In marketing, secret codes have proven to be a potent tool to foster loyalty and generate cult-like followings. These "codes" can be anything from special offers, limited-edition items, or even insider jargon that makes consumers feel part of an elite group. By...

In the digital era and era of social media and online marketing, the size of the audience is tantamount to success. How much of this audience, though, consists of real people? With the advent of the bot—automated profiles set up to simulate human...

Each brand hopes to be remembered, but the ultimate measure of success is when its name is used as a verb. Consider how we use "Google it" rather than "search online" or "Uber it" when we require a ride. This kind of linguistic evolution doesn't occur...

The 'illusion of choice' is a psychological effect in which individuals believe they are in control of a decision when, in fact, their choices are subtly manipulated. In online marketing, this phenomenon is important in maximizing click-through rates (CTR). When...

Fake reviews still have an impact on consumers, even if individuals think they're not genuine. This may seem counterintuitive, but psychology can shed some light on why. Social proof is one significant factor. People trust products or services that are popular....

Have you ever purchased something and then just left it untouched? You're not alone. Individuals frequently purchase things they never use, and psychology has a number of explanations for this bizarre behavior. The Illusion of Need Store owners are experts at...

Ever wondered why some of the greatest brands leave you waiting before you're allowed access to their wares? This isn't mere procrastination—it's a masterful marketing ploy that leverages psychology to create demand, exclusivity, and anticipation. Fundamentally,...

In a competition-led world, brands are turning the tables the wrong way around—building their own fake competitors. Why so? This phenomenon of "faux-rivalry marketing" enables brands to create buzz, boost engagement, and dictate the agenda. By creating a made-up...

As with humans, brands possess personalities that determine how customers see and engage with them. A brand's personality is not only about appearance—it's tone, values, and feelings it conveys. Its personality is vital in the creation of customer loyalty. Why...

Certain brand names might appear to be typos, but these misspellings are actually deliberate marketing ploys. Lyft, Flickr, and Krispy Kreme don't mess with spellings for the heck of it—it's a marketing strategy that makes sense in an overcrowded market. One of the...