7 Brain Hacks Marketers Use to Influence You—And How to Use Them for Your Own Success

As a neuromarketer, I’ve spent years studying how businesses use neuroscience to influence consumer behavior—from multi-million dollar ad campaigns to the subtle psychological triggers you encounter every day.

Marketers know exactly how to make products irresistible, keep you scrolling, and persuade you to buy—sometimes without you even realizing it.

But here’s the thing: the same psychological tactics that brands use to drive sales can be harnessed to rewire your brain for better focus, stronger habits, and greater success.

Here’s how to flip the script and use these neuromarketing hacks to take control of your own mind.

P.S. #6 is one of my favorites.

1. The Dopamine Loop: How to Make Success Addictive

How Marketers Use It

Brands design their products around one simple goal: keep you coming back. Every notification, social media “like,” and exclusive deal triggers a dopamine rush—the same neurotransmitter that fuels motivation, learning, and habit formation.

How You Can Use It

• Break big goals into micro-wins (dopamine releases when you complete tasks).
• Create your own “reward system” for habits you want to stick to.
• Use habit streaks (like Duolingo’s method) to trigger that same psychological craving.

Expert Takeaway: Dopamine is powerful—but you can control what triggers it.

2. Scarcity & Urgency: The Trick to Stop Procrastinating

How Marketers Use It

Scarcity psychology is one of the most effective marketing tactics. Phrases like “Only 3 left” or “Sale ends in 2 hours” tap into loss aversion—the cognitive bias that makes us fear missing out. This urgency pushes people to act fast.

How You Can Use It

• Give yourself artificial deadlines to create urgency (even if they’re self-imposed).
• Use “now or never” thinking to stop procrastinating.
• Limit your own options (e.g., only allowing yourself a short time to complete a task).

Expert Takeaway: If time feels unlimited, your brain won’t act. Create urgency to make decisions faster.

3. The Power of Storytelling: How to Make People (and Yourself) Care

How Marketers Use It

People don’t buy products—they buy emotions. That’s why Nike doesn’t market sneakers; it sells perseverance and self-belief. Apple doesn’t sell iPhones; it sells status and innovation. Stories create emotional connections, making messages more memorable and persuasive.

How You Can Use It

• Reframe your goals as a personal journey—your brain responds to stories, not tasks.
• Use storytelling in persuasion—whether pitching, networking, or selling, stories make ideas stick.
• Apply this to self-talk— instead of saying, “I’m stuck,” say, “I’m in the middle of my comeback story.”

Expert Takeaway: The right story changes how people (and your own brain) perceive reality.

4. Social Proof: The Shortcut to Confidence

How Marketers Use It

Humans are wired to trust what others trust. That’s why businesses showcase reviews, testimonials, and influencer endorsements—it reduces uncertainty and makes people more likely to follow the crowd.

How You Can Use It

• Surround yourself with high achievers—your brain mirrors their behaviors.
• Use public accountability—announce your goals so social pressure keeps you on track.
• Study success stories—your brain internalizes what it sees as possible.

Expert Takeaway: If confidence isn’t natural, borrow it. Your brain follows the social cues around it.

5. Anchoring: How to Make Big Goals Feel Easy

How Marketers Use It

Anchoring is a cognitive bias where the first piece of information we receive influences our perception of everything that follows. That’s why retailers display higher “original prices” before showing a discount—it makes the sale price seem like a great deal.

How You Can Use It

• Set big “anchor goals” first, then break them down.
• Compare your current challenges to something harder—they’ll feel easier.
• Frame your progress against where you started, not where you wish you were.

Expert Takeaway: Your brain needs a reference point. Control what you compare yourself to.

6. The Zeigarnik Effect: Using Unfinished Tasks to Fuel Productivity

How Marketers Use It

The Zeigarnik Effect is why cliffhangers make you binge-watch an entire season. Our brains fixate on unfinished tasks, creating a psychological tension that makes us want to complete them.

How You Can Use It

• Leave tasks unfinished on purpose—your brain will crave completion.
• Start a project with no pressure—just opening a document triggers mental ownership.
• Use open loops—end work sessions on an incomplete thought to keep momentum.

Expert Takeaway: Leaving something unfinished makes your brain obsessed with completing it.

7. Repetition & Familiarity: The Secret to Influence & Habit-Building

How Marketers Use It

The mere exposure effect means that the more we see something, the more we trust it. That’s why brands repeat slogans, jingles, and ads endlessly—familiarity builds credibility.

How You Can Use It

• Repeat your goals and affirmations until they feel like reality.
• Expose yourself to success daily—read, watch, and engage with high-level thinking.
• Use repetition in branding, networking, and learning.

Expert Takeaway: Your brain equates familiarity with truth. Use this to train your mindset.

Final Thoughts: Take Back Control

For years, I’ve studied how brands use neuromarketing to influence consumers—but what excites me most is how these same principles can help individuals take control of their own habits, success, and decision-making.

Instead of letting brands, notifications, and distractions pull your attention, you can flip the script and use these neuromarketing tactics to:

• Rewire your habits
• Overcome procrastination
• Train your brain for confidence and action

Your mind is your most valuable asset. Learn to market success to yourself.

Which of these brain hacks are you going to try first? Let’s discuss.