Addition by Subtraction: How Minimalism Leads to Better Marketing

Summary:

I explore how minimalist principles in marketing enhance memory and engagement. Examining cognitive psychology concepts like the dilution effect, peak-end rule, Zagnarik effect, and levels of processing model. Then demonstrating their applications in real-world marketing from companies like Hubspot, Google, and Apple.

Less is so often more. If done correctly, marketers can leverage this to create more memorable, engaging, and effective marketing.

Key Insights:

1. The Dilution Effect

• Simplifying messages can be more effective than overloading information.

• The human brain tends to average the strength of all the information presented, rather than adding up the weights of the strong and weak points.

• Examples include Hubspot’s product page, which focuses on core features.

• And Google's minimalist homepage, which contrasts with the cluttered 2004 MSN homepage, emphasizing the power of less in design and communication.

2. The Peak-End Rule

• People remember the peak and the end of an experience.

• Zapier's upgrade flow uses confetti to create a memorable ending.

• Whereas Game of Thrones is recalled for its disappointing final season despite overall quality.

• Virgin Atlantic cleverly applies this rule by distributing candies at the end of flights to leave a lasting positive impression.

3. The Zagnarik Effect

• Incompleteness keeps audiences engaged.

• This concept is illustrated with the "Missing Type" campaign for blood drives, which removed letters representing blood types from public signs to create curiosity and engagement, significantly increasing donations.

4. Levels of Processing Model

• Effective marketing requires engaging people at a deeper, semantic level rather than just visually or verbally.

• This is shown through copy writing that prompts readers to fill in gaps, enhancing engagement and recall.

5. Strategic Simplicity in User Experience

• Short, straightforward approaches in design and messaging, as seen on Canva's and Shopify's homepages, help in directing user attention and retaining interest by reducing cognitive load.

6. Designing Memorable Conclusions

• Crafting the end of an experience is crucial for lasting impressions.

• Examples include Amazon’s customer service and Sam Labs, which sends plush toys to new customers, embedding a delightful and memorable touch to their service.

7. Minimal Friction, Maximum Thought

• Introducing thought-provoking elements in marketing without adding to the user's cognitive burden can be impactful.

• This approach is exemplified by Steve Jobs’ simplified ad campaigns for Apple, which became iconic through their focus and clarity.