Mind Meld

Mind Meld explores the intersection of marketing, technology, and culture through various lenses, including consumer behavior, digital trends, and social media strategies. It dissects how these elements influence purchasing decisions, brand engagement, and societal norms, often leveraging psychological insights and contemporary phenomena.

Consumer Behavior Digital Marketing Social Media Trends Technology and Innovation Cultural Phenomena Psychology in Marketing Brand Strategy

The hottest Substack posts of Mind Meld

And their main takeaways

#42: Why Does Snark Pay Off in Social?

294 implied HN points • 27 Aug 21
  1. Brands like Wendy's, Denny's, and Steak-umm use snarky humor on social media to connect with audiences and stand out from competitors.
  2. Snarky brand personas on Twitter create a sense of community and engagement, even if it doesn't directly lead to increased sales.
  3. The success of snarky brand marketing on social media transcends traditional marketing strategies and requires a deep understanding of online culture.

Is There Hope for Facebook's Metaverse?

255 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's rebrand of Facebook to Meta is met with mixed reactions
  2. The concept of Metaverse by Meta aims for an immersive, interconnected virtual world
  3. Questions arise on whether the Metaverse is a solution to Facebook's core problems and if it will truly connect people

Is There a Science Behind Good Billboards?

334 implied HN points • 19 May 21
  1. Subway ads can tell the evolving story of a city through a few words.
  2. The success of outdoor advertising depends on understanding human behavior and environmental context.
  3. Billboards need to balance distraction, curiosity, and excitement to become memorable.

How Does Scent Influence Our Purchases?

393 implied HN points • 03 Jan 21
  1. Smell plays a powerful role in memory and emotion due to how olfactory signals are processed in the brain.
  2. Brands use scent as a marketing tool, from creating olfactory logos to pumping artificial smells in stores.
  3. Scent marketing can create strong associations with brands and enhance customer experiences.
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2021 Year in Review

196 implied HN points • 30 Dec 21
  1. Thanking the readers for their support and engagement with the newsletter
  2. Highlighting favorite writings, reads, and newsletters of 2021
  3. Excited about exploring more topics and collaborations in the upcoming year

Why Are We Obsessed with Fancy Water Brands?

294 implied HN points • 11 Jun 21
  1. People are willing to pay a premium for bottled water or have strong brand preferences, despite the availability of tap water.
  2. Marketing strategies, such as health claims and somatic markers, influence people's choices of fancy water brands.
  3. Bottled water consumption is driven not only by taste and health concerns, but also by convenience and self-image.

Why Do We Root For The Underdogs?

314 implied HN points • 25 Mar 21
  1. People tend to root for underdogs in various contexts like sports, startups, and movies.
  2. The underdog effect is psychologically appealing as it aligns with desires for passion, determination, and the perception of effort.
  3. Consumers often identify with underdog brands when they feel they are struggling, regardless of actual financial status.

What Makes a Good Meme Last?

334 implied HN points • 26 Jan 21
  1. Memes evolve quickly on the internet and often have a short lifespan
  2. Topical and social memes are popular but can fizzle out fast
  3. Reaction, nostalgic, and utilitarian memes tend to last longer and have more enduring popularity

Why Do We Love Limited Edition Drops?

235 implied HN points • 10 Aug 21
  1. Limited edition drops create scarcity, sparking excitement and value in products.
  2. Drop culture is rooted in psychology, with scarcity principle driving consumer behavior.
  3. Companies utilize limited drops to build community engagement and test new products.

Is The Future Promising for Clubhouse?

314 implied HN points • 03 Feb 21
  1. Clubhouse is a social audio app with potential but faces challenges like moderation and user engagement.
  2. Social audio's appeal lies in activating the imagination and allowing multitasking.
  3. Clubhouse's future success hinges on defining its identity and addressing flaws like harassment and lack of feedback mechanisms.

Why Is Everyone Obsessed with NFTs?

275 implied HN points • 04 Mar 21
  1. NFTs are non-fungible digital assets that can't be replaced, unlike currency.
  2. The rise of NFTs is driven by blockchain technology and changing dynamics in creator platforms.
  3. Collectors are drawn to NFTs for investment potential, social interactions, self-expression, and to empower creators.

How Similar are NFT Projects to MLMs?

176 implied HN points • 05 Oct 21
  1. MLMs and NFT projects share similarities in recruitment tactics and community building strategies.
  2. MLMs and NFTs both emphasize the concept of ownership and the allure of financial gain.
  3. Both MLMs and NFT projects have elements that can lead to fast growth but ultimately result in some participants losing out.

Will Twitter's Super Follows Feature Be a Hit?

235 implied HN points • 16 Mar 21
  1. Twitter is introducing Super Follows to allow creators to charge for premium content, potentially creating a new revenue stream.
  2. Super Follows aligns with Twitter's push to grow a diverse creator ecosystem and capitalize on its role as a central hub for creators.
  3. While Super Follows offer opportunities for creators to monetize, there are concerns about consumer fatigue and loss of control as creators become more dependent on Twitter.

