In this episode, we discuss the replication crisis. By that we mean, when academics have re-run some behavioural science studies, they have found different results to the original experiment thereby invalidating it. We cover some of the most famous studies that need to be avoided and how you can have confidence in the findings that you’re applying. 

In this episode we return to the question of how to break old consumer habits and build new ones. We cover four new studies, each of which has practical implications for brands. We begin by looking at when people are open to changing their behavior and discuss the fresh start effect and the destabilizing effect of life events. We then turn to the behavioral science of building new habits and look at the foot in the door technique and the perennial question - how long does it take to form a new habit?

Phil Barden, Managing Director at DECODE Marketing and author of 'Decoded', discusses the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, behavioral economics, and marketing. He sheds light on how T-Mobile harnesses behavioral science to enhance customer experience. Barden explores how top brands like Apple utilize sensory experiences and packaging to forge deeper consumer connections. He also delves into human motivations in marketing and the impact of cognitive processes on decision-making, showcasing the power of slight adjustments to boost sales.

In this episode we look at a range of behavioral science experiments that shed light on effective gift giving. These are useful because our intuition about what receivers want is often off the mark. In particular, we cover experiments showing how spending on others is a better way for givers to boost their own happiness than spending on themselves and why receivers tend to prefer experiences rather than material gifts. While there are plenty of personal applications for these findings we also focus on the implications for brands.

Les Binet, co-author of 'The Long and the Short of It,' shares his extensive expertise in marketing effectiveness. He reveals the power of emotional advertising, emphasizing its superiority over rational strategies and the importance of balancing short and long-term goals. Binet challenges the myth of creative wearout and discusses how emotional connections can significantly influence consumer decisions. He also uncovers the 'dark matter' of effectiveness, highlighting how pricing impacts profitability in ways many marketers overlook.

In this special episode, we discuss how behavioral science can be used to encourage voter registration and turnaround. We cover well known ideas like social proof including some of the most relevant nuances and how it’s often misused by campaigns for good. We also turn to lesser known research by Bryan on how we label behavior can have a significant effect on whether it occurs.

Indulgence brands like ice cream and soft drinks leverage behavioral science principles to connect emotionally with consumers. The concept of moral licensing allows people to justify indulgent choices after virtuous actions, creating marketing opportunities. Brands like KitKat and L'Oreal effectively frame their products as rewards, enhancing consumer engagement. The discussion also reveals how emotional ties and timing influence snack choices, highlighting the nuances of immediate versus future consumption. Finally, personal snack favorites add a playful touch to the conversation.

Matt Johnson, author of 'Blindsight,' shares his expertise in behavioral science and branding. He highlights how Pret a Manger uses uncertain rewards to keep customers engaged. Perrier's entry into the U.S. market is framed through the lens of essentialism, showcasing the power of product origin stories. Johnson emphasizes the importance of marketing to groups rather than individuals, exploring how surprise elements can enhance consumer loyalty. His insights stress the need for brands to understand and leverage cognitive psychology in their marketing strategies.

Kate Waters, an ad agency founder, dives into the fascinating world of behavioral science in marketing. She highlights how the Automobile Association transformed its image into a 'fourth emergency service' through strategic language changes. The discussion also covers Spotify's unique features like Spotify Wrapped, showcasing how social influence shapes engagement. Waters emphasizes the critical balance between data-driven decisions and creativity, and shares insights on overcoming choice paralysis in digital platforms.

In this episode, we uncover how Starbucks turns the Pumpkin Spice Latte into a cult favorite through the power of scarcity.