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How unexpected syntax makes marketing communications more effective

While marketing messages must weigh various elements—including content, images, and choice of channel—language is one of the most critical aspects of effective communication.

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Researchers from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management published a new Journal of Marketing article that examines the role of syntactic surprise in formulating effective written messages.

The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled “Creating Effective Marketing Messages Through Moderately Surprising Syntax” and is authored by A. Selin Atalay, Siham El Kihal, and Florian Ellsaesser.

Consider a manager advertising for a job, deciding whether to go with “Apply today to join a great team!” or “Join a great team, apply today!” These messages are similar, and both are inviting a job application, but they are formulated differently – or, in other words, use different syntaxes. Can the manager tell which message will more successfully facilitate applications? How can the manager compare the effectiveness and efficiency of the formulation of these messages and decide which one to use?

Formulating the right message for an intended purpose is not a trivial task. Today, companies face this challenge of finding the right message on an hourly basis due to their permanent presence on digital platforms. Many utilize multiple communication tools and channels to spread messages of various lengths and types, reaching consumers via social media, television, radio, or newspapers, as well as email, brand websites, and blogs. While marketing messages must weigh various elements—including content, images, and choice of channel—language is one of the most critical aspects of effective communication.

As Atalay explains, “In our study we explore how companies can formulate effective messages intended to reach a desired outcome. We focus on syntax, which is the arrangement of words in a sentence, and investigate a measure called syntactic surprise, which is the average unexpectedness in the syntax of a message. By using state of the art methods in natural language processing, we demonstrate the role of syntactic surprise in effective writing.”

The Power of Surprise

People begin comprehending a sentence before processing it fully. For example, people generally anticipate a direct object relationship after a verb (such as in the sentence ‘Amazon delivers diapers’) – in which case, the syntactic surprise is low. By contrast, an adverb following a verb is less expected and would bring on high surprise (such as ‘Amazon delivers fast’). Taken together, syntactic surprise is the unexpectedness of the syntactic element occurring (e.g., object: diapers vs. adverb: fast) given the previous syntactic element (e.g., verb: delivers) that the individual encounters in the sentence.

The researchers conducted four main studies using large scale field data and a series of follow-up experiments on Facebook and Instagram to validate syntactic surprise. They then assessed the role of this measure in various forms (i.e., experimental and field data), contexts (i.e., donations, advertising, and product reviews), and relevant outcomes (e.g., likelihood to donate and click-through rate). We find that syntactic surprise is a unique aspect of syntax that accounts for the effectiveness of marketing messages beyond previously established measures.

Additionally, the relationship between syntactic surprise and effectiveness of the message follows an inverted U-shape: messages are most effective at a medium syntactic surprise level, but less effective at low and high levels. They classify the range of syntactic surprise into four categories: optimal, effective, acceptable, and ineffective. “Through a series of field experiments on Facebook and Instagram we demonstrate how managers can use this proposed approach to modify the syntactic surprise of their ads to increase click-through rates significantly and improve performance,” says El Kihal.

Syntactic Surprise Calculator

To simplify the process of computing syntactic surprise and improving a specific text, the researchers developed an easy to use, free online tool that automates the use of the metric: the syntactic surprise calculator. This tool calculates the syntactic surprise of any text at the message and sentence level and then provides recommendations. Managers can revise their messages sentence by sentence until they reach the effective or acceptable range. The proposed approach is automatic, scalable, and can be used without any machine learning expertise. 

“Overall, our findings demonstrate the importance of syntactic surprise in various forms, contexts, and relevant outcomes and shows how to use syntactic surprise to improve marketing messages. With the use of the syntactic surprise calculator, communicators can improve their messaging strategies,” says Ellsaesser. Regardless of message length, a practitioner can measure the syntactic surprise of any text, assess its syntax, and use the results to improve the message. Any communicator (e.g., retailers, brand managers, advertisers, politicians, educators, policymakers) can benefit from these findings.

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Mercato Centrale, College of Saint Benilde launch micro-certification program to upskill MSMEs in food sector

Developed through the collaboration of Mercato Centrale’s entrepreneurship platform and CSB’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), the courses aim to equip  both aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable, growth-oriented businesses.

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Mercato Centrale Group, the country’s premier food and lifestyle market, has partnered with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to roll out  micro-certification courses aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food industry. 

The program will offer short courses covering food business management, marketing strategies, financial literacy, and culinary innovation. Developed through the collaboration of Mercato Centrale’s entrepreneurship platform and CSB’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), the courses aim to equip  both aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable, growth-oriented businesses. The program is expected to launch in the coming months and will be open to home-based food vendors, market stall owners, and individuals entering the food industry.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on March 26, 2025, at  the Vatel Restaurant within the CSB campus. The signing ceremony was attended by RJ Ledesma and Vanessa Ledesma of Mercato Centrale; DLS-CSB Chancellor Benhur Ong; SHRIM Dean Marie Paz Castro; and Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson.

