Time Traveler Marketing: How to Hack Your Customer’s Brain (Past, Present & Future)
Hey Entrepreneurial Minds,
Quick question: Ever wish you could read minds?
Turns out, you don’t have to. Because every customer is already thinking about three versions of themselves:
- The Past Self (haunted by regrets)
- The Present Self (stressed by problems)
- The Future Self (craving a better life)
Most brands only talk to the present. But the winners? They speak to all three—and it’s like dropping a cheat code into your marketing.
Why Time-Based Language Works (Neuroscience Says So)
Your brain is wired to obsess over:
1. Past: Nostalgia & regrets (*“Why didn’t I fix this sooner?”*)
2. Present: Urgency & pain (*“This sucks RIGHT NOW.”*)
3. Future: Hope & FOMO (*“What if I miss out?”*)
Hit all three, and you’ll trigger emotions that facts and features can’t touch.
How to Win All Three Selves (Steal These Formulas)
1. Talk to the Past Self: “Remember When…”
Tap into nostalgia or regret. Make them think, “Damn, I wish I’d known this earlier.”
? Example:
- “Remember how awkward it felt handing clients a crumpled paper invoice?” (QuickBooks)
- “You used to love cooking. When did it become so stressful?” (HelloFresh)
?? Pro language:
- “Remember how [pain] used to drive you crazy?”
- “You’ve tried everything. Why didn’t it work?”
2. Target the Present Self: “What If You Could…”
Create urgency. Make them think, “I need this NOW.”
? Example:
- “What if you could fix your website’s SEO… in 3 clicks?” (Squarespace)
- “What if you never had to chase another late payment?” (Stripe)
?? Pro language:
- “What if you could [solution]… by [timeframe]?”
- “Stop [pain] today.”
3. Sell to the Future Self: “Imagine…”
Trigger aspiration. Make them daydream, “I NEED this version of me.”
? Example:
- “Imagine waking up to 1,000 loyal customers waiting for your next drop.” (Shopify)
- “Imagine never worrying about your savings again.” (Robinhood)
?? Pro language:
- “Imagine a world where [pain] doesn’t exist.”
- “Your future self will thank you.”
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Brands Crushing the Time-Travel Game
- Apple: “Remember when phones just… called people?” (Past) → “Presenting the iPhone 15.” (Present) → “Imagine the possibilities.” (Future)
- Peloton: “Remember skipping the gym 3 days in a row?” → “What if you could crush a spin class in your living room?” → “Imagine hitting your fitness goals by New Year’s.”
- Oatly: “Remember when milk was just… milk?” → “What if you could save the planet with your cereal?” → “Imagine a future where cows high-five you.”
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Your Homework (Yes, Right Now)
Pick your product or service. Write one hook for each:
1. Past Self Hook: “Remember when [pain] ruined your day?”
2. Present Self Hook: “What if you could [solution] in [time]?”
3. Future Self Hook: “Imagine never worrying about [pain] again.”
Boom. You’ve just built a 3X more persuasive message.
So… Which Self Are You Ignoring?
?? A. Keep shouting features into the void.
?? B. Start time-traveling in your marketing.
(Spoiler: If you picked A, your future self is facepalming.)
Drop your best time-traveling hook below! Let’s steal each other’s genius ??
P.S. 90% of this newsletter was written in past, present, and future tense. Your move. ??