Baobab - Shop now
$35.14 with 16 percent savings
Digital List Price: $41.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Using Behavioral Science in Marketing: Drive Customer Action and Loyalty by Prompting Instinctive Responses Kindle Edition

4.8 out of 5 stars 151 ratings

WINNER: National Indie Excellence Awards 2023 - Marketing & Public Relations
SHORTLISTED: Business Book Awards 2023 - Smart Thinking
FINALIST: Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2023 - Business

Increase engagement, response rates and the ROI of marketing initiatives with this step-by-step guide to harnessing hardwired consumer behavior and instinctive responses.


Using Behavioral Science in Marketing shows how to apply behavioral science principles in key areas of marketing, including marketing communications, email, direct mail and ad campaigns, social media marketing and sales funnel conversion strategies. Highly practical and accessible, it includes case studies and examples from AT&T, Apple, Spotify and The Wall Street Journal showing how these approaches have been used in practice.

Using Behavioral Science in Marketing also reveals how to increase consumer involvement and engagement, convey exclusivity and desirability, and prompt customer action and loyalty with scientifically proven principles such as autonomy bias, storytelling, and the Von Restorff effect.
Featuring common mistakes to avoid and key takeaways at the end of each chapter, it's also accompanied by downloadable checklists and an interactive template to use in practice. In a highly competitive space, where even an incremental advantage can result in significant uplifts, this is a crucial resource to create stand out and successful marketing-especially for marketers in highly regulated or highly competitive environments.


From the Publisher

Robert Cialdini: Engaging style & numerous research-based takeaways make it a standout in the field
Roger Dooley quote: A clear & actionable guide to how customers' brains really work
Jeff Kreisler:Straight-forward well-researched easy-to-use How behavioral insights improve strategy
Ann Handley: Reveal[s] all the secrets, biases & weird brain science fueling human decisions
Melina Palmer: Short chapters...give a mix of great stories balanced with science & proven tips

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Clear, concise, and most importantly, interesting. If you can't see her on stage, you're holding the next best thing." ― Damian Francis, Managing Partner, Unmade and former Head of Content at Mumbrella

"Nancy Harhut is unquestionably one of the sharpest, most knowledgeable and experienced authorities on consumer psychology in the marketing world. Both hyper-effective and supported by data science, the strategies she outlines in her book, Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, will have an immediate impact on your marketing campaigns and a massive impact on your bottom line." ―
Jeffry Pilcher, CEO/President, The Financial Brand

"You'll use these tactics in your next marketing campaign, but you'll also use them in your next marketing meeting. Yes, this book will help you win support for your ideas in the conference room. I apply what I've learned from Nancy in marketing, in sales and even in management." ―
Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder/Chief Marketing Officer, Orbit Media Studios, Author of Content Chemistry

"Mind. Blown. Nancy has reverse-engineered buyer behavior to help you know EXACTLY how to connect and engage with your audience based on behavioral science." ―
Tom Shapiro, CEO Stratabeat, author of Rethink Lead Generation and Rethink Your Marketing

"Through continuous testing, direct marketers have long understood that they could motivate a response from prospects using various methods like urgency and social proof. But they never understood exactly why people respond the way they do. At last, Nancy Harhut has harnessed modern neuroscience to explain the reasons behind human response, and help us apply the science to our campaigns. A must for every marketer's bookshelf." ―
Ruth P. Stevens, B2B marketing consultant and educator, Author of B2B Data-Driven Marketing, Adjunct professor at NYU Stern

"Using the latest behavioral science research, Nancy Harhut has created a clear and actionable guide to how customers' brains really work. Every marketer who wants to attract and retain more customers needs this book." ―
Roger Dooley, Author of Brainfluence and Friction

"A valuable playbook for using mental shortcuts to speed up the decision-making process. One of the most worthwhile marketing books you'll ever read!" ―
Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, Senior Editor and Writer at Appfire, Consigliere and Showrunner at Chris Brogan Media, LLC

"Marketers have a must read with
Using Behavioral Science in Marketing. Nancy provides both thoughtful research and insight into how to better connect with the behaviors of consumers." ― Kenneth "Shark" Kinney, Professional Speaker, Marketing Strategist, Host of "A Shark's Perspective" Podcast

"A tour de force. The most intelligent marketing book I have read in years." ―
Mark Schaefer, author of Marketing Rebellion

"An actionable and comprehensive guide to neuromarketing from an industry veteran - get it before your competitors do!" ―
Tim Ash, Author of Unleash Your Primal Brain, keynote speaker, executive marketing advisor

