question
All Principles
| Evidence on Persuasion Principles: This provides some guidance how much confidence you can place on the principles | ||||||||||||||
| Analyzed by J. Scott Armstrong on December 8, 2010; re-analyzed by Elliot Tusk on May 26, 2011 | ||||||||||||||
| Common sense | Received wisdom | No evidence | Expert opinion | Non-experimental evidence | Single experiment | Some experimental evidence | Much experimental evidence | Comments | ||||||
| SUM | ||||||||||||||
| Number | Principle | |||||||||||||
| 1 | INFORMATION | |||||||||||||
| 1.1 | Benefits | |||||||||||||
| 1.1.1 | Describe specific, meaningful benefits | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.1.2 | Communicate a Unique Selling Principle (USP) | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||
| 1.2 | News | |||||||||||||
| 1.2.1 | Provide news, but only if it is real | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.2.2 | If real news is complex, use still media | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.3 | Product or service | |||||||||||||
| 1.3.1 | Provide product information that customers need | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.3.2 | Provide choices | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.3.3 | When there are many substantive, multi-dimensional options, organize them and provide guidance | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.3.4 | Make the recommended choice the default choice | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.3.5 | Inform committed customers that they can delete features, rather than add them | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.3.6 | To reduce customer risk, use a product-satisfaction guarantee | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4 | Price | |||||||||||||
| 1.4.1 | State prices in terms that are meaningful and easy to understand | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.4.2 | Use round prices | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.4.3 | Show the price to be a good value against a reference price | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.4 | If quality is not a key selling point, consider advertising price reductions | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.5 | Consider partitioned prices when the add-on prices seem fair and small relative to the base price | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.6 | To retain customers, consider linking payments to consumption | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.7 | Consider separating payments from benefits- if the payments are completed before the benefits end | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.8 | State that the price can be prepaid if it might reduce uncertainty for consumers | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.4.9 | Use high costs to justify high prices | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.10 | When quality is high, do not emphasize price | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.11 | Use high prices to connote high quality | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.4.12 | For inexpensive products, state price discounts as percentage saved; for expensive products, state price discounts as dollars saved- or present both | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.13 | Minimize price information for new products | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.14 | Consider bundling prices of features or complementary products or services if they are desirable for nearly all customers | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.4.15 | Advertise multi-unit purchases for frequently purchased low-involvement products if it is also in the consumers' interest | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.5 | Distribution | |||||||||||||
| 1.5.1 | Include information on when, where and how to buy the product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 1.5.2 | Feature a sales channel when it is impressive | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.5.3 | Use the package to enhance the product | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.5.4 | If a product is desirable, specify delivery dates rather than waiting times | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 1.5.5 | Tell customers they can achieve benefits over a long time period if you want to reduce the use of an offer- and vice versa | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2 | INFLUENCE | |||||||||||||
| 2.1 | Reasons | |||||||||||||
| 2.1.1 | Provide a reason | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.1.2 | For high-involvement products, the reasons should be strong | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.2 | Social Proof | |||||||||||||
| 2.2.1 | Show that the product is widely used | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.2.2 | Focus on individuals similar to the target market | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 2.3 | Scarcity | |||||||||||||
| 2.3.1 | State that an attractive product is scarce when it is true | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.3.2 | Restrict sales of the product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 2.4 | Attribution | |||||||||||||
| 2.4.1 | Attribute favorable behavior and traits to the target market | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.5 | Liking | |||||||||||||
| 2.5.1 | Associate products with things that are favorable and relevant | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 2.6 | Authority | |||||||||||||
