Marketing Implementation Plan

Read the case titled "Bald Baker's Sweet Challenge".

Imagine it is January 2019 and you have been hired as a consultant for Dan Sennet and the management team at Bald Baker. Prepare a written marketing implementation plan of no more than 3,000 words (approximately 12 pages, double-spaced) that consists of the following components:

Target Market & Positioning. A concise paragraph specifying (a) which customer segment(s) Bald Baker should focus on and (b) how the company should position its offerings. Include recommendations for the company's branding (i.e., name, logo, tagline, etc.) if you feel changes are necessary.

Marketing Mix. A detailed plan that lays out what Bald Baker should do in light of the above target market / positioning recommendations:

Product Strategy. What products should Bald Baker offer? If you are advising changes to what the company is doing now, explain your rationale. If no changes are recommended, explain why the current offering remains optimal. Be sure to consider things like:

a) Product mix: Should the company introduce new lines and/or eliminate existing ones? What variants (flavours, sizes, etc.) should be offered within each line?

b) Product attributes/benefits: Discuss key product features. How will Bald Baker's offerings stand out from products sold by rivals? Consider both the core product (i.e., the physical cookies / brownies themselves) and other means of differentiation (i.e., packaging, service, brand image, etc.)

Pricing Strategy. How should Bald Baker's products be priced? Does this represent a change from the company current pricing? Be sure to consider the following:

a) Pricing relative to key competitors. Should Bald Baker products be priced at a premium, on par, or lower than rival offerings? Factor both sticker price and unit price into your thinking.

Full Answer Section Bald Baker should position itself as the "healthy snack that tastes great." The company should emphasize the health benefits of its products, while also highlighting their delicious taste. The company's branding should be simple and clean, and it should reflect the company's focus on health and convenience. Marketing Mix Product Strategy Bald Baker should continue to offer its core line of low-sugar, gluten-free, and vegan cookies and brownies. However, the company should also introduce new lines of products that target specific customer segments. For example, the company could introduce a line of protein cookies that target health-conscious consumers. The company could also introduce a line of mini-brownies that target busy professionals. In addition to introducing new lines of products, Bald Baker should also expand the variety of flavors and sizes that it offers. This will give consumers more options and make it more likely that they will find a product that they enjoy. Pricing Strategy Bald Baker should price its products at a premium relative to traditional cookies and brownies. This is because Bald Baker's products are made with higher-quality ingredients and they offer a number of health benefits. However, the company should also be mindful of the price sensitivity of its target market. As a result, the company should avoid pricing its products too high. Distribution Strategy Bald Baker should focus on distributing its products through health food stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. These channels will give the company access to its target market and allow it to reach a wider audience. Promotion Strategy Bald Baker should focus on promoting its products through social media, email marketing, and public relations. These channels will allow the company to reach its target market and build brand awareness. Conclusion Bald Baker has the potential to be a successful company. The company has a strong product offering, a clear target market, and a well-defined positioning. However, the company needs to execute its marketing plan effectively in order to achieve its goals. Here are some specific recommendations for how Bald Baker can execute its marketing plan effectively:
  • Focus on building brand awareness: Bald Baker needs to raise awareness of its brand among its target market. The company can do this through social media, email marketing, and public relations.
  • Create a strong online presence: Bald Baker needs to have a strong online presence, including a well-designed website and an active social media presence. The company's website should be easy to use and it should provide consumers with information about the company's products, its mission, and its story.
  • Partner with influencers: Bald Baker can partner with influencers to promote its products. This will help the company reach a wider audience and build brand awareness.
  • Run marketing campaigns: Bald Baker can run marketing campaigns to promote its products. These campaigns can be focused on specific products, target markets, or sales events.
By executing its marketing plan effectively, Bald Baker can achieve its goals and become a successful company.
Sample Answer Target Market & Positioning Bald Baker should focus on the following customer segments:
  • Health-conscious consumers: These consumers are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional cookies and brownies. Bald Baker's products are low in sugar, gluten-free, and vegan, making them a good option for these consumers.
  • Busy professionals: These consumers are looking for convenient and easy-to-eat snacks. Bald Baker's products are individually packaged, making them easy to take on the go.
  • Dieters: These consumers are looking for low-calorie and low-fat snacks. Bald Baker's products are lower in calories and fat than traditional cookies and brownies, making them a good option for these consumers.