Let’s be real: an order bump is the sneakiest, friendliest little sales ninja in your funnel. It’s that tiny checkbox sitting quietly next to the credit card form whispering, “Hey, wouldn’t you like fries with that?”
Done correctly, an order bump can take your funnel from “meh” to “holy crap, did we just double our revenue?” But the trick isn’t just slapping an extra offer on the checkout page, it’s knowing what makes people click yes.
Here are 3 psychological triggers that make order bumps convert like crazy (without you having to resort to witchcraft or selling your soul to Jeff Bezos).
The “No-Brainer” Effect
If your order bump requires a pros-and-cons list to justify, you’ve already lost. This is an impulse purchase – a knee-jerk reaction – not something you want somebody researching or thinking about.
The key? Offer something that feels stupidly obvious to grab. If someone’s buying a course on email marketing, the order bump might be a done-for-you pack of email templates. If they’re buying a book on funnels, the bump could be the audiobook.
No overthinking. Not 47 reasons why it’s worth it… Just a clear, brain-dead obvious yes.
I had a friend who used to sell handmade picnic tables. His order bump was a kit that had:
- Ketchup and mustard dispensers
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Napkin holders
- Plastic red and white checked tablecloths
- Other cool gadgets to keep the flies off of your cookout goodies
He killed it with that bump because it made so much sense to someone who had just shelled out a couple hundred dollars for a picnic table.
Think of it like this: if you’re already buying a hot dog, cheese and chili for $1 is a no-brainer. A bag of chips for three bucks? Count me in. A $47 side of caviar? Not so much.
Fear of Missing Out (a.k.a. “Future Regret Insurance”)
Humans are terrified of regret. Nobody wants to feel like they left money, time, opportunity, or convenience on the table.
That’s why adding urgency or exclusivity to your bump works like jet fuel.
- “Get the audio book version right here, right now! This is the only time you’ll see it.”
- “Add this $97 template bundle here – if you come back later, it’s $297.”
Translation: Grab it now or cry later.
Your bump shouldn’t feel optional. It should feel like something they’ll be kicking themselves over if they don’t add it today. It should also feel like a natural progression of the thing that they’re already buying without feeling like you’re putting them over a barrel. It should feel good to say yes!!!
The “Tiny Yes Momentum”
Here’s a fun fact: once someone says “yes,” it gets easier to say “yes” again.
That’s why casinos give you free drinks.
That’s why Costco hands out those little pizza bites.
That’s why you said “yes” to a burger at Burger King… and suddenly you’ve said yes to fries, a soda, and a hot apple pie riding shotgun on your car’s console (as your belly screams at you to undo your belt and relieve pressure driving down the road 🤮). 🍟🥤🥧
An order bump catches and rides that wave of buying momentum. They’re already pulling out their wallet. They’re already in a “yes” state of mind. You just slide in with a tiny, low-risk extra that feels like a natural part of the deal.
Keep it simple, keep it low cost, and keep it directly tied to what they just bought.
Final Thought
An order bump isn’t about tricking people, it’s about making their life easier, faster, or better right there in the moment.
Nail the no-brainer effect, sprinkle in some FOMO, and ride the tiny yes momentum… and suddenly your funnel’s average order value looks like it just got fertilized with MiracleGro.
Want the EZ Button for coming up with killer order bump copy (and the rest of your sales funnel words too)?
Check out CopyandContent.AI.
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