| 2.6.1 | To enhance believability, consider using support from an authority | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.7 | Commitment | |||||||||||||
| 2.7.1 | Ask customers to make explicit promises | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.7.2 | Ask customers to take a relevant small step, then follow quickly with a directly related second request | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2.8 | Reciprocation | |||||||||||||
| 2.8.1 | Give something to specific individuals when they can reciprocate easily | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3 | EMOTION | |||||||||||||
| 3.1 | Emotional Focus | |||||||||||||
| 3.1.1 | Do not mix rational and emotional appeals in an ad | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 3.2 | Trust | |||||||||||||
| 3.2.1 | Sign an ethical standards statement for each ad | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.3 | Self-expression | |||||||||||||
| 3.3.1 | Show how the product allows customers to express their personalities | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.4 | Guilt | |||||||||||||
| 3.4.1 | Lead people to think about their standards | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.4.2 | Evoke self-awareness | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.4.3 | Encourage people to anticipate their guilt if they ignore reasonable advice | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.4.4 | Focus on victims similar to the target market | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.5 | Fear | |||||||||||||
| 3.5.1 | Consider using a threat related to likely or severe consequences that can be eliminated | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 3.6 | Provocation | |||||||||||||
| 3.6.1 | Provoke customers only when it attracts attention to a selling point | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 4 | MERE EXPOSURE | |||||||||||||
| 4.1 | Brand Name | |||||||||||||
| 4.1.1 | When there is no need for information, consider advertising the brand name | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 4.2 | Product Placements | |||||||||||||
| 4.2.1 | Link the product to familiar and positive situations | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5 | OVERCOMING RESISTANCE | |||||||||||||
| 5.1 | Distraction | |||||||||||||
| 5.1.1 | For products that have neither advantages nor disadvantages, consider using distraction | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.1.2 | For products offering clear benefits, consider distraction only if the message will be understood | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.1.3 | When customers might resist traditional appeals, surprise them with an unusual approach | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.1.4 | For low-involvement goods that are for immediate sale, consider disruption and reframing of an offer | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.1.5 | Create an unrelated threat; then remove it | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.2 | Perspectives | |||||||||||||
| 5.2.1 | Present an offer from a new perspective | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.2.2 | Focus on benefits or features rather than choices | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.3 | Stories | |||||||||||||
| 5.3.1 | When the target market has an opposing viewpoint, consider using a story | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 5.4 | Barriers | |||||||||||||
| 5.4.1 | Offer credit for currently owned products | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.4.2 | Seek early commitment for time-consuming activities | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.4.3 | Consider making small requests | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.5 | Brand Emphasis | |||||||||||||
| 5.5.1 | Make the brand/company name prominent if it conveys a good image | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 5.5.2 | Include brand and company names (double-branding) | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 5.5.3 | Personalize the brand | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.6 | Spokesperson | |||||||||||||
| 5.6.1 | Use a spokesperson who is similar to the customer on relevant traits | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 5.6.2 | Use a spokesperson whose appearance is consistent with the objectives, product and target market | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.6.3 | Use a trustworthy and credible spokesperson | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.6.4 | Use a physically attractive spokesperson for products that enhance beauty | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.7 | Forewarning | |||||||||||||
| 5.7.1 | Forewarn about persuasion attempts for low-involvement goods | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.8 | Two-Sided Arguments | |||||||||||||
| 5.8.1 | Use two-sided arguments that refute strong opposing arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.8.2 | Put supporting arguments before opposing, or begin with the supporting one and interweave them | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.9 | Indirect Conclusions vs. Direct Conclusions | |||||||||||||
| 5.9.1 | If resistance is not expected, use direct conclusions | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.9.2 | If resistance is expected, use indirect conclusions when the arguments are strong and obvious | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.10 | Innuendos | |||||||||||||
| 5.10.1 | Use positive innuendos when there is some basis | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.10.2 | Negative innuendos are effective when there is one major competitor and total demand is of little interest | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.11 | Customer Involvement | |||||||||||||