Why Does Nostalgia Sell?

235 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
  1. Nostalgia is a yearning for an idealized past emotional state
  2. Nostalgia can be induced subconsciously through strong emotional memories
  3. For effective nostalgic marketing, connect with positive memories, have clear brand purpose, and adapt product to the present

Why Do We Love Mascots?

157 implied HN points • 29 Sep 21
  1. Brand mascots have been used for decades and are effective in marketing by creating metaphors and emotional connections.
  2. Mascots work well in advertising by creatively juxtaposing familiar and novel elements, making stories memorable.
  3. Using mascots humanizes brands, allowing for flexibility in updating characters and creating emotional connections with consumers.

What Drives Our Food Purchases?

216 implied HN points • 14 Apr 21
  1. Grocery store layouts are designed to drive overspending by strategically placing items like essential items at the back and enticing items at the front.
  2. Consumers often lack knowledge about the food they eat, with many not seeking information about where their food comes from or how it is produced.
  3. E-commerce is changing how people buy food, offering more transparency and education, but also facing challenges like price competition and copycats.

Why Do We Love Conspiracy Theories?

235 implied HN points • 17 Jan 21
  1. Conspiracy theories are not just for 'crazies' - many people believe in them
  2. Fear, lack of control, and feelings of alienation can lead to belief in conspiracy theories
  3. Everyone is susceptible to believing in conspiracy theories, regardless of demographics or political affiliation

Will Racket Change The Game For Audio?

196 implied HN points • 29 Apr 21
  1. Racket is an app focused on short-form voice notes, creating a platform for quick and simple content creation in the audio space.
  2. Racket's design promotes content creators based on their content quality rather than external popularity, offering a level playing field for all users.
  3. Racket's ease of content creation, low distribution barriers, and focus on genuine human connection may position it as an alternative to more script-heavy and performative platforms.

What Makes a Super Bowl Ad Stick?

216 implied HN points • 10 Feb 21
  1. Super Bowl ads aim to capture mental real estate by evoking emotions and memorable catchphrases rather than focusing on product details.
  2. Successful Super Bowl ads often have consistency in storytelling and brand representation, using priming cues or familiar characters.
  3. Memorable Super Bowl ads frequently utilize affective narratives, creative juxtaposition, or quick primers to engage viewers and leave a lasting impact.

Could ASMR Be a Brand's Secret Weapon?

235 implied HN points • 06 Dec 20
  1. ASMR can induce joy and relaxation through odd sounds like whispers and tapping.
  2. Research suggests ASMR is linked to positive social bonding experiences and emotional incentives.
  3. Brands can leverage ASMR in marketing to evoke feelings of love, comfort, and happiness in their audience.

Will We All Secretly Love Twitter's Fleets?

235 implied HN points • 22 Nov 20
  1. Twitter's Fleets is similar to Instagram Stories, providing a glimpse into users' lives.
  2. Fleets may change how Twitter is used by letting people share without pressure.
  3. Fleets has the potential to become popular due to triggers, emotions, and public use.

Why Should We Care About The Metaverse?

176 implied HN points • 01 Apr 21
  1. The concept of the Metaverse envisions a virtual shared space where reality can be enhanced.
  2. The Metaverse offers opportunities for immersive experiences in gaming, social interaction, commerce, and education.
  3. While the Metaverse presents exciting possibilities, there are still barriers to widespread adoption such as economic, technical, and social challenges.

Why Do We Trust Santa Claus?

196 implied HN points • 25 Dec 20
  1. Children trust Santa Claus and follow rituals to appease him due to a blend of emotion, cognitive bias, and social norms.
  2. Santa's identity, emotional pull of Christmas rituals, and the promise of presents contribute to his enduring popularity and cultural significance.
  3. Marketing lessons from Santa's success include leveraging identifiable victims, somatic markers, and social proof to drive evangelism and ensure product delivery.

#40: Can Free Money Be Good Marketing?

137 implied HN points • 16 Jul 21
  1. Free giveaways can be effective in marketing for product awareness and brand recall.
  2. Incentives work based on game theory and the principle of reciprocity, but may only lead to temporary compliance.
  3. Monetary incentives in marketing campaigns may not always lead to lasting customer engagement and behavior change.

#46: Is There a Cooler Future for Giving Gifts?

98 implied HN points • 22 Dec 21
  1. Gift-giving holds significant symbolic meaning and emotional connection beyond the object itself.
  2. Future of gifting includes moment-based experiences that focus on personalized interactions.
  3. Value accrual gifts like NFTs and stocks are emerging trends, offering lasting and meaningful presents.

#37: Why Is Everyone Obsessed with BTS?

137 implied HN points • 28 May 21
  1. BTS has achieved incredible success with unique factors like their management, music content, and engagement with fans.
  2. The BTS fans, known as the ARMY, have an intense and unique relationship with the group, contributing to their worldwide popularity.
  3. Partnerships with BTS, such as the one with McDonald's, benefit from the group's massive and dedicated fanbase, leading to immense success and engagement.

