Ever felt that pang of jealousy when you scroll through your friend’s social media and see a post from a concert you couldn’t make it to? Or that urge to grab the very last item on the shelf because the label just screamed “limited edition”?
That, my friend, is FOMO, or the fear of missing out, and you’ve probably already heard this term being tossed around a few places online.
FOMO taps into a common quirk of human psychology where we hate feeling like we’re missing out on something amazing, so we tend to jump on opportunities before they disappear.
And the thing is, the popularity of social media only amplified this feeling by bombarding us with snippets of people’s seemingly perfect lives and experiences, leaving us wanting to also have what they have.
This is where FOMO marketing comes into play.
Marketers leverage this fear of missing out to promote their brands and products, knowing that it’s a powerful motivator for people to take action.
But before we get into the tactics of FOMO marketing, let’s first go over what it even is in the first place.
What is FOMO Marketing?
In simple terms, FOMO marketing is about capitalizing consumers’ urge to seize every opportunity that comes their way.
The goal is to craft messages that subtly push customers to make impulsive purchases rather than regretting their decisions later.
It works because, let’s face it, we as humans just live for the risk.
At the same time, that fear of making a bad decision also leaves us wide open to future regrets.
For example, you’ve been thinking about buying a new smartphone.
As you’re browsing online and minding your own business, an ad suddenly pops up offering a similar smartphone at a discount with the similar style and specs you had in mind.
Suddenly, your FOMO kicks into overdrive. Maybe you were still on the fence about buying that phone, but now that you’ve seen the ad, you just can’t stop thinking about it.
And that’s exactly the kind of urgency FOMO marketing aims to create which you can use to persuade potential customers to make a purchase.
The Perks Of FOMO Marketing
Speaking of benefits, FOMO marketing isn’t just all about taking advantage of other people’s fears.
But, it’s also about understanding and tapping into their innermost wants and desires, and when done right, it can work wonders for your business.
Here are a couple of reasons as to why you should utilize FOMO when marketing your products:
It Increases User Engagement
Ever noticed how people flock to social media challenges or events just to take part in the trend? FOMO is the likely driving force behind that engagement.
The same goes for marketing. When people fear missing out, they’re more likely to engage with your brand.
The fear of missing out pushes individuals to join in, share, and participate in activities they might otherwise have overlooked.
Whether it’s a viral hashtag, a trending topic, or an exclusive event, the allure of being part of the conversation is irresistible when FOMO comes into play.
On top of that, this kind of engagement also focuses on both the quality and quantity of the product that you’re promoting.
When customers feel emotionally invested in your brand’s story or offer, they’re more likely to become loyal and repeat customers.
By creating meaningful interactions and memorable experiences that resonate with your audience’s desires, you can foster a dedicated fan base that eagerly waits for your next move.
It Improves Brand Perception
When customers see your brand as a dependable source for exclusive deals and experiences, it more than elevates your brand image.
FOMO marketing positions your business as a trendsetter, which means that you’re more likely going to attract more attention and loyalty from consumers because they’re drawn to brands that offer unique opportunities and experiences that they can’t find anywhere else.
Also, FOMO marketing allows you to showcase your brand’s value in a compelling and memorable way.
By highlighting the features, advantages, and benefits of your product or service, you reinforce customers’ perception of your brand as a trusted and reliable source of quality products or services.
This, in turn, strengthens their emotional connection to your brand and increases their likelihood of choosing you over your competitors.
It Enhances Customer Loyalty
When it comes to building customer loyalty, consistency is key.
If you consistently deliver your promises and provide offers that have the best value, you build trust and loyalty with your customers and keep them coming back for more.
In addition, FOMO marketing fosters a sense of belonging by creating a shared experience among customers who have taken advantage of your offers or participated in your events.
When customers feel like they’re part of an exclusive club or community, they’re more likely to develop a sense of loyalty towards your brand.
This creates a positive feedback loop where satisfied customers become somewhat like advocates for your brand, spreading the word to their friends and family and driving even more business your way.
The 5 Clever FOMO Marketing Strategies to Increase Online Revenue
1. Set A Time Limit
Nothing triggers FOMO quite like a deadline that’s approaching fast.
Ever seen those countdown timers on e-commerce sites counting down the seconds until a sale ends?
Well, that’s not just for show. Research shows that time-limited offers can significantly boost sales by creating a sense of urgency.
This is the reason why limited-time offers and flash sales work especially well when promoting your products and services.
By setting a time limit on your offers, you not only encourage immediate action but also capitalize on customers’ anxiety due to FOMO.
After all, nobody wants to be the one left with nothing when the clock strikes zero!
