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The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More
Behind all the shiny models, buzzwords, and theories—there are raw truths of human behaviour at work.
Why does `990 feel like a bargain, compared to ₹1,000? Why does swiping a card hurt less than handing over the same amount in hard cash?
How does one innocent scroll on Instagram Reels turn into an hour-long binge?
And how do marketers trick us into thinking we’re in control, even when they’re often the ones pulling the strings?
In this book, we’ll unwrap the unfiltered truths behind persuasion, choice, motivation, habits, loyalty, and cognitive biases—all the stuff an MBA conveniently glosses over.
We’ll also dissect cutting-edge tools like neuromarketing and dive into the psychology of AI.
This is your backstage pass to the real mind-games of marketing—and how marketers get us to open our wallets, willingly.
Once you see how these tricks are done, you won’t be able to unsee them.
Ready to dive in? This rabbit hole goes deeper than you think.
Why does `990 feel like a bargain, compared to ₹1,000? Why does swiping a card hurt less than handing over the same amount in hard cash?
How does one innocent scroll on Instagram Reels turn into an hour-long binge?
And how do marketers trick us into thinking we’re in control, even when they’re often the ones pulling the strings?
In this book, we’ll unwrap the unfiltered truths behind persuasion, choice, motivation, habits, loyalty, and cognitive biases—all the stuff an MBA conveniently glosses over.
We’ll also dissect cutting-edge tools like neuromarketing and dive into the psychology of AI.
This is your backstage pass to the real mind-games of marketing—and how marketers get us to open our wallets, willingly.
Once you see how these tricks are done, you won’t be able to unsee them.
Ready to dive in? This rabbit hole goes deeper than you think.
- GenresBusiness
198 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2024
8 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 24, 2025
I picked up this book without knowing a thing about the author, just the title and a handful of reviews nudged me toward it. The Psychology of Marketing already tells you what world you’re stepping into, but what surprised me was how thoroughly the book explores that world. It moves from Maslow to Cialdini brilliantly, and from the very first page it holds your attention without drifting into fluff.
What I appreciated most is how universal it feels. You don’t have to be a marketer to benefit from it. If you’re a founder, someone building something on your own, or even someone trying to understand how influence works in everyday life, this is a strong place to begin. The book lays out ideas, examples, and techniques with a clarity that’s rare; it gives you depth without ever becoming dense or pretentious. Bonus: it has that Indian desi touch, something you’d enjoy.
Toward the end, it does slip into repetition, but in a way that feels like reinforcement rather than filler, almost like revisiting your notes to make sure the concepts actually land. And honestly, thats needed. It’s not one of those generic marketing books everyone quotes without understanding. It’s genuinely useful, easy to absorb, and thoughtful in the way it approaches human behaviour.
Overall, I’m glad I trusted the title and the reviews. This one is worth reading. I want to meet Harinder now so I could pick his brain about marketing and more. :D
March 8, 2025
Book Review: The Psychology of Marketing – A Must-Read for Every Consumer and Marketer
The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More is a fascinating deep dive into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways brands influence our purchasing decisions. Written in an engaging and almost addictive style, the book itself feels like a masterclass in persuasive writing—proving its own point as you turn each page.
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
1. Easy Flow of Content
The book is structured in a way that makes complex psychological concepts feel effortless to understand.
2. Brilliant Use of Real-World Examples
For instance, when discussing auditory attention, the book references classic jingles like Washing Powder Nirma, Lifebuoy, Vicco Vajradanti—and chances are, you automatically sang them in your head.
3. Memorable Insights on Luxury and Status
A standout moment is the line:
“You wear a watch to tell the time, I wear a Patek to tell you how valuable my time is.”
This brilliantly captures how luxury goods often serve as status symbols rather than just functional products—an idea that has long driven high-end marketing strategies.
4. The ‘Turn Insights Into Action’ Section
Unlike many marketing books that just present theories, this one goes a step further. The ‘Turn Insights into Action’ sections are particularly unique, offering practical takeaways that readers can apply—whether they are consumers wanting to make more mindful decisions or marketers looking to refine their strategies.
Final Thoughts
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand why they buy what they buy. It exposes the hidden tricks of the trade in a way that is both eye-opening and entertaining. Whether you are a marketer looking to sharpen your skills or just someone who wants to avoid falling for clever advertising, The Psychology of Marketing is a worthwhile read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More is a fascinating deep dive into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways brands influence our purchasing decisions. Written in an engaging and almost addictive style, the book itself feels like a masterclass in persuasive writing—proving its own point as you turn each page.
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
1. Easy Flow of Content
The book is structured in a way that makes complex psychological concepts feel effortless to understand.
2. Brilliant Use of Real-World Examples
For instance, when discussing auditory attention, the book references classic jingles like Washing Powder Nirma, Lifebuoy, Vicco Vajradanti—and chances are, you automatically sang them in your head.
3. Memorable Insights on Luxury and Status
A standout moment is the line:
“You wear a watch to tell the time, I wear a Patek to tell you how valuable my time is.”
This brilliantly captures how luxury goods often serve as status symbols rather than just functional products—an idea that has long driven high-end marketing strategies.
4. The ‘Turn Insights Into Action’ Section
Unlike many marketing books that just present theories, this one goes a step further. The ‘Turn Insights into Action’ sections are particularly unique, offering practical takeaways that readers can apply—whether they are consumers wanting to make more mindful decisions or marketers looking to refine their strategies.
Final Thoughts
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand why they buy what they buy. It exposes the hidden tricks of the trade in a way that is both eye-opening and entertaining. Whether you are a marketer looking to sharpen your skills or just someone who wants to avoid falling for clever advertising, The Psychology of Marketing is a worthwhile read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
April 30, 2025
This book is a love letter to marketing and covers a lot you might study in your MBA or go through as a marketer.
December 23, 2024
Great starting point for anyone considering Marketing as a career. Very relatable for Indian readers, given the examples.
March 4, 2025
Ever walked into a store for just one thing but left with a cart full of stuff you didn’t even plan to buy? Or spent an hour scrolling through Instagram, drowning in ads? There’s a reason for that. The Psychology of Marketing by Harinder Singh Pelia dives deep into the sneaky tricks marketers use to influence our buying decisions. But don’t expect a boring textbook—this book is packed with sharp insights, humour, and real-world examples that make complex psychology feel refreshingly simple. Harinder brings his marketing expertise to life, making this a must-read for anyone curious about why we buy what we buy.
This book reveals the psychological tactics behind consumer behavior. From why ₹990 feels so much cheaper than ₹1,000 to why swiping a credit card feels less painful than handing over cash, Harinder unpacks the science behind our everyday shopping habits. He explores how brands build loyalty, why impulse shopping is so irresistible, and even how AI and neuromarketing shape the future of advertising. Each chapter ends with a Turn Insights into Action section, so marketers can immediately apply what they’ve learned.
Harinder’s writing is like having a chat with a friend who just happens to be a marketing genius. He breaks down big ideas into bite-sized, relatable nuggets, using humour and real-world examples to keep things engaging. The book is well-structured, with catchy headings that keep you hooked. Unlike dense academic reads, The Psychology of Marketing is a breeze to get through—whether you’re a marketing pro or just someone fascinated by human behaviour.
Instead of drowning you in theory, the book focuses on real-world applications of psychological biases. Harinder breaks down concepts like loss aversion, anchoring, and the decoy effect with fun and familiar examples—like why fast-food combos seem like a steal or how brands use artificial scarcity to boost demand. He also dives into the emotional triggers behind ads and how digital platforms hijack our attention. The result? Marketers get smarter strategies, and consumers get a crash course in spotting manipulation.
With 12 well-paced chapters, the book takes you from basic psychological tricks to advanced strategies like AI-driven marketing. The bullet-point summaries at the end of each chapter are a great touch, making it easy to absorb key takeaways. That said, a deeper dive into fewer concepts might have made the book even more powerful, allowing for a richer exploration of each idea.
