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Book cover of Cashvertising by Drew Eric Whitman — critical summary review on 12min

Cashvertising

Drew Eric Whitman

5.0 (1 rating)
10 mins

Drew Eric Whitman shares the little-known secrets that the best advertisements use and explains why they work as they do in “Cashvertising.” In his well-structured and useful book, Whitman uncovers the truth behind usual consumer behavior, describing the specific psychological techniques that will help you develop advertisements to touch your customer’s deepest desires.

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Who it is for

Best suited for anyone who buys, sells, or creates advertising and who wants to understand human psychology and to develop their advertising skills.

Key Insights

The Eight Life Force Desires

In 'Cashvertising,' Whitman introduces the concept of the 'Eight Life Force Desires,' which are the core motivations driving consumer behavior. These desires include survival, enjoyment of food and beverages, freedom from fear and pain, sexual companionship, comfortable living conditions, to be superior, care and protection of loved ones, and social approval. By aligning your advertisements with these innate desires, you can create messages that resonate more deeply with your audience, making your marketing efforts more effective. Understanding and tapping into these universal human desires can help marketers craft compelling stories and offers that capture attention and drive sales.

The Power of the 'Feel-Good' Factor

Whitman emphasizes the importance of the 'Feel-Good' factor in advertising, which relates to creating positive emotional responses in consumers. This technique involves associating your product or service with feelings of happiness, success, and satisfaction. By crafting advertisements that evoke these positive emotions, you help create a strong, favorable impression of your brand in the consumer's mind. This positive association not only enhances brand recall but also increases the likelihood of purchase. The 'Feel-Good' factor is essential because it leverages the emotional aspect of decision-making, which is often more influential than logical reasoning.

The Rule of Specificity

One of the key insights from 'Cashvertising' is the effectiveness of specificity in advertising. Whitman argues that specific details in your advertisements build credibility and trust. Consumers are more likely to believe and be persuaded by precise information rather than vague claims. For instance, instead of saying 'Lose weight quickly,' a more specific claim like 'Lose 10 pounds in 30 days' provides a clearer expectation and appears more trustworthy. Specificity helps to eliminate doubt and uncertainty, making your marketing message more convincing and compelling. By incorporating precise details about your products or services, you can enhance consumer confidence and increase conversion rates.

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About the Author

Drew Eric Whitman is an advertising and marketing specialist. Whitman has worked for the direct-response division of the largest advertising agency in Philadelphia and has taught consumer behavior and response for more than three decades. His work has been used by the largest and most successful companies and organizations in the United States. Whitman is also the author of the business bestsellers “Cashvertising” and “Brain Scripts for Sales Success.”

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Lessons

  • What motivates people to buy a product that they may not even need.
  • What makes advertising possible in the first place.
  • How fear motivates people to buy the product.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand Consumer Psychology: To create effective advertisements, it's crucial to comprehend the psychological triggers and behaviors that drive consumer decisions. This knowledge helps tailor messages that resonate with the audience's core desires.
  • Utilize Proven Techniques: Use specific psychological techniques revealed by Whitman to craft compelling ads. These techniques are designed to engage and persuade consumers by tapping into their subconscious motivations.
  • Focus on Emotional Appeal: Develop ads that connect with consumers on an emotional level. By targeting their deepest desires and needs, you can create more impactful and memorable advertising campaigns.

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