How the Pratfall Effect Makes Flawed Brands More Likeable

Marketing Psychology with Fexingo: Behavioral Triggers, Persuasion, and Consumer Behavior · Jun 19, 2026 · 8m · transcript

In this episode of Marketing Psychology with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the Pratfall Effect—the counterintuitive idea that a small flaw can make a brand or person more appealing. They discuss the original 1966 experiment by Elliot Aronson where a clumsy mistake boosted likability, and modern examples like Apple's 2012 Maps launch and Domino's 'Pizza Turnaround' campaign. The hosts explain why perfection signals inaccessibility, while a minor vulnerability builds trust, and warn when the effect backfires—like with safety-critical errors. Tune in to learn how brands can…