Social media is not the only emerging channel P&G is using to connect directly with consumers. In November 2011 the company announced a partnership with a start-up called Mobeam to distribute digital coupons via mobile phones. The companies plan to begin testing the solution—which requires enhancements to existing handsets—in 2012. Diageo is another CG manufacturer that has also turned to social media—Facebook specifi cally—to enhance its consumer marketing efforts and drive retail beverage sales. The global spirits maker expanded its brands’ collective fan base from to 12m in one year, and an in-house study conducted with Facebook and.
