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Omni-channel marketing, integrated marketing communications, and
consumer engagement: A research agenda†
Elizabeth Manser Payne
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin, USA
James W. Peltier
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin, USA
Victor A. Barger
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin, USA
Abstract
Purpose – In this invited paper, the authors aim to offer an integrated marketing
communications (IMC) framework for understanding how disparate customer touchpoints
impact consumer engagement and profitability in an omni-channel environment. For each aspect
of the framework, the authors recommend areas for further research.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors review literature linking personal and electronic
channels of communication in an omni-channel context to consumer engagement, with an
emphasis on channel and message unity.
Findings – Five major research areas were identified: research that better links omni-channel
and IMC theory and practice; conceptual and empirical research that helps operationalize the
consumer-brand engagement construct, including its antecedents and consequences; build
understanding of off- and on-line consumer-brand touchpoints and how they may enhance
engagement and profitability; how omni-channel IMC best monetizes buyer-seller relationships;
and omni-channel IMC in other consumer decision contexts.
Practical implications – The emergence of omni-channel marketing is breaking down the silos
across available consumer-brand touchpoints. The intersection of effective omni-channel
marketing and IMC strategic and tactical initiatives offers marketers an opportunity to engage
their customers and to form pro table relationships.
Originality/value – The authors proposed an omni-channel IMC Framework and a research
agenda for advancing the field. As this is a new area of inquiry, the authors argue for the
development of other comprehensive frameworks and general omni-channel IMC
conceptualizations.
Keywords – Social media marketing, Multi-channel measurement, Brand management, Web
2.0, Online consumer behavior, Integrated marketing communications
Paper type – Conceptual paper
† Citation: Elizabeth Manser Payne, James W. Peltier, and Victor A. Barger (2017), “Omni-
channel marketing, integrated marketing communications, and consumer engagement: A
research agenda,” Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, 11(2), 185-197.
2
Introduction
The rapid expansion of communication technologies has greatly increased the
opportunity for consumers to engage with brands when and where they choose (Rangaswamy
and van Bruggen, 2005). One consequence of this increasingly diverse array of personal and
electronic touchpoints is the need to seamlessly integrate messaging strategies and tactics across
multiple channels and the customer life cycle (Neslin and Shankar, 2009). This need has been
magnified in recent years due to the increased ability of consumers to select the channels they
use (Bell et al., 2014) and the presence of user-generated content, which may contribute to or
detract from message consistency (Schultz and Peltier, 2013). Marketers have been slow to re-
align their cross-channel communication programs with brand messaging strategies that are
consistent across consumer touchpoints (Ots and Nyilasy, 2015).
Although the merits of message unification are apparent, it is a challenge to achieve due
to the various ways consumers learn about, interact with, and share information about brands
(Cummins et al., 2014). As a result, a small but growing stream of research has emerged
investigating how diverse communication platforms can be leveraged to drive an “omni-channel”
approach to brand engagement, where consumers move freely between personal and online
communications as part of a “single” transaction environment. The unification of the brand
experience is thus not specific to one or more channels; rather, it is a result of a holistic approach
to integrated marketing communications (IMC) (Hansen and Sia, 2015).
Despite the growing literature investigating the interactions among marketing channels,
IMC, and consumer engagement, there has been little research in an omni-channel domain that
pertains to brand and channel choice (Kushwaha and Shankar, 2013, Li and Kannan, 2014,
Neslin et al., 2014). Even less is understood about how the IMC process impacts path-to-
3
purchase and conversion-to-sales as part of a single-transaction environment (Verhoef, 2012,
Brynjolfsson et al., 2013, Li and Kannan, 2014). Moreover, the extant research is virtually silent
on how information consistency (and inconsistency) across customer touchpoints in an omni-
channel environment affects customer satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty (Verhoef et al.,
2015, Fulgoni, 2016, Swoboda et al., 2016).
In this paper, we offer an IMC framework for understanding how disparate customer
touchpoints impact consumer engagement and profitability in an omni-channel environment (see
Figure 1). We review literature linking personal and electronic channels of communication in an
omni-channel context to consumer engagement, with an emphasis on channel and message unity.
Our framework also responds to calls for conceptual research that investigates omni-channel
through the lens of customer profitability, directly or indirectly through brand engagement
(Broussard, 2016). We next discuss the theoretical foundations of omni-channel marketing and
the role of IMC. We then provide a brief review of the literature linking omni-channel
touchpoints to engagement and profitability. For each aspect of the framework we suggest
fruitful areas for further research (Table 1).