| 5.11.1 | If good reasons can be easily generated, ask customers to provide a few reasons for accepting an offer | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.11.2 | Consider asking customers to imagine their satisfaction with a product | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.11.3 | Do not invite customers to evaluate their satisfaction while using a product | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.11.4 | Encourage customers to make predictions about their behavior | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.11.5 | Ask customers to remember the brand name or key arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.11.6 | Consider omitting or delaying key information | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.12 | Trials and Free Samples | |||||||||||||
| 5.12.1 | Consider advertising a free trial or sample for products new to the target market | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 5.13 | Causes | |||||||||||||
| 5.13.1 | Support popular causes | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 5.13.2 | Tie purchases to popular causes | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6 | ACCEPTANCE | |||||||||||||
| 6.1 | Problem/Solution | |||||||||||||
| 6.1.1 | Describe a problem and show how the product solves it | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.2 | Demonstration | |||||||||||||
| 6.2.1 | Demonstrate product benefits | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.3 | Evidence | |||||||||||||
| 6.3.1 | Provide quantitative evidence | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.3.2 | Offer verifiable evidence | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.4 | Data presentation | |||||||||||||
| 6.4.1 | To aid understanding, use absolute numbers for small values and frequency rates for large values | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.4.2 | Use simple tables or graphs if you have substantial amounts of data | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.5 | Endorsements by Customers | |||||||||||||
| 6.5.1 | Consider endorsements by customers | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.6 | Endorsements by Celebrities | |||||||||||||
| 6.6.1 | When an ad contains strong arguments, avoid the use of celebrities | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.6.2 | Consider celebrity endorsements for gaining attention | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.6.3 | When using celebrities, make sure they are relevant and credible | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.7 | Endorsements by Experts | |||||||||||||
| 6.7.1 | Consider support from an expert unless the target market already agrees with the message. | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.8 | Comparative Advertising | |||||||||||||
| 6.8.1 | Use comparative advertising for brands that have clear comparative benefits and small market share | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.8.2 | Compare the product to market leaders | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.8.3 | When making a comparative claim, provide objective support and offer it gently | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.9 | Negative Advertising | |||||||||||||
| 6.9.1 | Consider negative advertising when there is only one major alternative to your brand, that brand has serious shortcomings, and industry demand is not a key factor | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.9.2 | Attack ads should employ objective information, not emotion | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.10 | Refutation | |||||||||||||
| 6.10.1 | Respond to negative claims that are or might become widely known | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.11 | Puffery | |||||||||||||
| 6.11.1 | Consider mild puffery | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.12 | Questions | |||||||||||||
| 6.12.1 | Use product-related questions only if you have good answers | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.13 | Repetition | |||||||||||||
| 6.13.1 | Space repeated claims | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.13.2 | Consider cosmetic variations rather than exact repetition | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.13.3 | Use substantive variations when arguments are strong | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.14 | Subliminal Messages | |||||||||||||
| 6.14.1 | Use subliminal messages only if the customer is warned | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.15 | Memory Devices | |||||||||||||
| 6.15.1 | Use mnemonics when consumers will be purchasing at a later time | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.16 | Word-of-Mouth | |||||||||||||
| 6.16.1 | Encourage customers to tell (or ask) others about the product | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.17 | Call for Action | |||||||||||||
| 6.17.1 | Ensure action steps are clear and specific | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.17.2 | Use a gentle call for action for high-involvement products | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 6.17.3 | When using an explicit action step, make it immediate, easy and low risk | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 6.17.4 | Consider a bonus to a good offer when customers can respond quickly | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7 | MESSAGE | |||||||||||||
| 7.1 | Rational Arguments | |||||||||||||
