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The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of halal brands, brand image, and price perceptions on the motivation and purchasing choices of Wardah consumers, as well as to identify the psychological and behavioral factors underlying the phenomenon of "The Wardah Effect" among Indonesian people. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach supported by qualitative data. A total of 21 Wardah respondents aged 18 to 27 years old in Kudus were selected as respondents through purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected online using a questionnaire with a Likert scale and open-ended questions. The results showed that three main factors greatly influenced "The Wardah Effect", namely value (halal image and pride in local products), economic efficiency (affordable prices), and ease of access (easy to find). Most respondents felt proud of local products (81.0%), found the prices offered affordable (95.2% agreed), and thought that the products were easy to find (90.5%). Halal imagery is also the most influential component, which provides a sense of security and trust (76.2% fully agree). Promotions and advertisements had an impact on 80.9% of respondents. It was concluded that Wardah's purchase decision was based on three types of rationality, namely economic, cultural, and ideological, as well as social-digital, thus making Wardah a symbol of identity and social values for the younger generation.

This study aims to analyze consumer behavior towards two ready-to-drink beverage brands, Wedrink and Mixue, in Kudus Regency, as well as the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence consumer preferences. The method used is descriptive quantitative with 26 respondents aged <18 to >27 years, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a 20-item Likert scale questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The results show that consumer preferences are influenced by the taste of the drink, ease of access, price/promotion, as well as social and social media influence. The consumption of trendy drinks like Wedrink and Mixue not only satisfies physiological needs but also serves as a means of self-reward, relaxation, and social identity affirmation. Consumers tend to choose Mixue due to its ease of access and greater number of outlets, while Wedrink attracts attention with its distinctive flavor variants and unique experience. This study shows that the behavior of young consumers is influenced by a combination of rational, emotional, and symbolic factors, with social media playing a significant role in shaping brand perceptions and preferences. These findings provide insights for producers in designing marketing strategies that consider the social and emotional dimensions of consumers.

This study aims to analyze gender representation in the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil advertisement using Sara Mills’ Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach. The advertisement functions not only as a promotional medium for hair-care products but also as a site of meaning production that shapes social constructions of beauty, women’s roles, and power relations within society. Through the visuals and narrative presented, women are portrayed as the central focus as well as symbols of ideal beauty, characterized by shiny hair, an elegant appearance, and a confident demeanor. The analysis shows that women in the advertisement are positioned primarily as visual objects, while the L’Oréal Paris brand takes the role of the subject that provides solutions to women’s problems—specifically damaged hair. The use of the iconic slogan “Because you’re worth it” constructs a discourse suggesting that women’s self-worth and personal value are closely tied to physical appearance, especially the condition of their hair. Thus, the advertisement not only delivers commercial messages but also carries ideological implications about beauty standards that women are expected to meet. This study concludes that advertising plays a crucial role in reproducing contemporary gender norms and influences how society interprets women’s identity and value through the visual representations it presents.

This community service activity aims to improve the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) UP2K Unyur Makmur in Unyur Village, Serang City, Banten through the application of digitalisation and product packaging innovation. The main problems faced by partners are limitations in the use of digital technology for marketing and packaging designs that are unattractive and do not reflect the identity of local products. The methods used in this activity include socialisation, training, mentoring, and evaluation of the implementation of digital marketing strategies and packaging design development. The results of this activity show an increase in the ability of MSME actors to use digital media such as marketplaces, social media marketing, and simple graphic design for product promotion. In addition, the packaging innovations introduced were able to increase the aesthetic value and appeal of products in the eyes of consumers. The tangible impact of this activity was an increase in MSME actors' awareness of the importance of digitalisation and packaging innovation in expanding markets and strengthening brand image. This activity is expected to become a model for digital and creative MSME empowerment in the Serang area and its surroundings.

