McDonald’s 3 Tactics to Boost Sales in 2014

As a broke college student, especially now that Spring Break has come and gone, I have eaten my fair share of McDonalds.

But until last week, I had not eaten at the chain in several years. Over the week long break, I visited those Golden Arches once or twice (maybe three times if we’re being honest) J

McDonald’s, back in 2012, hit a deceleration in sales, stemming from several factors such as a more educated bracket of consumers, and  a push from their target market for more organic, healthier food choices.

Since that time, the company has worked to improve their image to the swaying market, and boost revenue by using three tactics: improving marketing, emphasizing core products, and stepping up their digital and e-commerce footprint.

First, the company wants to revamp the marketing strategies from marketing organized by product to marketing organized by consumer groups such as millennials, families, and adults.  They also just hired a new chief marketing officer, Deborah Wahl.

They are also taking a step back and focusing on their core products – burgers and chicken. Last year the company rolled out 4 new products too quickly – the blueberry pomegranate smoothies, Egg White McMuffins, McWraps, and a new line of Quarter Pounders. This year, according to Peter Bensen, McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer, the company will concentrate on its core products. They just recently introduced the Bacon Clubhouse burger, one of the company’s essential products.

Finally, the chain is moving more toward a digital space. The company just hired its first chief digital officer, Atif Rafiq. It plans on trying out mobile payments and ordering, digital ordering in various markets, and maybe even a loyalty program specific to McDonald’s. This move would be very different for the company, who has not done this in the past. Mr. Bensen acknowledged that this would be new exciting move for McDonald’s, and although it would not be 100% perfect, if they didn’t seize the opportunity and waited until everything was perfect, they would miss their chance for new customer loyalty and increased sales.

What do you think of McDonald’s 3 new marketing tactics? Do you think they will have a positive or neutral effect on sales? I think if the company is willing to make changes and adjust their marketing plans, they have a good chance of their risk being paid off. Do you think after McDonald’s rolls out some new changes like their loyalty program or more core-focused products you will have a better impression of the company?

Comment below!