At its heart, The Psychology of Marketing is about awareness. It challenges you to rethink your spending habits and become a more mindful consumer. Harinder also touches on the ethics of marketing, encouraging brands to use psychological insights responsibly instead of exploiting consumers. The book’s ultimate message? Knowledge is power—whether you’re crafting a killer marketing campaign or just trying to resist an unnecessary purchase.
This book is full of lightbulb moments. Ever wondered why grocery stores put essentials at the back or why canceling subscriptions is such a hassle? The answers are here. You’ll start noticing these marketing tricks everywhere—at the mall, on your favorite apps, even in restaurant menus. And once you see them, you can’t unsee them. It’s both eye-opening and incredibly entertaining.
The book feels like a fun conversation rather than a lecture, using real-world examples to make abstract concepts instantly relatable. Each chapter leaves you with actionable takeaways, ensuring you walk away with something useful. Plus, it covers modern trends like AI and digital marketing, making it highly relevant.
While the book is packed with insights, it sometimes tries to cover too many concepts at once—fewer, more deeply explored ideas could have made for an even richer read. Also, a few examples feel slightly recycled across chapters, making certain points feel repetitive.
I absolutely loved this book. As someone fascinated by human behaviour, I found it both insightful and wildly entertaining. Harinder’s storytelling, humour, and practical approach make it an easy recommendation. Sure, I wished some topics had been explored in more depth, but the sheer breadth of insights makes it well worth the read. Whether you’re in marketing or just curious about why you keep buying things you don’t need, this book is a gem.
The Psychology of Marketing is an eye-opening deep dive into the tricks that shape our buying habits. Whether you’re a marketer looking to sharpen your strategies or a consumer wanting to outsmart manipulative tactics, this book has something valuable for you. With its engaging tone, practical takeaways, and modern relevance, it’s a must-read. Trust me—once you recognize these marketing tricks, you’ll never shop the same way again!
March 18, 2025
In The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More by Harinder Singh Pelia readers discover a complete deep-dive into the psychological techniques used by marketers to modify consumer behavior. The book provides essential information about marketing technologies by examining their scientific aspects and their ethical dimensions while revealing how external forces direct our choices. The book includes various sections that explore separate psychological methods which marketers use to boost consumer spending. Pelia aligns academic principles with real-world marketing examples to show how businesses create strategic campaigns which affect customer emotions and decision biases.
In his exploration of psychological pricing Pelia explains how a price which ends in ₹990 versus ₹1,000 produces substantial differences in consumer perception. Consumers fall victim to their cognitive biases through the "charm pricing" strategy because it makes products seem cheaper than the actual cost. Pelia explains that these little regarded pricing methods exploit psychological processes which trigger increased purchasing behavior. The book analyzes critical persuasion techniques with specific focus on reciprocity alongside scarcity and social proof. Limited-time offers and free products stimulate a consumer's sense of urgency and reciprocity so they act rapidly.
The book delves into an engaging discussion about payment methods and their effects on customer spending behavior. Pelia asserts that credit card transactions along with other digital forms of payment create a psychological sensation of detachment from the act of payment resulting in what he terms "the pain of paying." When consumers experience no pain from their payment method they tend to spend more money than they would when paying with cash at hand.
Marketers should prioritize ethical considerations in their approach according to Pelia's persuasive arguments despite traditional profit-focused market analysis. Through real-world examples he demonstrates that marketers must evaluate the psychological effects their strategies generate when promoting materialism and creating unrealistic consumer desires while exploiting consumer vulnerabilities. Through case studies and real-world examples readers gain practical insights into how marketers implement these approaches in their daily operations and industry practice.
The author approaches psychological subject matter by writing in a clear and accessible style which makes difficult theories simple to understand by readers from diverse backgrounds. The author explains difficult theories by using relevant examples drawn from real life situations and supported with humorous content and personal anecdotes. The structured and conversational approach of Pelia's text creates an enjoyable reading experience that educates audiences about their buying decision forces regardless of marketing expertise level. Practical applications accompany the end of each chapter so readers can transport theoretical knowledge into their actual work situations and everyday activities. The text presents concise organization through its use of headings and bullet-point summaries which helps readers maintain understanding as they progress through the content.
The text functions as an indispensable tool for understanding the strong psychological elements that shape consumer choices. Harinder Singh Pelia delivers an outstanding analysis of marketing strategies paired with their subconscious behavioral impact on consumers. This work prompts marketers to consider ethical implications from their strategies while providing balanced insights into marketing persuasion's strengths and moral obligations. It strives to make thoughtful consumers while promoting responsible marketing behaviors.
In his exploration of psychological pricing Pelia explains how a price which ends in ₹990 versus ₹1,000 produces substantial differences in consumer perception. Consumers fall victim to their cognitive biases through the "charm pricing" strategy because it makes products seem cheaper than the actual cost. Pelia explains that these little regarded pricing methods exploit psychological processes which trigger increased purchasing behavior. The book analyzes critical persuasion techniques with specific focus on reciprocity alongside scarcity and social proof. Limited-time offers and free products stimulate a consumer's sense of urgency and reciprocity so they act rapidly.
The book delves into an engaging discussion about payment methods and their effects on customer spending behavior. Pelia asserts that credit card transactions along with other digital forms of payment create a psychological sensation of detachment from the act of payment resulting in what he terms "the pain of paying." When consumers experience no pain from their payment method they tend to spend more money than they would when paying with cash at hand.
Marketers should prioritize ethical considerations in their approach according to Pelia's persuasive arguments despite traditional profit-focused market analysis. Through real-world examples he demonstrates that marketers must evaluate the psychological effects their strategies generate when promoting materialism and creating unrealistic consumer desires while exploiting consumer vulnerabilities. Through case studies and real-world examples readers gain practical insights into how marketers implement these approaches in their daily operations and industry practice.
The author approaches psychological subject matter by writing in a clear and accessible style which makes difficult theories simple to understand by readers from diverse backgrounds. The author explains difficult theories by using relevant examples drawn from real life situations and supported with humorous content and personal anecdotes. The structured and conversational approach of Pelia's text creates an enjoyable reading experience that educates audiences about their buying decision forces regardless of marketing expertise level. Practical applications accompany the end of each chapter so readers can transport theoretical knowledge into their actual work situations and everyday activities. The text presents concise organization through its use of headings and bullet-point summaries which helps readers maintain understanding as they progress through the content.
The text functions as an indispensable tool for understanding the strong psychological elements that shape consumer choices. Harinder Singh Pelia delivers an outstanding analysis of marketing strategies paired with their subconscious behavioral impact on consumers. This work prompts marketers to consider ethical implications from their strategies while providing balanced insights into marketing persuasion's strengths and moral obligations. It strives to make thoughtful consumers while promoting responsible marketing behaviors.
September 10, 2025
When I picked up The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More, I was expecting a marketing handbook — instead I found a short, sharply-written tour of the invisible nudges that shape everyday buying. The book quickly makes clear it’s about the human side of marketing (not only models or metrics), and that perspective stayed with me through every chapter.
What the book actually covers
Pelia walks through persuasion, choice architecture, motivation, habit formation, loyalty, and a range of cognitive biases, then turns the microscope on newer tools such as neuromarketing and the psychology behind AI-driven targeting. Concrete, repeatable examples — like why ₹990 feels different from ₹1,000 or why swiping a card “hurts” less than handing cash — anchor the theory in everyday moments. That combination of classic behavioral ideas and modern marketing tools is the book’s backbone.
Writing style & tone (how it reads)
I found the voice conversational and brisk — the author writes like someone explaining clever puzzles over coffee. That approachable tone makes complex ideas feel accessible; you don’t need an MBA to follow the book.
Most useful chapters / takeaways (what stuck with me)
My favourite parts were the short, actionable summaries at the ends of chapters — those “what to do with this” moments made the lessons sticky. A few chapters that unpack anchoring, scarcity/urgency, and the habit-loop felt especially useful because they paired psychological studies with marketing tactics you actually see on apps and in stores. Those concrete applications are what I’d reach for again when advising someone on design or as a consumer trying to resist impulse nudges.
