Marketing is unbelievably powerful – especially when it's done well. From tantalising our senses to employing our favourite celebrities, here's how brands convince people to open their wallets.
Advertising
Advertising and marketing
When it comes to convincing you to buy, brands have many tricks of the trade.
Articles
Penny Flanagan swears off customer loyalty programs
The self-professed 'expert consumer' just wants to buy stuff, not join a cult.
Online competitions – the tricks and traps
Too good to be true? Don't be fooled by alluring prizes.
36 health groups: federal government, you need to do more on obesity
Key recommendations to prevent deaths and ease health costs.
TV shopping fails
We take a look at five 'miracle' products being spruiked on daytime TV.
Kids targeted by junk food ads, call for government intervention
Self-regulation isn't working, says Cancer Council NSW
Multi-level marketing schemes
A good way to make money, or just another pyramid scheme?
Australia's top 100 food and drink companies
3 December 2015 | IBISWorld list of highest earners for 2015 reveals strong growth for dairy and meat processors.
University returns donation from Coke
11 November 2015 | CHOICE Shonky winner Global Energy Balance Network loses support from US University.
Front groups and 'astroturfing'
The 'grassroots' movements campaigning on behalf of industry.
Advertising tricks revealed
The tricks companies use to catch your attention and open your wallet.
Food styling tricks revealed
With a few sneaky tricks, food stylists can manage to make ordinary food look fabulous.
Pricing tricks
Know when you're being taken for a pricing ride.
Paid reviews vs genuine reviews
Think twice before relying on a recommendation from a review website, blog or TV spot.
Cause-related marketing
Do companies that claim to give a portion of the profits to charity really do good?
Lowest price and price match guarantees
A “lowest price guarantee” isn't necessarily good for your bottom line.
Quality vs price
When it comes to certain high-end products, are you paying a premium for quality or brand name?
Who owns my brands?
Are big companies giving us the illusion of choice, when in reality it's just more of the same?
Celebrity endorsements
Do famous people really stand by the products they endorse, or is it just about the money?
Products just for children
Shampoos, drinks, toothpastes and sunscreens for kids – are they really necessary?
Lifting the lid on corporate sponsorship
How corporate sponsors exert influence on health-related organisations.
The rise of aroma marketing
Is your nose falling prey to stealth advertising?
Junk food advertising to kids
One in four Australian children is overweight or obese. Is junk food advertising part of the problem?
Five strategies retailers use to make you spend more
20 August 2015 | Marketers know just how to push your buttons to get you to flash that cash.
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Packaging, labelling and advertising
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Taking action and making a complaint
Don't just yell and scream to let off steam, get the outcome you want with some targeted complaining.