The Psychology of Marketing

What does psychology have to do with marketing, you may wonder. The best marketing and sales professionals have a basic understanding of psychology. Ask yourself: what is it that people truly want. What are their desires and motivations? What truly drives them? Once you have found the answers to these questions and more-you are ready to be a successful marketer. Knowing what your customers are thinking is one sure-fire way to position yourself to provide it to them.

Thus, your product is not at the center of your marketing campaign, but, your customer is. Your product is merely a backdrop to the central object-so, treat it as such. Position your marketing so that you realize how your product can make their lives easier, healthier, more romantic-and in general, more complete.

You are not selling just a comfy couch but you are selling the idea of luxury and elegance...this particular couch is one item upon which your customer's life will revolve for a long time to come. Whether it's in the living room or the family room- it is undoubtedly one of the first items anyone will notice. Paint a picture of that luxury and elegance that your customer has been seeking. The car shopper interested in purchasing the SUV is not so much interested in purchasing 4-wheel drive as she is interested in purchasing the idea of convienience and amenities. The good marketer will always have the ideals of the consumer foremost in mind. Therefore, always make sure to keep broad motivations in mind when planning your marketing campaign.

Just as there are good things to do in a marketing campaign, there are also several traps to avoid. Here are three big ones!

1. Failure to market to a defined group is a big no-no. Always make sure to find your target audience and direct your marketing efforts to that specific audience. Trying to appeal to everyone at all times typically does not work. As the age old saying goes-no one wants a "jack of all trades" who has "mastered none."

2. Also, having consistency in your marketing efforts is a good way to boost profits. You need to have the same look and feel across all of your ads, promotions, and overall marketing plan. If you're sending out any mail (even if it's to the telephone company)-make sure to take every effort to get your slogan and logo out there. Get specially made envelopes and make sure that every piece of paper that goes out from your company is equipped with your company's letterhead. This is just one cost-effective way to promote your business. Also, Hook up with some promotional advertising companies and come up with a way to make your direct mail campaigns really work for you. Get t-shirts and mugs with your logo ready for the holidays. Send out flashy pens with your next mailer to the big companies you hope to attract with your service. Add to that a follow up call and you're sure to be remembered.

BUT, make sure that you NEVER go overboard! If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. And too much hype will only turn a potential customer away. Do not insult your audience's intelligence with flowery gimmecks and puffed up language. Let your company stand out by building credibility with reliable service and great customer relationship-building. Make a lasting impression by paying attention to the small things that really count: quality, professionalism and efficiency.

Fore more tips on how to make your business better for much less, please email betterbizservices@yahoo.com OR check out the website to review our wonderful list of products and services at http://www.betterbizservices.com/.

Good luck!