| 7.1.1 | Use only strong arguments for high-involvement products | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.1.2 | Use positive arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.1.3 | Consider cultural values when formulating arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.2 | Clarity | |||||||||||||
| 7.2.1 | Use simple prose for high-involvement products with strong arguments | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.2.2 | Avoid negative words unless the target market believes the opposite | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.3 | Forceful Text | |||||||||||||
| 7.3.1 | Use specific words | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.3.2 | Use power words if they fit the product | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.3.3 | Use active rather than passive voice, unless the subject of the sentence is obvious | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.4 | Interesting Text | |||||||||||||
| 7.4.1 | Consider interesting writing | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.5 | Tone | |||||||||||||
| 7.5.1 | Use a calm tone for high-involvement products with strong arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.5.2 | Do not violate taste or standards | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.5.3 | Be cautious in using a personal tone | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.6 | Word Selection | |||||||||||||
| 7.6.1 | Use words with sounds that support the message | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.6.2 | Use words that enhance the purchasing and consuming experience | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.6.3 | Use familiar words and phrases | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.7 | Wordplay | |||||||||||||
| 7.7.1 | Use wordplay if it is clearly related to the product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.8 | Metaphors | |||||||||||||
| 7.8.1 | Consider using novel and concrete metaphors that are related to a benefit | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.9 | Simplicity | |||||||||||||
| 7.9.1 | Use a single relevant theme- or two in some situations | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.9.2 | Avoid irrelevant information if strong arguments exist | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.9.3 | When using fast-exposure media, keep the message short | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.10 | Informative Illustration | |||||||||||||
| 7.10.1 | Illustrations should support the basic message | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.10.2 | Show the product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.10.3 | Emphasize desirable features in illustrations | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.10.4 | When believability is an issue, use photographs/videos instead of drawings/cartoons | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.11 | Infromative Color | |||||||||||||
| 7.11.1 | Use color to provide information | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 7.12 | Ad Consistency | |||||||||||||
| 7.12.1 | Make elements of an ad reinforce one another | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 7.13 | Disclaimer and Corrective Advertising | |||||||||||||
| 7.13.1 | Use disclaimers or corrective advertising only if they provide information customers need | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8 | ATTENTION | |||||||||||||
| 8.1 | Alerting the target market | |||||||||||||
| 8.1.1 | Alert the target market early and prominently | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.2 | Campaign Consistency | |||||||||||||
| 8.2.1 | Provide a consistent look to all aspects of the campaign | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.2.2 | Keep the advertising consistent across time | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.3 | Campaign Contrast | |||||||||||||
| 8.3.1 | When strong arguments exist, consider using ads that contrast with competitors' ads | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.4 | Slogans and Taglines | |||||||||||||
| 8.4.1 | Consider a short memorable slogan (tagline) with the brand name and benefit | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.5 | Brand Identifiers | |||||||||||||
| 8.5.1 | In a long-term advertising program, emphasize brand identifiers | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.5.2 | Use logos to express meanings or emotions | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.6 | Attractive Visuals | |||||||||||||
| 8.6.1 | Consider using visuals that create favorable associations with the product | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.7 | Color for Attention | |||||||||||||
| 8.7.1 | To gain attention, consider using color | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.8 | Humor | |||||||||||||
| 8.8.1 | Consider using humor for well-known, low-involvement products | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.8.2 | Consider humor for high-involvement products only if relevant to a simple argument | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.9 | Sex | |||||||||||||
| 8.9.1 | Use sex only when it has relevance to the product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.10 | Models | |||||||||||||
| 8.10.1 | Match the model to the target market and product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 8.10.2 | Use physically attractive models when the product enhances beauty or social competence | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 8.11 | Technical Quality | |||||||||||||
