Have you ever heard a song and sort of really hated it ? Then eventually it ends up growing on you ? Like those scenes in that one movie where her birthday card sings “I’ve got a pocket full of sunshine.” Then congratulations, you have already experienced the mere exposure effect !
What is the mere exposure effect ?
In a nutshell, this phenomenon just means the more that you see of hear something, the more you grow to like it. We gravitate towards things that are familiar to us. It’s pretty much a numbers game.
Social Psych Online gives this information about a study they thought was interesting: “One of my favorite demonstrations of this effect comes from a 1992 study. The researchers arranged for four different women (of similar appearance) to attend a college class a certain number of times throughout the semester. One of these women didn’t actually attend at all, one attended five times, one attended ten times, and the last woman attended fifteen times. These women didn’t interact with the students at all; they just sat in on the lecture. At the end of the semester, the students in the class saw pictures of each of the women and rated them on several scales like physical attractiveness. Despite never having interacted with these women, the students showed a clear mere exposure effect. That is, they evaluated the woman who they had seen 15 times much more positively than the woman they hadn’t seen at all.”
Who does it work on ?
The article also mentions how the phenomenon does have its limits as well as a super strength. Mere exposure doesn’t really work on children. While they’re in the stages where they are learning most, they typically prefer to experience new things each day. The exposure is only strengthened, however, by subliminal exposure. Subliminal messages seep into your subconscious mind whether you really think about it or not. Think of that Josie and The Pussycats movie. Perfect example.
How to use it
So why is this important ? Aight, so boom ! The more someone sees your logo or other easily identifiable parts of your brand they’ll start to prefer it. Maybe you sell something or offer a service that really only caters to a niche market. If they’ve been exposed to you all year they’ll likely shop with you when the time comes or if someone else is looking for what you offer you’ll be the first thing they think of when they’re offering up suggestions !
So even if you’re not getting any likes, comments or shares DON’T GIVE UP THE FAITH ! KEEP UP THE EXPOSURE !
Want to know more mind tricks to get sales ? Check out our blog about psychological triggers ! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to get new content delivered straight to your email.