Give a Little, Get a Lot

McDonald's boosts their sales using this principle.

February 20, 2024

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Give a Little, Get a Lot- The Reciprocity Principle

The Reciprocity Principle is a secret weapon in the world of marketing, and once you understand it, you'll be amazed at how it can supercharge your efforts.

It's based on a pretty simple idea: if a brand does something nice for you, you're more likely to do something nice for them in return.

Take McDonald's, for example. They've used the Reciprocity Principle for years to boost sales and build customer loyalty.

Imagine this: you're at McDonald's with your kids. Before you place your order, something catches your eye – colourful balloons! The staff happily hands one to each of your kids, and suddenly, their faces light up with joy.

Now, here's where things get interesting. The simple act of giving out balloons to kids wasn't just about spreading smiles, it was actually a genius move by McDonald's to tap into the power of the Reciprocity Principle.

When McDonald's gave your kids those balloons, they weren't just giving away freebies – they were creating a positive experience for your family. And as parents, you felt grateful for that little gesture of kindness. So, what did you do? You showed your appreciation by spending a little extra on your order.

Maybe you added a dessert or upgraded your drink size – whatever it was, you felt good about doing it because McDonald's had already made you feel good with those balloons. It's like a little "thank you" for making your day a little brighter.

In fact, an experiment confirmed that parents whose kids were given a balloon had a higher order value than those who did not.

Sometimes, the best marketing strategies are the ones that make people smile. Whether it's balloons, stickers, or a friendly greeting, find ways to brighten your customers' day.

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That's a wrap for today! Stay tuned for more insights in the next MarketingShot. See you next Tuesday 🙂 
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