| 8.11.1 | Strive for high technical quality at a low cost | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9 | STILL MEDIA | |||||||||||||
| 9.1 | Headline | |||||||||||||
| 9.1.1 | Use descriptive headlines for high-involvement products | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.1.2 | Include the brand name in the headline | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.1.3 | Lead the reader into the body copy | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.1.4 | Keep the headline short for low-involvement goods only | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.2 | Pictures | |||||||||||||
| 9.2.1 | For high-involvement ads based on strong arguments, consider informative pictures | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.2.2 | When using a picture, relate it to the headline or message | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.2.3 | Use clear and readable captions for pictures | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.3 | Text | |||||||||||||
| 9.3.1 | Make the first paragraph relevant, short and easy to read | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.3.2 | Provide long copy when reading time is not constrained | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.3.3 | Repeat the main message at the end of the ad | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.4 | Structure of Body Text | |||||||||||||
| 9.4.1 | Use informative subheadings for long copy | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.4.2 | Use reader guides for long copy with strong arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.4.3 | Use columns for long, informative text | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.4.4 | Consider blank line spacing between paragraphs for scanability | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.4.5 | Consider justification for moderate to long lines of text | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.4.6 | Squeeze inter-letter spacing gently | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.4.7 | Use phrase spacing for informative text | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.5 | Typeface | |||||||||||||
| 9.5.1 | Use a simple serif typeface when readability is important, and a simple sans serif typeface when legibility or scanning is important | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.5.2 | Provide high contrast between typeface and background | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.5.3 | Avoid upper case and bold for informative text | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.5.4 | Select a typeface to enhance meaning or emotion | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.6 | Layout | |||||||||||||
| 9.6.1 | Obey gravity | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 9.6.2 | Avoid large pictures in informative ads | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 9.6.3 | Balance the layout | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10 | MOTION MEDIA | |||||||||||||
| 10.1 | Scenes | |||||||||||||
| 10.1.1 | Use an opening that is directly related to the product, brand or message | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.1.2 | Emphasize the product or message | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.1.3 | If believability is important, show the spokesperson on-screen | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 10.1.4 | Use short "supers" to reinforce key points | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 10.1.5 | Make the closing scene relevant to the key message | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.2 | Voice | |||||||||||||
| 10.2.1 | Use an appropriate voice | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.2.2 | Avoid orally ambiguous words | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.3 | Music and Sounds | |||||||||||||
| 10.3.1 | Consider using music or sounds for low-involvement products, but not for high-involvement products with strong arguments | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 10.3.2 | If music or sound effects are used, make them relevant to the product | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 10.4 | Pace | |||||||||||||
| 10.4.1 | Use rapid speech for simple messages about low-involvement products | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.4.2 | Use slow speech for strong arguments or to show concern | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.4.3 | Use short silences before and/or after strong arguments | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 10.4.4 | Hold scenes to hold attention | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| TOTALS | 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 65 | 40 | 88 | 42 | ||||||
1.Information
| Number | Principle | Relevance | Applied |
| 1 | Information | ||
| 1.1 | Benefits | ||
| 1.1.1 | Describe specific, meaningful benefits | ||
| 1.1.2 | Communicate a Unique Selling Principle (USP) | ||
| 1.2 | News | ||
| 1.2.1 | Provide news, but only if its real | ||
| 1.2.2 | If real news is complex, consider still media | ||
| 1.3 | Product or service | ||
| 1.3.1 | Provide product information that customers need | ||
| 1.3.2 | Provide choices | ||
| 1.3.3 | When there are many substantive, multi-dimensionaloptions, organize them and provide guidance | ||
| 1.3.4 | Make the recommended choice the default choice | ||
| 1.3.5 | Inform committed customers that they can delete features, rather than add them | ||
| 1.3.6 | To reduce customer risk, use a product-satisfaction guarantee | ||
| 1.4 | Price | ||
| 1.4.1 | State prices in terms that are meaningful and easy to understand | ||
| 1.4.2 | Use round prices | ||