Though, keep in mind to stay within your time limits. Delaying the expiration of your deals may cause customers to become suspicious, and when they discover that they’ve been duped, it can severely harm your brand’s reputation.
2. Use Social Proof
Who doesn’t love a good recommendation? When it comes to making purchasing decisions, we often look to others for validation.
This is why social proofing is a powerful tool in the world of marketing by leveraging the influence of peers to drive conversions and sway decisions when making a purchase.
Influencer marketing stands at the forefront of this strategy, as influencers who promote your brand values can sway and peak the interest of their loyal followers to see what you’re all about.
When customers see someone they admire endorsing your product, it triggers a desire to be part of the trend.
(Talk about being a bandwagon)
Similarly, testimonials serve as the digital counterpart of word-of-mouth recommendations.
By showcasing positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers on your website or social media platforms, you’re build trust and credibility with potential buyers.
The validation provided by real people’s experiences eases users’ anxieties, making hesitant customers more likely go for broke and make a purchase.
So, don’t hesitate to showcase those glowing product reviews to amplify your brand’s appeal and drive conversions!
3. Spotlight Missed Opportunities
Ever experienced that sinking feeling of regret when you realize you’ve missed out on something worthwhile?
(I would say it’s a pretty common phenomenon, and seasoned marketers know just how to capitalize on it)
By highlighting missed opportunities, you can trigger FOMO and spur customers into action.
For instance, limited stock alerts serve as a powerful prompt for customers to act swiftly.
When notified that an item is running low, customers feel a sense of urgency and scarcity that drives them to make a purchase before it’s too late. This scarcity principle sparks desire, compelling customers to secure their share right away.
Moreover, abandoned carts present an exciting opportunity for FOMO marketing.
Sending targeted reminder emails to customers who’ve left items in their carts can reignite their interest and remind them of what they’re missing out on.
By buttering up the deal with time-limited discounts or free shipping offers, marketers can effectively convert abandoned carts into successful sales.
4. Market Bundled Products
Everybody and their grandmas love a good deal, and that’s probably why product bundles are like the ultimate offer for those easily prone to feeling FOMO.
In many industries, marketing product bundles is a common strategy to encourage upselling.
When a customer purchases a product, they’re often presented with the option to buy complementary items bundled together at a discounted price.
Whether it’s a “buy one, get one free” deal or a bundled package at a discounted price, the appeal of a limited-time offer is irresistible to shoppers, driving them to make a purchase before the opportunity slips away.
By strategically marketing product bundles with a deadline, you create a win-win scenario for both customers and your business.
Customers enjoy more value for their money, while you reap the sweet rewards of increased sales and revenue.
5. Use Competitive Spirit
Humans are naturally competitive creatures, and we thrive on the thrill of the chase and the desire to be better than others.
And FOMO turns that sense of friendly competition into a powerful marketing tool.
Special events like contests and giveaways are classic examples of leveraging competition to generate excitement and participation.
By incorporating time limits or limited entry windows, businesses create a sense of urgency that compels individuals to act swiftly, ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to win.
Similarly, leaderboards and rankings provide another avenue for taking advantage of our competitive nature. Displaying top performers in a competition or challenge not only serves as bragging rights, but also serves as a powerful motivator for sales.
Whether it’s earning points, achieving badges, or securing a coveted spot at the top of the leaderboard, the thrill of competition keeps customers engaged, eager to participate, and ready for whatever your brand has to offer.
Leverage FOMO To Promote Your Content The Right Way!
So, now you know the ins and outs of what FOMO is and how to utilize it when promoting your product or service.
Don’t let this opportunity go to waste and skyrocket your revenue today!
And if you want to learn more about anything business-related, join our email list today for free to gain access to exclusive content that delves into successful strategies and real-world experiences of successful individuals and implement their strategies into your very own business venture!
FAQs
Is FOMO marketing ethical?
FOMO marketing can be both ethical and productive if utilized carefully and deliberately, and the tips stated above are only a few ways to make it a guilt-free component of your marketing, usability, and design initiatives.
How does FOMO in advertising affect consumer desire?
FOMO creates a need for social contact, inclusion, and acknowledgment, all of which are essential components of social satisfaction. Marketers intentionally capitalize on this psychological need, providing urgency, scarcity, and social validation that appeal to customers’ basic wants for connection and acceptance.
How many people experience FOMO from social media?
A study done in 2013 showed that 56% of individuals feel FOMO from social media, and almost 60% of people made a purchase within 24 hours due to FOMO.
What are the top 5 marketing strategies?
The top 5 marketing strategies include content marketing, social media marketing like Facebook and Pinterest, influencer marketing, email marketing, and FOMO marketing.