Targeting Turkey Transportation

Social proof, also known as informational social influence, is a psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behavior for a given situation. This effect is prominent in ambiguous social situations where people are unable to determine the appropriate mode of behavior, and is driven by the assumption that surrounding people possess more knowledge about the situation.

Public transportation is a special time and place many lucky people get to enjoy on a daily basis and this experience involves looking at the many things on the journey. Why? Because the bus is about surviving until your destination has arrived. Seats are a precious resource constantly being exchanged and hoarded. If you do manage to get a seat squished into an awkward air drummer, you’ll be thankful but still looking for fresh opportunity. Do you have a seat that’s near the door with the smallest crowd at your stop? No? Better secure one.

Once safety and comfort are assured travelers draw into themselves. They don’t want to be bothered or draw attention until an escape route is near, so like a funeral they watch what everyone else is doing and follow suite. At this point, most travelers are equipped with a paper or phone to dive into. The unfortunates who don’t take to looking at peoples’ legs, the floor or out the window where they have mentally escaped. One action that people seem to rarely do is look up. Why would they naturally? What would be up there to offer them in that situation? Nothing. Yet that’s where all the ads are.

Bus companies should consider placement on windows, floors, seat backs and strangers’ legs. The untapped impressions for advertisers on the average bus-goer are massive.