Why Do We Love Social Investing?

157 implied HN points • 17 Feb 21
  1. Many Americans lack basic financial knowledge about stocks and investing.
  2. Public.com is a social investing platform that aims to make investing more inclusive and educational.
  3. Social investing offers a sense of community, education, and real-time collaboration, making investing more approachable and engaging.

What Can Pollination Teach Us About Branding?

157 implied HN points • 13 Dec 20
  1. Marketing should sometimes look beyond logic for innovative ideas.
  2. Continuity probability signaling can establish trust and increase customer loyalty.
  3. Risky signals, despite initial financial risks, can be investments in long-term customer value.

How Do Brands Survive on TikTok?

157 implied HN points • 16 Nov 20
  1. Brands on TikTok don't have set follower counts, a variety of brands across different industries succeed.
  2. The PIRANHA framework includes categories like influencer content and practical content.
  3. Content that evokes emotions, sensory reactions, or exclusivity tends to do well on TikTok.

How Does Color Influence Our Purchases?

157 implied HN points • 08 Nov 20
  1. Fast-food restaurant logos often use red, yellow, and white colors to influence perception.
  2. Color psychology plays a significant role in consumer behavior and brand perception.
  3. Color theory in marketing involves understanding color associations, brand perception, and brand experience.

Why Do We Hate Brand Redesigns?

157 implied HN points • 24 Oct 20
  1. Brand redesigns often evoke a strong negative reaction from people.
  2. Visual disruption and identity integration are key factors influencing how we react to brand redesigns.
  3. To survive a brand redesign backlash, make changes simple, explain the why, have a unique value proposition, talk to customers, and pair with familiarity.

Is There a Science Behind Good SMS Marketing?

98 implied HN points • 25 Jun 21
  1. SMS marketing is both loved and hated by consumers, and it's a channel that requires creativity and personalized interactions.
  2. SMS marketing is effective because it taps into our obsession with our phones and our desire for immediate responses.
  3. Successful SMS marketing strategies focus on real conversations, personalization, and providing value beyond just sales pitches.

Welcome to the Marketing Mind Meld

176 implied HN points • 15 Jun 20
  1. Starting a newsletter to share cool writing and perspectives
  2. Focus on uncovering hidden gems and insights in marketing
  3. Exploring unique and deep marketing questions and strategies

What Makes an Advertising Jingle Stick?

137 implied HN points • 01 Nov 20
  1. Iconic advertising jingles are successful because they are designed to be earworms - simple snippets of music that get stuck in our heads.
  2. The popularity of jingles is driven by the MES Framework: Memory, Emotion, and Social Exposure. These elements help jingles stick in our minds and associate with our emotions.
  3. For brands, understanding the science behind memorable jingles can guide the creation of effective music-based marketing strategies that resonate with audiences.

Is the DNC’s Email Marketing Strategy Working?

98 implied HN points • 22 Aug 20
  1. The DNC sent over 50 emails in a week, potentially overwhelming their audience.
  2. To encourage voting, organizations can leverage psychology by measuring intentions and using channel factors.
  3. Removing logistical and commitment gaps through tactics like personalized maps and quizzes can help increase voter turnout.

Are Emotional Associations Enough For Us to Buy Products?

98 implied HN points • 23 Jun 20
  1. Emotional associations play a significant role in our buying decisions, often leading us to choose products based on our past experiences and emotions.
  2. Somatic markers act as shortcuts in our brain, influencing our purchasing choices based on subconscious associations and memories.
  3. Brands can create strong somatic markers through various sensory experiences and associations, influencing consumer preferences and choices.

Will Linkedin Stories Catch On?

78 implied HN points • 01 Oct 20
  1. Linkedin recently launched Stories as part of a major redesign.
  2. There are doubts about whether Linkedin Stories will be popular due to various factors like practical value and audience motivation.
  3. Suggestions for improving Linkedin Stories include allowing user curation of feeds, integrating stories within profiles, fostering camaraderie, and organizing DMs.

Is GPT-3 a Promising Model for Marketers?

78 implied HN points • 29 Jul 20
  1. GPT-3 is a powerful machine learning tool that can generate high-quality text and code with minimal input
  2. Although GPT-3 has limitations like repeating itself and lacking context, it has potential for marketing tasks like content creation and audience research
  3. However, human touch, personality, and nuances are crucial in marketing that AI like GPT-3 may struggle to replicate effectively

Can a New Marketing Strategy Save Quibi?

78 implied HN points • 07 Jul 20
  1. Quibi needs to focus on organic social reach by allowing people to share content and drive curiosity on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
  2. Personalizing email marketing efforts can help Quibi understand user preferences and create a more engaging experience for viewers.
  3. Utilizing legacy content as a strategy, like popular shows, reunions, or spin-offs, can help Quibi attract and retain a wider audience.