Consumer Behaviour theory in Marketing

In marketing, consumer behaviour theory studies how people decide what to buy when to buy, and how much to spend. It includes research into what influences these decisions and how they can be predicted or influenced.

Consumer behaviour theory is essential for marketers because it helps them understand what motivates people to buy certain products and how they can influence these motivations. By understanding consumer behaviour, marketers can more effectively target their advertising and promotions at the right people, at the right time, and with the right message.

Consumer Behaviour And Marketing Psychology- Are they related?

Have you ever wondered why you buy certain products or are attracted to certain brands? It turns out that there is a lot of psychology behind consumer behaviour, and marketers are well aware of this. They use psychological principles to influence our buying decisions, and we are often unaware of it. 

Consumer behaviour and marketing psychology are two interrelated fields. Marketing psychology studies how consumers behave when presented with marketing stimuli, such as advertising. This information is then used to create more effective marketing campaigns. Consumer behaviour, on the other hand, consumer behaviour looks at the factors that influence how consumers make purchase decisions. This includes social influences, perceived risks and benefits, and perceived value. By understanding both consumer behaviour and marketing psychology, businesses can create more targeted and effective marketing strategies.

The different types of consumer behaviour theory

There are several different types of consumer behaviour theory, each with its unique perspective on how consumers make decisions. Here are a few of the most prominent theories:

1. The rational model of consumer behaviour posits that consumers make well-thought-out, logical decisions based on self-interest. This theory often explains purchasing decisions for big-ticket items like houses or cars.
2. The behavioural model of consumer behaviour emphasises the role of learning and past experience in shaping future decision-making. This theory is often used to explain why people continue to purchase the same brands or products even though they may be available at a lower price elsewhere.
3. The cognitive model of consumer behaviour focuses on the mental processes consumers go through when making decisions. This theory is often used to explain why people value certain products or brands more than others.
4. The emotional model of consumer behaviour posits that consumers make decisions based on their feelings and emotions. This theory often explains why people make impulsive purchases or develop strong brand loyalty.

The benefits of consumer behaviour theory in Marketing

In marketing, consumer behaviour theory is used to understand and predict how customers behave in the marketplace. 

There are many benefits of using consumer behaviour theory in marketing. Perhaps the most important benefit is that it can help businesses better understand their customers. By understanding how customers behave, businesses can make more informed decisions about marketing strategies and product development. 

Additionally, consumer behaviour theory can help businesses identify customer segments most likely to purchase their products or services. This information can target marketing campaigns specifically at these high-value segments.

Overall, consumer behaviour theory provides a valuable tool for businesses that want to improve their marketing efforts. By understanding how customers behave, businesses can make more informed decisions about product development, pricing, and promotion. 

How to apply consumer behaviour theory in marketing

Consumer behaviour theory can be applied in marketing in several ways. First, understanding consumer behaviour can help marketers segment consumers into similar needs and preferences groups. This allows marketers to target their marketing efforts more effectively.

Additionally, consumer behaviour theory can help marketers understand how consumers make purchase decisions. This knowledge can be used to develop marketing strategies influencing consumers’ decision-making.

Finally, the impact of marketing on consumer behaviour help marketers assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make necessary adjustments.

Consumer Behaviour In Marketing Example

Case studies are a great way to see consumer behaviour theory in action. By studying real-life examples of how people interact with brands and products, we can better understand the underlying motivations and drivers of behaviour. While case studies can help understand consumer behaviour, it is important to remember that they are only one tool in the toolbox. To get a complete picture of consumer behaviour, we need to consider various theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.

There are several different applications of consumer behaviour in marketing, each with its own unique insights into how consumers make decisions. To learn more about how businesses are using consumer behaviour theory to improve their marketing efforts, check out these case studies.

1. Nike 

Nike is one of the most successful companies in the world, and they regularly use consumer behaviour theory to inform their marketing strategy. For example, Nike uses psychological principles like the mere-exposure effect and social proof to create ads that encourage customers to purchase their products.

2. McDonald’s 

McDonald’s is another company that understands the power of consumer behaviour theory. They use principles like operant conditioning and positive reinforcement to train customers to associate their brand with positive emotions. As a result, McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world.

3. Apple 

Another example of a company using consumer behaviour theory in marketing comes from Apple Inc. In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, which was met with scepticism by many consumers. However, Apple used various marketing techniques to change people’s perceptions of the iPhone and made it a success.

One of the main ways that Apple did this was by using the “foot-in-the-door” technique. This involves getting people to agree to a small request before asking them to agree to a larger one. In the case of the iPhone, Apple first got people to download a free app before asking them to buy the phone.

Other marketing techniques used by Apple included using social proof (showing that other people like the product) and framing the product in a positive light (e.g., calling it a “game-changer”).

4. Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola Company is a great example of how consumer behaviour theory can be used in practice.

Coca-Cola uses marketing techniques that appeal to the psychological needs of consumers. For example, they use colour, music, and happy images in their advertising to create a positive emotional association with their product.

Coca-Cola also uses marketing techniques that exploit consumers and often make irrational decisions. For example, they use persuasive packaging and pricing strategies that make their products seem like a good deal even though they may not be.

Overall, Coca-Cola is a great example of how consumer behaviour theory can be used in practice to improve sales and profits.

Conclusion

We hope this post helped you understand the basics of consumer behaviour theory and how it can be useful in marketing. Many businesses successfully implemented consumer behaviour theories concepts in the real world. We can glean valuable insights that can be applied to other situations.