An Evergreen Observation on Herd Mentality and Affiliate Marketing
“the herd, the common people; the masses; the rabble”
“he had no opinions of his own, but simply followed the herd”
Dont get offended by the use of the words “herd mind”, “herd mentality” or “masses” or similar phrases that define the general crowd mentality.
I can use it because many times – I AM that herd mind.
Of course, many times I’m not when I stop to think.
Many of the things below affect me just as many below affect you also.
Understanding the Herd Mentality: How Marketers Can Rise Above the Crowd
In the vast landscape of marketing, there’s a fundamental divide between those who simply follow the crowd and those who successfully lead it.
This difference is rooted in the way the “herd mind” operates—a mentality driven more by the need for entertainment and instant gratification than by thoughtful action.
Many people, regardless of the field—be it personal finance, self-help, or any other area of interest—tend to consume content that excites them but seldom take the steps necessary to implement what they learn.
They get stuck in a cycle of consumption without action, a state often referred to as “herd mentality.“
The Two Types of Marketers
Online, there are two types of marketers: those who are part of the herd and those who sell to the herd.
Those with herd mentality are swept up in the frenzy of product launches, scarcity-driven offers, and the latest online trends.
They buy into the dream of quick success, whether it’s losing weight, improving their lives, or making money online.
They follow the crowd, especially in social media discussions, and buy products simply because everyone else is doing it.
But true success lies in separating yourself from this herd mentality. To achieve this, you need to be the one creating the products and services that the herd will flock to.
You need to master the art of creating urgency, scarcity, and a sense of exclusivity around what you offer.
This shift in perspective—from being part of the herd to leading it—marks the beginning of real success.
Recognizing the Power of Influence
Even the most seasoned marketers can sometimes get caught up in the herd mentality.
The key is to recognize when you’re being “sold to” and learn from those experiences.
When you fully understand what motivates the masses, you can easily create one profitable product after another.
Consider the impact of controversy, for example.
A highly controversial blog can generate massive attention, whether people are raving about it or railing against it.
This kind of buzz promotes your site for free, drawing in traffic and potential customers without additional effort.
The ability to generate such powerful reactions can be a goldmine for marketers who understand how to leverage it.
The Herd Mentality Allure of the Easy Way Out
People inherently seek the easiest path to their goals.
This is why products like PLR (Private Label Rights) articles, ready-made AdSense sites, and reprint rights are so popular—they cater to this “easy addiction.”
Major corporations have long understood this, embedding the promise of ease into everything they sell, from food to car wax.
For marketers, the rule is simple: the easier you make it for your audience, the more money you stand to make.
Selling the Dream, Not the Work
What people truly buy is the dream—the idea—rather than the work required to achieve it. This is evident in countless examples, from fitness equipment to business opportunities.
The dream sells because it taps into deep-seated desires for a better life, but often, the work required is overlooked.
As a marketer, understanding this psychology allows you to craft products that tap into these dreams.
You can sell the dream of success, of a better body, of financial freedom—knowing that people are more likely to buy into the vision than the reality.
The Never-Ending Cycle of Dream Buying
This “dream buying” behavior is never-ending. People passionate about a particular topic will buy product after product, often accumulating hundreds of ebooks, courses, or tools on the same subject.
This presents a lucrative opportunity for marketers.
You could write multiple books on the same topic under different pen names and let them compete with each other, all while capturing the same customers multiple times.
The Power of Social Proof and Scarcity
One of the most effective ways to drive sales is through social proof. People are more likely to buy a product when they see others discussing how good it is. Similarly, scarcity and exclusivity can significantly boost a product’s appeal. When people believe they might miss out on something or that a product is limited, they are more motivated to buy.
The Value of Bold Confidence and Controversy
Bold confidence—and even a touch of arrogance—can be incredibly attractive. People are drawn to those who exude certainty, often wondering what secrets they hold. Controversy, too, has a magnetic pull. These elements are the driving forces behind the success of many high-profile marketers and products.
Understanding the Emotional Drivers Behind The Herd Mentality
Finally, to be a successful marketer, you must understand the emotional drivers behind people’s actions. People are motivated by the images and stories they create in their minds.
A well-crafted success story that taps into emotions can implant an unbreakable concept of a product in a customer’s mind.
Conclusion: Becoming a Leader in the Market
To rise above the herd mentality, you must become the authority in your niche.
People are conditioned to follow leaders, and if you position yourself as one, your audience will naturally gravitate toward you.
They want to believe in something, and if you can provide that belief—wrapped in confidence, exclusivity, and a compelling story—you’ll find success.
Based on an original article: Marketing To The Herd – Allen Says.
Published over 16 years ago and still relevant today.
