Now in its second edition, this comprehensive text offers a classroom-tested, step-by-step approach to the creative processes and strategies for effective IMC. It also details changes in traditional advertising and marketing principles. Blakeman covers key areas, from marketing plans, branding/positioning, and creative briefs to copywriting, design, and considerations for each major media format. Throughout, she explores visual and verbal tactics, along with the use of business theory and practices, and how these affect the development of the creative message. This user-friendly introduction walks students through the varied strands of IMC, including advertising, PR, direct marketing, and sales promotion, in a concise and logical fashion. Several new chapters address the latest additions to the mix: Internet, social, mobile, and alternative media, plus guerrilla marketing. The text builds students' skills in developing a creative idea, employing the correct message, and placing it appropriately--and will continue to serve as a handy reference to using the most effective communications approaches throughout their careers.

Marketing: The Core, 9th Edition, is a briefer, 18-chapter version of  Marketing, 15th Edition, the most rigorous and robust program on the market. The Core 9e takes a pedological approach that focuses on high engagement, personalized marketing, traditional and contemporary coverage, a rigorous framework, marketing decision making, and integrated technology. The ninth edition continues to demonstrate the authors' commitment to engagement, leadership, and innovation:  Engagement: In-Class and Digital In-Class tested active learning activities, such as surveys, out of class assignments, and personal observations are designed to engage students in discussions with the instructor and amongst themselves. A strong emphasis on high engagement with an easy-to-read, high involvement, interactive writing style that engages students through active learning techniques. Media-enhanced PPT slides, alternate cases, and a 5,000+ item test bank are included in the comprehensive instructor resource suite. Leadership: Leading, current content, and conversational writing style, with new emphasis on data-driven decision-making and coverage of traditional and contemporary marketing concepts, with hyperlinked assignments throughout to easily correlate activities. Innovation: Innovative pedagogical tools that match contemporary students learning styles and interests. The authors up to date use of technology to bring real innovation to the text and package. Innovations such as in-text links, a Twitter feed, hyperlinked PowerPoint slides, a regularly updated author blog, updated Marketing Video Library, and more all supplement the robust McGraw Hill Connect® Marketing with SmartBook® 2.0 digital learning package.