Which of the following is NOT typically associated with the decline phase of the product lifecycle?

The decline phase of the product lifecycle is characterized by a decrease in sales and profitability, often leading companies to adjust their strategies accordingly. During this phase, minimal advertising needs are common, as the focus shifts away from trying to attract new customers to managing the remnants of the product's presence in the market. Companies often place emphasis on reducing operational costs to maintain profit margins, and they may also seek to retain any remaining customer base—a goal that does not typically involve increasing customer loyalty.

Focusing on product awareness, however, is generally not a priority during this phase. As the product begins to be phased out, companies often shift their efforts to other, more promising products rather than spending resources to create awareness for a declining product that may not have long-term viability. This makes the act of trying to raise product awareness less aligned with the realities of what occurs in the decline phase.