Ten ways McDonald’s manipulates its customers

McDonald’s marketing and user experience have a natural overlap. Customers might see a deal when they’re actually being manipulated.

Few things embody the American spirit like McDonald’s. The restaurant synonymous with the term “supersize” fits perfectly in a nation that keeps pushing boundaries. In fact, the chain has over 13,000 locations in The States and is present in most places in the country. The farthest you can be from a McDonald’s (aka the McFarthest Spot) is 120 miles.

Chances are, you have a memory involving the Golden Arches. There’s a high probability you’ve eaten at one recently; perhaps you’re even a frequent customer. As a global brand, they’ve put a lot of effort into their marketing. Every component of the customer experience is carefully crafted and relies on marketing and psychology to make you a repeat buyer.

When you choose to go to McDonald’s, you’re exposed to this experience. The whole strategy is right under your nose, but restaurants don’t want you to be able to identify their tactics. For the untrained eye, this is just part of a trip to McDonald’s. For people in-the-know, McDonald’s customer experience can be quite manipulative.

The Gold of the Arches

McDonald’s may really be bigger than Jesus. Globally, the Golden Arches were found to be more recognizable than the crucifix. This means the restaurant did something right. The arches were designed to be instantly recognizable. In its early days, McDonald’s needed to be identifiable by people driving on the road. Two big, golden arches did the job.

While McDonald’s is more than just a roadside pit stop now, you’re likely to associate the restaurant with its branding. We’ve all seen the arches while driving or posted on a sign for nearby restaurants. Your eyes see the logo, but your mind starts smelling fries, and now you’re tempted to make a stop.

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