Perception of the Celebrity Endorser : A study of how age and gender influences the consumer perception

Abstract: Background The concept of celebrity endorsement is a constantly growing marketing communication tool. A recent example of when the usage of celebrities within advertising has been successful is the case of Zlatan Ibrahimovic endorsing Volvo. Because of the expansive usage of celebrities in advertising as well as the ongoing increase of competition, the development for further efficiency in celebrity endorsement is essential for creating efficient advertisements. The foundation of this thesis relies upon the meaning transfer model (McCracken, 1989) as well as the source effects model (Ohanian, 1990). Purpose This thesis intends to investigate how the different source effects within celebrity endorsement are appealing to the various consumers based on their age and gender. To be able to further investigate into the nature of the differences between genders, we will observe how gender stereotypical- and gender neutral products are perceived by the consumers and the role that the gender of the endorser plays in celebrity endorsement. Method In order to fulfill the purpose of this thesis, an abductive study was conducted by the usage of both quantitative and qualitative data. The data was collected through a questionnaire, both among the members of Bryngfjorden GK and students at Jönköping International Business School, and focus groups with participants representing the overall population of Sweden. Conclusion We have identified numerous of different characteristics of the consumers that will influence their perception of celebrity endorsers in advertisements, thus depending on age and gender. Mainly we have found is that younger consumers put a large emphasis on the attractiveness effect of the celebrity endorser compared to older people who rather emphasize on the credibility effects of the endorser. Further we have found explanations for how different product types are dependent on the gender of the consumer, as well as the gender of the endorser, for creating an effective advertising message.