Mind Tricks of Marketing: Why We Click, Like and Follow
Ever wondered why you suddenly found yourself buying that random gadget online at 2 AM or double – tapping a meme that had nothing to do with your life?
No, it’s not magic – it’s marketing. And not just any marketing, but sneaky, brain – tickling marketing that knows exactly how to grab your attention.
Today,
Let’s decode the mind tricks of marketing, with a fun lens and some relatable Indian experiences thrown in.
Table of Content
1. The Power of Curiosity : “ What Happens Next “ ?
You know that feeling when you scroll through Instagram or YouTube and see a thumbnail that screams :
“ You won’t believe what happened next! ” Suddenly, you’re hooked, even if it’s just a video of someone opening a packet of Maggi noodles.
Marketers use curiosity because our brains hate missing out. This is why you click, watch, and sometimes even share without thinking.
Indian twist:
Remember those “Before and After” weight loss ads on Facebook?
You can’t help but click – even if you’re happily snacking on samosas.
Takeaway: Curiosity + suspense = clicks. Simple.
2. FOMO: The Fear of Missing Out
FOMO is basically the reason why your WhatsApp shows “12 people are viewing this story” and suddenly you feel compelled to check it. Marketing loves FOMO.
- Limited-time offers
- flash sales
- exclusive launches
They all make us feel like we might lose something big.
Example for India :
Flipkart’s Big Billion Days or Amazon’s Great Indian Festival. Suddenly , your brain says : “ Buy that LED TV now , or regret it forever ” ! And there you are, filling your cart.
Why it works :
FOMO triggers an emotional reaction, making rational thinking take a backseat.
3 . Social Proof : Everyone Else is Doing It
Humans are herd animals. If everyone else is doing it, it must be good, right?
This is why Instagram influencers posting about a new (Pakistani or something ) kurti brand make you double-tap and check the link.
Indian twist:
Remember the craze for Amul butter ads or those viral Tanishq ads during festivals?
Seeing everyone talk about it makes you want in too.
Key tactic :
- Reviews and testimonials
- “ Trending ” tags on products
- Celebrity endorsements
- Social proof taps into our natural desire to belong.
4 . Colours, Fonts, and That Mysterious Red Button
Ever noticed how most “ Buy Now ” buttons are red , orange , or yellow ?
That’s because bright colours trigger action in your brain.
Fonts , images , and even emojis are carefully selected to make you feel , react , and click .
Relatable moment :
You see a Swiggy ad with a steaming biryani emoji and suddenly,
Your stomach starts growling , even if you just had dinner .
Marketing knows your weak spot-your taste buds .
Tip for marketers :
Use visuals and text that trigger emotions-hunger , excitement , urgency .
5 . Humor : Laugh and You’re Hooked
Funny ads are memorable . If a brand can make you laugh , it’s more likely you’ll remember them .
Humor creates a positive association and reduces resistance to marketing messages.
Indian examples:
- Fevicol’s iconic “Fevicol ka jod hai, tutega nahi” campaigns
- Amul’s witty topical ads
- Swiggy and Zomato’s cheeky social media posts
We love a good laugh, and marketers know this. A little humor goes a long way in building brand loyalty.
6. Personalization: “It’s Just For You!”
Ever noticed how Instagram shows exactly the kind of clothes, food, or gadgets you secretly like?
Or Amazon reminding you of that mobile phone you almost bought three weeks ago? That’s marketing personalisation.
Why it works:
Personalised content tricks your brain into thinking the brand understands you. And humans love feeling understood.
Example for India:
Myntra suggests sarees similar to the ones you browsed last week.
Suddenly, your cart is full again.
7. The Loop of Micro-Engagements
This is the “one more scroll” trap.
Likes, comments, shares, reels –
They all activate small doses of dopamine in your brain.
Dopamine is basically your brain’s reward system, and marketers are experts at giving you tiny hits to keep you hooked.
Relatable moment:
You start watching a cricket highlights reel, and three hours later, you’re deep in memes about Virat Kohli’s hairstyle.
It happens to the best of us.
Key insight :
Micro-engagements = habit formation.
And habit formation = repeat clicks.
Wrapping It Up
Marketing isn’t just about selling-it’s about understanding humans.
And humans are emotional, curious, and sometimes hilariously predictable.
From FOMO to social proof, humour to colours, brands have learned how to make us click, like, and follow almost involuntarily.
Next time you’re scrolling and find yourself buying that quirky lamp from an Instagram ad or laughing at a witty tweet from a brand,
Remember :
It’s not just a coincidence. It’s marketing at work, using tiny mind tricks that are surprisingly effective.
So ,
The next time your thumb automatically taps “ Add to Cart ”, just smile and enjoy the ride. Your brain’s been expertly nudged, and you’re part of the game now!
Author Info
Fathima Hamna, the best digital marketer in Calicut.
Learner of CDA, Digital Marketing Training in Calicut.
