10/27/2025
You're bad at selling because you don't understand brain science
Each part of the brain drives your customer’s decisions
Every business owner should know how these 6 parts of the brain work:
1. Prefrontal Cortex: The Decision-Maker
What It Does: This part of the brain is responsible for complex decision-making, weighing pros and cons, and rational thinking.
Influence On Purchases: It’s heavily involved when customers deliberate over the value of a product or compare options.
Business Takeaway: Highlight benefits clearly and directly. Logical, fact-based advertising (like comparison charts) helps satisfy the prefrontal cortex’s need for reason.
2. Nucleus Accumbens: The Reward Center
What It Does: This is where dopamine is released, creating a feeling of pleasure and anticipation.
Influence On Purchases: Activated when customers anticipate receiving something desirable, like discounts or limited-time offers.
Business Takeaway: Build excitement with offers, countdown timers, or loyalty rewards that increase the dopamine rush and make people want to act.
3. Amygdala: The Emotional Center
What It Does: This part of the brain processes emotions, especially fear and pleasure.
Influence on Purchases: When activated, it heightens emotional responses to products. Fear of missing out (FOMO) and scarcity messages tap into this part.
Business Takeaway: Create urgency with limited stock warnings, testimonials, or visuals that evoke positive emotions.
4. Insula: The Pain Monitor
What It Does: This region is associated with feelings of pain or discomfort.
Influence On Purchases: It’s activated when we experience the pain of parting with money, especially at high prices.
Business Takeaway: Lower pricing or break up large costs with payment plans to reduce “pain of paying.” Free shipping and discounts can also reduce discomfort.
5. Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (vmPFC): Value Evaluator
What It Does: It helps determine the personal value of a product based on past experiences, brand loyalty, and perceptions.
Influence On Purchases: It kicks in when a customer feels attached to a brand or considers if a product is worth the cost.
Business Takeaway: Boost brand loyalty and trustworthiness. Create brand storytelling to build emotional ties and increase the perceived value of your products.
6. Hippocampus: Memory Maker
What It Does: This part of the brain stores memories, especially related to brand experiences.
Influence on Purchases: Positive brand experiences and memorable interactions make customers more likely to return.
Business Takeaway: Use sensory triggers like packaging, memorable visuals, or unique customer experiences that stick in customers’ minds and create positive associations.