Small quibbles (what I’d have liked different)
I really enjoyed how wide-ranging the book was, but at times it felt like it skimmed the surface. A few deeper dives or personal case stories from the author would have made the concepts sink in even more.
Who this book is for
If you’re a practising marketer, product manager, designer, or simply a curious consumer, this book delivers fast, applicable insights. It’s especially good as an introduction to behavioral marketing and as a refresher on the key psychological levers marketers use today (with India-relevant examples sprinkled throughout). If you want a compact, actionable primer rather than a textbook, this is exactly that.
Final verdict
I came away feeling both more informed and a little more suspicious of everyday sales tactics — which I think is the point. The Psychology of Marketing doesn’t pretend to be the final word on behavioral economics, but as a readable, modern walkthrough of how persuasion is practiced now (including AI and neuromarketing), it earned my recommendation as a practical, enjoyable read.
What the book actually covers
Pelia walks through persuasion, choice architecture, motivation, habit formation, loyalty, and a range of cognitive biases, then turns the microscope on newer tools such as neuromarketing and the psychology behind AI-driven targeting. Concrete, repeatable examples — like why ₹990 feels different from ₹1,000 or why swiping a card “hurts” less than handing cash — anchor the theory in everyday moments. That combination of classic behavioral ideas and modern marketing tools is the book’s backbone.
Writing style & tone (how it reads)
I found the voice conversational and brisk — the author writes like someone explaining clever puzzles over coffee. That approachable tone makes complex ideas feel accessible; you don’t need an MBA to follow the book.
Most useful chapters / takeaways (what stuck with me)
My favourite parts were the short, actionable summaries at the ends of chapters — those “what to do with this” moments made the lessons sticky. A few chapters that unpack anchoring, scarcity/urgency, and the habit-loop felt especially useful because they paired psychological studies with marketing tactics you actually see on apps and in stores. Those concrete applications are what I’d reach for again when advising someone on design or as a consumer trying to resist impulse nudges.
Small quibbles (what I’d have liked different)
I really enjoyed how wide-ranging the book was, but at times it felt like it skimmed the surface. A few deeper dives or personal case stories from the author would have made the concepts sink in even more.
Who this book is for
If you’re a practising marketer, product manager, designer, or simply a curious consumer, this book delivers fast, applicable insights. It’s especially good as an introduction to behavioral marketing and as a refresher on the key psychological levers marketers use today (with India-relevant examples sprinkled throughout). If you want a compact, actionable primer rather than a textbook, this is exactly that.
Final verdict
I came away feeling both more informed and a little more suspicious of everyday sales tactics — which I think is the point. The Psychology of Marketing doesn’t pretend to be the final word on behavioral economics, but as a readable, modern walkthrough of how persuasion is practiced now (including AI and neuromarketing), it earned my recommendation as a practical, enjoyable read.
February 23, 2025
“Marketing is a love letter to our flaws.”
The marketing enthusiast in me made me pick this book…and oh boy! This book was an absolute delight.
In my 5 years of serving as a marketing lecturer and now pursuing my Ph.D. in Marketing, this book felt like I was having a conversation with a fellow Research Scholar or my students about all the interesting marketing concepts that trick consumers into buying books. I could totally imagine us discussing the examples given in the book and of course, I did have the urge to say, “Bro! Did you know what that brand did when putting this concept to use?!”. Though I knew every concept and theory that was mentioned in the book, I was looking forward to reading the examples... Because examples are the core element of understanding how marketing works, discussing marketing without examples is boring.
The chapters discussing Neuromarketing and AI were so well written addressing the current trends in marketing and consumer behaviour. The last paragraph in the chapter on Neuromarketing spoke about how neuromarketing must be wisely used by marketers, and this won me. The chapter on ‘Attention’ spoke my mind. When working on my research, I realized how consumer attention is a precious currency for every marketer, and that thought was validated in this chapter. The theories and models were explained in a manner that everyone would be able to understand in one go.
For those who are new to the subject, this book would definitely get you saying, “Damn! I fell for this marketing trick too!”. It’s a wonderful book to get to understand various marketing concepts and see how brands have practically used them to achieve their marketing goals. “It’s never only about the buy, it’s about the why”. This is a good book to begin with for those who are beginners in this subject or this genre. I would definitely suggest you sit with a bunch of sticky notes to write about how you or your friends and family fell for some of these marketing tricks. This would help you build relatability when reading the book.
Overall, I loved reading this book on marketing.
The marketing enthusiast in me made me pick this book…and oh boy! This book was an absolute delight.
In my 5 years of serving as a marketing lecturer and now pursuing my Ph.D. in Marketing, this book felt like I was having a conversation with a fellow Research Scholar or my students about all the interesting marketing concepts that trick consumers into buying books. I could totally imagine us discussing the examples given in the book and of course, I did have the urge to say, “Bro! Did you know what that brand did when putting this concept to use?!”. Though I knew every concept and theory that was mentioned in the book, I was looking forward to reading the examples... Because examples are the core element of understanding how marketing works, discussing marketing without examples is boring.
The chapters discussing Neuromarketing and AI were so well written addressing the current trends in marketing and consumer behaviour. The last paragraph in the chapter on Neuromarketing spoke about how neuromarketing must be wisely used by marketers, and this won me. The chapter on ‘Attention’ spoke my mind. When working on my research, I realized how consumer attention is a precious currency for every marketer, and that thought was validated in this chapter. The theories and models were explained in a manner that everyone would be able to understand in one go.
For those who are new to the subject, this book would definitely get you saying, “Damn! I fell for this marketing trick too!”. It’s a wonderful book to get to understand various marketing concepts and see how brands have practically used them to achieve their marketing goals. “It’s never only about the buy, it’s about the why”. This is a good book to begin with for those who are beginners in this subject or this genre. I would definitely suggest you sit with a bunch of sticky notes to write about how you or your friends and family fell for some of these marketing tricks. This would help you build relatability when reading the book.
Overall, I loved reading this book on marketing.
February 25, 2025
💸Ever wondered why you get suggestions from Instagram to buy things that you searched on Amazon? Why are discounts centred during festive seasons? Why BOGO offer when they can give only one for half the price? Why would prices seem a bit high even after that much-awaited offer price? Why are zepto and blinkit prices way cheaper than regular market prices? Why are taxi prices spiked when it rains? Why are food courts located on the top floors of malls?
It’s because you are under the constant surveillance of marketing. Not even a minute of our lives is spared from its eyes.
If there is anything that has upsurged my interest with its title so far in the last two months, then it is this book, The Psychology of Marketing. We all know how brands try hard to get our hands on their products and lure us into buying them. For the same reason I wanted to delve deeper to know their tactics and I must accept that I’m pretty much amazed and dumbfounded while reading this book.
Marketing is such an in-depth concept and always keeps transitioning according to consumer preferences. The extent to which marketers go to sell their products will blow our minds away as money comes first rather than the needs of people for them. Even the bare detail that hints at our desires is manoeuvred to boost their sales. How to make money might be in our control but how money goes out of our pocket might be not, as psychology is in cohesion with marketing.
The author, with his marketing expertise, very diligently and meticulously elucidates the core strategies that are implemented to attract customers with a rational and humorous narration. This book gives us a keen idea of how marketing is tailored according to the mood and needs of the consumers and tricks them for profits. It also shows us the fine yet intense line that brews mind magic between consumers and marketers that eventually leads to a successful business. I suggest that you read it so that you make better choices of products even if it’s in your best interest to buy them. Motivation, Attention, Choice and Pricing intrigued me much.
Highly recommended!!
It’s because you are under the constant surveillance of marketing. Not even a minute of our lives is spared from its eyes.
If there is anything that has upsurged my interest with its title so far in the last two months, then it is this book, The Psychology of Marketing. We all know how brands try hard to get our hands on their products and lure us into buying them. For the same reason I wanted to delve deeper to know their tactics and I must accept that I’m pretty much amazed and dumbfounded while reading this book.
