Trigger Their Cravings: The Psychology of Irresistible Offers
Make Them Say “I NEED This!”
Dear Persuasion Architect,
Ever wonder why some ads make people throw money at the screen while others get ignored faster than a Terms & Conditions page?
It’s not magic. It’s psychology.
Great copy taps into deep-rooted human triggers, the unseen forces that make people crave, desire, and act NOW.
And today, I’m handing you the keys to these psychological triggers so you can write offers people can’t resist.
Let’s dive in.
The 7 Psychological Triggers That Make People Buy
1. Scarcity: “If It’s Limited, I Want It.”
Nothing makes people act faster than the fear of missing out.
If your offer feels infinite, it’s easy to ignore.
But if it’s exclusive, scarce, or time-sensitive?
They’ll move mountains to get it.
Example:
👉 “Only 5 spots left for this month’s coaching program!”
👉 “Doors close at midnight—lock in your spot now!”
How to use it: Add a deadline, limit stock, or create a VIP tier that few can access.
2. Social Proof: “If Everyone Else Loves It, I Will Too.”
Humans are herd animals.
We trust what others trust.
If a product has raving fans, glowing reviews, or viral traction, it instantly becomes more desirable.
Example:
👉 “Over 50,000 customers trust us - join them today!”
👉 “See why experts call this the best productivity app of 2024.”
How to use it: Showcase testimonials, ratings, case studies, and social numbers to build credibility.
3. Authority: “I Believe This Because an Expert Said So.”
Why do people buy weight loss plans from a ripped personal trainer instead of an out-of-shape one?
Because authority matters. We trust experts, celebrities, and industry leaders.
Example:
👉 “Endorsed by top copywriters like Gary Halbert.”
👉 “Used by companies like Apple, Nike, and Tesla.”
How to use it: Use expert endorsements, showcase credentials, and flaunt big-name clients.
4. Reciprocity: “You Gave Me Something? Now I Owe You.”
Ever gotten a free sample and suddenly felt obligated to buy?
That’s reciprocity in action.
When you give value first, people feel compelled to return the favour.
Example:
👉 “Grab this free PDF guide—no strings attached.”
👉 “Try our software free for 7 days.”
How to use it: Offer free samples, resources, or trials before asking for a sale.
5. Curiosity: “I Need to Know the Answer!”
Curiosity is a mental itch people can’t ignore.
If you hint at something valuable without revealing it all, you pull readers deeper into your copy.
Example:
👉 “The #1 mistake killing your conversions (and how to fix it).”
👉 “What most marketers get wrong about email subject lines.”
How to use it: Tease valuable insights, but don’t reveal everything upfront.
6. Fear & Loss Aversion: “I Can’t Afford to Miss This.”
People are wired to avoid loss more than they’re motivated by gain.
When you highlight what they’ll lose if they don’t act, you create urgency.
Example:
👉 “Every day you wait, you’re losing sales.”
👉 “This discount disappears in 24 hours - don’t miss out.”
How to use it: Show them what they stand to lose if they don’t act now.
7. Emotional Desire: “I Want This Because It Makes Me Feel…”
Logic makes people think.
Emotion makes them buy.
People don’t buy products; they buy better versions of themselves.
Example:
👉 “Finally, a business coach that helps you 10x your income without burnout.”
👉 “Look 10 years younger with this 5-minute skincare hack.”
How to use it: Sell feelings, confidence, success, security, excitement.
Your Copywriting Mission
This week, I challenge you to rewrite one of your offers using at least two of these psychological triggers.
🚀 Pick your product.
🚀 Identify two triggers (e.g., scarcity + social proof).
🚀 Rewrite your call-to-action or headline using those triggers.
Then test it out and watch how people respond.
Spoiler: They won’t be able to resist. 😉
What’s Coming Next?
Ever seen an ad so powerful it hypnotized you into pulling out your credit card? Next week, we’ll break down legendary copywriting campaigns and uncover what made them work.
Until then, use these triggers wisely and watch your sales take off. 🛫
Stay sharp,
Your Copywriting Coach
P.S. Want feedback on your rewritten offer? Reply with your before-and-after versions, and I’ll take a look! 🚀