Strategic planning for IMC involves a five-step process. First, one must identify and select the appropriate target audience; next, determine how they make brand decisions; establish how the brand will be positioned within its marketing communication, and select a benefit to support that positioning; then set the communication strategy; and finally match the appropriate media options to that strategy to optimize delivery and processing of the message. Figure 1.4 provides an overview of the IMC strategic planning process, which will be discussed in detail in Chapter 11.