The latest Cone Cause Evolution Study reveals that moms are the demographic most open to cause marketing...they practically demand the opportunity to shop with a cause in mind.
According to the Cone survey, some 95% of moms find cause marketing acceptable, and 9 out of 10 want to buy a product that supports a cause. They are also more willing to switch brands (93% vs 80% average) in order to support a cause. All of this means that moms purchased more cause-related products in the past year than any other demographic (61% vs. 41%).
Not far behind moms are Millennials (18-24 years old), who also do their shopping with causes in mind. Ninety-four percent of this age group find cause marketing acceptable (vs. 88% average), and more than half (53%) have purchased a product benefiting a cause this year. Notably, this group of young people wants to work in socially conscious companies, and make investing choices based on their social or environmental values as well.
The Cone survey revealed some interesting data about how consumers view the voting campaigns that have been popular recently with large corporations. These usually ask customers to vote on which issues or causes the company should support with its CSR initiatives. But, in the Cone survey, 61% of the respondents said they would prefer to see a company make a long-term commitment to a focused issue rather than determining themselves which issue the company should support in the short-term.
Buying a cause-related product (81%) seems to be the main way consumers want to support a company's efforts. Nevertheless, consumers do seek out other engagement opportunities, such as providing ideas or feedback (75%) and volunteeriing (72%).
Perhaps most importantly, consumers have been undaunted by the recession in their belief that companies should support causes at the same level or higher during an economic downturn (81%). Furthermore, nearly two-thirds (64%) think that companies did well in responding to social and environmental issues during the recession.
Consumers emerged from the recession with their desire to shop with causes in mind fully intact:
- 88% say it is acceptable for companies to couple a cause or issue with their marketing;
- 85% have a more positive image of a product or company when it supports a cause they care about; and,
- 80% are likely to switch brands, similar in price and quality, to one that supports a cause.
The lesson for businesses and charities is that cause marketing is more alive and well than ever.
More information about the survey:
- Free copy of the 2010 Cone Cause Evolution Study.
- Video of Cone Executive VP, Alison DaSilva, discussing survey findings..
- Cause Marketing Hits the Mother Lode of Support: Study - Fast Company
Related:
- Cause Marketing Halo Effect Not Just for Corporate Partners
- Marketing Your Nonprofit to "Real Moms"
- Young vs Older Donors: Who is More Generous?
- Cause-Related Marketing: What You Need to Know
Photo: Getty Images
Comments
Thank you so much for writing about this!! I work for a great company called Uptown Liz, which was created in memory of the founder’s 28 year old sister, Liz, who died from breast cancer. Uptown Liz (www.uptownliz.com) promotes products from companies whose proceeds go to charity. You can shop on this one-of-a-kind Web site by charitable cause or product category, knowing that every time you make a purchase you are making a difference. There are many great art, clothing, jewelry, house wares, beauty and eco-friendly products (just to name a few) that benefit charities all over the world.
Great write-up, Joanne. If readers are interested in the implication of the Cone study for local businesses and nonprofits, you can check out my recent post.
http://selfishgiving.com/cause-marketing-news/cone-study-local-nonprofits-now-time-for-cause-marketing
I think one of the interesting findings was that consumers prefer local causes and want companies to act locally. This is a great opportunity for local businesses and nonprofits, if they’ll only take advantage of it.
Joe
@joewaters
Interesting article, but “Millennials” are defined as 18-24 years old? People who graduated from high school in 2000 and were among the first to spend their teens and 20′s in a digital, online world are now about 28. “Millennial” cannot be an ongoing synonym for “young adults” or it loses all meaning.
Yes, I was excited that my generation finally had a name, and I will defend it!