Why do consumers trust influencers more than traditional ads? It’s not just about popularity — it’s about psychology. In this episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing, we unpack the behavioral science that makes influencer marketing so effective. From social proof and authority bias to narrative transportation and parasocial relationships, we explore how influencers build trust, shape buying decisions, and convert followers into customers. You’ll learn the cognitive triggers that drive this multi-billion-dollar industry — and how to use them to elevate your own brand. We also break down the influencer landscape, from mega to nano, and offer tactical advice for identifying, approaching, and collaborating with the right creators for your campaign. Whether you’re looking to drive awareness or deepen loyalty, understanding the why behind influencer impact is your unfair advantage. Key themes: influencer tiers, trust signals, behavioral triggers, content strategy, social proof, endorsements, campaign design, community-building. Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.