Final answer:
A marketing communications audit is the initial step in the advertising planning process, where a planner gathers and analyzes marketing materials from the brand and competitors to inform strategy development.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting the advertising planning process, the planner will often begin by gathering a comprehensive collection of the brand's advertising and marketing materials, along with those of its competitors and other related categories. This initial step is commonly referred to as a marketing communication audit. It provides a baseline understanding of the market communication landscape, which is essential for crafting effective advertising strategies that can differentiate a product from its competitors and possibly change consumers' perceptions. Through analysis of various modes and media, the planner decides how to best convey the advertising message to the target audience, considering the synergistic advertising practices that ensure a consistent message is delivered across multiple platforms.