| 1.4.3 | Show the price to be a good value against a reference price | ||
| 1.4.4 | If quality is not a key selling point, consider advertising price reductions | ||
| 1.4.5 | Consider partitioned prices when the add-on prices seem fair and small relative to the base price | ||
| 1.4.6 | To retain customers, consider linking payments to consumption | ||
| 1.4.7 | Consider separating payments from benefits- if the payments are completed before the benefits end | ||
| 1.4.8 | State that the price can be prepaid if it might reduce uncertainty for consumers | ||
| 1.4.9 | Use high costs to justify high prices | ||
| 1.4.10 | When quality is high, do not emphasize price | ||
| 1.4.11 | Use high prices to connote high quality | ||
| 1.4.12 | For inexpensive products, state price discounts as percentage saved; for expensive products, state price discounts as dollars saved- or present both | ||
| 1.4.13 | Minimize price information for new products | ||
| 1.4.14 | Consider bundling prices of features or complementary products or services if they are desirable to nearly all customers | ||
| 1.4.15 | Advertise multi-unit purchases for frequently purchased low-involvement products if it is in the consumers' interest | ||
| 1.5 | Distribution | ||
| 1.5.1 | Include information on when, where and how to buy the product | ||
| 1.5.2 | Feature a sales channel when it is impressive | ||
| 1.5.3 | Use the package to enhance the product | ||
| 1.5.4 | If a product is desirable, specify delivery dates rahter than waiting times | ||
| 1.5.5 | Tell customers they can achieve benefits over a long time period if you want to reduce the use of an offer- and vice versa | ||
| 1.5.4 | If a product is desirable, specify delivery dates rahter than waiting times | ||
| 1.5.5 | Tell customers they can achieve benefits over a long time period if you want to reduce the use of an offer- and vice versa | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
2.Influence
| 2 | Influence | Relevance | Applied |
| 2.1 | Reasons | ||
| 2.1.1 | Provide a reason | ||
| 2.1.2 | For high-involvement products, the reasons should be strong | ||
| 2.2 | Social Proof | ||
| 2.2.1 | Show that the product is widely used | ||
| 2.2.2 | Focus on individuals and evoke social proof | ||
| 2.3 | Scarcity | ||
| 2.3.1 | State that an attractive product is scarce when it is true | ||
| 2.3.2 | Restrict sales of the product | ||
| 2.4 | Attribution | ||
| 2.4.1 | Attribute favorable behavior and traits to the target market | ||
| 2.5 | Liking | ||
| 2.5.1 | Relate products to things that are favorable and relevant | ||
| 2.6 | Authority | ||
| 2.6.1 | To increase believability, consider using support from an authority | ||
| 2.7 | Commitment | ||
| 2.7.1 | Ask customers to make an explicit promise | ||
| 2.7.2 | Ask customers to take a relevant small step, then follow with a directly related second request | ||
| 2.8 | Reciprocation | ||
| 2.8.1 | Give something to specific individuals when they can reciprocate easily | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
3.Emotion
| 3 | Emotion | Relevance | Applied |
| 3.1 | Emotional Focus | ||
| 3.1.1 | Do not mix rational and emotional appeals in an ad | ||
| 3.2 | Trust | ||
| 3.2.1 | Sign an ethical standards statement for each ad | ||
| 3.3 | Self-expression | ||
| 3.3.1 | Show how the product allows customers to express their personalities | ||
| 3.4 | Guilt | ||
| 3.4.1 | Lead people to think about their ethical standards | ||
| 3.4.2 | Evoke self-awareness | ||
| 3.4.3 | Encourage people to anticipate their guilt if they ignore reasonable advice | ||
| 3.4.4 | Focus on victims similar to the target market | ||
| 3.5 | Fear | ||
| 3.5.1 | Consider using a threat related to likely or severe consequences that can be eliminated | ||
| 3.6 | Provocation | ||
| 3.6.1 | Provoke customers only when it attracts attention to a selling point | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
4.Mere Exposure
| 4 | Mere Exposure | Relevance | Applied |
| 4.1 | Brand Name | ||
| 4.1.1 | When there is no need for information, consider advertising the brand name | ||
| 4.2 | Product Placements | ||
| 4.2.1 | Link the product to familiar and positive situations | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
5.Overcoming Resistance
| 5 | Overcoming Resistance | Relevance | Applied |
| 5.1 | Distraction | ||
| 5.1.1 | For low-involvement products that have neither advantages nor disadvantages, consider using distraction | ||
| 5.1.2 | For products offering clear benefits, consider distraction only if the message will be understood | ||
| 5.1.3 | When customers might resist traditional appeals, surprise them with an unusual approach | ||
| 5.1.4 | For low-involvement goods that are for immediate sale, consider disruption and reframing of an offer | ||
| 5.1.5 | Create an unrelated threat; then remove it | ||
| 5.2 | Perspectives | ||
| 5.2.1 | Present an offer from a new perspective | ||
| 5.2.2 | Focus on benefits or features rather than choices | ||
| 5.3 | Stories | ||
| 5.3.1 | When the target market has an opposing viewpoint, consider using a story | ||
| 5.4 | Barriers | ||
| 5.4.1 | Offer credit for currently owned products | ||
| 5.4.2 | Seek early commitment for time-consuming activities | ||
| 5.4.3 | Consider making small requests | ||
| 5.5 | Brand Emphasis | ||
| 5.5.1 | Make the brand/company name prominent if it conveys a good image | ||
| 5.5.2 | Include brand and company names | ||
| 5.5.3 | Personalize the brand | ||
| 5.6 | Spokesperson | ||
| 5.6.1 | Use a spokesperson who is similar to the target customer on relevant traits | ||
| 5.6.2 | Use a spokesperson whose appearance is consistent with the objectives, product and target market | ||