"In an era of media abundance and attention scarcity, we as marketers have to make the most of every moment we happen to get with a prospective consumer. Nancy's practical application of such a wide variety of behavioral science principles will help any brand ensure these valuable moments aren't wasted. An amazing collection of case studies with proven outcomes that will inspire smarter, more effective work and offer readers a distinct competitive edge." ―
Josh Blacksmith, Senior Director - Global Consumer Relationships and Engagement, Kimberly-Clark

"Nancy's book is like a Brain Tell-All: Revealing all the secrets, biases, and weird brain science fueling human decisions." ―
Ann Handley, WSJ bestselling author of Everybody Writes, and Chief Content Officer, MarketingProfs

"This is the most important book on marketing in many years. Every page includes valuable and often counter-intuitive information you can put to use right away. If you like Dan Ariely, Robert Cialdini and other behavioral scientists, you're going to love Nancy Harhut." ―
Alan Rosenspan, President, Alan Rosenspan & Associates, Author of Confessions of a Control Freak

"Have you ever wished someone would read all the books you've been meaning to read, highlight the best parts, and then figure out the best ways to put those parts into practice with the specific work you do? That's what Nancy Harhut does with this absolute gift of a book. With
Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, Nancy Harhut has created a must-have manual for marketers who want to make sure their work actually works." ― Tamsen Webster, author of Find Your Red Thread

"Marketing professionals can benefit greatly from this book. Its engaging style and numerous research-based takeaways make it a standout in the field." ―
Robert Cialdini, Author of Influence and Pre-Suasion

"Nancy has created a straight-forward, well researched, easy to use guide for how behavioral insights can improve your marketing strategy and results. It is a gift." ―
Jeff Kreisler, Co-author of Dollars and Sense, Founding Editor of PeopleScience.com, Head of Behavioral Science, JP Morgan Chase

"
Using Behavioral Science in Marketing does a fantastic job of taking a weighty and complex topic like behavioral science and making it practical and easy for anyone to apply. On top of that, it is a fun and engaging read! The book moves along at a pleasing pace, with short chapters that give you a mix of great stories balanced with science and Nancy's proven tips. A must read for every marketer who wants to be competitive in the age of behavioral science (which has already begun)." ― Melina Palmer, author of What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You and host of The Brainy Business podcast

"Nancy has an incredible ability to help marketers uncover why people respond and how to capture that interest. This is a must read for anyone who wants to drive engagement, sales, and growth." ―
Jay Schwedelson, Founder, SubjectLine.com, and President and CEO, Worldata Group

"Nancy has one of the most brilliant marketing minds I have ever come to know. If you follow even one of the principles outlined in this book it will change the course of your business forever!" ―
Paul Chambers, CEO and Co-Founder, Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA)

"A great read for today's results-now marketers. Practical and specific, this is how to actually increase response." ―
Brian Whipple, CEO Accenture Interactive, 2010-2021

"Tried and tested principles are at the heart of Nancy's book. Bringing in behavioural techniques such as temporal landmarks, instant gratification and bridging the gap between our present and future selves, this is the type of practical book needed now as we take behavioural science out of the lab and into our working business practices." ―
Louise Ward, 42 Courses & Co-Host of Behavioural Science Club

"Is it too late to steal this manuscript and tell everyone I wrote it? The world is frustrated with what marketing can't accomplish for their businesses. What Nancy Harhut has here is the fix. Don't read this book. Implement it." ―
Chris Brogan, author and keynote speaker

About the Author

Nancy Harhut is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at HBT Marketing, a consultancy which specializes in applying human behaviour techniques to marketing and whose clients include H&R Block, AARP and Transamerica. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, she previously held senior creative management positions with agencies within the IPG and Publicis networks, where she worked with clients including Dell, Bank of America and AT&T. A regular international conference keynoter, she has been recognized as an Online Marketing Institute Top 40 Digital Strategist and Ad Club Top 100 Creative Influencer.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09ZY7JNWQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kogan Page
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 3, 2022
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1398606678
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 151 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Nancy Harhut
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Getting people to take action is what Nancy is all about. Her specialty is blending best-of-breed creative with behavioral science to prompt response.

She and her teams have won over 200 international and national awards for marketing effectiveness. Along the way, she’s helped generate $68 million in incremental revenue for Nationwide, establish seven controls for the GM Card, and create one of H&R Block’s most successful campaigns.

Recognized for her work in B2C, B2B, and nonprofit, Nancy’s been named one of the 10 Most Fascinating People in B2B Marketing, a Social Top 50 Email Marketing Leader, and a Top 40 Digital Strategist A frequent speaker at marketing conferences, she’s shared her passion with audiences in London, Sydney, Moscow, Madrid, Stockholm, Sao Paulo, Berlin, and all over the US, including several return engagements at SXSW.

