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Why is your marketing message unconvincing? š¾
#15ā All things 5 stages of awareness. Discover how the 5 stages of awareness in advertising can transform your marketing strategy. Learn simple, actionable steps to improve engagement and drive conversions.

Hi there,
Ever felt like your marketing just isnāt hitting the mark? I used to wonder why some campaigns resonated deeply while others barely made a ripple. Then I discovered Eugene Schwartzās 5 Stages of Awareness, a framework that completely changed the game for me.
The 5 Stages of Awareness: A Quick Rundown
Eugene Schwartz, a legend in direct response marketing, broke down the customer mindset into five distinct stages:
Completely Unaware:
Your potential customer has no idea they have a problem or that a solution exists.
Problem Aware:
They know somethingās off, but theyāre not sure whatās causing it.Solution Aware:
They understand that solutions exist, yet havenāt found the one thatās right for them.Product Aware:
Theyāre aware of your product, but arenāt fully convinced itās the best fit.Most Aware:
Theyāre ready to buy because they understand exactly how your product solves their problem.
Why This Matters for Startups
In our fast-moving sectorsātech, edtech, and gamingāunderstanding where your prospects fall on this spectrum can mean the difference between a campaign that clicks and one that falls flat.
š” Research shows that targeted messaging increases conversion rates by up to 202% when you speak directly to your audienceās level of awareness.
Need more convincing? Check the case study below ⤵ļø
š Case Study: AFK Arena (Lilith Games)
Problem-Aware Audience: Mobile gamers who recognized they lacked time for traditional grind-heavy RPGs but still wanted engaging gameplay.
Tailored Messaging: Lilith Games emphasized the gameās idle (AFK) mechanics, positioning it as a solution to time constraints. Ads showcased players progressing even while offline, with slogans like āPlay at Your Own Paceā and āNo Grinding Required.ā
Result:
The game surged in popularity, particularly in Western markets, reaching Top 10 RPG downloads on iOS/Android in over 50 countries (2019-2020).
Revenue exceeded $1 billion by 2021, attributed to resonating with time-strapped players.
App Annie (now data.ai) highlighted this strategy as key to its success, noting its alignment with modern gamersā needs.
Why It Worked:
Precise Targeting: Addressed a clear pain point (lack of time) without overselling mechanics.
Creative Ads: Demonstrated gameplay requiring minimal active effort, appealing to casual and busy users.
Community Building: Engaged players through regular updates and events, reinforcing the game as a sustainable solution.
This example illustrates how identifying a problem-aware audience and aligning messaging to their needs can drive significant growth.
How to Leverage These Stages in Your Marketing
1ļøā£ Tailor Your Messaging:
Donāt use one-size-fits-all messaging. Create content that meets prospects exactly where they are. For example, if youāre targeting those who are problem aware, focus on the pain points rather than immediately selling your product.
2ļøā£ Nurture with Education:
For the ācompletely unawareā and āproblem awareā stages, invest in content that educatesāblogs, explainer videos, or even webinars that highlight the challenges your audience faces.
3ļøā£ Showcase Proof:
Once prospects are āsolutionā or āproduct aware,ā demonstrate why your solution works. Use case studies, testimonials, and data-driven results to push them towards becoming āmost aware.ā
4ļøā£ Craft a Clear Call to Action:
At every stage, ensure your call-to-action is specific and tailored. Whether itās a free demo, a case study download, or a consultation call, make it crystal clear what they should do next.
Ready for More?
Iāve been diving deep into these strategies and uncovering more actionable insights to help startups like yours not only capture attention but truly convert. When youāre ready, check my new website to see how I can help you ⤵ļø
Check it out here: https://www.ahlemmahroua.com
To sum it up: Understanding and applying the 5 Stages of Awareness is like having a secret playbook for your marketing strategy. It helps you speak directly to your audienceās mindset, ultimately driving more engagement and higher conversion rates.
Letās take your marketing to the next level, one stage at a time.
Talk soon,
Ahlem Mahroua
Your Growth Marketing Partner
P.S. If you found these insights valuable, forward this email to a colleague who might benefit.
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