Marketing is such an in-depth concept and always keeps transitioning according to consumer preferences. The extent to which marketers go to sell their products will blow our minds away as money comes first rather than the needs of people for them. Even the bare detail that hints at our desires is manoeuvred to boost their sales. How to make money might be in our control but how money goes out of our pocket might be not, as psychology is in cohesion with marketing.
The author, with his marketing expertise, very diligently and meticulously elucidates the core strategies that are implemented to attract customers with a rational and humorous narration. This book gives us a keen idea of how marketing is tailored according to the mood and needs of the consumers and tricks them for profits. It also shows us the fine yet intense line that brews mind magic between consumers and marketers that eventually leads to a successful business. I suggest that you read it so that you make better choices of products even if it’s in your best interest to buy them. Motivation, Attention, Choice and Pricing intrigued me much.
Highly recommended!!
February 27, 2025
Harinder Singh Pelia’s The Psychology of Marketing is an insightful and engaging deep dive into the psychological forces that shape consumer behaviour. For anyone curious about cognitive biases, persuasion techniques, decision-making strategies, brand power, and pricing psychology-without the burden of traditional marketing textbooks - this book is the perfect read.
What makes this book stand out is Harinder’s ability to distil complex theories into relatable, real-world applications. As an experienced marketer, he seamlessly integrates examples from famous campaigns, illustrating how brands subtly shape our choices. Whether it’s McDonald’s convincing you to add fries and a drink to your order or why Virat Kohli remains a fantasy league favourite, every chapter unpacks the mechanisms driving consumer behaviour.
A major strength of the book is its integration of behavioural economics principles from scholars like Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler. Harinder simplifies key concepts - loss aversion, anchoring, the decoy effect - into digestible insights, making them accessible to readers from all backgrounds. The book effectively covers much of what an MBA marketing course would, yet in a far more engaging and practical manner.
Beyond just theory, The Psychology of Marketing is packed with “aha” moments, helping readers recognize the hidden influences on their own purchasing decisions. The book challenges you to think critically about why certain advertisements stay with you, how pricing strategies work, and why brands use specific psychological triggers to shape perception.
The final chapter on AI’s role in marketing provides a fitting conclusion, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming branding, advertising, and personalization. This forward-looking perspective ensures the book remains relevant in an evolving digital landscape.
Engaging, crisp, and thought-provoking, The Psychology of Marketing is a must-read for students, professionals, and anyone fascinated by the invisible forces that drive consumer behaviour. Highly recommended!
What makes this book stand out is Harinder’s ability to distil complex theories into relatable, real-world applications. As an experienced marketer, he seamlessly integrates examples from famous campaigns, illustrating how brands subtly shape our choices. Whether it’s McDonald’s convincing you to add fries and a drink to your order or why Virat Kohli remains a fantasy league favourite, every chapter unpacks the mechanisms driving consumer behaviour.
A major strength of the book is its integration of behavioural economics principles from scholars like Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler. Harinder simplifies key concepts - loss aversion, anchoring, the decoy effect - into digestible insights, making them accessible to readers from all backgrounds. The book effectively covers much of what an MBA marketing course would, yet in a far more engaging and practical manner.
Beyond just theory, The Psychology of Marketing is packed with “aha” moments, helping readers recognize the hidden influences on their own purchasing decisions. The book challenges you to think critically about why certain advertisements stay with you, how pricing strategies work, and why brands use specific psychological triggers to shape perception.
The final chapter on AI’s role in marketing provides a fitting conclusion, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming branding, advertising, and personalization. This forward-looking perspective ensures the book remains relevant in an evolving digital landscape.
Engaging, crisp, and thought-provoking, The Psychology of Marketing is a must-read for students, professionals, and anyone fascinated by the invisible forces that drive consumer behaviour. Highly recommended!
March 8, 2025
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"Understanding the craft of marketing is about deeply understanding people. Along the way, the two somehow become inseparable, like tea and biscuits."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
Although I haven’t pursued a career in marketing, I’ve always been fascinated by how marketing influences human perception and psychology. This curiosity led me to pick up this book.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
I absolutely love the book cover — it’s visually appealing and thoughtfully designed. The title is straightforward and perfectly captures the essence of the content.
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The narration is fast-paced, and the content is well-organized and neatly segmented, making it both easy to follow and highly engaging. The language is simple and accessible, which adds to the reading experience.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓I truly appreciate when nonfiction books incorporate human elements, and this book does exactly that. I was hooked right from the dedication page — I’d love to share it, but I’ll hold back to avoid spoilers!
✓The content provides a comprehensive introduction, a learning perspective, and clarifies key marketing concepts.
✓The book covers everything from cognitive biases and neuromarketing to persuasion and pricing, making it a well-rounded read.
✓I found the discussion on the psychology of artificial intelligence especially intriguing, as it explores AI’s potential impact on professional marketing teams.
✓The author’s insights on brand loyalty, awareness, and advocacy resonated with me, especially with relatable examples like Netflix.
✓I particularly enjoyed learning about neuromarketing — a concept I discovered through this book and found absolutely fascinating.
✓Honestly, whether you’re a marketing professional, a student, or simply someone curious about the psychology behind consumer behavior, this book is an essential read.
March 10, 2025
Assalamu Alaikum 😊, "Nothing triggers our logical brains like a nice price analysis, Bargaining is a national sport in our country" – extracts from the book
Book📗: 'The psychology of Marketing' by Harinder Singh Pelia
Genre 📸: Non Fiction/ Analysis & Strategy/ Finance & Commerce
______
Overall Ratings 🌟 : 5 / 5
Pages📚: 200
Language : Easy and Elegant
______
👜 Have you ever wondered that the product you had planned to purchase suddenly appears as an AD out of nowhere while scrolling? Have you ever spent more money on items with offer tag as buy 3 at 999/- where you had planned to spend only 500/-? Have you ever bought an outfit just to make yourself look classier when you don't like it? How are the standards set? Why does the offers make you think you are saving money? How did your smartphone hear your thought of wanting something? The answer of these and much more question lies in this book.
👜 'The Psychology of Marketting' is categorised into 12 major lessons not only for the book but also for the readers. As E-commerce emerged, the expenditure had been increased. Handing over a 500/- Rupee note to the cashier caused quite a pact that making an online transfer of 2000/-. Are we really upgraded or is it a trap? Lot such scenarios and real shopping situations have been covered by author. This is literally an eye opener for all.
👜 Author had kept the book light and freely flowing narration is a plus. I was able to relate most of the scenarios and feel its impact. Some technical concepts like Decoy effect, Band wagon effect, Halo effect and much more are covered which makes the book valuable in technical aspects. The method of AI marketting had also been decoded. I would say this more of an awareness book rather than a commerce based one. Chapter about Neuromarketting caught my attention more. Much recommended to all.
Book📗: 'The psychology of Marketing' by Harinder Singh Pelia
Genre 📸: Non Fiction/ Analysis & Strategy/ Finance & Commerce
______
Overall Ratings 🌟 : 5 / 5
Pages📚: 200
Language : Easy and Elegant
______
👜 Have you ever wondered that the product you had planned to purchase suddenly appears as an AD out of nowhere while scrolling? Have you ever spent more money on items with offer tag as buy 3 at 999/- where you had planned to spend only 500/-? Have you ever bought an outfit just to make yourself look classier when you don't like it? How are the standards set? Why does the offers make you think you are saving money? How did your smartphone hear your thought of wanting something? The answer of these and much more question lies in this book.
👜 'The Psychology of Marketting' is categorised into 12 major lessons not only for the book but also for the readers. As E-commerce emerged, the expenditure had been increased. Handing over a 500/- Rupee note to the cashier caused quite a pact that making an online transfer of 2000/-. Are we really upgraded or is it a trap? Lot such scenarios and real shopping situations have been covered by author. This is literally an eye opener for all.
👜 Author had kept the book light and freely flowing narration is a plus. I was able to relate most of the scenarios and feel its impact. Some technical concepts like Decoy effect, Band wagon effect, Halo effect and much more are covered which makes the book valuable in technical aspects. The method of AI marketting had also been decoded. I would say this more of an awareness book rather than a commerce based one. Chapter about Neuromarketting caught my attention more. Much recommended to all.