This study analyzes the optimization of creative content production on the TikTok platform of Garuda Systrain Interindo, a company engaged in occupational safety and health (K3) certification services. The research aims to (1) identify how the content production process is optimized and (2) examine how such optimization improves the effectiveness of creative content based on the principles of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation of the company’s TikTok content, documentation, and analysis of content performance indicators. The results show that the optimization process includes structured planning through content planning sheets, determination of content pillars, talent briefing, consistency in editing style, and template standardization. These efforts are supported by post-production activities such as scheduling, performance monitoring, and evaluation through TikTok Analytics. Furthermore, the optimization significantly enhances content effectiveness, as indicated by increased engagement, reach, and stable performance of educational content. The implementation of IMC particularly in terms of message consistency, visual uniformity, and brand identity integration strengthens brand awareness and improves the clarity of K3 educational messages delivered to audiences. Overall, optimized and IMC-based content production contributes to more effective digital communication and strengthens the company’s professional image on social media.  

This study aims to analyze the strategies implemented by Hotel Abadi in Serang City to maintain its image and reputation amidst the increasingly competitive hotel industry and pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive qualitative approach was used with a SWOT analysis technique to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the hotel. The results show that Hotel Abadi still relies on the strength of social relationships and loyalty of existing customers as reputation capital, but has not been able to manage its image comprehensively in accordance with the principles of image management theory. The communication strategies used are still conventional, such as banners and direct promotions, and have not yet touched on the realm of digital branding and professional management of customer feedback. On the other hand, the threat from new, more modern hotels that are more adaptive to technological developments is an urgent external challenge that requires a strategic response. Hotel Abadi must also pay more attention to service quality, not only from the physical side but also the overall customer experience. Given the rapid development of technology, management needs to formulate a more targeted and effective digital communication strategy to reach a wider audience through social media and websites. Hotel Abadi is advised to undertake a strategic transformation that is not only promotion-oriented, but also includes strengthening brand identity, improving service quality based on customer needs, and structured reputation management with an image management approach.

The Community Service Program (KKN) from the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra in 2025 took place in Dolok Kahean Village, Tapian Dolok District, Simalungun Regency, with the theme "Entrepreneurship as a Solution for Community Economic Empowerment. " The main objective of this activity was to improve the competence of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by implementing digital marketing strategies and strengthening local product brands, especially rengginang businesses. The methods applied included observation, interviews, socialization, and participatory training. The core program included logo and product identity creation, photography training and promotional content editing, social media account creation, and education on Go Digital Safe for the community. The results of this activity showed an increase in the skills of MSMEs in using digital media for promotion, expanding market share, and increasing product competitiveness. In addition, students gained practical insights in the application of entrepreneurship, communication, and social project management. The main challenges faced, namely the lack of internet access and low digital literacy in the community, can be overcome through a direct approach and intensive mentoring. Overall, the KKN program has been successful in strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and the community and has become an example of digital-based economic empowerment at the village level.

The Community Service Program (KKN) from the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra in 2025 took place in Dolok Kahean Village, Tapian Dolok District, Simalungun Regency, with the theme "Entrepreneurship as a Solution for Community Economic Empowerment. " The main objective of this activity was to improve the competence of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by implementing digital marketing strategies and strengthening local product brands, especially rengginang businesses. The methods applied included observation, interviews, socialization, and participatory training. The core program included logo and product identity creation, photography training and promotional content editing, social media account creation, and education on Go Digital Safe for the community. The results of this activity showed an increase in the skills of MSMEs in using digital media for promotion, expanding market share, and increasing product competitiveness. In addition, students gained practical insights in the application of entrepreneurship, communication, and social project management. The main challenges faced, namely the lack of internet access and low digital literacy in the community, can be overcome through a direct approach and intensive mentoring. Overall, the KKN program has been successful in strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and the community and has become an example of digital-based economic empowerment at the village level.