Conceptual Development
Omni-channel marketing has conceptual underpinnings in two interrelated disciplines:
multi-channel marketing and IMC (Cummins et al., 2016). Below we discuss these concepts and
their relationship to omni-channel marketing.
Multi-Channel Marketing
Neslin et al. (2006) define multi-channel management as “the design, deployment,
coordination, and evaluation of channels to enhance customer value through effective customer
4
acquisition, retention, and development” (p. 96). In multi-channel marketing, marketers are thus
challenged to communicate and deliver goods and services via two or more synchronized
channels (Rangaswamy and van Bruggen, 2005). From a brand experience perspective,
marketers need to effectively manage interactive customer relationships according to customers’
channel preferences. These channels may include printed catalogs, telephone, kiosks, direct mail,
brick-and-mortar retail stores, digital media, including e-commerce and mobile platforms, among
others (Kushwaha and Shankar, 2013). Indeed, it is in the marketer’s interest to do so, as
research has shown that multi-channel consumers have higher lifetime values and are more loyal
buyers than uni-channel consumers (Kumar and Venkatesan, 2005, Venkatesan et al., 2007).
Multi-channel marketing is not without its limitations, however. These include siloing of
channel utility, narrow channel scope, lack of integration of channels/touchpoints in the buying
process, and inadequate consideration of how channels independently and jointly impact the
brand experience (Rangaswamy and van Bruggen, 2005, Cummins et al., 2016). In practice,
marketing channels have often been created and managed separately with little integration
(Verhoef, 2012). The meteoric growth of mobile platforms as a consumer touchpoint has
necessitated a change in perspective, from one of channel preferences to that of viewing all
channels as part of a singular brand experience (Verhoef et al., 2015).
Integrated Marketing Communications
IMC plays an important role in cross-channel synchronization. IMC has been defined as
“an audience-driven business process of strategically managing stakeholders, content, channels,
and results of brand communication programs” (Kliatchko, 2008, p. 140). “Interactive” IMC
emphasizes bringing together multiple consumer touchpoints, media, and messages (Peltier et al.,
2002). This interaction, along with emerging technologies, offer marketers the opportunity to
5
tailor how they communicate with consumers and in which forms (Kim et al., 2004). Although
scholars differ in terms of specific strategic approaches to effective IMC (cf. Duncan and
Moriarty, 1998, Kitchen and Schultz, 2001), the underlying concept is based on a core principle,
namely information consistency across messaging platforms (Moriarty and Schultz, 2012).
As with multi-channel marketing, a major complaint of IMC is the existence of
organizational silos, which impede the marketer’s ability to create unified messaging solutions,
address changing channel communication priorities, and optimize path-to-purchase (Peltier et al.,
2006, Cao, 2014). Much of the blame lies in problems associated with organizational
complacency and capabilities, particularly with regard to organizational structure, organizational
culture, interfunctional communications, information sharing, and technological assets (Peltier et
al., 2013, Ots and Nyilasy, 2015). This is unfortunate, as true IMC can lead to superior
communication campaigns that improve brand outcomes, such as market share and financial
performance (Luxton et al., 2015).
Omni-Channel Marketing
Although underdeveloped as a theoretical construct, omnis is Latin for “all” or
“universal”, meaning “all channels together” (Juaneda-Ayensa et al., 2016). Omni-channel
marketing thus follows a customer-centered focus featuring a “holistic” shopping experience,
one in which a customer’s buying journey is smooth and seamless, irrespective of the channels
used (Gupta et al., 2004, Shah et al., 2006). In this regard, in an omni-channel environment the
most critical interaction is not with the channel but with the brand (Piotrowicz and Cuthbertson,
2014). Seeking to maximize customer relationships, Verhoef et al. (2015, p. 176) defined omni-
channel management as the “synergistic management of the numerous available channels and
customer touchpoints, in such a way that the customer experience across channels and the
6
performance over channels is optimized.” Combined, these definitions operationalize omni-
channel marketing based on two key areas: how customers get the information and how
transactions are fulfilled (Bell et al., 2014).