March 4, 2025
“Content is King but Marketing is Queen and the Queen runs the Household”. Harinder Singh Pelia’s “The Psychology of Marketing” is all about how marketing creates a bond with the audience thus tricking the audience dwell deep into purchasing the product.
Harinder explains the concepts and the tactics used basically by the company thus making the audience spend money. The simple concept used by Dmart into tricking the customer by laying out a hoarding of “Buy four and get the fifth one free” urges the audience to purchase four because the human mind loves the free concept thus burning a hole in the audiences pocket. Similarly the concept of using influencer on Instagram or our favourite idol highlighting a specific brand or product or the concept of AI being endorsed by products, thus making the consumers fall for the product.
The author has explained the most possible creative ideas and the tactics used by the brands to trick the consumers so that it reaches the audiences into believing that the product should be with them. The writing is crisp and the narration has been done in such a style it feels like the author himself is in-front speaking with us. The examples of daily use brands highlighted in the book makes the read more interesting along with making the readers realize the psychology behind such marketing.
Overall I would surely recommend this book to readers so that as audiences we do get a reality check of the marketing goods we purchase on frequent basis. Also the writing style of the author is fascinating along with being jovial and also includes key points regarding the strategies of different brands which as consumers we should definitely know. A must read for all.
Harinder explains the concepts and the tactics used basically by the company thus making the audience spend money. The simple concept used by Dmart into tricking the customer by laying out a hoarding of “Buy four and get the fifth one free” urges the audience to purchase four because the human mind loves the free concept thus burning a hole in the audiences pocket. Similarly the concept of using influencer on Instagram or our favourite idol highlighting a specific brand or product or the concept of AI being endorsed by products, thus making the consumers fall for the product.
The author has explained the most possible creative ideas and the tactics used by the brands to trick the consumers so that it reaches the audiences into believing that the product should be with them. The writing is crisp and the narration has been done in such a style it feels like the author himself is in-front speaking with us. The examples of daily use brands highlighted in the book makes the read more interesting along with making the readers realize the psychology behind such marketing.
Overall I would surely recommend this book to readers so that as audiences we do get a reality check of the marketing goods we purchase on frequent basis. Also the writing style of the author is fascinating along with being jovial and also includes key points regarding the strategies of different brands which as consumers we should definitely know. A must read for all.
February 21, 2025
Have you ever wondered why when we pay online we don't feel skipping a heartbeat even when it's a huge amount but paying through cash feels like we are losing money really fast ? Have you ever felt whenever we see boards like 99₹ ,999₹ we actually want to go and grab the offers but do we do the same if the offers are 101₹ or 1001₹ though the difference is minor 2₹? Our brain work in ways that we can't even imagine. If we start observing human nature and the psychology behind it , we will awe at the marvel and that's how the huge marketing companies make their strategies to aim at the vulnerable thinking pattern of human.
In the book "Psychology of Marketing" , author has tried to unravel the keen brain behind various innovations we see everyday in the market. When we buy something at a huge offer or at a cheaper price we feel that we are the king without even thinking that it's actually the companies that made us do so and we are nothing but the puppets in their hand. The pedantic eye of author in the book deserves huge appreciation. I mean the insights he shares are so relatable that readers often wonder why we haven't thought it that way .
In today's world everything boils down to how well you market your product. Irrespective of the qualities you or your product possess but if you are unable to market it well , it won't see the light of the day . Most of the books that I have read on the subject talks about the technical front which I personally find mundane but this particular work is praiseworthy in every aspect as it hit the bull's eye by exploring the psychological side of it.
Overall , a must read.
In the book "Psychology of Marketing" , author has tried to unravel the keen brain behind various innovations we see everyday in the market. When we buy something at a huge offer or at a cheaper price we feel that we are the king without even thinking that it's actually the companies that made us do so and we are nothing but the puppets in their hand. The pedantic eye of author in the book deserves huge appreciation. I mean the insights he shares are so relatable that readers often wonder why we haven't thought it that way .
In today's world everything boils down to how well you market your product. Irrespective of the qualities you or your product possess but if you are unable to market it well , it won't see the light of the day . Most of the books that I have read on the subject talks about the technical front which I personally find mundane but this particular work is praiseworthy in every aspect as it hit the bull's eye by exploring the psychological side of it.
Overall , a must read.
March 10, 2025
Marketing is such an in-depth concept that it always transitions according to consumer preferences. The extent to which marketers go to sell their products will blow our minds away, as money comes first rather than people's needs. Even the bare detail that hints at our desires is manoeuvred to boost sales figures, often overshadowing the genuine connection between a brand and its audience.
Harinder Singh Pelia’s “The Psychology of Marketing” is all about how marketing creates a bond with the audience, thus tricking the audience into dwelling deep into purchasing the product.
The chapters discussing neuromarketing and AI were so well written, addressing the current trends in marketing and consumer behaviour. The last paragraph in the chapter on Neuromarketing spoke about how neuromarketing must be wisely used by marketers, and this won me.
The author has explained the most possible creative ideas and the tactics used by the brands to trick the consumers so that it reaches convinced that the product should be with them. The writing is crisp, and the narration has been done in such a style it feels like the author himself is in front speaking with us.
The examples of daily-use brands highlighted in the book make the read more interesting, along with making the readers realise the psychology behind such marketing. It also shows us the fine yet intense line that brews mind magic between consumers and marketers that eventually leads to a successful business.
I suggest that you read it so that you make better choices of products even if it’s in your best interest to buy them. Motivation, attention, choice, and pricing intrigued me much.
Harinder Singh Pelia’s “The Psychology of Marketing” is all about how marketing creates a bond with the audience, thus tricking the audience into dwelling deep into purchasing the product.
The chapters discussing neuromarketing and AI were so well written, addressing the current trends in marketing and consumer behaviour. The last paragraph in the chapter on Neuromarketing spoke about how neuromarketing must be wisely used by marketers, and this won me.
The author has explained the most possible creative ideas and the tactics used by the brands to trick the consumers so that it reaches convinced that the product should be with them. The writing is crisp, and the narration has been done in such a style it feels like the author himself is in front speaking with us.
The examples of daily-use brands highlighted in the book make the read more interesting, along with making the readers realise the psychology behind such marketing. It also shows us the fine yet intense line that brews mind magic between consumers and marketers that eventually leads to a successful business.
I suggest that you read it so that you make better choices of products even if it’s in your best interest to buy them. Motivation, attention, choice, and pricing intrigued me much.
February 26, 2025
"The Psychology of Marketing" by Harinder Singh Pelia has been positioned as the "prequel" to every marketing book you have ever read. Well, I have never read a marketing book so can't comment if it's a prequel to any other book but it is definitely worth a read.
This book has 12 chapters. The content in each chapter is neatly sectioned into paragraphs with relatable headings that give a gist of what's about to follow. The headings are catchy, for instance, "Why You Bought That Overpriced Air Purifier: The Elaboration Likelihood Model" or "Why You End Up Buying Things You Don't Need: Impulse Buying".
At the end of each chapter, there is a "Turn Insights into Action" section which succinctly summarizes all that has been explained in that chapter and gives bullet-point actions to a marketer to thrive in his profession. Moreover, the writing is witty, a testament of the author's own marketing background. He has given plenty of examples to instantiate different concepts.
But, what I didn’t like was that there were a hoard of concepts introduced in this book with not-so-detailed explanations. While there are examples to follow each concept, I would have preferred if instead of so many concepts, only a few would have been picked up and explained in detail. Consequently, after finishing the book, I am still none the wiser about how we are tricked into buying things, except the ones I already knew.
Overall, witty writing, catchy headings, and great examples were my take-aways from this book.
This book has 12 chapters. The content in each chapter is neatly sectioned into paragraphs with relatable headings that give a gist of what's about to follow. The headings are catchy, for instance, "Why You Bought That Overpriced Air Purifier: The Elaboration Likelihood Model" or "Why You End Up Buying Things You Don't Need: Impulse Buying".
At the end of each chapter, there is a "Turn Insights into Action" section which succinctly summarizes all that has been explained in that chapter and gives bullet-point actions to a marketer to thrive in his profession. Moreover, the writing is witty, a testament of the author's own marketing background. He has given plenty of examples to instantiate different concepts.
But, what I didn’t like was that there were a hoard of concepts introduced in this book with not-so-detailed explanations. While there are examples to follow each concept, I would have preferred if instead of so many concepts, only a few would have been picked up and explained in detail. Consequently, after finishing the book, I am still none the wiser about how we are tricked into buying things, except the ones I already knew.
Overall, witty writing, catchy headings, and great examples were my take-aways from this book.
March 4, 2025
Marketing is a science for sellers and a gimmick for buyers. This book discusses this concept in detail.
How often does one buy something just because it says the word discount? How often the product gets attached to a social norm and gets entrenched in our conscience ? How often our decision making is indirectly influenced by subtle marketing? Many such questions form the basis of this book.
What worked for me in this book :
Highly informative with plenty of examples.
Discussion of a wide variety of topics related to marketing strategies.
Bit size chapters with well defined sub points and heading
Summary at the end of each chapter
Engaging narrative style with simple language
The book discusses topics like Attention and Cognitive Biases which are quite relatable and significant. In each such chapter , the author has explained several concepts and principles in lucid language without overwhelming the reader with marketing jargon. The chapter of “Persuasion” felt extremely interesting with several techniques explained by the author which are used by sellers to subconsciously manipulate customers into buying unnecessary stuff. Right from celebrity endorsements to following the herd several such strategies have influenced all of us.
This book is not only eye opening but also a reality check for all consumers. It is an awareness guide for the reader into the veiled domain of marketing experts. A quick but informative reader to be more conscious and mindful customer.
How often does one buy something just because it says the word discount? How often the product gets attached to a social norm and gets entrenched in our conscience ? How often our decision making is indirectly influenced by subtle marketing? Many such questions form the basis of this book.
What worked for me in this book :
Highly informative with plenty of examples.
Discussion of a wide variety of topics related to marketing strategies.
Bit size chapters with well defined sub points and heading
Summary at the end of each chapter
Engaging narrative style with simple language
The book discusses topics like Attention and Cognitive Biases which are quite relatable and significant. In each such chapter , the author has explained several concepts and principles in lucid language without overwhelming the reader with marketing jargon. The chapter of “Persuasion” felt extremely interesting with several techniques explained by the author which are used by sellers to subconsciously manipulate customers into buying unnecessary stuff. Right from celebrity endorsements to following the herd several such strategies have influenced all of us.
This book is not only eye opening but also a reality check for all consumers. It is an awareness guide for the reader into the veiled domain of marketing experts. A quick but informative reader to be more conscious and mindful customer.
March 5, 2025
Have you ever walked into a store, intending to buy just one thing, only to walk out with a full shopping bag? Or scrolled through Instagram for “just five minutes” and found yourself still glued to your phone an hour later? That’s not a coincidence—it’s marketing psychology at work.
Harinder Singh Pelia’s The Psychology of Marketing is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how marketers shape our decisions—without us even realizing it.
From the way prices are structured (why ₹990 feels like a steal compared to ₹1,000) to why swiping a card feels less painful than handing over cash, this book breaks down the fundamentals of marketing through the lens of human psychology.
I loved the book's simplicity and relatability. The author doesn’t just throw around marketing jargon—he explains every concept in a way that’s easy to understand, using real-life examples that make you go, “Oh, that makes so much sense!”
The book covers everything from motivation and habit formation to pricing tactics and cognitive biases, all within a concise and engaging 200 pages.
A standout feature for me was the end-of-chapter summaries, which highlight how marketers can apply these insights. If you’re a marketer, content creator, business owner, or just someone who wants to be more aware of how you’re being influenced, this book is an invaluable resource.
Once you read The Psychology of Marketing, you won’t just look at ads, pricing, or even your shopping habits the same way again. Highly recommend it!
Harinder Singh Pelia’s The Psychology of Marketing is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how marketers shape our decisions—without us even realizing it.
From the way prices are structured (why ₹990 feels like a steal compared to ₹1,000) to why swiping a card feels less painful than handing over cash, this book breaks down the fundamentals of marketing through the lens of human psychology.
I loved the book's simplicity and relatability. The author doesn’t just throw around marketing jargon—he explains every concept in a way that’s easy to understand, using real-life examples that make you go, “Oh, that makes so much sense!”
The book covers everything from motivation and habit formation to pricing tactics and cognitive biases, all within a concise and engaging 200 pages.
A standout feature for me was the end-of-chapter summaries, which highlight how marketers can apply these insights. If you’re a marketer, content creator, business owner, or just someone who wants to be more aware of how you’re being influenced, this book is an invaluable resource.
Once you read The Psychology of Marketing, you won’t just look at ads, pricing, or even your shopping habits the same way again. Highly recommend it!
March 15, 2025
"The Psychology of Marketing" by Harinder Singh Pelia explores the nuances of strategies used by marketing sectors to covertly sway consumer choices, frequently resulting in higher purchases or expenses than anticipated, all without the consumer realising the manipulation.
The author clarifies the ideas and strategies used by businesses to encourage customer spending. He demonstrates, for example, how straightforward tactics, such as Dmart's "Buy four, get the fifth one free" promotion, take advantage of people's inclination for freebies and persuade them to make larger purchases than they had originally intended. Pelia also talks on the use of AI in product endorsements and the efficacy of influencer endorsements on social media sites like Instagram, where idols and celebrities advocate particular companies, both of which have the potential to impact customer choices.
The book offers innovative concepts and tactics used by companies to sway customer behaviour, and it is told in a captivating way that makes readers feel as though Pelia is speaking to them directly. Examples of common brands are incorporated to enhance the reading experience and shed light on the psychological processes underlying marketing strategies.
Overall, "The Psychology of Marketing" challenges customers' perceptions of the products they regularly buy, writes in an interesting and educational manner, making important insights into brand strategies easy to understand and a must-read for all customers.
The author clarifies the ideas and strategies used by businesses to encourage customer spending. He demonstrates, for example, how straightforward tactics, such as Dmart's "Buy four, get the fifth one free" promotion, take advantage of people's inclination for freebies and persuade them to make larger purchases than they had originally intended. Pelia also talks on the use of AI in product endorsements and the efficacy of influencer endorsements on social media sites like Instagram, where idols and celebrities advocate particular companies, both of which have the potential to impact customer choices.
The book offers innovative concepts and tactics used by companies to sway customer behaviour, and it is told in a captivating way that makes readers feel as though Pelia is speaking to them directly. Examples of common brands are incorporated to enhance the reading experience and shed light on the psychological processes underlying marketing strategies.
Overall, "The Psychology of Marketing" challenges customers' perceptions of the products they regularly buy, writes in an interesting and educational manner, making important insights into brand strategies easy to understand and a must-read for all customers.
February 27, 2025
Imagine this, you are a content creator who is really passionate about your content, or you could be a product developer with an idea to introduce it to people's lives or you want to ramp up marketing of an existing product which seems to be stuck somewhere. Despite the ideas, you are feeling a gap in know how due to which you are not able to reach your target audience, be it via social media or the usual market landscape. Well, this book might come in handy for you.
It's written in a short, crisp witty style as if the author is speaking with you in person than the conventional way. One of the main highlights was the author breaking down the marketing strategies followed currently with cynical approach to break it down and unlearn our own biases so that we can get to bridge the gap between the product and people to take it to the next level. Each chapter has a summary at the end to bring more clarity to strategies brought to attention.
But this book is filled with heart too, as the author covers the dark side of marketing ex. AI and obsessive habit loops created, bringing in ethical moral ground and he also highlights the romantic side of marketing, which was a really nice touch to bring it all together.
The only con was, I did find the number of concepts brought to attention a bit overwhelming as I wasn't sure I would be able to remember them all despite summary nudges, otherwise I really enjoyed reading this one. Reading the epilogue brought a smile to my face.
It's written in a short, crisp witty style as if the author is speaking with you in person than the conventional way. One of the main highlights was the author breaking down the marketing strategies followed currently with cynical approach to break it down and unlearn our own biases so that we can get to bridge the gap between the product and people to take it to the next level. Each chapter has a summary at the end to bring more clarity to strategies brought to attention.
But this book is filled with heart too, as the author covers the dark side of marketing ex. AI and obsessive habit loops created, bringing in ethical moral ground and he also highlights the romantic side of marketing, which was a really nice touch to bring it all together.
The only con was, I did find the number of concepts brought to attention a bit overwhelming as I wasn't sure I would be able to remember them all despite summary nudges, otherwise I really enjoyed reading this one. Reading the epilogue brought a smile to my face.
March 5, 2025
The Psychology of Marketing by Author Harinder Singh Pelia is an eye-opening book which explores the depth of tricks and tactics used by marketing industries to influence the buyers decisions without making them realised that they are being manipulated, that too very smartly in buying more or spending more than expected. It explains how smartly the marketing tricks are applied in manipulating the buyers mind in purchasing more just on the name of some great offers like showing our favourite idols using the products, or buy one get one, or upto 70% discount on mrp, or luring us with some reward points when paid with plastic money, etc.
The writing style is quite easy to understand, but sometimes it feels kinda dense. This book will help make its readers become more aware of the tricks companies use, so that they can make smarter choices as consumers and not fell in honey trap of marketing tricks. It is a must read for anyone interested in learning more about marketing strategies. Overall, I found it engaging and knowledgeable and was worth reading. It will definitely be a good choice for anyone curious about knowing the psychology of marketing. It teaches us important lessons about how to resist these tricks and be more mindful shoppers.
While it’s not the detailed encyclopedia of marketing but the insights it offers are quite much valuable.
The writing style is quite easy to understand, but sometimes it feels kinda dense. This book will help make its readers become more aware of the tricks companies use, so that they can make smarter choices as consumers and not fell in honey trap of marketing tricks. It is a must read for anyone interested in learning more about marketing strategies. Overall, I found it engaging and knowledgeable and was worth reading. It will definitely be a good choice for anyone curious about knowing the psychology of marketing. It teaches us important lessons about how to resist these tricks and be more mindful shoppers.
While it’s not the detailed encyclopedia of marketing but the insights it offers are quite much valuable.
March 12, 2025
Why does 990 feel cheaper than 1, 000? Why do grocery stores put essentials at the back? And why does one innocent Instagram scroll turn into an hour-long binge? The Psychology of Marketingby Harinder Singh Pelia is an eye-opening look at how brands influence our choices—without us even realizing it. This isn’t your typical marketing book; it’s packed with humor, real-world examples, and strategies that make you rethink every ad, discount, and “limited-time offer” you’ve ever fallen for.
This is an insider’s look at the psychology of marketing—and it makes concepts like anchoring, loss aversion, neuromarketing, and AI-powered advertising super easy to understand. My favorite part? The ‘Turn Insights into Action’ sections—great for both consumers who want to shop smarter and marketers who want to sharpen their strategies. Plus, the writing is engaging (almost conversational), making even complex ideas feel easy. My only tiny complaint? The book could’ve dug deeper on a few concepts instead of covering so much ground all at once.
If you ever get the sense that brands are a little too clever to make you buy things you didn’t really want—and they are—read this book. Whether you’re in marketing or just want to be a more conscious consumer, The Psychology of Marketing will change the way you look at advertising. Once you see these tricks, you’ll never unsee them.
This is an insider’s look at the psychology of marketing—and it makes concepts like anchoring, loss aversion, neuromarketing, and AI-powered advertising super easy to understand. My favorite part? The ‘Turn Insights into Action’ sections—great for both consumers who want to shop smarter and marketers who want to sharpen their strategies. Plus, the writing is engaging (almost conversational), making even complex ideas feel easy. My only tiny complaint? The book could’ve dug deeper on a few concepts instead of covering so much ground all at once.
If you ever get the sense that brands are a little too clever to make you buy things you didn’t really want—and they are—read this book. Whether you’re in marketing or just want to be a more conscious consumer, The Psychology of Marketing will change the way you look at advertising. Once you see these tricks, you’ll never unsee them.
March 5, 2025
The Psychology of Marketing delves deep into the world of marketing which is often unknown by customers. It was such an interesting guide to understand how products are sold , how their price listing works , decision making strategies and much more concepts .Its not just about marketing, this book attempts to unravel everyday decisions' unseen forces. It got me asking how many of my buying conventions are really *mine*, and how much I get just a little nudge without realizing it.
What I liked most was its simplification of the complex psychological tricks in a way that felt highly relatable yet eye-opening. From pricing policies to social media algorithms, this book explains not just how marketing influences the mind but shows it with real-life examples that will make you rethink tactics from impulse purchasing to binge-watching.
The best part? Once you see these strategies, you can't *unsee* them. Whether you are a marketer, an interested consumer, or just somebody who wants to be aware of these daily hidden nudges, this book will give you a fascinating insight into the psychology of persuasion.
What I liked most was its simplification of the complex psychological tricks in a way that felt highly relatable yet eye-opening. From pricing policies to social media algorithms, this book explains not just how marketing influences the mind but shows it with real-life examples that will make you rethink tactics from impulse purchasing to binge-watching.
The best part? Once you see these strategies, you can't *unsee* them. Whether you are a marketer, an interested consumer, or just somebody who wants to be aware of these daily hidden nudges, this book will give you a fascinating insight into the psychology of persuasion.
March 21, 2025
This book dives into the deep connection between marketing and human psychology, showing how it shapes the way we buy, engage, and make decisions—often without realizing it.
It explores how marketing tricks us into buying things we don’t need, spending more time on apps, and believing we’re in full control of our choices when, in reality, we’re being subtly influenced.
Right from the start, the book challenges the reader: Does understanding marketing change how you see it? From there, it unpacks the science behind persuasion, the subconscious triggers that drive our behavior, and the habits we form because of repeated cues—much like lab rats in an experiment.
It looks at motivation, showing how brands tap into our desires and insecurities to make products feel essential. Attention, described as a precious resource, is something companies constantly compete for, using techniques like notifications and infinite scrolling to keep us hooked.
The book also explains how cognitive biases shape our decisions without us even noticing. Real-world examples—like Swiggy’s perfectly timed meal notifications—illustrate how businesses use psychological insights to nudge us into action.
It explores how marketing tricks us into buying things we don’t need, spending more time on apps, and believing we’re in full control of our choices when, in reality, we’re being subtly influenced.
Right from the start, the book challenges the reader: Does understanding marketing change how you see it? From there, it unpacks the science behind persuasion, the subconscious triggers that drive our behavior, and the habits we form because of repeated cues—much like lab rats in an experiment.
It looks at motivation, showing how brands tap into our desires and insecurities to make products feel essential. Attention, described as a precious resource, is something companies constantly compete for, using techniques like notifications and infinite scrolling to keep us hooked.
The book also explains how cognitive biases shape our decisions without us even noticing. Real-world examples—like Swiggy’s perfectly timed meal notifications—illustrate how businesses use psychological insights to nudge us into action.
February 24, 2025
Book Review Ahead ✨
As the title suggests, the book is all about marketing psychology. Being a marketing professional myself, it was a delight to read this book. The author has explained different marketing terms, techniques and how it can be used to expand your business.
Apart from that it explains the pricing, positioning and different marketing terms that could be applied on day to day basis while creating your marketing plan. The book also teaches us how to build a loyal community by gamifying the process.
If you are someone who loves to read about psychology behind marketing and how our brain works and how we are tricked into buying stuff we don't even need, then this book is for you. But if you are already a marketing professional, you might be already aware about most of the topics the author has discussed.
The insights into action section after each chapter helps a lot to remember important points. The language is simple and understandable. This short book covers almost all important factors of marketing psychology.
As the title suggests, the book is all about marketing psychology. Being a marketing professional myself, it was a delight to read this book. The author has explained different marketing terms, techniques and how it can be used to expand your business.
Apart from that it explains the pricing, positioning and different marketing terms that could be applied on day to day basis while creating your marketing plan. The book also teaches us how to build a loyal community by gamifying the process.
If you are someone who loves to read about psychology behind marketing and how our brain works and how we are tricked into buying stuff we don't even need, then this book is for you. But if you are already a marketing professional, you might be already aware about most of the topics the author has discussed.
The insights into action section after each chapter helps a lot to remember important points. The language is simple and understandable. This short book covers almost all important factors of marketing psychology.
March 4, 2025
Why Read This Book?
🧠 Understand Consumer Psychology – Learn how cognitive biases like anchoring, loss aversion, and the decoy effect influence our choices.
💡 Real-World Marketing Insights – Discover how brands like McDonald's, Amazon, and Nike use psychology to shape consumer behavior.
📊 Behavioral Economics Simplified – Inspired by experts like Daniel Kahneman & Richard Thaler, this book makes complex concepts easy to grasp.
🎯 Practical & Engaging Examples – From pricing tricks (like ₹999 vs ₹1000) to why loyalty programs work, every chapter is packed with relatable insights.
🤖 AI & The Future of Marketing – Explores how artificial intelligence is transforming branding, advertising, and customer engagement.
Final Verdict
This book is an easy-to-read, insightful guide that uncovers the hidden tricks behind everyday marketing tactics. Whether you're a student, marketer, or just someone curious about why we buy what we buy, The Psychology of Marketing is a fascinating and valuable read!
🧠 Understand Consumer Psychology – Learn how cognitive biases like anchoring, loss aversion, and the decoy effect influence our choices.
💡 Real-World Marketing Insights – Discover how brands like McDonald's, Amazon, and Nike use psychology to shape consumer behavior.
📊 Behavioral Economics Simplified – Inspired by experts like Daniel Kahneman & Richard Thaler, this book makes complex concepts easy to grasp.
🎯 Practical & Engaging Examples – From pricing tricks (like ₹999 vs ₹1000) to why loyalty programs work, every chapter is packed with relatable insights.
🤖 AI & The Future of Marketing – Explores how artificial intelligence is transforming branding, advertising, and customer engagement.
Final Verdict
This book is an easy-to-read, insightful guide that uncovers the hidden tricks behind everyday marketing tactics. Whether you're a student, marketer, or just someone curious about why we buy what we buy, The Psychology of Marketing is a fascinating and valuable read!
March 5, 2025
This book utterly changed my perspective on ordinary decisions. It is not only concerned with marketing but also how our minds function, how we make decisions, and really how easily we are influenced without even realizing it.
I liked the way the book presents complicated concepts in simplified, eye-opening insights... Those true-life examples discussed were so much relatable and would make the topic much easier to grasp. It opened my eyes to all those little psychological tricks at work in everything from shopping to social media.
What I found most appealing is how the book makes you feel like acquiring this secret superpower. Once you familiarize yourself with these hidden influences, you start seeing them everywhere. It's like someone just pulled back the curtain on a magic trick—suddenly, you're not just a passive consumer anymore.
If you're ever wondering why we do the things we do (and buy what we buy), this book is for you. It is witty and interesting and filled with insights you'll never be able to shake!
I liked the way the book presents complicated concepts in simplified, eye-opening insights... Those true-life examples discussed were so much relatable and would make the topic much easier to grasp. It opened my eyes to all those little psychological tricks at work in everything from shopping to social media.
What I found most appealing is how the book makes you feel like acquiring this secret superpower. Once you familiarize yourself with these hidden influences, you start seeing them everywhere. It's like someone just pulled back the curtain on a magic trick—suddenly, you're not just a passive consumer anymore.
If you're ever wondering why we do the things we do (and buy what we buy), this book is for you. It is witty and interesting and filled with insights you'll never be able to shake!
March 17, 2025
𝔹•𝕆•𝕆•𝕂 ℝ•𝔼•𝕍•𝕀•𝔼•𝕎 🌼
📍 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌➡️ The Psychology of Marketing
📍𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 ➡️ Harinder Singh Pelia
📍𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕➡️ Kindle
📍Genre ➡️ Self-help
📍𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 ➡️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐/5
This book takes you on a journey of self-discovery, helping you unlock your true potential. The author has crafted an insightful and empowering self-help book that inspires readers.
This book gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how marketing works. It explains ideas like anchoring, loss aversion, neuromarketing, and AI-powered ads in an easy way. Whether you're new to marketing or want to learn more, this book helps you understand how these strategies influence people’s choices.
The Psychology of Marketing serves as a guiding light for those seeking motivation and personal growth. The author's ability to simplify deep concepts makes this a must-read. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this guide will equip you with the tools to grow your brand and drive success.
The author's writing style is simple, engaging, and informative. They break down complex marketing concepts into easy-to-understand ideas.
📍 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌➡️ The Psychology of Marketing
📍𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 ➡️ Harinder Singh Pelia
📍𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕➡️ Kindle
📍Genre ➡️ Self-help
📍𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 ➡️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐/5
This book takes you on a journey of self-discovery, helping you unlock your true potential. The author has crafted an insightful and empowering self-help book that inspires readers.
This book gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how marketing works. It explains ideas like anchoring, loss aversion, neuromarketing, and AI-powered ads in an easy way. Whether you're new to marketing or want to learn more, this book helps you understand how these strategies influence people’s choices.
The Psychology of Marketing serves as a guiding light for those seeking motivation and personal growth. The author's ability to simplify deep concepts makes this a must-read. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this guide will equip you with the tools to grow your brand and drive success.
The author's writing style is simple, engaging, and informative. They break down complex marketing concepts into easy-to-understand ideas.
March 1, 2025
The Psychology of Marketing is a business and marketing book. The author tells us how psychology works in the market and how marketers use this psychology in their business. I am a psychology student, and I also read about consumer behavior and many psychological concepts, but the author uses many psychological theories to help us understand how they work. Some psychology concepts we read about in this book include learning, motivation, attention, and decision-making, etc.
As we know, AI is affecting our market, but neuromarketing is a new concept for me. While using neurotechnology, we try to cure disorders, using neuromarketing for the market can be both good and bad at the same time. Reading this book made me realize what type of buyer I am. This is a fast-paced book, and I read it in one day. The author uses psychological theories with examples to help understand the market and their strategies.
As we know, AI is affecting our market, but neuromarketing is a new concept for me. While using neurotechnology, we try to cure disorders, using neuromarketing for the market can be both good and bad at the same time. Reading this book made me realize what type of buyer I am. This is a fast-paced book, and I read it in one day. The author uses psychological theories with examples to help understand the market and their strategies.
March 6, 2025
Each chapter hooks you up with the situations we may face daily, our thought-processes that really haven't changed all that even after ages of evolution.
Using perfect storytelling, each chapter elaborates on how successful businesses base their marketing campaign on emotional and behavioral cues of humans, building loyalty through creating an illusion of choices while integrating nostalgia, status & cultural narrative into the product.
Profound research that went into this by systematically bringing up various cognitive theories is a great addition to the reader's pool of knowledge.
The chapter-end summary gives point wise actionable tips to be incorporated immediately.
Written in a witty style, this book serves as a useful guide for content creators, entrepreneurs & business people to understand this elusive art of effective marketing.
I really enjoyed reading the book, and highly recommend it !
Using perfect storytelling, each chapter elaborates on how successful businesses base their marketing campaign on emotional and behavioral cues of humans, building loyalty through creating an illusion of choices while integrating nostalgia, status & cultural narrative into the product.
Profound research that went into this by systematically bringing up various cognitive theories is a great addition to the reader's pool of knowledge.
The chapter-end summary gives point wise actionable tips to be incorporated immediately.
Written in a witty style, this book serves as a useful guide for content creators, entrepreneurs & business people to understand this elusive art of effective marketing.
I really enjoyed reading the book, and highly recommend it !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews