The meaning of marketing – when it comes down to it – is about branding.

There are, of course, the cliche four P’s of marketing:

1. Product – What are you developing?
2. Price – What does the price convey?
3. Place – Where is this best talked about?
4. Promotion – How should this be communicated?

But it’s all hard to put a finger on exactly.

Because marketing, this branding battle, is about mental positioning in the mind of the customer.

It’s about psychology, if you want to know the truth.

Remember: Simple concepts are persuasive. And so is repetition.

Here are all 31 persuasive tips.

But see, there is also meaning in marketing, in how we are identifying ourselves and out products in the lives of our customers.

Allowing buyers to join a group, assume an aspirational identity, or support a deep conviction can be powerful marketing tools too.

People want to be involved in a story that is larger than themselves. Brands that give customers a voice in a larger narrative add value to their products by giving their customers a deeper sense of meaning.

-Donald Miller, Building A StoryBrand