MUMBAI: In a revelatory study that turns traditional media buying on its head, research by global media investment and intelligence company Magna and Pinterest has uncovered a tantalising truth: where your ads appear matters almost as much as the ads themselves.
The revealing research, conducted across multiple platforms and involving over 6,200 participants, reveals that a positive advertising environment can supercharge brand metrics by up to 94 per cent. Think of it as media magic – the same creative can perform dramatically differently depending on its digital neighbourhood.
Key findings include:
* Trust and safety remain the top drivers of purchase intent
* Positivity trumps entertainment as a performance catalyst
* High-ticket items see the most dramatic uplift in purchase intent
Brands can effectively juice their marketing performance by:
* Knowing their audience’s definition of positivity
* Using contextual targeting to place ads alongside uplifting content
* Creating inclusion lists with media partners that reflect brand values
The study’s neuroscience component adds scientific sizzle, showing that positive environments create a 20 per cent increase in “lean-forward” moments – essentially, viewers who are more engaged and attentive.
Most provocatively, the research suggests brands can generate 24 per cent more sales by simply being more thoughtful about media placement – without spending an extra penny.
The message is clear: in the digital advertising ecosystem, happiness isn’t just a warm gun – it’s a revenue-generating weapon.