brand loyalty

Beyond Clicks: What Polarizing Content Really Costs Publishers

Beyond Clicks: What Polarizing Content Really Costs Publishers

  • ARF; MSI

Digital publishers often assume that content generating the most clicks also creates the most valuable readers. This MSI Working Paper challenges that assumption. Using behavioral data from a major European news publisher, the researchers find that while politically polarizing content reliably increases engagement, it does little to drive subscriptions—and during politically charged periods, it can actually reduce subscriber acquisition and increase churn. The findings offer important guidance for publishers and marketers seeking to balance short-term attention with long-term customer relationships.

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Defying the Odds: What Long-Term Brand Winners Do Differently

Defying the Odds: What Long-Term Brand Winners Do Differently

  • ARF | ARF Cognition Council
  • ARF ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Based on two decades of Brand Asset Valuator (BAV) data and a complementary custom study, this ARF Cognition Council report examines why some brands maintain strength over long periods while most decline. The research identifies differentiation, consistency, cultural relevance and sustained visibility as critical drivers of long-term brand resilience in the face of market and consumer change.

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Variety Plays an Important Role in Forming New Consumption Routines

Variety Plays an Important Role in Forming New Consumption Routines

  • MSI

Learn the role of product variety in forming new consumption routines with this recent MSI working paper. Researchers Sarah Memmi and Jordan Etkin conducted a six-week field study focusing on flossing habits. They found that using a variety of dental flosses, as opposed to a single type, can help consumers engage more consistently in the new routine. This research suggests that variety not only makes the routine more enjoyable but also aids in preference development.

The findings challenge the traditional view that uniformity is key to habit formation. Instead, incorporating variety can be a simple and effective strategy for both consumers and marketers to enhance engagement and loyalty. This research provides actionable insights for creating and maintaining consumption routines, particularly in health-related behaviors.

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