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What is Undercover Marketing?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Also known as buzz marketing or stealth marking, undercover marketing is a marketing approach that is used to attract the interest of customers without making those consumers aware that they are being subjected to a marketing approach. This process relies heavily on the basics of viral marketing, a strategy that involves spreading the word about a good or service from one person to another. Often, the approach is somewhat low key, does not appear to have a great deal of direct involvement with the producer of the product, and may even include the distribution of free samples to target customers.

There are many examples of undercover marketing in use today. One common approach is to engage the services of a well-respected public personality, such as a performer. The performer is then seen by the general public using the goods or services produced by the business, but without any specific type of sales pitch taking place. The performer may offer to share the product with others in his social or business circles, and may even offer a testimonial of the benefits derived from the use of the product. This approach often works based on the rapport that already exists between the performer and interested consumers. In this way, undercover marketing has shown a fairly consistent ability to produce sales over time.

Giving free samples to target customers is one form of undercover marketing.
Giving free samples to target customers is one form of undercover marketing.

Another example of undercover marketing is one individual's endorsement of certain goods or services to others that are part of his social network. This may include friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, or anyone with whom the individual interacts from time to time. The idea is that at least a few of those contacts will be intrigued enough to try the products for themselves. In the event they also find the products beneficial, they in turn will share the buzz or the good news with the people they come in contact with on a regular basis. This stealth approach to marketing can be extremely effective in terms of reaching consumers who tend to be on their guard when it comes to television commercials, email solicitations, or splashy advertisements in magazines and newspapers.

Undercover marketing may include sending out text messages to registered customers.
Undercover marketing may include sending out text messages to registered customers.

One of the benefits of undercover marketing is that it can be an extremely cost-efficient way to reach consumers. Assuming that the effort is launched properly, and the products are high-quality and deemed affordable, the potential of this strategy is virtually unlimited. Because undercover marketing relies heavily on relationships and the establishment of trust between people, it is able to reach consumers who may not be easily swayed by more aggressive and conventional methods.

Giving an endorsement to friends, family, and the people around you is an example of undercover marketing.
Giving an endorsement to friends, family, and the people around you is an example of undercover marketing.

Like any marketing strategy, undercover marketing can be abused. When this takes place, the process is often referred to as roach baiting. Essentially, this means that efforts were made to mislead consumers into liking the product by making a product appear to be something that it isn’t. This can include overstating the attributes of the product, or making claims for its effectiveness that are simply not supported by the available evidence.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

suntan12

I can see how viral internet marketing can lead to great results. It seems when someone has a great experience they often share it and if it is shared on a social network then the amount of people viewing the information can multiply.

Word of mouth advertising is the most effective way to get people to try your product or service. If the product or service is really superior it will only be a matter of time before others take notice. This is what happened with a casual dining restaurant that focused on burger and fries.

Obama recently made a comment about this restaurant chain and how much he enjoys its burgers and the message made news. Although this was accidental this restaurant chain benefited from the endorsement and became really successful.

In fact there is always a line to get in no matter when you go. This restaurant chain grew by viral buzz marketing because people cannot stop talking about these burgers.

Even the critics have raved about the place. When you get this type of attention you really don’t have to spend a lot of money on advertising.

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    • Giving free samples to target customers is one form of undercover marketing.
      By: design56
      Giving free samples to target customers is one form of undercover marketing.
    • Undercover marketing may include sending out text messages to registered customers.
      By: bloomua
      Undercover marketing may include sending out text messages to registered customers.
    • Giving an endorsement to friends, family, and the people around you is an example of undercover marketing.
      By: corepics
      Giving an endorsement to friends, family, and the people around you is an example of undercover marketing.