Prior to cofounding HBT Marketing, Nancy held senior creative management positions with agencies within the IPG and Publicis networks. She resides in Newton, MA.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
151 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book essential reading for marketers, packed with practical advice and actionable insights. They describe it as well written and effective, with one customer noting that each chapter covers different topics.

27 customers mention "Insight"26 positive1 negative

Customers find the book informative and packed with actionable insights, making it essential reading for marketers.

"Straight forward, logically appeal to your prospect. I'll be referring to this as I tweak my website copy...." Read more

"...applying the various principles very straightforward through clear descriptions, several examples and even suggestions to how to implement them...." Read more

"...breaking down complex behavioral science principles into easy-to-understand strategies that you can immediately apply to your campaigns...." Read more

"...It stands as one of the most comprehensive guides to essential marketing techniques I’ve encountered, distilling key tips and practical approaches..." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"5 positive1 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read.

"...Her conversational language makes the book an easy read...." Read more

"...didn’t learn anything that I didn’t know already but the book was very well written...." Read more

"...It’s clear, to the point, and unlike so many marketing books… it’s free of fluff! 10/10 recommend!" Read more

"Very Well Written Book..." Read more

5 customers mention "Effectiveness"4 positive1 negative

Customers find the book effective, with one describing it as brilliant.

"...I’m already applying some of her strategies, and the results have been impressive!" Read more

"...It works!..." Read more

"...important than ever to make sure your marketing is effective and producing results...." Read more

"...to the use of behavioral science in marketing but falls short of its promise and does not justify its high price point." Read more

4 customers mention "Chapter content"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the chapter content of the book, with one mentioning that each chapter covers different topics and is actionable.

"...This awesome book is so actionable, incredibly interesting, insightful, and awesome...." Read more

"...It’s a decent introduction to the use of behavioral science in marketing but falls short of its promise and does not justify its high price point." Read more

"...daunting to sit down and read it, but it's easy to pick up and jump into any chapter...." Read more

"...Each chapter covers different topics, then lists the key takeaways and steps to avoid...." Read more

Highly Recommend
5 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommend
Using Behavioral Science in Marketing by Nancy Harhut, translates behavioral science principles into actionable marketing strategies in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. I particularly appreciated the well-organized layout and the clear key takeaways. Reading it felt like attending a marketing conference—packed with insights and making me eager to apply these principles. I even squeezed in some reading time on vacation; it was that compelling. Highly recommend for marketers or sales leaders looking to subtly but effectively influence customer behavior. This is a great read that will be staying on my desk for easy referencing
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
    Straight forward, logically appeal to your prospect.
    I'll be referring to this as I tweak my website copy.
    Full disclosure, I graduated with honors in engineering and developed an auto adaptive trading system of 36 discrete algorithms that, in its first iteration, went 20 years without a quarterly loss. BUT, a deep dive into math is a sure trip to slumber land for most.
    This presents the tools needed to help me help others.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
    I have read several books presenting the same principles from behavioral psychology, using the same research and the same examples as in this book, however none of them have presented the information in such a clean and tangible way to the field of marketing as this books does. It has made applying the various principles very straightforward through clear descriptions, several examples and even suggestions to how to implement them. I was very happy with my purchase of this book and I am not even a marketer, but as a businessman I will definitely be using all this information to influence my customers and clients.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
    Using Behavioral Science in Marketing by Nancy Harhut is an absolute game-changer! As someone deeply invested in the art and science of marketing, I found this book to be an incredible resource packed with actionable insights.

    Nancy has a gift for breaking down complex behavioral science principles into easy-to-understand strategies that you can immediately apply to your campaigns. Her examples are compelling, and the tips she shares are grounded in research, making them both practical and effective.

    Whether you’re trying to craft the perfect email subject line, influence customer decision-making, or simply understand what makes people say “yes,” this book delivers value on every page.

    Highly recommend for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make their messaging more impactful. I’m already applying some of her strategies, and the results have been impressive!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    his book is an invaluable resource, accessible to everyone—from recent business graduates to everyday readers—delivering clear insights into professional marketing strategies. It stands as one of the most comprehensive guides to essential marketing techniques I’ve encountered, distilling key tips and practical approaches into an easily digestible format.

    The principles outlined in this book empower readers to develop effective marketing across various platforms, whether through film, social media, sales pitches, commercials, or presentations. Grounded in behavioral science, these insights offer a thorough understanding of the core techniques that truly resonate with audiences, making it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to refine their marketing skills.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
    As a life-long, passionate marketer who enjoys staying current with the latest marketing/branding/communications trends, best practices, and perspectives I have read so many marketing books over the years. I can genuinely say that this book is right up there as one of the very best marketing books I have read during my 20+ years in advertising and marketing.