“Almost 99.5% of businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs, and a large number of them are in the food industry,” said RJ Ledesma, co-founder of Mercato Centrale. “Our mission has always been to champion local food entrepreneurs by providing them with the right platform and support. Through this partnership with CSB, we’re taking that commitment further by giving MSMEs access to quality education and training—tools that can help them sustain and grow their businesses. With what we’ve built at Mercato, we have a real opportunity to contribute to making these businesses more sustainable. This initiative also reflects our Lasallian mission of service.”

Under the agreement, the partnership will roll out a comprehensive set of academic and industry-focused initiatives. These include student internships across Benilde’s hospitality and entrepreneurship programs, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world business environments. Selected courses will be micro-credentialed to better align academic offerings with the operational needs of the food and hospitality sector. Faculty and associates from both institutions will also participate in immersion and exposure trips to gain deeper insights into industry practices.

To further enrich learning, Mercato Centrale and DLS-CSB will co-host data analytics workshops and seminars that draw from Mercato’s field experience—equipping students, faculty, and the broader public with a deeper understanding of market trends and consumer behavior. Students will also take part in project-based learning alongside Mercato, solving real-world entrepreneurial challenges. These will be supported by mentorship-led class enrichment programs that bridge academic theory with practical application.

The collaboration marks a strategic alliance between two institutions committed to empowering the next generation of Filipino food entrepreneurs through accessible, experience-driven education.

For updates on enrollment and course offerings, follow Mercato Centrale on Facebook and @mercatocentraleph on Instagram

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Asahi Appliances taps TikTok Shop

By tapping into TikTok Shop’s unique ACE Indicator System—Assortment, Content, and Empowerment—Asahi Appliances has modernized its approach while staying true to its legacy.

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For over four decades, Asahi Appliances has been a household name in the Philippines, known for its durable electric fans and a broad range of home appliances. Now, the brand has found new momentum in the digital marketplace through TikTok Shop, achieving remarkable growth in the latter part of 2024. By tapping into TikTok Shop’s unique ACE Indicator System—Assortment, Content, and Empowerment—Asahi Appliances has modernized its approach while staying true to its legacy.

Asahi Appliances saw a surge in sales, growing 2,700% year-over-year from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, and 56.5% quarter-on-quarter from Q3 2024 to Q4 2024. The 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale played a key role in this momentum, driving sales nearly six (6) times higher than the 10.10 sale that same year.

Reinventing Success with Digital Innovation

Asahi Appliances’s success on TikTok Shop exemplifies how local and heritage brands can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital space. The platform’s ACE Indicator System, which guides sellers in optimizing their assortment, enhancing content, and empowering campaigns, played a central role in this transformation. By refining its product offerings, creating engaging livestreams, and maximizing ad placements, Asahi Appliances connected with a new generation of online consumers.

“TikTok Shop has given us a platform to bring our products and story to life in a way that truly resonates with today’s audience,” said Eunice T. Sy, Vice President of Asahi Appliances. “This has been an opportunity to not just sell, but to engage with our customers on a deeper level, offering them value while staying true to the quality that has defined us since 1982.”

The Power of Assortment and Engagement

Through TikTok Shop, Asahi Appliances curated exclusive offers, including discounts, bundles, and Buy 1 Get 1 deals, tailored to its audience’s preferences. This strategy drove substantial growth, with gross merchandise value (GMV) increasing by 130% quarter-on-quarter. The brand also embraced TikTok Shop’s tools, such as the Shipping Fee Program and Bonus Cashback Program, to create a seamless and appealing shopping experience.

Complementing these efforts was a robust content strategy that featured daily livestreams and collaborations with creators. During major campaigns like 11.11, the brand extended livestream durations to seven hours, engaging customers in real time and significantly increasing impressions. These efforts translated into a 361% year on year growth in livestream sales, with product impressions surging 387% quarter-on-quarter.

Building Trust in E-Commerce

Asahi Appliances’s journey on TikTok Shop reflects the broader value of operating within a safe and trustworthy e-commerce ecosystem. TikTok Shop ensures compliance with Philippine laws, including requiring Philippine Standards (PS) Licenses or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certifications for regulated products. These measures provide assurance to both sellers and consumers, reinforcing the integrity of the platform.

“Trust is the foundation of any thriving digital marketplace,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines. “At TikTok Shop, we go beyond driving growth. We are committed to building a secure and transparent ecosystem where brands like Asahi Appliances can thrive, and consumers can shop with confidence, knowing they are protected by the highest standards of compliance.”

Globally, TikTok Shop has invested over USD 500 million in safety initiatives, including the development of tools to identify and remove non-compliant products. Programs like the TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Report further demonstrate its commitment to fostering a secure marketplace.

