The Netflix vs. Warner Bros Showdown: What Your Business Can Learn from a TV Drama!
Ever scroll through streaming services and wonder what goes on behind the scenes? Well, it turns out the drama between Netflix and Warner Bros. (and its parent company, Discovery) isn't just about what shows you get to binge. It's a masterclass in business strategy, and honestly, every marketer should be taking notes!
Think of it like this: two giants, two totally different playbooks.
Team Netflix: The Long Game Masters
Netflix, bless their red-N hearts, has been quietly building an empire. Their strategy? Invest heavily in their own original content. We're talking hit after hit, from "Stranger Things" to "Squid Game." They own it, they control it, and it lives exclusively on their platform.
Why is this so smart? Because they're playing the long game. Every original show they make adds to a treasure chest that only they possess. It builds incredible brand loyalty. You can't watch "The Crown" anywhere else, right? This makes you stick around, year after year. They're investing in your "Customer Lifetime Value" – basically, how much you're worth to them over the entire time you're a subscriber. They understand that owning their unique "stuff" is key to keeping you hooked.
Team Warner Bros/Discovery: The Short-Term Hustlers
Now, let's look at Warner Bros. and Discovery. They've been on a different journey. They have amazing content too – think HBO, DC Comics, all that good stuff! But their strategy has often been about chasing immediate profits. They've licensed out popular shows, sold off parts of their business, and made decisions that bring in quick cash. If something isn't an instant hit, it might get sold or shelved.
It’s a bit like having a fantastic shop but always selling off your best products to other stores, or constantly changing your inventory based on what's hot right now. While it might look good on the quarterly reports, it doesn't always build that deep, long-term connection with customers. It's more transactional, less about building an unshakeable brand.
The Big "Aha!" Moment for Your Business
So, what does this streaming war have to do with your marketing? Everything!
- Are you building an empire or just making quick sales? Are your marketing efforts focused on getting that immediate click, that one-time purchase? Or are you investing in content, relationships, and unique experiences that make customers stick around for years?
- Do you own your "stuff"? Netflix owns its shows. Do you own your customer data, your unique intellectual property, your brand voice, and your direct relationship with your audience? Or are you relying heavily on third-party platforms that could change the rules tomorrow?
- Think Lifetime Value, not just immediate profit. It might cost more upfront to create something truly unique, provide stellar customer service, or build a robust community. But if it keeps customers coming back and spending more over their lifetime with you, that's a winning strategy.
The lesson from the streaming giants is clear: great marketing isn't just about flashy ads or viral trends. It's about a consistent, long-term vision that prioritizes building a valuable brand and deep customer relationships through unique assets you own and control.
So, next time you're crafting a marketing plan, ask yourself: Are you thinking like Netflix, or are you caught in the short-term hustle? Your answer might just determine your business's blockbuster future!
Original article inspiration: https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/the-netflix-warner-bros-lesson-every-marketer-should-study/