MARKETINGMonths to result

Shared Fantasies Framework

Customer intimacy

Problem it solves

weak market positioning

Best for

High-tech companies on Main Street

Not ideal for

Companies in the bowling alley or tornado phases

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Shared Fantasies Framework is about creating a shared understanding between the company and its customers about the values and social class they ascribe to. This framework is particularly relevant in the Main Street phase, where customers are more focused on the social and emotional benefits of a product rather than its technical features. By using indirect means to communicate shared fantasies, companies can create a deeper connection with their customers and achieve customer intimacy.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Customer intimacy is key to success on Main Street
  2. Shared fantasies can be used to create a deeper connection with customers
  3. Indirect means of communication are more effective in creating shared fantasies

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify Target Customer
    Identify the target customer and their values, social class, and aspirations. This will help in creating a shared understanding of the product's benefits and features.
    Pro tipUse customer surveys, focus groups, and social media to gather information about the target customer
    WarningAvoid making assumptions about the target customer without proper research
  2. Create Shared Fantasies
    Create a shared understanding of the product's benefits and features that resonates with the target customer. This can be done through indirect means such as advertising, social media, and content marketing.
    Pro tipUse storytelling and emotional appeals to create a deeper connection with the customer
    WarningAvoid being too pushy or sales-y in the communication
  3. Communicate Shared Fantasies
    Communicate the shared fantasies to the target customer through various channels such as advertising, social media, and content marketing. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and identity with the product.
    Pro tipUse consistent messaging and branding across all channels
    WarningAvoid inconsistent or conflicting messaging that can confuse the customer

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Apple's Branding

Apple's branding is a great example of creating shared fantasies. The company's focus on design, innovation, and customer experience has created a sense of belonging and identity with its products.

OutcomeApple's success in creating a loyal customer base and premium pricing

Common mistakes

2 traps
Insufficient Research
Not conducting sufficient research on the target customer can lead to a lack of understanding of their values, social class, and aspirations, resulting in ineffective shared fantasies.
Inconsistent Messaging
Inconsistent messaging across different channels can confuse the customer and undermine the shared fantasies.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of shared fantasies has been well-known in consumer marketing for a long time. However, its application in high-tech industries is relatively new. As high-tech companies move from the bowling alley to Main Street, they need to adapt their marketing strategies to focus more on customer intimacy and less on technical features.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Inside the Tornado: Marketing Strategies From Silicon Valley's Cutting Edge
Geoffrey A. Moore · 1995
Open source →

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