Multi-channel marketing, IMC, and omni-channel marketing all share similar traits,
particularly with regard to message consistency across customer touchpoints. One of the key
differences lies in the firm’s approach to digital channels. Specifically, firms seeking to optimize
performance for each channel are practicing multi-channel marketing, whereas firms focusing on
overall customer profitability across all channels are employing omni-channel marketing
(Verhoef et al., 2015). This distinction has become more important as mobile platforms have led
to disruptive changes in the retail space (Rigby, 2011). Mobile platforms are thus a core
component of omni-channel marketing, blurring traditional cross-channel boundaries
(Brynjolfsson et al., 2013).
The transition to omni-channel marketing has further increased the need for an interactive
IMC orientation, in which organizational silos are diminished in favor of communication
synergies that enhance customer engagement vis-à-vis a unified brand experience (Hansen and
Sia, 2015). Instead of viewing communication touchpoints in the context of customer choices,
omni-channel marketing requires a unification of the total collection of available tools and
platforms into a single-choice environment (Cummins et al., 2016). This evolution enhances the
ability of firms to more quickly convert prospects into high-valued customers by creating a
personalized information-acquisition-and-use environment (Rocco and Bush, 2016). Omni-
channel IMC is thus not simply a “tactical tool,” but a key strategic element for creating platform
and message consistency across the entire organization (Porcu et al., 2012).
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Omni-Channel IMC Framework
To guide future research in this area, we offer the omni-channel IMC framework shown
in Figure 1. In the following sections, we discuss the key components—consumer touchpoints,
brand engagement, and customer profitability—as well as potential moderators, including cross-
touchpoint unity, touchpoint utility, digital device used, customer lifecycle, product vs. service,
hedonic vs. utilitarian purchases, and consumer characteristics. While we acknowledge that the
framework is not exhaustive, it does reflect issues related to omni-channel IMC research needs.
Table 1 presents a more detailed list of research needs.
—Insert Figure 1—
—Insert Table 1—
Consumer Touchpoints
The importance of consumer touchpoints to brands is growing at a meteoric pace
(Quesenberry et al., 2012). This is due to five forces of change: (1) science and technological
advances, (2) proliferation of media landscapes, (3) skeptical and empowered consumers, (4) a
turbulent and hyper-connected world, and (5) disruptive new business and revenue models
(Wind and Hays, 2016a). Consumer touchpoints have been conceptualized in a number of ways.
For example, Baxendale et al. (2015) define a consumer touchpoint as an “episode of direct or
indirect contact with the brand” (p. 236). Recognizing the integrative potential of these
touchpoints, Wind and Hays (2016a) define touchpoint value creation as “the ongoing,
synergistic orchestration and optimization of all touchpoint value creation among an enterprise,
the people in its network, the people it seeks to reach and serve, and the societies and cultures in
which it exists and has responsibility.”
8
Researchers have identified a number of brand touchpoints, including traditional media,
in-store, telephone, salesforce, catalogs, customer service, payments, returns, loyalty programs,
digital, e-mail, paid and organic search, display ads, tradeshows, and interactive TV (Peltier et
al., 2003, Zahay et al., 2004, Li and Kannan, 2014, Baxendale et al., 2015, Broussard, 2016,
Wind and Hays, 2016a, Wind and Hays, 2016b). In Figure 1, we categorize brand touchpoints as
personal and non-personal. We define personal brand touchpoints as those in which consumers
and brand personnel have direct contact, face-to-face or digitally. Non-personal brand
touchpoints are those in which consumers interact with the brand without a personal encounter at
the time of contact. Both personal and non-personal touchoints may evolve over time.
Research Needs. Relatively little is known about the nature and scope of brand
touchpoints. For example, the number and variety of brand touchpoints that consumers utilize
pre- and post-purchase are rarely taken into account in the decision making process (Li and
Kannan, 2014). Given the proliferation of brand interactions, research conceptualizing the
overall parameters of each touchpoint and how they are dispersed across multiple buying
situations and decision scenarios has value. Specific research investigating shopper behavior
across touchpoints and the firm’s omni-channel retail mix is particularly promising (Verhoef et
al., 2015). Given the importance of cross-touchpoint message unity, research exploring firms’
IMC decision-making processes and the resulting IMC touchpoint tactics is also warranted.
Looking forward, the rapidly evolving nature and complexity of brand touchpoints argues for
research that forecasts future developments (Ots and Nyilasy, 2015, Fulgoni, 2016).
Consumer-Brand Engagement
Although consumer-brand engagement is not a new construct, there is surprisingly little
consensus regarding how to define it and how it should be measured (Schultz and Peltier, 2013).