| 5.6.3 | Use a trustworthy and credible spokesperson | ||
| 5.6.4 | Use a physically attractive spokesperson for products that enhance beauty | ||
| 5.7 | Forewarning | ||
| 5.7.1 | Forewarn about persuasion attempts for low-involvement goods | ||
| 5.8 | Two-Sided Arguments | ||
| 5.8.1 | Use two-sided arguments that refute strong opposing arguments | ||
| 5.8.2 | Put positive arguments before opposing arguments or begin with the supporting ones and interweave them | ||
| 5.9 | Indirect Conclusions vs. Direct Conclusions | ||
| 5.9.1 | If resistance is not expected, use direct conclusions | ||
| 5.9.2 | If resistance is expected, use indirect conclusions when the arguments are strong and obvious | ||
| 5.10 | Innuendos | ||
| 5.10.1 | Use positive innuendos when there is some basis | ||
| 5.10.2 | Negative innuendos are effective when there is one major competitor and total product demand is of little influence | ||
| 5.11 | Customer Involvement | ||
| 5.11.1 | If good reasons can be easily generated, ask customers to provide a few reasons for accepting an offer | ||
| 5.11.2 | Ask customers to imagine their satisfaction with a product | ||
| 5.11.3 | Do not invite customers to evaluate their satisfaction while using a product | ||
| 5.11.4 | Encourage customers to make predictions about their behavior | ||
| 5.11.5 | Ask customers to remember the brand name or key arguments | ||
| 5.11.6 | Consider omitting or delaying key information | ||
| 5.12 | Trials and Free Samples | ||
| 5.12.1 | Consider advertising a free trial or sample for products new to the target market | ||
| 5.13 | Causes | ||
| 5.13.1 | Support popular causes | ||
| 5.13.2 | Tie purchases to popular causes | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
6.Acceptance
| 6 | Acceptance | Relevance | Applied |
| 6.1 | Problem/Solution | ||
| 6.1.1 | Describe a problem and show how the product solves it | ||
| 6.2 | Demonstration | ||
| 6.2.1 | Demonstrate product benefits | ||
| 6.3 | Evidence | ||
| 6.3.1 | Show quantitative support | ||
| 6.3.2 | Offer verifiable evidence | ||
| 6.4 | Data presentation | ||
| 6.4.1 | To aid understanding, use absolute numbers for small values and frequency rates for large values | ||
| 6.4.2 | Use simple tables or graphs if you have substantial amounts of data | ||
| 6.5 | Endorsements by Customers | ||
| 6.5.1 | Consider endorsements by customers | ||
| 6.6 | Endorsements by Celebrities | ||
| 6.6.1 | When an ad contains strong arguments, avoid the use of celebrities | ||
| 6.6.2 | Consider celebrity endorsements for gaining attention | ||
| 6.6.3 | When using celebrities, make sure they are relevant and credible | ||
| 6.7 | Endorsements by Experts | ||
| 6.7.1 | Provide support from an expert when the target market is undecided or resistant, otherwise avoid experts | ||
| 6.8 | Comparative Advertising | ||
| 6.8.1 | Use comparative advertising for brands that have clear comparative benefits and small market share | ||
| 6.8.2 | Compare the product to market leaders | ||
| 6.8.3 | When making a comparative claim, provide objective support and offer it gently | ||
| 6.9 | Negative Advertising | ||
| 6.9.1 | Consider negative advertising when there is only one major alternative to your brand, that brand has serious shortcomings, and industry demand iis not a key factor | ||
| 6.9.2 | Attack ads should employ objective information, not emotion | ||
| 6.10 | Refutation | ||
| 6.10.1 | Respond to negative claims that are or might become widely known | ||
| 6.11 | Puffery | ||
| 6.11.1 | Consider mild puffery | ||
| 6.12 | Questions | ||
| 6.12.1 | Use product-related questions only if you have good answers | ||
| 6.13 | Repetition | ||
| 6.13.1 | Space repeated claims | ||
| 6.13.2 | Consider cosmetic variations rather than exact repetition | ||
| 6.13.3 | Use substantive variations when arguments are strong | ||
| 6.14 | Subliminal Messages | ||
| 6.14.1 | Use subliminal messages only if the customer is wanted | ||
| 6.15 | Memory Devices | ||
| 6.15.1 | Use mnemonics when consumers will be purchasing at a later time | ||
| 6.16 | Word-of-Mouth | ||
| 6.16.1 | Encourage customers to tell (or ask) others about the product | ||
| 6.17 | Call for Action | ||
| 6.17.1 | Ensure action steps are clear and specific | ||
| 6.17.2 | Use a gentle call for action for high-involvement products | ||
| 6.17.3 | When using an explicit action step, make it immediate, easy and low risk | ||
| 6.17.4 | Consider a bonus to a good offer when customers can respond quickly | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
7.Message
| 7 | Message | Relevance | Applied |
| 7.1 | Rational Arguments | ||
| 7.1.1 | Use only strong arguments for high-involvement products | ||
| 7.1.2 | Use positive arguments | ||
| 7.2 | Clarity | ||
| 7.2.1 | Use simple prose for high-involvement products with strong arguments | ||
| 7.2.2 | Avoid negative words unless the target market believes the opposite | ||
| 7.3 | Forceful Text | ||
| 7.3.1 | Use specific words | ||
| 7.3.2 | Use power words if they fit the product | ||
| 7.3.3 | Use active rather than passive voice, unless the subject of the sentence is obvious | ||
| 7.4 | Interesting Text | ||
| 7.4.1 | Consider interesting writing | ||
| 7.5 | Tone | ||
| 7.5.1 | Use a calm tone for high-involvement products with strong arguments | ||
| 7.5.2 | Avoid violating taste or standards | ||
| 7.5.3 | Be cautious in using a personal tone | ||
| 7.6 | Word Selection | ||
| 7.6.1 | Use words with sounds that support the message | ||
| 7.6.2 | Use words that enhance the purchasing and consuming experience | ||
