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Effective messaging strategies to increase brand love for sociopolitical activist brands

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  • Ahmad, Fayez
  • Guzmán, Francisco
  • Kidwell, Blair

Abstract

As brands increasingly engage in activism, it is critical they communicate messages that their target audiences perceive as authentic to reinforce their consumer-brand relationships. This study investigates the effect of type of commitment (financial, non-financial, or rhetorical) and message framing (hope or frustration) on perceived brand authenticity and brand love. It additionally explores how these relationships vary depending on a brand’s level of equity. Through one exploratory and five experimental studies the most effective type of messaging for high and low equity brands is identified. Whereas high equity brands should communicate a financial commitment to gain authenticity and love, low equity brands should emphasize a non-financial commitment. In general, brands must convey hope rather than frustration in their messages. However, brands should convey frustration when communicating a rhetorical commitment to a cause. This study contributes to the brand activism and brand equity literature and provides specific marketing strategy recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmad, Fayez & Guzmán, Francisco & Kidwell, Blair, 2022. "Effective messaging strategies to increase brand love for sociopolitical activist brands," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 609-622.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:151:y:2022:i:c:p:609-622
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.07.031
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    Cited by:

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    2. Stefanie Wannow & Martin Haupt & Martin Ohlwein, 2024. "Is brand activism an emotional affair? The role of moral emotions in consumer responses to brand activism," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 31(2), pages 168-192, March.
    3. Zoe Lee & Amanda Spry & Yuksel Ekinci & Jessica Vredenburg, 2024. "From warmth to warrior: impacts of non-profit brand activism on brand bravery, brand hypocrisy and brand equity," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 31(2), pages 193-211, March.
    4. Federico Mangiò & Giuseppe Pedeliento & Daniela Andreini & Lia Zarantonello, 2024. "How persuasive is woke brand communication on social media? Evidence from a consumer engagement analysis on Facebook," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 31(4), pages 345-381, July.
    5. Ahmad, Fayez & Guzmán, Francisco & Al-Emran, Md, 2024. "Brand activism and the consequence of woke washing," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    6. Walter, Nadine & Föhl, Ulrich & Sander, Frauke & Nies, Angelique, 2024. "Act as you preach! Authentic brand purpose versus “woke washing’s” impact on brand credibility: The moderating role of cause involvement and consumer skepticism," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    7. Pedro Chapaval Pimentel & Mariana Bassi-Suter & Simone Regina Didonet, 2024. "Brand activism as a marketing strategy: an integrative framework and research agenda," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 31(2), pages 212-234, March.

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