Taking into account, the recent restriction in the airing of condom commercials on television in India, where brands in the condom category are banned from showing ads from 6am to 10pm, Durex has still managed to garner the attention of their consumers with a help of a smart digital marketing strategy.
According to a recent survey conducted by Durex condom, it was found that 95 percent of the Indians don't use condoms. Out of which, 41 percent cited the reason as 'Lack of feeling', 'feels like rubber' was the second reason and 22 percent of the participants felt using condoms 'reduces intimacy'.
What’s happening India? 95% of Indians don’t use condoms! We’d love to know why?
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) March 5, 2018
Almost 50,000 Twitter users have spoken up with most of them saying condoms ke saath feel nahi aati. It's about the lack of feeling.
If you #HateCondoms too, then vote now or just tell us why. We don't need Sherlock to solve this mystery. pic.twitter.com/i5lUAlxMrN
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) March 6, 2018
Using this statistics, Durex strategized a well-thought out online marketing plan. From running polls to entertaining the audience, by tying up with online influencers like comedians Saurabh Pant, Sumukhi Suresh and others, Durex created maximum buzz during this time.
Sumukhi Suresh has an interesting tale of #ParvatiBai to share with us. ‘Temporary jijaji’ doesn’t want to use condoms because “feels nahi aata”!
Is that why majorly #IndiaHatesCondoms ? https://t.co/R3fVJ2lAfg
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) March 6, 2018
So, @hankypanty is also wondering why #IndiaHatesCondoms. Are you a ‘rebel’ or ‘pull out expert’ OR is it just “feel nahi aati yaar” ? Keep sharing your thoughts with us! https://t.co/3iHtQYeLrm
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) March 6, 2018
Banking on all the social media noise, Durex launched their latest product DurexAir in the market. It is being positioned as a product which will guarantee full satisfaction to people.
Finally, here's our solution for all condom haters out there. Presenting to you, Durex AiR. A condom so thin, it's like it's not even there!
Reach a new level of intimacy and #LoveDurexAiR
Shop now: https://t.co/hW3ZH8iSEW pic.twitter.com/B1nTtJx46A
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) March 7, 2018
Here are 5 Smart Marketing Lessons to Learn from Durex condom:
Durex is one of the most innovative player in the category and it never fails to entertain the audience with not only their advertisements, but also with their varied products.
1. Got a Bollywood Celebrity on Board
Actor Ranveer Singh was one of the first celebrities to endorse a condom brand. His quirky style and infectious enthusiasm connected extremely well with the audience.
2. Launched Sex-chat bot
Last year, Durex launched a chatbot called RexBot for people to have conversations around sex, which is still considered a tabooed topic in India. It was the first time that a condom brand launched a chatbot to market their product.
3. Rap Song
Durex was one of the first brands to launch a rap song titled #DoTheRex, when it got on board Ranveer Singh as the ambassador.
4. Marketing Gimmick
Last year, there were news all over that Durex is entering the Jeans market, it was only revealed later that the brand was talking about their product Durex Jeans meant for the Young generation- a condom that could easily fit inside the jeans. In 2016, the brand created similar buzz on social media for launching egg-plant flavoured condom, only to be revealed later that it was a gimmick before they launched their safe-sex emoji.
5. Prompt on Social Media
Durex never misses a single opportunity to connect with their audience on social media, be it festivals or during special days, the brand always attempts to stay at the top of every consumer's mind. Recently, when actor Salman Khan tweeted about having found a girl in his life, the brand was one of the first ones to congratulate him. They were also the first ones to wish the celebrity star couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli on their wedding.
Real fun begins at 18 and so does real responsibility. Millennium babies, welcome to adulthood. Love safely! #HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/v4W5gXGGD8
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) January 2, 2018
Finally, Virat Kohli bowled his maiden over. #VirushkaKiShadi pic.twitter.com/skZWdcn20y
— Durex India (@DurexIndia) December 12, 2017
According to reports, the condom market is approximately Rs 800 crores and is being dominated by Manforce with a 32 percent share, followed by Moods at 12 percent, Skore at 10 percent, Kamasutra at 8 percent, Kohinoor at 7-8 percent and Durex at around 2-3 percent. It will be interesting to see, if these marketing strategies of the brand can help them to improve their market share and can drive growth in sales.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 08, 2018 02:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).