| 7.6.3 | Use familiar words and phrases | ||
| 7.7 | Wordplay | ||
| 7.7.1 | Use wordplay if it is clearly related to the product | ||
| 7.8 | Metaphors | ||
| 7.8.1 | Consider using novel and concrete metaphors that are related to a benefit | ||
| 7.9 | Simplicity | ||
| 7.9.1 | Use a single theme- or two in some situations | ||
| 7.9.2 | Avoid irrelevant information if strong arguments exist | ||
| 7.9.3 | When using fast-exposure media, keep the message short | ||
| 7.10 | Informative Illustration | ||
| 7.10.1 | Illustrations should support the basic message | ||
| 7.10.2 | Show the product | ||
| 7.10.3 | Emphasize desirable features in illustrations | ||
| 7.10.4 | When believability is an issue, use photographs/videos instead of drawings/cartoons | ||
| 7.11 | Infromative Color | ||
| 7.11.1 | Use color to provide information | ||
| 7.12 | Ad Consistency | ||
| 7.12.1 | Make elements of an ad reinforce one another | ||
| 7.13 | Disclaimer and Corrective Advertising | ||
| 7.13.1 | Use disclaimers or corrective advertising only if they provide information customers need | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
8.Attention
| 8 | Attention | Relevance | Applied |
| 8.1 | Alerting the target market | ||
| 8.1.1 | Alert the target market early and prominently | ||
| 8.2 | Campaign Consistency | ||
| 8.2.1 | Provide a consistent look to all aspects of the campaign | ||
| 8.2.2 | Keep the advertising consistent across time | ||
| 8.3 | Campaign Contrast | ||
| 8.3.1 | When strong arguments exist, consider using ads that contrast with competitors' ads | ||
| 8.4 | Slogans and Taglines | ||
| 8.4.1 | Consider a short memorable slogan (tagline) with the brand name and benefit | ||
| 8.5 | Brand Identifiers | ||
| 8.5.1 | In a long-term advertising program, emphasize brand identifiers | ||
| 8.5.2 | Use logos to express meanings or emotions | ||
| 8.6 | Attractive Visuals | ||
| 8.6.1 | Consider using visuals that create favorable associations with the product | ||
| 8.7 | Color for Attention | ||
| 8.7.1 | To gain attention, consider using color | ||
| 8.8 | Humor | ||
| 8.8.1 | Consider using humor for well-known, low-involvement products | ||
| 8.8.2 | Consider humor for high-involvement products only if relevant to a simple argument | ||
| 8.9 | Sex | ||
| 8.9.1 | Use sex only when it has relevance to the product | ||
| 8.10 | Models | ||
| 8.10.1 | Match the model to the target market and product | ||
| 8.10.2 | Use physically attractive models when the product enhances beauty or social competence | ||
| 8.11 | Technical Quality | ||
| 8.11.1 | Strive for high technical quality at a low cost | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
9.Still Media
| 9 | Still Media | Relevance | Applied |
| 9.1 | Headline | ||
| 9.1.1 | Use descriptive headlines for high-involvement products | ||
| 9.1.2 | Include the brand name in the headline | ||
| 9.1.3 | Lead the reader into the body copy | ||
| 9.1.4 | Keep the headline short for low-involvement goods only | ||
| 9.2 | Pictures | ||
| 9.2.1 | For high-involvement ads based on strong arguments, consider informative pictures | ||
| 9.2.2 | When using a picture, relate it to the headline or message | ||
| 9.2.3 | Use clear and readable captions for pictures | ||
| 9.3 | Text | ||
| 9.3.1 | Make the first paragraph relevant, short and easy to read | ||
| 9.3.2 | Provide long copy when reading time is not constrained | ||
| 9.3.3 | Repeat the main message at the end of the ad | ||
| 9.4 | Structure of Body Text | ||
| 9.4.1 | Use informative subheadings for long copy | ||
| 9.4.2 | Use stylistic guides for long copy with strong arguments | ||
| 9.4.3 | Use columns for long, informative text | ||
| 9.4.4 | Consider blank line spacing between paragraphs for scanability | ||
| 9.4.5 | Use justification for moderate to long lines of text | ||
| 9.4.6 | Squeeze inter-letter spacing gently | ||
| 9.4.7 | Use phrase spacing for informative text | ||
| 9.5 | Typeface | ||
| 9.5.1 | Use a simple serif typeface when readability is important, and a simple sans serif typeface when legibility or scanning is important | ||
| 9.5.2 | Provide high contrast between typeface and background | ||
| 9.5.3 | Avoid upper case and bold for informative text | ||
| 9.5.4 | Select a typeface to enhance meaning and emotion | ||
| 9.6 | Layout | ||
| 9.6.1 | Obey gravity | ||
| 9.6.2 | Avoid large pictures in informative ads | ||
| 9.6.3 | Balance the layout | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |
10.Motion Media
| 10 | Motion Media | Relevance | Applied |
| 10.1 | Scenes | ||
| 10.1.1 | Use an opening that is directly related to the product, brand or message | ||
| 10.1.2 | Emphasize the product or message | ||
| 10.1.3 | If believability is important, show the spokesperson on-screen | ||
| 10.1.4 | Use short "supers" to reinforce key points | ||
| 10.1.5 | Make the closing scene relevant to the key message | ||
| 10.2 | Voice | ||
| 10.2.1 | Use a spokesperson with an appropriate voice | ||
| 10.2.2 | Avoid orally ambiguous letters or words | ||
| 10.3 | Music and Sounds | ||
| 10.3.1 | Consider using music or sounds for low-involvement products, but not for high-involvement products with strong arguments | ||
| 10.3.2 | If music or sound effects are used, make them relevant to the product | ||
| 10.4 | Pace | ||
| 10.4.1 | Use rapid speech for simple messages about low-involvement products | ||
| 10.4.2 | Use slow speech for strong arguments or to show concern | ||
| 10.4.3 | Consider short silences before and/or after strong arguments | ||
| 10.4.4 | Hold scenes to hold attention | ||
| Number of Principles Deemed Relevant | 0 | ||
| Number of Principles Applied | 0 |