Staff Reporters
Mar 23, 2018

Short-term 'sugar rush' can seduce marketers

Amid all the focus on setting up digital platforms and acting on real-time data and incentives, marketers may be forsaking long-term brand building at their peril, says Cathay Pacific brand chief Edward Bell.

Falling behind in adapting to new digital technologies is among the greatest fears of marketers today. But the scale of the challenge can create a massive brain and energy suck, argues Edward Bell, general manager for brand, insights and marketing communications with Cathay Pacific.

In three to four years time when marketers emerge with their new digital platforms along with everyone else, they need to ensure that they haven't been neglecting their brand, or their platforms will be largely meaningless.

Meantime, the real-time data pouring in only compounds the pressure to focus on the here and now, with potentially grave consequences.

"It's so seductive," Bell said. "Short-termism is such a sugar rush. You put something out there with a deal and a good price and you can get immediate feeback, and it can feel like that's all you need to do because 'I do this, I get that'." However, such short-term initiatives must be linked to longer-term storytelling and goals.

Bell spoke with Campaign head of content Robert Sawatzky at Campaign360, which took place Tuesday in Singapore.

Their conversation, broadcast on Facebook Live, also moved into:

  • What brands are looking for from media agencies.
  • How to keep brands safe in a time of company restructuring.
  • The ROI of expensive loyalty programs.
Source:
Campaign Asia

Follow us

Top news, insights and analysis every weekday

Sign up for Campaign Bulletins

Related Articles

Just Published

22 hours ago

BYD closes 2024 on top, but can it sustain its EV ...

BRAND HEALTH CHECK: After outpacing Tesla and smashing 2024 sales records, BYD faces its toughest road yet. With 45% EU tariffs and a locked-out U.S. market, can the EV giant supercharge global ambitions or stall under trade barriers?

22 hours ago

Move and win roundup: Week of January 2, 2025

As 2025 kicks off, Campaign rounds up the first major people moves and business wins of the year. From leadership exits to new creative wins, catch all the latest updates in January's first edition.

23 hours ago

What's in, what's out: Marketing trends you need to ...

OUTLOOK 2025: A clear, concise and constantly updated guide for industry trends and predictions—all in one place. Check back often for the freshest updates.