Advertising is everywhere—on billboards, in our social media feeds, even subtly woven into the shows we watch. But behind the polished campaigns and catchy slogans, there’s a world of bizarre, counterintuitive, and downright strange truths about how advertising really works. Some of these facts might make you question everything you thought you knew about marketing.
Here are six strange but true facts about advertising that will make you think twice.
1. People Actually Like Ads (But Only the Right Ones)
It’s easy to assume that everyone hates ads, but research tells a different story. A study by Nielsen found that 46% of consumers enjoy funny or entertaining ads, and 33% appreciate ads that tell a compelling story. The key? Ads that feel like content rather than interruptions—think Super Bowl commercials or viral branded videos.
The catch? People despise irrelevant ads. If an ad disrupts their experience without adding value, they’ll tune out—or worse, develop negative feelings toward the brand.
2. The “Rule of Seven” Is a Myth (But Repetition Still Works)
You’ve probably heard the “Rule of Seven,” the idea that a consumer needs to see an ad seven times before taking action. Turns out, this “rule” has no scientific backing—it was just a guess made by a movie executive in the 1930s.
That said, repetition does work—just not in a fixed number. Studies show that familiarity breeds trust, and seeing a brand multiple times increases the likelihood of recognition and preference. But the exact number varies—some people need just one exposure, others might need 20.
3. Negative Emotions Can Sell Better Than Positive Ones
Most advertisers aim for happy, uplifting messages, but fear, guilt, and even anger can be more persuasive.
- Fear-based ads (like anti-smoking campaigns) work because they trigger urgency.
- Guilt-driven marketing (e.g., “Don’t let your family down—buy life insurance”) pushes people to act out of obligation.
- Anger-inducing ads (political or activist messaging) create strong emotional engagement.
The trick? Negative emotions must lead to a solution—otherwise, consumers just feel bad and disengage.
4. The Color of a Logo Can Make or Break a Brand
Color psychology isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s backed by science. Studies show that up to 90% of snap judgments about products are based on color alone.
- Red = urgency (used by Coca-Cola, Netflix)
- Blue = trust (Facebook, IBM)
- Yellow = optimism (McDonald’s, IKEA)
But here’s the weird part: Some colors can backfire. For example, brown is often associated with reliability (UPS) but can also feel dull or outdated if used wrong.
5. The “Decoy Effect” Tricks You Into Spending More
Ever noticed how some pricing options seem designed to push you toward a specific choice? That’s the decoy effect—a sneaky psychological tactic.
Example:
- Small popcorn: $3
- Medium popcorn: $6.50
- Large popcorn: $7
The medium option is the decoy—it makes the large seem like a better deal, even if you didn’t initially want it. Restaurants, subscription services, and even tech companies use this strategy to steer you toward higher-margin options.
6. Ads You Don’t Remember Still Influence You
Ever had a song stuck in your head but couldn’t recall where you heard it? The same happens with ads. Subliminal advertising (in its legal form) works through mere exposure effect—the more you see something, the more you like it, even if you don’t consciously remember it.
A famous study showed that people preferred brands they’d seen before, even if they had no memory of the exposure. This is why brands invest in billboards, product placements, and background ads—they’re banking on subconscious recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do ads really work if people skip them? A: Yes! Even skipped ads leave an impression. Studies show that viewers retain brand info even from ads they don’t fully watch.
Q: Why do some ads go viral while others flop? A: Viral ads usually tap into emotion, surprise, or relatability. If an ad feels too “salesy,” it’s more likely to be ignored.
Q: Are targeted ads creepy or effective? A: Both. While personalized ads have higher conversion rates, many consumers find excessive tracking invasive. The best approach? Balance relevance with privacy.
Final Thought
Advertising is a mix of psychology, art, and sometimes, outright manipulation. The next time you see an ad, ask yourself: What’s really going on behind the scenes? Whether it’s a color trick, a pricing decoy, or an emotion-driven pitch, there’s always more than meets the eye.
Now that you know these strange truths, you’ll never look at ads the same way again.