The current increasingly fierce business competition, coupled with the emergence of new businesses, has prompted businesspeople to seek ways to dominate and maintain their market share, including in the skincare and cosmetics business. The purpose of this study is to identify brand ambassadors, to identify Instagram content, to identify brand image, to partially measure the influence of Kim Soo Hyun as a brand ambassador on brand image, to partially measure the influence of Instagram content on brand image, and to simultaneously measure the influence of brand ambassadors and Instagram content on brand image. The theory used for variable X1 is brand ambassador with the dimensions of visibility, credibility, attractiveness, and power. X2 is Instagram content with the dimensions of credible, shareable, useful or fun, interesting, relevant, different, and on brand. Variable Y is brand image with the dimensions of brand identity, brand personality, brand association, brand attitude, and behavior. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire distributed to 135 respondents who are followers of the @youbeauty_idn account. The data analysis technique used was multiple linear regression. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling. The results of this study showed that the partial effect of X1 on Y was 44.7%, the partial effect of X2 on Y was 70.5%, and the simultaneous effect of X1 and X2 on Y was 71.8%, with the remaining 28.2% being influenced by factors outside the variables.  

This study aims to analyze the influence of Brand Awareness and lifestyle on the purchase intention of IQOS products in Medan City. The background of this research is based on the shifting consumption patterns of urban society, which increasingly prioritizes health and modern lifestyles, leading to a transition from conventional cigarettes to alternative tobacco products. The research method applied is quantitative with an associative approach, using questionnaires and literature studies. The results show that Brand Awareness has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention, with recognition as the most dominant indicator. Lifestyle also significantly affects purchase intention, with opinion as the most influential indicator. Simultaneously, Brand Awareness and lifestyle have a significant impact on purchase intention, with exploratory interest as the highest indicator. These findings emphasize that strong brand identity and lifestyle compatibility are key factors in enhancing consumer interest and potential purchases of IQOS in the urban market.

Advancements in modern information technology continuously require companies to present complex data more effectively, especially within the scope of sales management and business decision-making. Dashboards are essential, interactive tools that enable professionals and managers to make strategic decisions quickly, confidently, and based on accurate data visualization. This study focuses on designing an intuitive and user-centered Sales Monitoring Dashboard UI/UX for One Direction at PT. XYZ by applying the five iterative stages of the Design Thinking method, namely empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Key user needs identified include real-time performance summaries, streamlined navigation flow, informative visual hierarchy, and visuals that remain consistent with corporate identity and brand values. The System Usability Scale (SUS) test involving 19 respondents resulted in an excellent average score of 80.92. These findings demonstrate that the Design Thinking approach effectively produces a user-friendly, consistent, and data-driven dashboard interface that supports timely, accurate, and informed business decisions.

This community service activity stems from a core challenge faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Semarang City: the difficulty in consistently producing high-quality promotional visual content, primarily due to budget constraints and the lack of professional design skills. This condition severely hampers their competitiveness in the digital marketplace. The main goal of this activity was to enhance the technical capability of MSME participants in using Gemini AI as a multimodal model to generate professional, ready-to-use visual assets, thereby achieving significant cost and time production efficiency. The solution offered was a hands-on training focusing on Prompt Engineering defined as the art of formulating detailed commands to control the AI's output. The activity was conducted through an intensive workshop and case study mentorship for 25 MSME actors. The evaluation results demonstrated a highly significant increase in competence. The participants' average cognitive score drastically rose from 48.5% on the pre-test to 87.9% on the post-test, proving the successful mastery of Prompt Engineering. Applied results showed that participants were able to produce product visual assets with an average quality of 87.5%. Participant satisfaction reached 95.0%, especially concerning the indicators of cost and time efficiency. This activity successfully democratized design, empowering MSMEs to be self-sufficient in content production, and tangibly strengthening their brand identity and competitiveness across digital platforms.