9
For example, Hollebeek et al. (2014) define consumer-brand engagement as “a consumer’s
positively valenced brand-related cognitive, emotional and behavioral activity during or related
to focal consumer/brand interactions” (p. 154). In contrast, and recognizing the psychological
and contextual nature of consumer-brand engagement, Calder et al. (2016) define it as a
“psychological state that occurs by virtue of interactive, co-creative customer experiences with a
focal agent/object, under a specific set of context-dependent conditions, and exists as a dynamic,
iterative process in which other relational concepts are antecedents and/or consequences” (p. 40).
Part of the conceptual fuzziness is due to the proliferation of new touchpoints, which has resulted
in a general naiveté for how to measure consumer-brand engagement (Barger and Labrecque,
2013, Schivinski et al., 2016). This proliferation along with growing fragmentation of consumer-
brand touchpoints have increased the complexity of tracking, coordinating, and measuring
engagement (King et al., 2014, Straker et al., 2015).
Consumer-brand engagement has a wide array of consequences, which can be
categorized into brand effects, product effects, consumer effects, content effects, and market
effects (Barger et al., 2016). Brand effects are comprised of brand identity, awareness,
associations, personality, loyalty, advocacy, and perceived quality (Hamilton et al., 2014,
Graffigna and Gambetti, 2015, Schivinski and Dabrowski, 2015). Product effects include
outcomes such as attitude toward the firm’s product(s) and purchase frequency (Chakravarty et
al., 2010, Purnawirawan et al., 2012, Kronrod and Danziger, 2013, Purnawirawan et al., 2015).
Consumer effects are wide-ranging and include attitude self-prediction, consumer power, and
social capital (He and Bond, 2013, Labrecque et al., 2013, Pinho, 2013, Moore, 2015). Content
effects relate to consumer attitudes towards brand-related content, such as product ratings and
reviews, user-generated content, and re-sharing intentions (Berger and Iyengar, 2013, Huang et
10
al., 2013, Swani et al., 2013, Fulgoni, 2014, Herhausen et al., 2015, Kim et al., 2015). Lastly,
market effects focus on campaign effectiveness, purchase intentions, sales, willingness to pay,
conversion rates, and market level changes (Jiménez and Mendoza, 2013, Ludwig et al., 2013,
Langley et al., 2014, Dolbec and Fischer, 2015, Luxton et al., 2015).
Research Needs. The consumer-brand engagement construct is not well-defined, and
research is needed on the general parameters of engagement, particularly as a path-to-purchase
process from consumer touchpoints (Baxendale et al., 2015). A better understanding of the
explanatory power of different consumer-brand engagement metrics offers insights into better
evaluation and assessment (Barger et al., 2016). Taking a more granular approach, conceptual
and empirical research investigating the independent and joint impact that divergent consumer-
brand touchpoints have on brand loyalty offers considerable promise (Acar and Puntoni, 2016).
Customer Profitability
Consumer-brand engagement by itself is an insufficient measure of the effectiveness of
omni-channel IMC strategies and tactics. Although consumer-brand touchpoints may impact
engagement metrics, in the end the long-term success of a firm’s marketing efforts depends on
profitability measures such as conversions, margins, ROI, sales, customer retention, and
customer lifetime value (Li and Kannan, 2014, Broussard, 2016). The evolution from a multi-
channel to an omni-channel perspective requires the assessment of customer profitability not as a
summation of the profitability of each channel but as an aggregation of all touchpoints. In this
way, the integrative power of customer touchpoints offers greater insight than touchpoint-by-
touchpoint profitability assessment (Verhoef et al., 2015).
Research Needs. Profitability evaluation within and across consumer-brand touchpoints is
in its infancy, and research that lays the conceptual foundation for assessing profitability is
11
warranted (Herhausen et al., 2015). Additionally, empirical research is needed on the
independent and interactive impact of consumer-brand touchpoints on customer profitability.
Literature on the linkage between varied consumer-brand engagement measures and profitability
is sparse, suggesting that considerable opportunity exists for research on the strongest drivers of
customer profitability (Kushwaha and Shankar, 2013, Barger et al., 2016, Grewal et al., 2016).
Moderators
In our omni-channel IMC framework, we identify a number of constructs that could
moderate the path-to-purchase process. These moderators include cross-touchpoint unity,
touchpoint utility, digital device used, customer lifecycle, product vs. service contexts, hedonic
vs. utilitarian purchases, and consumer characteristics. As would be expected given the newness
of the omni-channel construct, research potential exists across a large swath of theoretical areas
(Herhausen et al., 2015, Grewal et al., 2016).
