Why You Should Market the Feeling Instead of the Feature
A common mistake in small business marketing is focusing too much on the features of a product or service, and not enough on the feelings associated with it.
The key to successful small business marketing is to focus on the emotional benefits of a product or service, rather than the technical features.
People are more likely to respond to a product or service if they can connect with it emotionally. They’re also more likely to remember and share it with others.
Therefore, it’s important to capitalize on the emotional aspects of your product or service and find ways to connect with your target audience. This could include using stories, visuals or even humor to create a memorable connection.
By focusing on the emotional benefits of your product or service, you will create a more powerful and effective marketing message that will resonate with your target audience. In this blog, we’re going to cover a few tips for focusing on the feelings instead of the features in your marketing strategy:
#1. Tell a story
People love stories. They devour them in the form of television shows, movies, books, video games and even advertisements.
When you tell a story, you can evoke emotions in your audience and create a stronger connection with them. Your story should focus on the benefits of your product or service and how it has helped others.
#2. Focus on the emotional outcomes
When you’re promoting your product or service, don’t just focus on the technical features. Instead, think about the emotional outcomes that your product or service can provide.
For example, if you are selling a fitness program, you could focus on the feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes with reaching your goals, rather than the equipment used or any other technical details.
#3. Use visuals
Visuals can be an effective way to evoke emotions in your audience. Images and videos can help to better illustrate the emotional benefits of your product or service.
For example, if the messaging says, “best-in-class teeth whitening procedure,” don’t show somebody getting their teeth cleaned. Instead, show somebody with a big smile and white teeth who is loving life.
#4. Use humor
Humor is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. People love to laugh and it can help to create a stronger connection with your product or service.
Just make sure that your humor is appropriate for your audience and doesn’t come off as offensive or insensitive.
#5. Share customer success stories
Sharing customer success stories can be an effective way to evoke emotions in your audience. It shows them that your product or service has helped others and can help them too.
These stories should focus on the emotional journey of the customer and how your product or service has helped to improve their life.
#6. Identify common pain points
Identifying common pain points your leads and customers may have can be a powerful way to connect with your target audience.
By understanding their pain points, you can create messaging that resonates with them and focuses on how your product or service can help relieve those pain points.
#7. Share user-generated content
User-generated content (UGC) can be a great way to connect with your target audience. It shows them that your product or service is being used and enjoyed by others, which can be a powerful motivator for them to purchase your product or service.
Look for UGC that highlights how your products or services make your customers feel. One way to encourage your customers to make this kind of content is with a social media contest or hashtag campaign.
#8. Use color to enhance the emotional message
The colors you use in your marketing materials can have a profound effect on your target audience. Different colors evoke different emotions, so it’s important to choose colors that convey the emotional message you’re trying to get across.
For example, if you’re promoting a product or service with a calming effect, you might choose calming colors such as blues, greens and purples.
#9. Use customer testimonials
Testimonials are a great way to connect with your target audience and show them the emotional benefits of your product or service.
Look for customer testimonials that focus on the emotional journey of the customer, rather than just the technical features of the product or service.
#10. Connect on social media
Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with your target audience and evoking emotions. You can use social media to share stories, images, videos, customer success stories and more.
It’s also a great place to engage with your customers and answer any questions they may have. This helps to build trust and create a stronger connection with your audience.
By focusing on the emotional benefits of your product or service instead of the features, you can create a powerful and effective small business marketing strategy that will resonate with your target audience.
Here’s JB with more on designing ads that show the feeling and not the feature: