Marketing Tricks Big Brands Use Every Day

By: Russell Johnson Every time you scroll through social media, walk into a store, or shop online, chances are you're being influenced by strategies carefully engineered by big brands. These marketing giants don’t leave things to chance—they use proven psychological tactics and behavioral insights to get your attention, build trust, and drive action. From subtle pricing strategies to emotional storytelling, these tricks are designed to embed their products in your memory and influence your decisions without you even realizing it. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or content creator, understanding and applying these tactics can be a game changer. Let’s dive into the marketing tricks big brands use every single day—and how you can adapt them for your brand, no matter the size. 1. Psychological Pricing One of the most common marketing tricks used is psychological pricing. Prices like $4.99 or $19.97 aren't just random—they’re calculated to appear more affordable than round numbers. Why it works: Consumers perceive prices ending in .99 or .97 as significantly cheaper, even if it's only a cent or two less. This is called charm pricing, and it's proven to boost conversions. How big brands use it: Retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target frequently use this tactic. Online stores may also use tiers like "Only $49.99/month" instead of $50 to increase the appeal of their subscription plans. Tip for small brands: Use tiered pricing with charm pricing for your products or services. Test different versions (A/B testing) to see which drives better results. 2. Scarcity and Urgency Creating a sense of urgency makes people act faster. Whether it’s a limited-time offer or a low-stock alert, these messages tap into the human fear of missing out (FOMO). Why it works: Scarcity triggers our survival instincts. When something is about to be gone, it becomes more desirable. How big brands use it: eCommerce giants like Amazon use tags like “Only 2 left in stock!” or countdown timers for special deals. Brands like Supreme and Apple build hype with product drops and limited releases. Tip for small brands: Use phrases like “Limited stock,” “Offer ends soon,” or “Only 3 spots left” on your sales pages. Countdown timers in email campaigns or landing pages can also boost conversions. 3. Social Proof People tend to do what others are doing. That’s the basis of social proof, one of the strongest psychological influences in marketing. Why it works: We trust other people’s experiences. Reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content act as modern-day word-of-mouth marketing. How big brands use it: Amazon relies heavily on star ratings and verified reviews. Nike shares stories from athletes and everyday users alike. Even Netflix uses popularity indicators like “Top 10 in the U.S. Today.” Tip for small brands: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Display testimonials prominently on your site and share user-generated content on social media. A simple “Join 2,000+ happy customers” adds powerful credibility. 4. Emotional Storytelling Big brands understand that people don’t just buy products—they buy feelings. They tell stories that connect with your hopes, dreams, or values. Why it works: Emotions drive decision-making more than logic. A story that makes someone feel empowered, nostalgic, or hopeful can turn them into a lifelong fan. How big brands use it: Coca-Cola markets happiness and togetherness. Dove focuses on body positivity and self-esteem. Apple sells creativity and empowerment. Tip for small brands: Craft a compelling brand story. Talk about why you started, what you believe in, and how your product helps people live better lives. Add emotional appeal to your marketing content. 5. Repetition and Brand Consistency Big brands repeat their message across multiple channels—TV, social, email, product packaging, and more. This consistency creates familiarity and builds trust over time. Why it works: Repetition makes a brand memorable. The more someone sees your message, the more they trust and remember it. How big brands use it: McDonald’s golden arches, Nike’s swoosh, and the “Just Do It” slogan are instantly recognizable. Their message is consistent from ads to in-store experience. Tip for small brands: Stick to a consistent color palette, logo, voice, and tone across your website, social media, and emails. Make your messaging repeatable and memorable. 6. Anchoring Effect Anchoring is a cognitive bias where people rely heavily on the first piece of information offered. Big brands use this when setting prices or product tiers. Why it works: If you see a product that was “$199 now only $99,” the $199 acts as the anchor, making $99 feel like a great deal. How big brands use it: Software companies offer “Basic, Standard, Premium” plans, anchoring users to the high-end option while nudging them toward the middle. Tip for small brands: Use pricing tiers or strike-through prices. Offer a “compare at” price to make your current price seem like a bargain. 7. Personalization and Targeted Ads Thanks to data and AI, big brands now tailor marketing messages to individual users based on their behavior, location, or preferences. Why it works: Personalized messages feel more relevant and are more likely to lead to a purchase. How big brands use it: Netflix recommends shows based on viewing history. Amazon suggests products based on previous purchases. Facebook and Instagram show hyper-targeted ads. Tip for small brands: Use tools like email segmentation, retargeting ads, and personalized product recommendations. Even addressing your customers by name in emails boosts engagement. 8. Freebies and Lead Magnets Everyone loves free stuff. Big brands often give away freebies to get your attention and draw you into their funnel. Why it works: When someone receives something for free, they feel a sense of obligation (reciprocity) to return the favor—often by buying. How big brands use it: Brands like Sephora give away samples. Dropbox gave away free storage for referrals. HubSpot offers free marketing templates to collect leads. Tip for small brands: Offer a free eBook, checklist, webinar, or sample in exchange for an email address. Build your list and nurture those leads into paying customers. Conclusion: Learn From the Giants You don’t need a billion-dollar budget to use these marketing tricks. What you need is awareness and intention. Big brands succeed because they understand human psychology—and you can too. Start by testing one or two strategies from this list. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, gain insights, and build a stronger brand that connects deeply with your audience.