram, are hugely big on avenues and a company can earn extra money for every post. Having a business on social media can help boost online sales and easier to help one pay for advertising with a credit card and click. 

I went through a few reviews on a few places I like to eat and shop.  I was not too shocked about Walmart.  My shopping at the moment is online through Instacart or Walmart directly.  Walmart's online shopping especially for food has changed over the last 3 years.  Now, when shopping for groceries, some items have to be shipped the next day, which is ridiculous, especially for food. When you have the benefits of free shipping, once the purchase is made, Walmart will place almost an additional $30 to $50 hold on your card. If the order has not been shopped at the desired time, you are then given a little note, we apologize for the day, you can reschedule, cancel or continue to wait. I have learned to just cancel. Then of course your money is held for almost a week before being released. As one can see not such a good review coming this way, (hahaha) 

When I reviewed Eribertos,  there were mixed reviews however it did depend on what location you purchased the food.  So, happen the one I went to had a pretty good review as far as taste. With Amazon, I like it because my review is not always directed at amazon but at the product itself. 

While I was looking at some of the reviews I did ask myself what type of review I commonly post.  I was surprised that I rarely posted about the good service or the great customer service that I received. Most of my reviews were about the negative, how was treated, or food sucked,. All valid of course. It did make me think about starting up my own company and what type of review would be posted.  My thought would be would I be able to give positive feedback. A few things to think about. 

Two positive reviews 
Eribertos Vista CA, https://www.yelp.com/biz/eribertos-mexican-food-vista
Denise A- San Fransico. 

Amazon- on a Table I purchased
 -HOOBRO Narrow Console Table, 29.5" Entryway Table, Small Sofa Table, Side Table, Display Table, Hallway, Bedroom, Living Room, Foyer, Rustic Brown, and Black BF75XG01

Negative Review
They had 8,346 total reviews and 79% gave Walmart a 1 Star,  I would have to be surprised to see a huge amount of positive reviews for Walmart shopping online. Not surprised at how many negative reviews were posted. Being a consumer shopping with Walmart online understand the frustration and sometimes disregard to the ordering online process and attempt to speak with someone over the phone or through chat online.