

Behavioral Science For Brands: Leveraging behavioral science in brand marketing.
Consumer Behavior Lab
The Consumer Behavior Lab is dedicated to teaching marketersacross the United States how behavioral science principles can beapplied to help their brands. By decoding the underlying motivationsof how consumers make decisions, the CBL seeks to make a betterindustry - where both brands and agencies put proven sciencebehind their decision making.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2025 • 25min
The replication crisis: How to avoid basing your marketing on bogus findings
Unpack the replication crisis and discover how many behavioral science studies fail to reproduce findings. Learn about the importance of transparency and critical assessment in research. Delve into the influence of social proof on tax compliance behaviors, highlighting the need for tailored messaging. Navigate the pitfalls of invalidated studies and the necessity of ongoing testing in marketing strategies. Finally, understand why brands should validate behavioral science principles through controlled experiments before rolling them out.

19 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 28min
How to change habitual customer behaviour in the New Year
Discover how brands can effectively inspire consumer behavior changes in the New Year. Explore the fresh start effect and how pivotal life events can open people to new habits. Learn about the foot in the door technique for habit formation and why initial small commitments matter. Hear case studies from successful campaigns like Gymshark's challenge. Plus, the hosts share their personal resolutions and strategies for sticking to them, offering insights that blend behavioral science with practical marketing tactics.

48 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 49min
Interview: Phil Barden, author of Decoded, on how to apply neuroscience to marketing
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.

Nov 20, 2024 • 29min
The behavioural science behind the perfect gift
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.

Nov 5, 2024 • 59min
Interview: Les Binet, co-author of The Long and the Short of It, on the secrets behind effective advertising
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.

Oct 24, 2024 • 27min
Get Out the Vote: How behavioral science can boost voter turnout
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.

Oct 9, 2024 • 19min
How indulgence brands can benefit from moral licensing
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.

Sep 26, 2024 • 44min
Interview: Matt Johnson, author of Blindsight, on the behavioral science lessons of Pret a Manger and Perrier
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.

12 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 48min
Interview: Kate Waters, director of client strategy at ITV, on how the AA, Zoe and Spotify use behavioral science
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.

15 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 30min
How Starbucks used scarcity to create the cult of the Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Discover how Starbucks transformed the Pumpkin Spice Latte into a seasonal icon by mastering the art of scarcity. From its cultural significance to nostalgic flavors, it explores how limited availability drives consumer desire. Comparisons with other seasonal treats reveal the psychological allure behind scarcity in marketing. Nostalgia also plays a crucial role, influencing pricing and deepening emotional connections with customers. Dive into the sweet intersection of marketing strategies and childhood memories!