Research Needs. A key element of omni-channel marketing is “cross-touchpoint IMC
unity” across all consumer-brand touchpoints. Given the dearth of research in this area,
investigations of how information inconsistency across channels affects brand engagement and
consumer profitability are highly desirable (Hansen and Sia, 2015, Luxton et al., 2015, Ots and
Nyilasy, 2015, Wind and Hays, 2016b). Also promising is research that examines how omni-
channel IMC may differ for products vs. services, particularly with respect to path-to-purchase
(Baxendale et al., 2015). Likewise, omni-channel research on the decision-making process and
IMC effectiveness for hedonic vs. utilitarian purchases will provide insights into rational vs.
emotional path-to-purchase effects (Kushwaha and Shankar, 2013). Major gaps in the literature
also exist with regard to touchpoint utility for varied consumer goals, including information
seeking, purchasing, customer service, payment, returns, and loyalty programs (Bell et al., 2014,
12
Wind and Hays, 2016a). Given the growth in digital means of communicating with customers,
and especially with mobile as a key hub in omni-channel marketing, research addressing
similarities and differences based on choice of digital device is worthwhile (Brynjolfsson et al.,
2013, Acar and Puntoni, 2016, Fulgoni, 2016). Since consumer-brand engagement is generally
earned over time, studies that examine omni-channel IMC across the customer lifecycle, from
prospect to new buyer to long-term buyer, offer promise (Li and Kannan, 2014, Graffigna and
Gambetti, 2015, Cummins et al., 2016). Lastly, as a relatively new discipline, omni-channel IMC
research is ripe for study across wide-ranging consumer characteristics and theories, including
demographic, psychological, sociological, and behavioral theories of inquiry (Verhoef et al.,
2015, Swoboda et al., 2016).
Conclusion
The emergence of omni-channel marketing is breaking down the silos across available
consumer-brand touchpoints. The intersection of effective omni-channel marketing and IMC
strategic and tactical initiatives offers marketers an opportunity to engage their customers and to
form profitable relationships. In this paper we proposed an omni-channel IMC framework and a
research agenda for advancing the field. As this is a new area of inquiry, we argue for the
development of other comprehensive frameworks, both for general omni-channel IMC
conceptualizations and for each of the dimensions shown in Figure 1. Although many research
opportunities exist, we close with four major areas: general frameworks, consumer touchpoints,
consumer-brand engagement, and customer profitability.
First, because marketers often have difficulty creating synergy across channels, we see
value in research that better links omni-channel and IMC theory and practice. Special attention
13
should be given to comprehensive omni-channel/IMC frameworks that incorporate diverse
theoretical dimensions, address international and cross-cultural perspectives, focus on the role of
organizational learning, structure, culture, and vision in business-to-business vs. business-to-
consumer frameworks, and explore user-generated content and information sharing in omni-
channel environments.
Second, included in these broader frameworks, research is needed that defines and
operationalizes the meaning and scope of consumer-brand touchpoints in omni-channel
marketing. Specific conceptual focus should be on the relative impact of multiple touchpoints,
the most effective touchpoint combinations, and consumer-brand vs. peer-to-peer touchpoints.
Because of the ability to track and measure omni-channel relationships, research is needed that
seeks to better understand appropriate methods for tracking touchpoint perceptions, including
real-time tracking, discrete vs. relational relationships, earned media (publicity) as a touchpoint,
and effective resource deployment. With the emergence of mobile technologies, online-offline
channel integration, customer search, intention and purchase, and fulfillment touchpoints all
offer lucrative research agendas.
Third, consumer-brand engagement is one of marketing’s core principles and has been
studied in multiple contexts. We thus encourage conceptual and empirical research that helps
operationalize the consumer-brand engagement construct, including its antecedents and
consequences. For example, Barger et al. (2016) defined brand engagement relative to social
media as “a mutually beneficial process through which firms and consumers co-create brand-
related content and social experiences on social media.” Other definitions are needed for
different consumer-brand touchpoints, including research focusing specifically on the definition
and operationalization of consumer-brand engagement within and across touchpoints (e.g.,
14
engagement for social media vs. retail) and resulting affective and behavioral responses to these
touchpoints.
