I was watching a documentary on North Korea the other day. And we all saw the news reports from the latest missile tests, etc.
Now, most experts continue to downplay the reality of any news coming from NK. But leaders around the world know that ignoring the possibilities could be a grave mistake.
What seems to make this situation unique is the extremely closed society that Jong-Il has established or maintained since taking the reins from his father. It is extremely difficult for others to gleen credible intelligence on the situation and therefore, very difficult to assess the actual threats.
What on earth does this have to do with marketing?
Well, the elements of the whole situation made me think about the way that mystery and lack of information make people very anxious. The fear of the unknown always seems to be more intense than that based on concrete facts.
I was considering the marketing tactics often used online. There are many products and services offered by countless websites and affiliates that seem to use the same tactics.
Many master marketers use a sales page filled with promises and testimonials without ever directly revealing the “how” or specifics of their product. They often suggest that without their product or service, you will be flailing to keep up with your competition who has taken advantage of their latest, greatest “whatever.”
I know that simple, rational thought should prevent the paranoia that can follow such marketing schemes. But I am fully willing to admit that I have fallen prey to this modus operandi in the past.
I think that the psychology behind these types of ads is quite brilliant really. Tapping into your audience’s curiosity and teaming it with a subliminal or not-so subliminal feeling that they are missing out on business that their adversaries are profiting from…it’s really an appeal to the most basic of human emotions.
I’m not saying that these methods are right or wrong. I simply find it fascinating to watch the way that every element of our lives can be manipulated by those that are able to bring out our most basic instincts. That or I’m just reaching to write a post that relates current events, buzz words and internet marketing…you be the judge 