The Brain Sell Book Summary - The Brain Sell Book explained in key points
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The Brain Sell summary

When Science Meets Shopping

3.4 (62 ratings)
13 mins

Brief summary

The Brain Sell by David Lewis is a fascinating read on neuromarketing. It reveals how our brains process ads and how companies exploit this knowledge to influence our choices.

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    The Brain Sell
    Summary of 6 key ideas

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    There are two ways of shopping: Going shopping and doing shopping.

    Shopping: it’s a pretty simple task, right? You need something, you have the money for it, you buy it. Yet for decades, psychologists, neuroscientists and behavioral analysts have all studied the way we shop, and they’ve all drawn the same conclusion: it’s not as simple as we think it is.

    For starters, did you know that there are two types of shopper? Those who go shopping and those who do shopping. What kind are you?

    Some of us go shopping. We do it to have fun, to experience brands, service and entertainment. We welcome shopping as a chance not just to gain new possessions, but to enjoy a break from the daily grind amid the bustling crowd. Going shopping is, in general, highly pleasurable, and not at all something we need to do.

    On the other hand, there are those who do shopping, and regard it as a chore. If someone tells you they’ve got to “do the shopping,” you know that they’ll be buying things they absolutely need, but don’t necessarily want. They may even treat the experience as a necessary evil to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. They certainly don’t enjoy the experience.

    When you do the shopping you’re like a one-person SWAT team rescuing a hostage. You rush in, grab the hostage (or, in this case, the milk, toilet paper and cat food) and get out ASAP.

    Conversely, those who go shopping linger in the store and admire the products, and are therefore naturally beloved of advertisers, manufacturers and retailers. These are the people you should attract to your brand. How? The next blinks reveal all.

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    Key ideas in The Brain Sell

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    What is The Brain Sell about?

    The Brain Sell (2013) reveals innovative tactics that’ll help marketers draw in customers by using the powers of neuroscience. These blinks explore strategies of psychological marketing, body language and sensory allure that every retailer should know, and that every customer should know how to avoid!

    The Brain Sell Review

    The Brain Sell by David Lewis (2012) explores the fascinating world of neuromarketing and why we buy what we buy. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With insightful research findings, it unveils the hidden forces that influence our purchasing decisions, offering a fresh understanding of consumer behavior.
    • Real-life case studies and examples provide practical applications, allowing readers to apply the principles in their own lives and businesses.
    • By revealing the power of emotions and the subconscious mind in driving consumer choices, the book captivates and surprises, making it far from boring.

    Who should read The Brain Sell?

    • Marketers interested in encouraging their customers to buy more
    • Customers who’d like to defend themselves against marketing tricks

    About the Author

    Dr. David Lewis, the “father of neuromarketing,” is the foremost psychologist to apply the findings of neuroscience to the buying-brain. As co-founder and Director of Research at Mindlab International, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies and authored multiple bestselling books, including The Soul of the New Consumer: Authenticity - What We Buy and Why in the New Economy.

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    The Brain Sell FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Brain Sell?

    The main message of The Brain Sell is that understanding the brain's decision-making process can improve sales and marketing strategies.

    How long does it take to read The Brain Sell?

    The reading time for The Brain Sell varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be completed in 15 minutes.

    Is The Brain Sell a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Brain Sell is worth reading because it provides valuable insights into how the brain works and its impact on consumer behavior.

    Who is the author of The Brain Sell?

    The author of The Brain Sell is David Lewis.

    What to read after The Brain Sell?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Brain Sell, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Neuromarketing by Patrick Renvoisé & Christophe Morin
    • Brainfluence by Roger Dooley
    • Buyology by Martin Lindstrom
    • Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
    • Four Ways of Thinking by David Sumpter
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • The Skill Code by Matt Beane
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
    • The Stoic Mindset by Mark Tuitert