Social Media Marketing Strategy for Curbing Smoking Crisis

Running head: SMOKING
Smoking
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

SMOKING 2
SMOKING
Smoking is simply defined as the act of burning substances with some chemical
compositions then inhaling it through the mouth or nostrils into the bloodstream. In most cases,
smoking has always been linked to alteration of the normal functioning of the body system. The
most commonly smoked substance is tobacco, whose dried leaves tend to vaporize and deliver
other active substances such as nicotine into the lungs where they are rapidly absorbed into the
bloodstream. This paper is set to explore social media as a marketing strategy employed in
curbing the issued related to smoking as a crisis in society today.
Smoking is common in youths and adults in nearly all countries of the world. It,
therefore, means age is a vital factor in determining the smoking prevalence. Statistically,
smoking prevalence is higher among HIV infected adults who are aged between 40 years and 49
years than those aged between 18 and 29 years (CDC, 2017). Ethnicity is also a contributing
factor towards the prone populations related to smoking. Statistics show that American Indians/
Alaska Natives have the highest percentage in the proneness to cigarette smoking (CDC, 2018).
Several articles have been used in line with smoking and public health awareness.
At an individual level, several theories have been established to promote health
understanding and awareness among the victims in question. For instance, the health of the belief
model, the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior have been of an impact
on health issues. At the ecological approach, theories seek to change the policy and social-level
determinants of health. Therefore, the product is viewed as a product of society's rules and
regulations. Theories include Ewart's social action theory and the theory of gender power.
Another level of approach is the community-based approach. Some theories have been put into
consideration in the promotion of the healthy behaviors at a community-based level, including;
the coalition theory and the concept of developing community capacity (Wendel et, al., 2009)
2

SMOKING 3
However, we’ve had several improvements that transpired for the population group.
Currently, there is an emphasis on human rights for people with chronic mental health
conditions, people abusing drugs and alcohol and people with Alzheimer’s disease. Under this,
smoking zones have been defined in busy streets and cities worldwide. In trying to reach out to
the adults and young adults prone to smoking, several strategies were put in place in order to lay
down the information and alertness on health behaviors. Most importantly, social media
marketing strategy has proven to be significant in reaching the target groups and transforming
their behavior. As a strategic plan for effective implementation of the marketing process, it was
vital to consider the 4Ps of marketing. Social media marketing strategy has proven to adequately
encompass the principles of the 4Ps of marketing.
The first P is the product itself. Our products, in this case, are both service oriented and
tangible goods. Under the service delivery aspect, we are marketing the knowledge about the
dangers and effects of smoke together with the diseases associated with smoking and the curative
measures and products. On the other hand, there are people who have already been affected by
smoking practice and need medication to recover from the illness associated with smoking.
Therefore, we are also marketing medicines to handle the side effects of the smoking operation.
Smoking weakens body immunity. Consequently, the body becomes prone to diseases such as
tuberculosis and cancer. Our products are therefore differentiated to cater for all level clients in
the smoking industry. For instance, pills such as Bupropion (Zyban) are essential in cutting ones
craving for tobacco. Another product is Varenicline (Chantix) which helps with the craving for
nicotine and withdrawal symptoms. Such medicines help deal with clients who are addicted or
who are yet to start smoking. Therefore, product differentiation has helped capture a wide range
of customers in the smoking industry.
3