Marketers love to talk about algorithms.

Google changes its system, and suddenly new “SEO hacks” pop up. TikTok tweaks its For You page, and brands rush to edit their videos.

Here’s the truth: chasing algorithms is a losing game. They shift constantly. What works today may stop working tomorrow. But one thing never changes—human psychology.

Let’s break down why chasing algorithms fails, and what you can do instead to build a marketing strategy that lasts.

The Trap of Algorithm-Chasing

What it means:
Chasing the algorithm is when brands base their whole marketing plan on the latest SEO trick or social media loophole.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Algorithms are unpredictable.
• A hack that works today may sink you tomorrow.
• You focus on machines, not customers.

Mini-Example:
Remember keyword stuffing? Websites used to repeat “cheap flights” hundreds of times. They ranked high—until Google updated. Overnight, those sites vanished. They weren’t built on value, only on a loophole.

What Really Matters: Human Psychology

Algorithms change. Human behavior doesn’t.

A simple way to think about this is Reach + Relevance.

• Reach: Can you consistently show up where your audience is?
• Relevance: Does your message actually matter to them?

Mini-Example:
Take toothpaste.

• A dad may care about price.
• His teenage son cares about how cool the brand looks on TikTok.
• His wife wants whitening or eco-friendly packaging.

Same product. Different motivations. That’s why relevance is about knowing what drives each person, not one “perfect customer.”

Moving Beyond the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

Many businesses create an Ideal Customer Profile and stop there. But real people don’t fit into one box.

Mini-Example:
Selling cars?

• One buyer wants safety for kids.
• Another cares about fuel savings.
• Another just wants speed and prestige.

If you only market to an “average customer,” you miss real buyers. The smarter move is to focus on segments with unique motivations.

The Role of Touchpoints

You’ve probably heard: “It takes 7 touches to make a sale.” That’s a myth.

• High-involvement products (cars, software, homes) → need many touchpoints. Reviews, demos, comparisons, referrals.
• Low-involvement products (gum, soda, toothpaste) → decided in seconds.

Mini-Example:
Buying a house:

1. Research online.
2. Visit listings.
3. Talk to agents.
4. Check reviews.
5. Compare mortgages.

That’s 10+ touchpoints. Now compare that to grabbing gum at checkout. One touchpoint. Big difference.

Testing Beats Guessing

Marketers love to argue about what “should” work. But only customers decide.

That’s why testing always wins.

• Run A/B/C/D/E tests on ads.
• Try different headlines, colors, and calls to action.
• Let results guide you.

Mini-Example:
A startup tested five versions of one ad. The one with a bright yellow background got 4x more clicks. Nobody predicted it. Only testing revealed the truth.

AI as a Partner, Not a Shortcut

AI tools are everywhere in marketing. But many use them wrong: “Press button → Get post → Publish.” That fails.

Smarter ways to use AI:

• Summarize research into quick insights.
• Generate 10 ad versions for testing.
• Suggest design ideas for visuals.
• Analyze customer feedback at scale.

Mini-Example:
A SaaS company used AI to draft 10 headlines. They tested all of them on LinkedIn. Two outperformed the rest. Those became their winning ads. AI didn’t replace their strategy—it sped up the process.

What To Do Instead of Chasing Algorithms

Here’s your roadmap:

1. Focus on psychology: Why do people really buy?
2. Think reach + relevance: Show up and matter.
3. Segment customers, don’t generalize.
4. Match touchpoints to product type.
5. Test everything: Let data—not guesses—decide.
6. Use AI wisely: As a helper, not a crutch.

Conclusion

Algorithms will always change. Next week, next month, next year. But human psychology? That’s timeless.

The brands that win don’t chase loopholes. They understand people and build strategies around them.

So, here’s the big question:
👉 Are you chasing the algorithm—or building around people?

FAQs About Marketing Beyond Algorithms

1. Why is chasing algorithms bad for marketing?
Because algorithms change all the time. What works today may fail tomorrow. If your whole strategy depends on hacks, you’ll always be one step behind.

2. What should I focus on instead of algorithms?
Focus on people. Understand why they buy, what problems they face, and what motivates them. Build around human psychology, not loopholes.3. Do algorithms still matter in 2025?
Yes, but not as much as before. Search engines and social platforms still use them, but AI-driven systems now reward clarity, trust, and human