This study aims to analyse the strategies implemented by Kopi Kenangan MSMEs, particularly the branch at Jl. Pancing No. 184 Medan, in facing the challenges of globalisation and penetrating the international market. The method used is a case study with a descriptive qualitative approach through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study show that Kopi Kenangan is well prepared to compete in the global market through strengthening internal management, utilising digital technology, and building a brand image based on Indonesian coffee identity. The expansion strategies implemented include selecting markets with cultural proximity, adapting products to local preferences, and collaborating with international partners. The main obstacles faced include competition with global brands, differences in consumer tastes, financial constraints, and export regulations. However, business opportunities remain wide open in line with the increasing global coffee consumption trend, interest in authentic local products, and government support in promoting and facilitating MSMEs. This study concludes that the success of MSME internationalisation is largely determined by the synergy between internal company quality, digitalisation, partnership networks, and external support from the government.

The digital transformation era requires university students to develop digital literacy competencies that not only support academic activities but also serve as essential capital for entering the workforce and pursuing entrepreneurship. One relevant professional platform to enhance career readiness is LinkedIn, which serves as a medium for both personal branding and professional networking. This community service aimed to improve students’ digital literacy and career readiness through mentoring sessions on LinkedIn account optimization. The program involved the students from the English Education (TBI) and Physics Education (TFS) study programs at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, UIN Palangka Raya, comprising prospective teachers and professionals across various disciplines. The implementation was carried out through tutorials and direct mentoring in two sessions, covering account creation, developing professional headlines and summaries, adding skills and experiences, and uploading simple portfolios. The results indicated that all participants successfully created or improved their LinkedIn profiles, actively engaged in the activities, and demonstrated a greater awareness of the importance of a professional digital identity, which can be seen from the students’ participation, the quality of the profiles produced, and their commitment to continuously developing their LinkedIn accounts. The program highlights LinkedIn’s strategic role in strengthening digital literacy and career readiness among university students in the global era.

Optimizing Branding and Digital Marketing as an urgent solution for local MSMEs, particularly Rengginang producer Ibu Saliem in Dolok Kahean Village. This MSME was previously limited to traditional marketing, which hampered market expansion and competitiveness. This community service aims to transform this local business to be competitive in the digital era. The method used is descriptive qualitative with stages of observation, socialization, and program implementation. The main intervention includes the creation of the Rengginang Huta brand identity with a professional logo design. This new logo combines elements of the business's heritage since 1989 and integrated contact information, which strategically increases the selling value and credibility of the product. The second pillar is the implementation of Digital Marketing through the creation of the Instagram account @rengginanghuta_ibusaliem. This account serves as a virtual storefront to overcome geographical limitations and increase reach to a wider consumer base. Intensive training was also provided on content strategies that focus on credibility, sales (Call to Action), and interaction. The results of this community service confirm that the integration of strong and authentic branding with digital marketing strategies is a key catalyst for MSMEs to transform and increase sales turnover. The next challenge lies in the sustainability of content strategies and independent account management by MSMEs to achieve optimal economic potential for Dolok Kahean Village.

Tourism development plays a vital role in attracting visitors, while destination branding contributes to shaping a positive image and a strong identity for the destination. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the hotel owner, manager, and staff. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of tourism development and destination branding on the occupancy rate at Raja Hotel Samosir Parbaba. The findings reveal that tourism development around Parbaba White Sand Beach has positively contributed to increasing hotel occupancy, particularly through infrastructure improvements and enhancement of local attractions. Meanwhile, the hotel's branding strategies—highlighting Batak local culture, digital promotion, and local wisdom-based guest experiences—have successfully created a unique appeal for tourists. The synergy between tourism development and branding has proven effective in boosting occupancy rates, especially during holiday seasons and local events. This study concludes that integrated tourism development and destination branding not only increase the number of visitors but also strengthen the hotel's position in the tourism industry. Therefore, sustainable tourism development and appropriate branding strategies are essential for enhancing the competitiveness of hotels and the broader hospitality sector in tourist destinations.

