The Ultimate Guide to market yourself

Based on research by Dan Ariely — behavioral economist and author of Predictably Irrational — these pricing techniques harness psychological biases to influence spending decisions on tip-based platforms.

Ariely’s work reveals that human decision-making is far less rational than we think. We’re influenced by comparison, perceived value, and even the order in which options are presented. Here’s how to apply those principles to increase tips and private shows.

The Decoy Effect

Also known as “asymmetric dominance,” this tactic introduces a third option that’s intentionally less attractive, making the most expensive offer appear like the smartest choice.

Old pricing:

• 10 min: $50
• 30 min: $100

Revised pricing with decoy:

• 10 min: $50
• 20 min: $90 (decoy)
• 30 min: $100 ← Feels like a steal now

Why it works: Users aren't comparing your prices to the market — they’re comparing them to each other. The decoy makes the top tier look far more valuable.

Anchoring with High-Priced Items

Anchoring is a powerful bias: people fixate on the first number they see, and judge everything else in relation to it.

Tip Menu Example:

• Ten minutes in control: 2,000 tokens
• Dildo tease: 500 tokens ← Seems cheap in contrast

Why it works: You’re not just listing prices — you’re shaping the viewer’s sense of what things “should” cost.

Loss Aversion

According to Ariely and other behavioral economists, people fear losses more than they desire gains. Use this to drive action.

• Use language like: “Don’t miss your chance…” or “This show disappears after tonight.”
• Offer limited-time rewards for tips: “Tip within 5 minutes to unlock…”

Why it works: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) taps into our hardwired aversion to losing opportunities, even digital ones.

Default Bias

People tend to stick with default or recommended options, even if they’re not optimal. You can nudge viewers toward higher-value behavior by making it feel “normal.”

• Use default suggested tips in your interface — e.g., pre-filled tip buttons like 50, 100, 250 tokens.
• Label higher tips as “Popular” or “Most Requested.”

Why it works: We trust that the default is there for a reason — so we go along with it.

Framing Effects

The way you frame an offer can completely change how it feels, even if the numbers are the same.

• Instead of: “Private show: $100”, say: “Only $3 per minute — for a totally private fantasy show.”
• Instead of: “Tip 1,000 tokens”, say: “Become a VIP today for just 1,000 tokens.”

Why it works: People respond better to offers when the benefits are emphasized and the price is reframed as smaller or more meaningful.

Summary: Influence Without Pressure

• Use Decoys: Make higher prices feel like smart choices.
• Anchor High: Frame mid-tier offers as bargains.
• Trigger FOMO: Limited-time language fuels urgency.
• Leverage Defaults: Suggest tip amounts and label them.
• Frame Smartly: Sell value, not just time or tokens.

With these strategies, you're not manipulating — you're guiding. And viewers often appreciate the clarity and structure. It makes spending feel good, and that’s the ultimate goal.