Here is a list of 52 Psychological Effects with their definitions and examples of how they could be used in copywriting:

  1. Peak-End Rule:
  2. Ambiguity Effect:
    1. Description: People tend to choose options with known probabilities over options with unknown probabilities, even if the known probabilities are lower.
    2. How to use in your copy: Provide clear, transparent information about your product or service to make it more appealing to customers.
  3. Baader–Meinhof Effect:
    1. Description: After learning about a new concept, people start to see it everywhere.
    2. How to use in your copy: Repeat the unique features and benefits of your product or service so customers start to notice and recognize them more often.
  4. Backfire Effect:
    1. Description: The backfire effect is when presenting evidence that contradicts a person's beliefs actually strengthens their original belief, rather than changing their mind.
    2. How to use in your copy: Consider avoiding confrontational language, and instead presenting your argument in a way that resonates with your audience's existing beliefs.
  5. Barnum Effect:
    1. Description: People tend to believe generalized statements that could apply to anyone as specifically applicable to them.
    2. How to use in your copy: Use specific and targeted language that speaks directly to your customer's needs and desires, making them feel like your product or service was designed just for them.
  6. Ben Franklin Effect:
    1. Description: When people like someone more after doing them a favor, rather than if they had received a favor from that person.
    2. How to use in your copy: Consider asking your audience for a small favor before presenting your offer, such as asking them to fill out a survey or participate in a quiz related to the product.
  7. Boomerang Effect:
    1. Description: Attempts at persuasion can backfire and have the opposite effect.
    2. How to use in your copy: To avoid this effect, present both sides of an argument and provide evidence to support your position while also acknowledging the opposing viewpoint.
  8. But Your Are Free Effect:
    1. Description: This effect is the phenomenon where giving someone the perception of free choice can increase the likelihood of them making a certain decision.
    2. How to use in your copy: When marketing a product, emphasize the customer's freedom to choose the way they experience the product e.g. “Unsubscribe at any time.”
  9. Cheerleader Effect:
    1. Description: People tend to appear more attractive when seen as part of a group than when seen individually.
    2. How to use in your copy: Show images of happy, satisfied customers using or benefiting from your product or service, reinforcing the value of your offering.
  10. Cognitive Fluency Effect:
    1. Description: The tendency for people to prefer things that are easy to think about over things that are difficult to think about.
    2. How to use in your copy: Use simple and familiar language to improve engagement and comprehension, making it more likely that the reader will take action.
  11. Contrast Effect:
    1. Description: People tend to perceive the differences between two items as larger when they are presented together.
    2. How to use in your copy: Use comparative language that highlights the unique features and benefits of your product or service in contrast to your competitors.
  12. Coolidge Effect:
    1. Description: The tendency for individuals to show renewed sexual interest when presented with a new mate.
    2. How to use in your copy: Highlight the novelty of your product and how it's a fresh and exciting option compared to others in the market.
  13. Dunning–Kruger Effect:
    1. Description: The phenomenon where people with low ability overestimate their competence, while people with high ability underestimate their competence
    2. How to use in your copy: To avoid falling prey to this effect in copywriting, it's important to remain humble and seek feedback from others to ensure that the message is clear and effective.
  14. False-Uniqueness Effect:
    1. Description: People tend to underestimate the commonality of their positive attributes and behaviors.
    2. How to use in your copy: Use testimonials that emphasize the uniqueness of your product to make potential customers feel special.
  15. Focusing Effect:
    1. Description: People tend to overemphasize the importance of one aspect of an event or product when making decisions.
    2. How to use in your copy: Highlight the most important benefit or feature of your product to make it stand out in the minds of potential customers.
  16. Framing Effect:
    1. Description: People's choices are influenced by how information is presented to them.
    2. How to use in your copy: Use positive framing (emphasizing the benefits of your product) rather than negative framing (emphasizing the risks of not using your product) to increase sales. e.g. 75% lean meat is usually preferred over 25% fat meat, even though they are the same.
  17. Generation Effect:
    1. Description: People are more likely to remember information they generate themselves.
    2. How to use in your copy: Use interactive elements on your website that allow potential customers to generate their own personalized recommendations or solutions.
  18. Golem Effect:
    1. Description: People perform worse when they are negatively stereotyped or have low expectations set for them.
    2. How to use in your copy: Avoid negative stereotypes or limiting language in your marketing to prevent potential customers from being discouraged from purchasing your product.