SMART IDEA #54: Turn FOMO into your marketing superpower

SMART IDEA #54: Turn FOMO into your marketing superpower

As I sit here in an internet cafe, my social feeds are lighting up...

Pictures from Nashville. Friends reuniting. Keynote speakers inspiring.

And I'm not there.

For the first time in 24 years, I'm missing Staffing World.

No catching up with old friends over coffee. No sharing war stories at the hotel bar. No sneak peeks at the latest industry innovations.

And it hurts.

WHEN MISSING OUT REALLY STINGS

Staffing World isn't just another conference. It's our industry's reunion. The one time each year when everyone comes together.

It's where deals happen. Partnerships form. And next year's big ideas are born.

Missing it feels a little like...well, like missing Thanksgiving with the family!

But here's the thing about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)...

It's not just about missing the fun. It's about the real losses:

  • Missed learning opportunities
  • Lost networking connections
  • Delayed industry insights
  • Postponed partnership discussions

That pit in your stomach? That's your brain telling you something valuable is happening without you.

And you know what?

That feeling is marketing gold.

TURNING FOMO INTO MARKETING MAGIC

Smart marketers know a secret: FOMO isn't just an emotion—it's a powerful motivator.

Why do limited-time offers work so well? Why do exclusive events fill up instantly? Why do "only 2 seats left" messages drive immediate action?

FOMO.

Let me show you how to harness it...

CREATE SCARCITY (FOR REAL!)

Don't just pretend something is limited. Actually limit it:

  • Cap event attendance
  • Create VIP-only experiences
  • Set firm deadlines for your promotions
  • Offer early-bird pricing that truly expires
  • Create special incentives limited to just a few early adopters.

Example: We recently launched our new Sales Funnel Automation service with steeply discounted pricing for the first 10 clients. Sold out in record time. Why?

Because it was real scarcity, not manufactured urgency.

EXCLUSIVITY SELLS

People want what they can't have. So give them something they might not be able to get:

  • Client-only workshops
  • Invitation-only roundtables
  • Beta testing opportunities
  • Inner circle memberships

The key? Make it truly valuable AND truly exclusive.

TIME IS YOUR ALLY

Self-expiring offers work because they mirror real life. Here are a few more ways you can use them:

  • Special pricing with a firm end date
  • One-time-only events
  • Limited enrollment periods
  • Flash sales that mean business

But remember: The deadline must be real. Your audience can smell fake urgency from a mile away.

THE SECRET SAUCE: SOCIAL AMPLIFICATION

Want to amplify FOMO? Show what others are experiencing:

  • Live social media feeds
  • Real-time registration counters
  • User-generated content
  • Testimonials from participants

When people see others having valuable experiences, they don't want to miss out.

MAKING FOMO MARKETING WORK

Here's your playbook:

First, create real value with a great offer.

Don't manufacture FOMO around mediocre offerings. Make something worth fearing to miss.

Want a few specific examples? Check out SMART IDEAS Weekly Issue 4: Using Promos to Sell Faster

Next, set clear boundaries (limitations).

  • Specific deadlines
  • Limited quantities
  • Defined exclusivity criteria

Then, communicate urgency…why act now?

  • Countdown timers
  • Availability updates
  • "Don't miss out" reminders

Last, follow through! If you say it's limited, keep it limited. Your credibility depends on it!

THE ETHICS FACTOR

A quick but important note...

FOMO marketing must be ethical. That means:

  • Real limitations, not fake ones
  • Genuine value, not hype
  • Clear terms, not hidden catches
  • Authentic urgency, not manufactured pressure

THE BOTTOM LINE

As I sit here missing Staffing World, I'm reminded that FOMO isn't just about fear—it's about recognizing real value and not wanting to miss out on genuine opportunities.

Use that insight in your marketing.

Create real value. Make it limited. Let people know what they might miss out on.

Then, watch your response rates soar!

Want to discuss more ways to leverage FOMO in your marketing? Let's grab some time to chat…when I'm not missing the biggest staffing event of the year!

Contact us at 1.888.696.2900 or [email protected] .

Don’t miss our next webinar

Staffing World 2024 Recap, Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET

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