EXHIBIT 5–2Professional golfer Paula Creamer is a source in this ad for Citizen Eco-Drive watches Message The encoding process leads to development of a message that contains the information or meaning the source hopes to convey. The message may be verbal or nonverbal, oral or written, or symbolic. Messages must be put into a transmittable form that is appropriate for the channel of communication being used. In advertising, this may range from simply writing some words or copy that will be read as a radio message to producing an expensive television commercial. For many products, it is not the actual words of the message that determine its communication effectiveness but rather the impression or image the ad creates. Notice how the Coach ad shown in Exhibit 5–3 uses only a picture to deliver its message. However, the use of the brand name and picture is an effective way to communicate Coach’s intended message of the eloquent simplicity as well as classic design and American style of its handbags. Marketers must make decisions regarding the content of the messages they send to consumers as well as the structure and design of these messages. Content refers to the information and/or meaning contained in the message while structure and design refer to the way the message is put together in order to deliver the information or intended meaning. More attention will be given to issues regarding message appeal and structure in the next chapter while message design is discussed in the chapters on creative strategy (Chapters 8 and 9). EXHIBIT 5–8 Advertising for innovative new products such as the Sony Reader must make consumers aware of their features and benefits The innovation adoption model evolved from work on the diffusion of innovations.17 This model represents the stages a consumer passes through in adopting a new product or service. Like the other models, it says potential adopters must be moved through a series of steps before taking some action (in this case, deciding to adopt a new product). The steps preceding adoption are awareness, interest, evaluation, and trial. The challenge facing companies introducing new products is to create awareness and interest among consumers and then get them to evaluate the product favorably. The best way to evaluate a new product is through actual use so that performance can be judged. Marketers often encourage trial by using demonstration or sampling programs or allowing consumers to use a product with minimal commitment (Exhibit 5–7). After trial, consumers either adopt the product or reject it. The innovation adoption model is especially important to companies who are using IMC tools to introduce new products to the market. These marketers recognize that there are certain types of consumers who are of particular interest to them because of their interest in new products and their ability to influence others.18 Marketers are constantly looking for ways to identify and communicate with these early adopt ...