The Secret Behind McDonald’s Burger Sales: How They Get You to Eat More?

McDonald’s is the largest fast-food chain in the world and is known for its burgers, fries, and iconic golden arches. Over the years, the company has introduced various technological advancements to make the customer experience more convenient and enjoyable, but there’s another factor that has played a big role in the company’s success. This is the psychology behind its menu and marketing strategies.

In this article, we will explore how McDonald’s uses psychology to make you eat more burgers.

It’s no secret that McDonald’s burgers are designed to be eaten quickly. They are easy to hold, made with soft buns, and have a balanced flavor that appeals to most people. This makes them ideal for busy people who need a quick and satisfying meal. But the convenience of McDonald’s burgers is not the only reason why people eat more of them. There’s a lot more to it than just the technology.

McDonald’s has a well-established brand image and its menu is carefully crafted to appeal to customers. The menu is designed to create an illusion of choice and to make customers feel like they are getting a good value for their money. For example, the menu includes items like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and McChicken, which all offer different options for customers. This illusion of choice gives customers the feeling that they have control over their food choices and makes them more likely to order more.


The company also uses packaging to create a positive perception of its products. The bright red packaging is eye-catching and creates an impression of freshness and quality. Additionally, the packaging is designed to be opened easily, which makes it convenient for customers to eat their burgers on the go. This creates a positive experience for customers and makes them more likely to come back for more.

Another factor that contributes to McDonald’s success is its use of promotional deals and discounts. These deals and discounts are carefully crafted to make customers feel like they are getting a good deal, which in turn makes them more likely to order more food. The company often uses combo meals to encourage customers to order more food, such as the popular combo meal of a burger, fries, and a drink. This not only increases the customer’s overall order, but also encourages them to try new items on the menu.

McDonald’s also leverages the power of social proof to increase sales. The company often highlights its popularity and the high number of customers who visit its restaurants. This creates the impression that everyone else is eating at McDonald’s and makes customers feel like they are missing out if they don’t try it for themselves. Additionally, the company often uses celebrities and influencers to promote its products, which further strengthens its social proof and makes customers more likely to try its burgers.


The company also uses psychological pricing strategies to encourage customers to order more food. For example, the company often offers its products at a slightly higher price than its competitors, which makes customers feel like they are getting a better value for their money. Additionally, the company offers value menu items that are priced lower than its full-price menu items, which makes customers feel like they are getting a good deal. This makes them more likely to order more food and to come back for more.

Another psychological technique that McDonald’s uses is menu engineering. This involves carefully designing the menu to highlight certain items and to make them more appealing to customers. For example, the company may place its most popular items at the top of the menu or use images and descriptions to make them more appealing. The goal is to get customers to order more, leading to higher profits for the company.

McDonald’s is also known for its use of limited time offers and special deals to entice customers to come back and order more. These offers are strategically timed and positioned to target specific demographics, such as families with children or young adults looking for a quick, cheap meal.

Another key aspect of McDonald’s marketing strategy is its use of social media. The company has a large presence on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where it interacts with customers and shares information about new menu items, promotions, and other events. This not only helps to build brand awareness, but also creates a community of loyal followers who are more likely to visit the restaurant and order more.


Finally, McDonald’s has a strong focus on convenience. The company has been working hard to streamline its ordering and delivery processes, making it easier and faster for customers to get the food they want. This includes initiatives such as mobile ordering and delivery, as well as express pick-up lanes for customers who want to grab their food and go.

In conclusion, McDonald’s has a variety of clever strategies in place to make customers eat more burgers. From menu engineering to limited time offers, from social media to convenience, the company is always working to increase its sales and profits. Whether you’re a fan of the burgers or not, it’s hard to deny that McDonald’s has a knack for getting people to eat more.