Touch point focused and two-way?  Have any idea what I’m talking about?  Planners still classify media touch points as “above-the-line,” “below-the-line” and “new,” but planning should always be based on some critical considerations: Which touch point will best reinforce your brand value? And…where will the brand + media equation yield real engagement?  Effectiveness will result only where the plan is seamless, believable, personalized, and authentic.  There are those engagement words again— personalized and authentic.  Media planning innovation and technological innovation are fast becoming one and the same.

Mobile devices, for example,  are becoming an increasingly important touch point for consumers and a starting point for migration from desktop to laptop to blacktop. Location-aware software for phones, while still new, will inspire the mobile medium, so expect promotional coupons to show up along with IMs and look for greater granularity in measuring marketing ROI. Marketing dollars transitioning to online isn’t new, but social networks are also becoming more engaged in engagement to help marketers more effectively deliver messages and determine return on their efforts.  Take a look at your media plan.  Review it for creativity and innovation.  Need ideas and suggestions?  We’re as close as your phone, your UberTwitter app, or email.