Neuromarketing: Why our brain buys faster than we think
How companies use neuromarketing, decode the secrets of our brain and influence them in a targeted manner.
Does this sound familiar? You go to the supermarket just to pick up a carton of milk. But suddenly you leave the store with a bag of snacks, a new toothpaste (even though you still have one at home) and – oh yes – the milk, if you remembered. What has happened? Quite simply: your brain has long since decided before you even realize that you have decided. Welcome to the fascinating world of neuromarketing!
The invisible power of the brain
Our brain makes thousands of decisions every day – most of them without our conscious intervention. It would be too exhausting to think long and hard every time about whether we should buy the red or the blue tube of toothpaste. And this is exactly where neuromarketing comes in: It investigates how our brain reacts to advertising, brands and incentives to buy.
Researchers use high-tech methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or EEGs to find out which stimuli make our brains light up. And surprise: it turns out that we are often not as rational as we think.
A classic example? The Coke-Pepsi study. Tasted blind, Pepsi often wins against Coca-Cola. But as soon as the test subjects know what they are drinking, they prefer Coke – because our brain not only evaluates taste, but also what we associate with a brand.
Why we tick the way we do
Our decisions are a mix of instinct, emotions and a bit of rational thinking – in that order. The “limbic system”, the emotional core of our brain, often makes decisions faster than our intellect can keep up.
External stimuli – colors, scents, music – control our behavior without us realizing it. Why do fast food chains use red? Because it signals hunger and energy. Why do blue bank logos make us feel safe? Because blue stands for calm and trust. And why do people in commercials always look so incredibly happy with their new shampoo? Because our brain whispers to us: “You want that too.”
How companies use neuromarketing to trick our brains
Companies have long understood how our brain works – and are playing their cards cleverly. Amazon places the “Buy now” button exactly where we impulsively click on it, Netflix tailors thumbnails to maximize our attention, and supermarkets tweak the lighting and music to subconsciously steer our buying behavior.
But don’t worry, this isn’t just evil manipulation. Neuromarketing also helps to make advertising more enjoyable and relevant, adapt products to real needs and ultimately improve the shopping experience.
Brain research in everyday life: three ingenious examples
- The scent of buying seduction
Have you ever wondered why it always smells so heavenly like fresh bread in a bakery – even when nothing is coming out of the oven? That’s right, it’s intentional. Studies show that pleasant scents increase the time we spend in stores and make us more likely to buy. That’s why supermarkets specifically use fragrances to get us into “I’ll buy more” mode.
- Music that controls us
French music in the supermarket? Suddenly more people are reaching for Bordeaux. German brass band music? Zack, the Riesling sells better. Music not only influences our mood, but also our decisions.
By the way: this also works with tempo. Slow music makes us stroll through the store more leisurely – and buy more. Fast beats? Perfect for getting us to eat and pay faster in restaurants.
- Prices that trick our brain
Why does something cost €9.99 and not just €10? Because our brain clings to the first number. 9 sounds cheaper than 10, even if it’s only a single cent difference. And then there’s the “anchor” method: expensive products are strategically placed next to cheaper ones to make the latter seem like a bargain. The result? We feel clever – and buy.
Expert knowledge at first hand
If you want to experience the whole thing at first hand, you can be inspired by the leading experts. At Premium Speakers, we bring together the top speakers from the fields of brain research and neuromarketing. In presentations, they reveal the latest tricks that companies use to influence our brains (and our wallets) – and show how we can use this knowledge to our advantage.
Guaranteed not a call center but our real team can be reached at 1 (704) 804 1054 or by e-mail welcome@premium-speakers.com