Stages of the buyer’s decision process, including problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior.
Did you know that 95% of our brain’s activity happens unconsciously? The moment we become aware of our existence, we are only engaging a mere 5% of our cognitive resources. This means that the vast majority of our thoughts, decisions, and actions occur without us even realizing it.
The primal brain, also known as the reptilian brain, is the most ancient part of our brain evolved to ensure survival. Its core function is to trigger fast, instinctive reactions to threats or opportunities, often before we even become consciously aware of them. In today’s marketing landscape, this instinct still governs many of our decisions, especially when they’re made in seconds.
The primal brain—our most ancient and instinct-driven part of the brain—plays a crucial role in decision-making. Marketers can leverage this by crafting messages that speak directly to this part of the brain, triggering impulsive actions and driving consumer behavior. But how exactly do you sell to the primal brain? Here are the six key messages you need to send to influence it effectively.
What happens in the brain when a consumer decides to make a purchase? According to a study by Knutson et al. (2007), three critical brain areas play a pivotal role in determining whether or not a person makes a purchase: the nucleus accumbens, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the insula. Each of these regions contributes to different aspects of the decision-making process, from anticipating pleasure to managing potential discomfort. Understanding how these areas interact can help marketers craft strategies that tap into the brain’s decision-making circuitry.
Is there really a “buy button” in the brain that marketers can activate to influence purchasing decisions? This question often arises during sales training seminars, and it’s easy to see why the idea captivates both marketers and sales professionals alike. Imagine being able to push a button in a consumer’s brain and trigger an immediate purchase. While it may sound like a fantasy, neuromarketing research has uncovered insights into how certain areas of the brain, particularly the nucleus accumbens and the anterior cingulate cortex, play key roles in driving buying behavior.
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in consumers after a purchase when they feel discomfort about their decision. This discomfort is caused by doubts or contradictions between the consumer’s expectations and the reality of the purchase. This feeling can lead to post-purchase behaviors such as product returns, feelings of regret, or seeking justification to support the initial decision. Understanding cognitive dissonance helps marketers develop strategies to reduce these doubts and improve customer satisfaction.