The Power of Seven: Why Your Audience Needs to Hear You (More Than Once)
Have you ever heard the saying “seeing is believing”? In marketing, there’s a similar principle: hearing is remembering. But it’s not just about hearing your message once – it’s about consistent exposure that builds brand recognition and trust. That’s where the Rule of 7 comes in.
Think of the Rule of 7 as the magic number for marketing messages. It suggests that a potential customer needs to be exposed to your brand at least seven times before they’re likely to take action, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for your email list, or following you on social media.
This concept originated in the 1930s with movie studios, who realized that bombarding moviegoers with trailers and ads wasn’t necessarily annoying – it was actually necessary to get them to buy a ticket.
Here’s why the Rule of 7 is still relevant today:
Attention spans are shrinking: In our information-overloaded world, people are constantly bombarded with messages. It takes multiple exposures for something to stick.
Building trust takes time: Consumers are wary of brands they don’t recognize. Repeated exposure allows them to become familiar with your brand and build trust.
Reinforcement strengthens memory: Each time someone sees your message, it reinforces what they already know about your brand.
Making the Rule of 7 Work for You:
So, how do you put the Rule of 7 into action? Here are some tips:
- Diversify your marketing channels: Don’t just rely on one platform. Use a mix of social media, email marketing, content marketing, and even offline channels to reach your audience where they are.
- Create a consistent brand message: Make sure your message is clear and consistent across all your marketing materials.
- Vary your content: Keep your audience engaged with different types of content, like blog posts, infographics, videos, and social media updates.
- Track and measure your results: Analyze your marketing data to see what’s working and what’s not.
The Rule of 7 is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. The number of times someone needs to see your message before taking action will vary depending on your product or service, your target audience, and the overall marketing landscape. However, by following these tips and consistently putting your brand out there, you’ll be well on your way to achieving marketing success.
Megapop Marketing can help you craft a multi-channel marketing strategy that leverages the power of repeated exposure. Contact us today to learn more!