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Perceptual Maps in Marketing Summary

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Running head: PERCEPTUAL MAPS IN MARKETING SUMMARY

Perceptual Maps in Marketing Summary
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Perceptual Maps in Marketing
Perceptual mapping can be summarized as the discipline of comparing products based on the perception of potential customers in the marketplace. The goal of this practice is to allow product marketers to build a stronger understanding of customer viewpoints and opinions on brands, advertising campaigns, and new market offerings. By developing a visual map of customer reactions and perceptions, a company can fine-tune their overall marketing strategy and position their image relative to competitors. The week four simulations provided a detailed example of how a motorcycle company can use perceptual mapping to make decisions related to their brand and products.
The Simulation
In the simulation, Thorr Motorcycles offers a variety of products to the motorcycle riding community. Products were placed on a graph and compared to similar products offered by their closest competitors, which provided a visual image of the product relationships. Each scenario required the choice a solution to improve sales of the product being analyzed.
The first scenario was centered on an existing motorcycle know as the Cruiser Thorr, which has been declining in sales. This would be considered an example of a product that has reached the end of the product life cycle. In the past, this product had been marketed towards an older demographic who is no longer purchasing in high volume. To solve this problem, the Cruiser Thorr is needs to be marketed to a more youthful group of customers. The younger customer base is most responsive to changes in affordable pricing, quality, and lifestyle image. This younger customer base is much more budget conscious, but also requires a strong image of quality engineering.
The second scenario deals with creation of

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