Marketing is just like the perfect French fry that you leave for last.

What in the potato bag is she talking about now?

No, this is not a clickbait title, I’m actually serious.

As an Italian, who is also a woman, and is going through an 8-week training programme and can’t eat all the food she’d like… I think about food a lot!

And I’m also a full-time marketer.

Basically, I think about food and Marketing quite a lot!

So today, I was drinking my super-healthy (and somewhat tasty) green juice 🥤and thinking about this blog and what I could compare Marketing to… When the little voice in my head graciously echoed (it actually screamed in hunger... but let’s pretend it didn’t!): French Fries!!!! 🍟

So, now you might be thinking: “Right, you’re just hallucinating from hunger, I shall go…”

Don’t!

I have a point, I promise!

Much like our holy, beloved French fries, Marketing’s role is to bring people together, and leave them with a sense of fulfilling happiness.

If you’re a lover of fries like me, you’ll probably know that there’s not just one type of French fries. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get numbers spanning between 25 and 65!

You can get: regular fries, curly fries, waffle fries, crinkle-cut fries, wedge fries, shoestring fries, loaded fries…. And so on and on and on and on!

There are enough types to satisfy anyone’s taste and mood!

Are you starting to see where I’m going with this?!

Marketing is the same!!!

There’s not just one Marketing approach or strategy, and that’s what makes it so similar to French fries!

Marketing core is to adapt and evolve based on market, audience, products, trends, brand… All to find the perfect recipe to create the perfect strategy that will get your brand to stand out from the crowd.

1. Understanding Your Target Audience

Much like Marketing, the perfect French fries involve understanding your audience.😋

Do they prefer some crunch? Do they like a spicy kink? Are they sharing a plate or are they taking themselves on a solo date?

Similarly, a big part of creating a successful Marketing strategy will require extensive market research to gain insights into consumer demographics, preferences, and behaviours, enabling them to tailor their strategies to specific target audiences.

2. Variety Is the Spice of Life

Just like the countless ways to savour French fries – from classic shoestring to curly, waffle, or crinkle-cut – Marketing also demands diversification to satisfy the dynamic needs and preferences of consumers.

To reach a wider audience at the right time and in the right place, you will need to consider a cluster of different channels and adapt your strategy and ToV to the channel.

Mind you, this doesn’t mean you should be everywhere!

Just like French fries might not be a great idea at breakfast 🥐, not all channels are the right place for your brand.

3. Consistency is Key

Whether it's golden fries from your favourite pub or a small bistro, you’ll always expect them to taste… well, like fries!

I mean, imagine ordering a portion of your favourite fried potatoes, they finally arrive, and you give that first anticipated bite only to taste… broccoli.🥦

(Nothing against broccoli, I personally love them, but I also like my fries to taste like potatoes.)

Marketing also requires a consistent message and brand image to resonate with consumers' minds.

A well-defined brand identity, carefully crafted visuals, and consistent communication across channels build trust, loyalty, and association with quality.

4. The Power of Presentation

Would you eat a fried potato that is black? (Maybe, if you’re really hungry, it’s 2 a.m. and you’ve just come home from clubbing🪩…)

But as a rule of thumb, probably not!

No, you expect your fries to have that gorgeous golden-yellow colour and smell like rainbows and joy.

Similarly, effective brand Marketing also relies on the visual consistency of aesthetics, packaging, and product presentation to create recognition and recollection.

5. Upselling Through Pairing

French fries are often sold as part of a combo meal, alongside a burger or a soda.

This is to leverage the appeal of complementary items to increase sales.➕

Similarly, Marketing uses upselling and cross-selling strategies to sell additional products or services.

Whether it’s a discounted bundle or personalized suggestions, Marketing encourages customers to explore more options – just like adding that side of everything to your already perfect fries, because everyone knows, diets start on Mondays (No, not this Monday, next one!).

6. The Perfect Timing

Just like leaving your spanking new air fryer on for too long will burn those precious potatoes, marketers need to strike a delicate balance and reach consumers at the perfect time in their customer journey to get the desired results.

By analysing data and consumer behaviour 🔎, effective marketing campaigns can be delivered precisely when customers are most receptive, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

6. Embracing the Unexpected

Who knew pizza fries could taste so good?🍕🍟(Everyone obviously, but I can’t think of another metaphor!)

Sometimes, marketers need to step out of their comfort zone and take calculated risks.

Bold marketing strategies, innovative campaigns, and creative collaborations can help brands break through the clutter and stand out from the competition, making a lasting impression on consumers' minds.

So here it is, my 900+ words reflection on Marketing and Potatoes.

I hope it resonated, and if it didn’t, I hope I at least made you smile!

Now, I know you must be peckish, so I’ll let you go order your portion of golden delight!

Alessandra Atria