Boost sales for your main product with complementary products
Imagine you’re selling a new product. Do you give it a solo spotlight, or do you set up a whole squad of complementary items around it? Turns out, the latter can really amp up your sales.
TL;DR 🎯
If you’re looking to boost sales on a main product, surround it with complementary items. Got a new fancy hummus? Arrange it with pita, veggies, chips—you get the idea. Research shows that when our eyes see a display of complementary goodies, we’re more likely to reach for the main product. So, stack the team around your star!
Why this works 🤔
Ever feel drawn to those well-curated store displays? That’s not by accident. Research tells us that when a product is surrounded by complementary items, our brains can’t help but zero in on it. More products = more attention, especially if they’re varied in color, shape, or type. Think bright red bell peppers next to a loaf of crusty sourdough—this mix holds our focus and subtly nudges us toward the star of the show.
It’s like window shopping during Milan Fashion Week but for snacks. The variety captures attention without overwhelming us, steering us straight to the main product we’re meant to notice.
Watchouts ⚠️
This technique shines when there’s only one main product in the spotlight. Start adding multiple variations (like five flavors of hummus), and people might hit choice overload. Keep it simple and focused.
Plus, this strategy is tested mostly in physical stores, but the principle should carry over online. So, if you’re adding an extra-hot new BBQ sauce, show it off with BBQ essentials around it. And no need to stop at food—this can work for electronics, fashion, even skincare!
How to pull this off ✅
- Pick your main act: Choose a high-margin or new product to showcase.
- Choose the right sidekicks: Surround your main product with items people naturally associate with it. If you’re pushing a new skincare serum, pair it with moisturizer, cleansers, maybe even a jade roller.
- Mix it up: Create a display that’s visually interesting with different shapes and colors. Online? Use dynamic images or collections.
- Keep it clean: Don’t let choice overload creep in—your main product should be the obvious star.
That’s it! Go set up your virtual (or physical) display and let the sales roll in.
Want to learn more? 🤓
If you want to learn more about this topic, you can dig into the nerdy details in the original marketing study.
Quote of the week 💬
"Surround your best products with the right company, and they’ll do the selling for you."