    I am fascinated with the role psychology, emotions, and behaviorial sciences play in marketing and decision making. This awesome book is so actionable, incredibly interesting, insightful, and awesome. I always looked forward to reading it at lunch and in bed at night.

    After just the first couple of chapters, I was already implementing concepts into my agency's marketing messaging and executions. This book is also equal parts marketing book and handbook; as I will keep it handy and keep refering to this valuable handbook itself and all my margin notes throughout.

    I could not recommend this book more!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
    As a copywriter and experienced marketing professional, I’m always looking for insight into what makes people tick so that I can get better results at work. Behavioral science is a great way to understand why people do what we do. Because she’s a marketer as well as a behavioral science scholar, Nancy really delivers the goods. After hearing her speak at a few conferences and following her on social media, I was hungry for more of her advice, so I bought her book. I wasn’t disappointed. "Using Behavioral Science in Marketing" demonstrates how to get people to take action, but also explains the science behind the recommendations, which makes the information really sink in. (You can also use what you learn to modify your own behavior.) Whether you’re new to marketing or a seasoned pro, you won’t be disappointed with this book. I can’t even keep it on my shelf because colleagues keep borrowing it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2024
    Nancy’s book is my often-go-to reference as I’m creating my marketing campaigns. There are so many bits of gold here that just make sense to include as you’re crafting your messaging.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024
    I've read other marketing books on behavioral science and marketing psychology, but this one was my favorite. Definitely recommend.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Philip Grindell
    5.0 out of 5 stars My highlighter pen has run out
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2024
    A wonderfully informative book packed full of usable information from someone who knows what she is writing about.

    I’m only half way through, but am busy highlighting new information that I use in my marketing straight away.

    An absolute must for anyone in business.
  • Jarom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jeden Cent wert.
    Reviewed in Germany on October 4, 2024
    Ich war im ersten Moment etwas skeptisch, ob mich das Buch tatsächlich begeistern kann, da mir die Autorin nicht bekannt war und das Buch auch nicht mega viele Bewertungen hat. Trotzdem wollte ich es probieren, da mich der Titel sehr ansprach - genau was ich suchte. Meine Angst war trotzdem, dass der vielversprechende Titel und der Untertitel leider nur leere Worte waren und mich der tatsächliche Inhalt enttäuschen würde. Tja, weit gefehlt.
    Schon nach den ersten Seiten wusste ich, dass ich von diesem wissenschaftlich fundierten Buch sehr viel lernen würde. Ich kann euch nicht sagen, wie begeistert ich war und immer noch bin. Das Buch ist inhaltlich so gehaltvoll und praxisnah - ich war hin und weg. Hier wird jeder zum absoluten Marketingexperten und die, die es schon sind oder sich so bezeichnen würden, können trotzdem noch viel lernen. Da bin ich mir zu 100% sicher. Das Tolle sind aber nicht nur die Inhalte an sich, sondern wie sie von der Autorin erklärt werden. Überall gibt es kleine Anekdoten und Erfahrungen aus dem Leben von Nancy Harhut, der Autorin, oder Geschichten über Kundenprojekte, die inhaltlich zum jeweiligen Thema der Kapitel passen. Dazu werden die wissenschaftlichen Hintergründe erklärt, wodurch man viel über die menschliche Psychologie lernen kann. Außerdem gibt es etliche Zusammenfassungen und kleine Boxen, in denen besonders wichtige Sachverhalte erklärt oder wiederholt werden. Man merkt, wie viel Arbeit und jahrelanges Wissen in dieses Buch geflossen ist und es wär eine Verschwendung, es nicht für sich zu nutzen. Ich empfehle es jedem, der sich für Marketing und, oder Wirtschaftspsychologie interessiert und keine Probleme damit hat, ein englisches Fachbuch zu lesen.

    5/5 Sternen!!!
    Report
  • Cassandra Klassen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Only marketing book you need. 10/10.
    Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2025
    10/10
  • amita singh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful and well written book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2024
    My only regret is not buying this sooner! It brings together two areas of interest for me, marketing and the psychology of human behaviour. It’s easy to digest but not too simplistic that I think “well I already know this”. My business isn’t actually marketing but this is key info for most people in the professional world and will benefit a wide audience
  • Peter Holzer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing 🤩
    Reviewed in Germany on November 23, 2024
    I really move this book. In my opinion it’s truly astonishing. As the title suggests it brings behavioral science in the context of marketing. I learned so much! 💪🏻

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?