The training activity of creating video content to build personal branding on social media for Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) in Margadana District, Tegal City is a strategic effort to increase the capacity and creativity of the younger generation in the digital era. This training is motivated by the rapid development of information technology and social media, which makes the ability to manage self-image or personal branding a crucial aspect in developing the potential of individuals and organizations. Through this activity, Karang Taruna members are given an understanding of the basic concepts of personal branding, strategies for building a positive digital identity, as well as technical skills in designing and producing engaging, educational video content that suits the character of each participant. In addition to theory, participants are also trained practically in the video creation process from planning ideas, shooting, to editing using simple software. It is hoped that through this training, Karang Taruna youth will be able to utilize social media productively as a platform for promoting social activities, developing self-potential, and spreading positive values in the community. This activity also serves as a means to strengthen the existence of Karang Taruna as a youth organization that is adaptive to technological advances and plays an active role in building a positive image of the younger generation at the local and global levels. Thus, this training not only provides technical skills, but also forms a creative, innovative, and responsible mindset in the use of digital media.

The training activity of creating video content to build personal branding on social media for Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) in Margadana District, Tegal City is a strategic effort to increase the capacity and creativity of the younger generation in the digital era. This training is motivated by the rapid development of information technology and social media, which makes the ability to manage self-image or personal branding a crucial aspect in developing the potential of individuals and organizations. Through this activity, Karang Taruna members are given an understanding of the basic concepts of personal branding, strategies for building a positive digital identity, as well as technical skills in designing and producing engaging, educational video content that suits the character of each participant. In addition to theory, participants are also trained practically in the video creation process from planning ideas, shooting, to editing using simple software. It is hoped that through this training, Karang Taruna youth will be able to utilize social media productively as a platform for promoting social activities, developing self-potential, and spreading positive values in the community. This activity also serves as a means to strengthen the existence of Karang Taruna as a youth organization that is adaptive to technological advances and plays an active role in building a positive image of the younger generation at the local and global levels. Thus, this training not only provides technical skills, but also forms a creative, innovative, and responsible mindset in the use of digital media.

This study explores the implementation of communication strategies in building personal branding on YouTube, with a particular focus on the micro-gaming content creator bioplazee. Using a qualitative approach, this research adopts a systematic literature review method by analyzing scientific journals, academic books, and other relevant sources published within the last five years. In addition, empirical analysis is conducted on the bioplazee YouTube channel to observe real-world applications of communication and branding practices. The study finds that communication strategies serve as a fundamental component in shaping audience perceptions, fostering engagement, and differentiating content creators in an increasingly competitive digital space. For micro-creators with limited resources (352 subscribers), authenticity and local cultural elements—such as using a Javanese accent and adapting to trending game themes—are found to be powerful tools for building a unique identity. However, the research also identifies gaps between theoretical models and practical execution, especially in maintaining message consistency, systematic content planning, and collaborative networking. These findings emphasize the importance of developing more structured, adaptive, and sustainable communication strategies for micro-creators to strengthen their personal branding, attract a loyal audience base, and achieve long-term growth in the dynamic landscape of digital content creation.

This study examines community empowerment in the development of Ulos Ragi Hotang in Desa Meat, Kecamatan Tampahan, Kabupaten Toba. Ulos Ragi Hotang is a cultural heritage of Batak Toba, rich in philosophical and historical meaning, with great potential as a creative economy product. The focus of this research is on the forms and strategies of community empowerment to preserve cultural heritage, increase economic added value, and support Desa Meat as a cultural tourism destination. The research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection through observation, in-depth interviews with local weavers, traditional leaders, Pokdarwis managers, and the Tourism Department, as well as field documentation. The results show that empowerment is carried out through the improvement of weaving skills, community-based weaving groups, and training in production and marketing. Empowerment strategies include traditional marketing, digital promotion, strengthening tourism village institutions, product branding development, and involving the younger generation. Supporting factors include local cultural wealth and government support, while challenges include low digital literacy and limited market access. This study concludes that local community empowerment plays a significant role in the preservation of Ulos Ragi Hotang and creates sustainable creative economic opportunities, while also strengthening the cultural identity of Batak Toba.