A Blueprint for Filipino Excellence

Asahi Appliances’s transformation on TikTok Shop is more than just a business success; it is a testament to the potential of Filipino enterprise in the digital age. By blending innovation with heritage, the brand has demonstrated how traditional businesses can adapt to the demands of a new market while preserving their identity.

“This isn’t just about growing sales; it’s about showing what Filipino craftsmanship can achieve when paired with the right tools,” Sy added. “TikTok Shop has been an invaluable partner in this journey, helping us share our story with customers who value quality and authenticity.”

To explore Asahi Appliances’s innovative offerings and see how they’re embracing the digital marketplace, visit their official TikTok Shop.

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5 Trends shaping the future of online selling

The consumer ecommerce market is expected to approach $6 trillion by 2027, according to the International Trade Administration, up from roughly $4 trillion in 2024.

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Thanks to the explosion of ecommerce over the past couple decades, consumers can find virtually any product or service they can think of online. In fact, the consumer ecommerce market is expected to approach $6 trillion by 2027, according to the International Trade Administration, up from roughly $4 trillion in 2024.

A diverse collection of product segments is driving this growth, including everything from fashion and furniture to food and beverage. While major marketplace retailers still lead the category, ecommerce has become commonplace among small businesses, too. In fact, by the end of 2023, an estimated 80% of small businesses had at least basic ecommerce capabilities, according to a report by Digital Commerce 360.

However, small businesses are grappling with challenges such as inflation, supply chain issues and keeping pace with major retailers, among others, that are driving a variety of ecommerce trends in 2025 and beyond, including:

Video Content

Spurred by social media, video content is in high demand on ecommerce sites, too. Videos that explain how to use products, offer tips for using them and demonstrate projects that were completed using a product all earn favor with shoppers. In addition, videos that highlight product features, video reviews on social media and “live shopping events” on the social channels of ecommerce retailers can provide a more appealing interactive experience for shoppers.

Inclusive of the “live shopping events” trends, livestreaming is often popular among consumers as it can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to enhanced brand loyalty and engagement. Short-form videos sweeping social media also drive engagements and offer a quick, appealing way to demonstrate new or popular products.

Personalized Products

Ecommerce provides opportunities for shoppers who appreciate buying products that are uniquely their own. Online buying platforms that allow for customization of products such as shoes, clothing and drinkware can create buyer engagement and earn loyal shoppers who know they can purchase the items they want exactly to their own specifications.

In fact, a survey by McKinsey Insights found 80% of loyal customers prefer shopping with brands that offer tailored choices and personalized experiences. From color selection and accessories to performance variations, custom options can help create a highly personalized shopping experience that allow buyers to interact more directly than they would for a standardized transaction.

Beyond the initial purchase, customized reports and shipping notifications are also becoming the norm. Shippers can alert customers to their products’ delivery status – including any delays or changes – via email, text, video message or, in some cases, a customizable dashboard where consumers can view incoming shipments tied to their account or address, request a different delivery time or location, pre-sign for packages and more.

Micro Purchasing Moments

You may think phenomena like impulse buys or convenience purchases are reserved for brick-and-mortar stores, but micro-purchasing trends suggest otherwise. These purchases are typically made by someone looking for a quick solution or information in a hurry from a mobile device, such as comparing two or more similar products and clicking a “buy now” link, ordering and paying for food ahead of time to skip the line, making a hotel or excursion reservation while traveling or looking up movie showtimes and purchasing tickets from the same page. Ecommerce sites that can establish themselves as a resource, make information easy to digest and simplify the purchasing process are earning customers (and revenue).

Flexible Payment Options

Online purchases were once limited almost exclusively to credit card purchases, but over time, businesses have granted greater flexibility to shoppers when it comes to collecting payment. While this trend has been growing for several years, many contemporary ecommerce sites now accept credit or debit cards, online checks, digital wallet and mobile payment services, cryptocurrency and even installment payments via third-party providers. By 2029, the third-party payment market is expected to almost double from $62.5 billion in 2024, according to findings from Mordor Intelligence.

Simplified Shipping Options

Evolving technology isn’t just improving the browsing and purchasing side of ecommerce; shipping operations are also seeing enhancements. For example, ShipAccel, a digital platform designed by Pitney Bowes, simplifies and enhances shipping operations with advanced ecommerce technology. The platform empowers early ecommerce brands to ship like larger companies with access to discounted carrier rates; more than 80 integrations including leading marketplaces, data and insights to help make smarter shipping decisions; branded tracking; and return capabilities. It features a collection of apps, widgets and application programming interfaces to easily configure new workflows and seamlessly meet the demands of business growth.

“As ecommerce becomes a mainstay, shippers must take a technology-first approach, utilizing platforms that can grow along with the business and partnering with providers who offer deep expertise in the segment,” said Shemin Nurmohamed, president of Sending Technology Solutions at Pitney Bowes. “As a result of using technology like ShipAccel, ecommerce shippers can save money, enhance operational efficiencies and delight customers – all of which support the business’ bottom line.”

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