RM MAGAZINE issue 7 RM MAGAZINE issue 7 2018 | Page 32

F E AT U R E A R T I C L E SnapSHOT Psychological Strategies Techniques that drive customer purchasing decisions by Melissa Kalan – Founding Director, ARMA I n todays’ competitive digital business environment, you absolutely must take advantage of all leverage tactics available to convert visitors to your website into paying customers. That can often mean using powerful psychological tactics to do exactly that. Savvy marketers all over the world are making use of pricing psychology to improve their bottom line. Let’s take a snapshot look at a couple of these powerful tactics: Social Proof Consumers today can be wary and even distrustful of traditional marketing and advertising. These savvy buyers assume businesses will say anything and everything to boost sales, which is why getting your customers to do the heavy lifting for you is so important. Leverage the power of social media to boost your conversions by getting buzz and conversations going about your products and your services. When you say things about your business its boastful and can be discounted, when customers say the same thing it’s powerfully persuasive. Scarcity By leveraging scarcity effectively (especially in the form of “timed offers” that disappear when the timer hits zero) you’re able to boost sales much more than if no psychological tactics had been used. Nothing motivates people to decide and buy faster than the chance of missing out. Beware though, this tactic can fall apart in spectacular fashion when it isn’t seen as authentic. If you have a “timed offer” (or a limited quantity) you must honour this scarcity. Yes, you might miss 32 Better Revenue I Better Industry I APAC I www.revenuemanagement.com.au out on some sales, but if you use phony scarcity your customers will feel they can’t trust you, that you mislead them and will instantly be wary of such campaigns in the future. Displaying how many individuals recently viewed an offer and how many offers are still available, can also lead to positive outcomes. Comparative pricing Comparative pricing is another pricing strategy that is often utilised to tug on the psychological processes of those viewing the offers. Comparative pricing is the strategic placement of the more expensive offers next to the standard priced offers. By making one option appear to be more “attractive” when compared to the other, potential customers are more likely to follow through and make the purchase when they feel they are getting a good deal. ARMA TM G E T C O N N E C T E D www.revenuemanagement.com.au