Lastly, the rapidly emerging (and, in some cases, disappearing) ways in which customers
and brands interact call for research that builds understanding of off- and on-line consumer-
brand touchpoints and how they may enhance engagement and profitability. In that there is
limited research on omni-channel IMC in terms of customer or business profitability, the ground
is fruitful for research that provides clear evidence of how omni-channel IMC best monetizes
buyer-seller relationships. The measurement of consumer profitability in an omni-channel
framework offers considerable research promise, especially as related to analytical approaches to
assessing and modeling omni-channel touchpoint mix, the short- and long-term impact of
touchpoints and engagement, the role and use of big data and data quality, and the contribution to
brand equity. Because we studied omni-channel IMC in the context of consumer decisions,
virtually everything discussed in this paper plus additional theories need to be discussed in
business-to-business contexts as well, including direct and indirect effects on business metrics.
As shown in Figure 1, and in addition to research needs associated with general
frameworks, consumer touchpoints, consumer-brand engagement, and customer profitability, we
encourage conceptual and empirical research that investigates moderation and mediation effects.
This would include cross-touchpoint unity, digital vs. non-digital touchpoints, products vs.
services, hedonic vs. utilitarian purchases, customer lifecycle issues, and consumer
characteristics and theories.
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Figure 1: Omni-Channel IMC Framework: Touchpoints, Engagement and Profitability
Brand
Engagement
Consumer Touchpoints
Non-Personal Touchpoints
• Traditional advertising media
• In-store non-personal
• Direct mail
• E-mail
• Catalogs (hard copy and digital)
• Digital–website
• Digital–social media
• Paid and organic search
• Loyalty programs
• Mail returns
Personal Touchpoints
• In-store personal
• Field salesforce
• Telephone (inbound and outbound)
• Live digital chat/conferencing
• Trade shows
• In-store returns
Customer
Profitability
Moderators
•Cross-touchpoint unity
•Touchpoint utility: information, sales,
customer service, payment, returns, loyalty
programs
•Digital device: smartphone, tablet, laptop,
desktop
•Customer lifecycle: prospect, new buyer, long-
term buyer
•Product vs. service
•Hedonic vs. utilitarian
•Consumer characteristics and theories
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Table 1: Omni-Channel IMC Research Needs
Theoretical Domain
Research Needs
General Frameworks
Additional comprehensive omni-channel/IMC frameworks incorporating varied theoretical dimensions (e.g., resource-
based view, WOM); international/global frameworks; role of organizational learning, structure, culture, and vision;
business-to-business and business-to-consumer frameworks; user-generated content; information sharing.
Consumer Touchpoints
Definition and operationalization of consumer-brand touchpoints; relative impact of multiple touchpoints; most
effective combinations; methods for tracking touchpoint perceptions; consumer-brand vs. peer-to-peer touchpoints;
real-time tracking; discrete vs. relational contexts; earned media (publicity) as a touchpoint; resource deployment;
impact of mobile technologies; online–offline channel integration and customer search; intention and purchase;
fulfillment touchpoints.
Consumer-Brand Engagement
Definition and operationalization of consumer-brand engagement within and across touchpoints (e.g., engagement for
social media vs. retail); affective response to touchpoints.
Customer Profitability
Measuring consumer profitability in an omni-channel framework; analytical approaches to assessing and modeling
omni-channel touchpoint mix; short- and long-term impact of touchpoints and engagement; role and use of big data and
data quality; brand equity.
Moderators/Mediators
Cross-Touchpoint Unity
Definition and operationalization of touchpoint unity and IMC; level of IMC consistency necessary for different
contexts; messaging strategies and appeals (e.g., emotional vs. rational); strategies and tactics for creating message
consistency across touchpoints; personalization and privacy; role of customer support touchpoints.
Touchpoint Utility
Digital vs. non-digital utility; orchestrating value creation across all touchpoints; differential goals and values for
varied touchpoints; social media and message sharing.
Digital Device
Comparing digital to non-digital utility; comprehensive frameworks and studies for touchpoints utilizing digital
marketing; location-based marketing; use of platforms (and apps) available digitally (e.g., long and short videos, social
media).
Products vs. Services and
Hedonic/Utilitarian Purchases
Similarities and differences for products/services and hedonic/utilitarian purchases for all elements in the model;
interaction between products/services and hedonic/utilitarian purchases.
Customer Lifecycle
Mapping the customer journey; needs and decision processes by consumer lifecycle.
Consumer Characteristics and
Theories
Generational cohort analysis; user technology skills; target market differentiators; consumer search processes; attitude
formation; cognitive, affective, and behavioral theories.
17
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