Virgin Mobile Case Analysis: Overview

Virgin Mobile has strategically shaped its marketing mix to appropriately target the younger demographic. First, lets look at it’s the product element. The younger demographic is more open to new things like text messaging, downloading information from their phones, ring tones, faceplates, graphics, having access to popular entertainment on their phone, etc. For younger people, phones are less of a tool and more of a fashion accessory or personal statement.
To appeal to these needs, Virgin Mobile created “VirginXtras,” which involve the delivery of popular content, features, and entertainment. They signed an exclusive, multi-year content and marketing agreement with MTV networks to deliver music, games, and other such content to Virgin Mobile subscribers. Consumers have access to branded accessories and phones, graphics, ring tones, text alerts, and voice mail.
In addition to the MTV-branded content, Virgin Mobile also included the following VirginXtras: text messaging, online real-time billion, rescue ring (a prearranged “escape” call such as to avoid a bad date), wake up calls, fun audio clips, a hit list of top 10 songs in which subscribers can listen to and vote for, a music messenger that allows subscribers to shoot a message to their friends so that they listen to a song, and a movie application that provides descriptions, show times, and ticket purchases in advance. All of these features appeal to the youth market, and generate additional usage and loyalty.

Save Time On Research and Writing
Hire a Pro to Write You a 100% Plagiarism-Free Paper.
Get My Paper

Next lets look at the elements of placement and distribution. Virgin Mobile adopted a channel strategy that was more closely aligned to its target-market segment. They decided to distribute their products in channels where youth shop, which means places like Target, Sam Goody, music stores, and Best Buy. These are the stores that kids usually buy consumer electronic products, such as CD players and MP3 players. Virgin Mobile decided to package their products in similar consumer electronics packaging so it would be familiar to these consumers.
They created a clear, see through package where consumers can examine the phone without a salesperson helping them and purchase it like they would any other consumer electronics product they would normally buy. Virgin made a contract with the handset manufacturer Kyocera from which it buys different phone models with different features and functions. The first two basic models were bundled with interchangeable faceplates that would be decorated with eye-catching colors and patterns, bundled into a bright red starter pack.
This starter pack would be easily visible on large point-of-sale displays, and available at all of the popular retailers that the younger demographic shops at. The younger demographic doesn’t want to be hassled with sales people and extra obstacles in purchasing a phone. They want fashionable, accessible, easily located, and conveniently located products. That is the exact aim Virgin Mobile was going for in its placement and distribution strategy. Another important element of the marketing mix is promotion. Virgin mobile had a much tighter focus and narrower target market than that of their competitors.
This meant that they could target the youth demographic in a more direct, efficient, and less-cluttered way. As generally noted, the younger generation is more responsive to advertisement that is up-to-date, modern, fun, and relates to the “young and hip” attitude of their generation. Since younger consumers often view their phone as a personal statement, it was important for Virgin Mobile to reach this personal and youthful side. They devised an advertising that the company described as “quirky, offbeat, and completely different. The ads featured teens and made use of strange, quirky metaphors. They named their phone models “Party Animal” and “Super Model” to relate to pop culture and the younger generation’s lifestyle. Virgin Mobile used this unique promotional strategy to stand out from the rest of crowd and truly make a statement to the younger demographic with ads that are not boring and “run-of-the-mill. ” They were a lot more unique, creative, and entertaining—all attributes that younger consumers value. Furthermore, the company worked with popular youth magazines to publish “advertorial” pieces.
Virgin Mobile also executed numerous high-profile street marketing events that featured paid performers—dancers and gymnasts dressed in red from head to toe—who engaged in various stunts. Perhaps the most famous and attention grabbing promotional stint was for the launch of the Virgin Mobile USA service. The cast of The Full Monty—a popular Broadway show—appeared with Sir Richard Branson (Virgin founder) dangling from a building in NYC Time Square wearing nothing but a large Virgin Mobile red phone. It is events and promotional stints like these that truly reach out the younger aged consumers—bold, exciting, modern, and fun.

Fountain Essays
Calculate your paper price
Pages (550 words)
Approximate price: -

Why Work with Us

Top Quality and Well-Researched Papers

We always make sure that writers follow all your instructions precisely. You can choose your academic level: high school, college/university or professional, and we will assign a writer who has a respective degree.

Professional and Experienced Academic Writers

We have a team of professional writers with experience in academic and business writing. Many are native speakers and able to perform any task for which you need help.

Free Unlimited Revisions

If you think we missed something, send your order for a free revision. You have 10 days to submit the order for review after you have received the final document. You can do this yourself after logging into your personal account or by contacting our support.

Prompt Delivery and 100% Money-Back-Guarantee

All papers are always delivered on time. In case we need more time to master your paper, we may contact you regarding the deadline extension. In case you cannot provide us with more time, a 100% refund is guaranteed.

Original & Confidential

We use several writing tools checks to ensure that all documents you receive are free from plagiarism. Our editors carefully review all quotations in the text. We also promise maximum confidentiality in all of our services.

24/7 Customer Support

Our support agents are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and committed to providing you with the best customer experience. Get in touch whenever you need any assistance.

Try it now!

Calculate the price of your order

Total price:
$0.00

How it works?

Follow these simple steps to get your paper done

Place your order

Fill in the order form and provide all details of your assignment.

Proceed with the payment

Choose the payment system that suits you most.

Receive the final file

Once your paper is ready, we will email it to you.

Our Services

No need to work on your paper at night. Sleep tight, we will cover your back. We offer all kinds of writing services.

Essays

Essay Writing Service

No matter what kind of academic paper you need and how urgent you need it, you are welcome to choose your academic level and the type of your paper at an affordable price. We take care of all your paper needs and give a 24/7 customer care support system.

Admissions

Admission Essays & Business Writing Help

An admission essay is an essay or other written statement by a candidate, often a potential student enrolling in a college, university, or graduate school. You can be rest assurred that through our service we will write the best admission essay for you.

Reviews

Editing Support

Our academic writers and editors make the necessary changes to your paper so that it is polished. We also format your document by correctly quoting the sources and creating reference lists in the formats APA, Harvard, MLA, Chicago / Turabian.

Reviews

Revision Support

If you think your paper could be improved, you can request a review. In this case, your paper will be checked by the writer or assigned to an editor. You can use this option as many times as you see fit. This is free because we want you to be completely satisfied with the service offered.