AIDA Framework Meaning
The AIDA framework is a purchasing funnel that is based on and defines four phases the average consumer passes through before they make a purchase decision. AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire and Action. Businesses use the framework to determine the type of marketing message for each phase and how to present it.
It is hierarchical so consumers are expected to progressively move from one phase to the next. As they transition through it, consumers develop an emotional connection to your product which eventually drives them to take the desired action. Like a sales funnel, each phase has fewer consumers than the one before it.
To implement the four phases of the AIDA framework, do the following:
- Attention: Create marketing content that draws attention and spurs engagement.
- Interest: Hold the prospect’s attention and generate interest through persuasive messaging.
- Desire: Develop an emotional connection through repeated and consistent messaging. Encourage prospects to embrace and trust your brand by subscribing to your blog, and following you on social media.
- Action: Create opportunities and incentives for prospects to act on their desire through simple, easy-to-understand, calls-to-action.
The AIDA framework has noteworthy limitations.
- Not compatible with non-linear consumer journeys. For example, a prospect may have a desire for a product before they are aware of and interested in it.
- Does not factor impulsive buying or unusually short sales cycles where the prospect may navigate through all four phases almost simultaneously.
- Most applicable to first-time buyers than repeat customers.
While it does have drawbacks, AIDA is a simple, tried-and-tested model to guide your audience through the consumer journey. Successful application starts with knowing and mapping out your buying process.
