2. Social Proof Bias – Herd Behavior at Its Best
Humans trust what others trust. That’s why 5-star reviews and testimonial sliders aren’t just optional—they’re essential.
Real-World Example:
Amazon capitalizes on this bias through user reviews, “Best Seller” tags, and “Customers also bought” sections. It’s peer approval at scale.
Subscription services like HelloFresh or Dollar Shave Club show how many users just signed up or feature video testimonials on landing pages. These cues validate the brand’s popularity and build trust.
Tip: Encourage customers to share their experience on social media and embed that UGC (user-generated content) on your site or emails.
Also Read : Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Campaign: A Marketing Masterclass
3. Anchoring Bias – First Impressions Shape Value
Anchoring happens when people heavily rely on the first piece of information they see. For marketers, it’s an opportunity to set the “anchor” value high—then offer a more appealing deal.
Real-World Example:
Williams Sonoma originally struggled to sell a $275 bread maker. When they introduced a $400 version next to it, sales of the $275 model doubled. The expensive anchor made the original feel like a bargain.
E-commerce Brands:
Fashion retailers like J.Crew often list “original price” next to the discounted one. It frames the sale as a win for the buyer—even if the markup was artificially high to begin with.
✅ Continue reading… for two more powerful psychological tricks marketers use—and how big names like Apple and Netflix apply them masterfully.
