Understanding motivation for reward and punishment structure

These dog photos say it all: each pup responds to different rewards. Hugsy loves toys, Sid’s all about snacks, Poe just wants cuddles. Same species, wildly different motivators.

The Marketing Lesson

Every customer, like every dog, is tuned to their own “reward system.” Some want discounts (food), others crave recognition (affection), and some just want cool new stuff (toys). Once you figure out which “treat” your audience wants, your marketing suddenly clicks.

Why It Works

• It taps into emotion, not logic
• It builds deeper trust and loyalty
• It makes behavior predictable and repeatable
• It saves time by focusing on what actually moves people

Real World Examples

• Starbucks rewards points = “food” system
• Apple product drops = “toy” motivation
• LinkedIn badges and likes = “affection” from peers
• Costco samples = instant gratification reward
• Duolingo streaks = gamified feedback and pride system