The Psychology of Performance Marketing

Using behavioral science to make your marketing actually convert—not just get clicks

Founded by John Richey Serving Clients Nationwide

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From Neuroscience to Marketing Excellence

My journey into marketing began in an unexpected place: the neuroscience labs at UCLA.

After graduating with a degree in Psychobiology from UCLA in 2021, I discovered that understanding how the human brain makes decisions was the perfect foundation for modern marketing. This unique perspective led me into the fast-paced world of tech sales, where I quickly rose through the ranks at two high-growth startups.

At Matillion and later at Satori (which achieved a successful exit)—I didn't just sell; I architected marketing systems that delivered extraordinary results. My email campaigns at Satori consistently achieved over 50% open rates at the enterprise level, far exceeding industry standards of 15-20%.

Why I Left Tech for Main Street

After years at these high-growth startups, I had an epiphany: the advanced marketing and sales strategies that scaled billion-dollar tech companies could transform any local business—but they weren't getting access to them.

I saw local businesses paying $5,000+ monthly retainers for mediocre results. Agencies charging enterprise prices while delivering intern-level work. Business owners getting ghosted by their "account managers" while their competitors ate their lunch.

The truth hit me hard: It doesn't take much to stand out in the local space, but when you do, the impact is life-changing. A contractor doesn't need a $50K marketing budget—they need someone who understands psychology, data, and what actually drives customers to pick up the phone.

That's why I founded Richey Consulting in November 2024. To bring the same psychology-driven, data-obsessed approach that built unicorn startups to the businesses that build our communities.

50%+
Email Open Rates
at Enterprise Level
1
Successful Exit
Satori
$500K+
Revenue Generated
for Local Clients
John Richey - Marketing Strategist
"Marketing isn't about tricks or hacks—it's about understanding human psychology and delivering real value."

Real Results for Real Businesses

Every number here is from an actual client. No hypotheticals, no projections—just documented success.

Professional Services

Regional CPA Firm

+
"Top-Notch!" Doubled visibility during tax season "I HIGHLY recommend Richey Consulting"
Organic Visibility: 2x Increase
Form Submissions: "Ton More"

The Situation:

Tax season was approaching and they were invisible online. Competitors were capturing all the "CPA near me" searches while their thin website generated zero leads.

My Psychology-Driven Approach:

  • Created 10+ pages using authority psychology (credentials, expertise signals)
  • Applied cognitive load theory to simplify complex tax topics
  • Built trust through transparency (clear pricing, process explanations)
  • Optimized for intent-based searches during peak tax anxiety periods

The Client's Words:

"Our CPA firm hired John Richey to design our website and assist with our SEO. The design of the website, SEO optimization, customer service, and all around professionalism were top-notch! I HIGHLY recommend Richey Consulting for your website design and SEO optimization!"

Result: Visibility doubled. "A ton more form fill-outs and calls" during their busiest season.

Healthcare

Multi-Location Med Spa

+
Fully Booked From broken site to 3-week waitlist "Customers can finally find and book us"
Site Status: Completely Rebuilt
Content Created: 10+ Pages

The Situation:

Their website was completely broken—menus didn't work, mobile was unusable. Worse, Google was showing 3 closed locations, sending confused customers to empty buildings. They were hemorrhaging business to competitors.

My Psychology-Driven Approach:

  • Complete rebuild using decision fatigue principles (simplified booking flow)
  • Wrote 10+ pages applying health psychology (addressing treatment anxieties)
  • Fixed NAP confusion through manual outreach (removed trust barriers)
  • Added social proof and authentic imagery (mirror neurons activation)

The Transformation:

From broken and embarrassing to professional and profitable. They went from turning customers away to being booked 3 weeks out. The owner said: "Customers can finally find us and book without frustration. It's completely changed our business."

"Our CPA firm hired John Richey to design our website and assist with our SEO. The design of the website, SEO optimization, customer service, and all around professionalism were top-notch! I HIGHLY recommend Richey Consulting for your website design and SEO optimization!"

— Managing Partner
Regional CPA Firm

The Psychology-First Marketing Method

01

Behavioral Triggers

Loss aversion, social proof, urgency. I apply specific psychological principles to your marketing. That's why my contractor client's "foundation damage" ads converted 31 times—fear of loss drives action.

02

Cognitive Load Reduction

Simplify decisions, reduce friction. Your customers' brains are overwhelmed. I strip away confusion, creating clear paths to purchase. This is how the med spa went from broken to booked solid.

03

Trust Psychology

Authority, consistency, transparency. People buy from those they trust. I build trust systematically—through testimonials, credentials, clear processes. It's why the CPA firm saw "tons more calls."

04

Curiosity Gaps

Open loops, pattern interrupts. This is how I achieve 50%+ email open rates. The brain can't resist an unfinished story. Every headline, subject line, and ad hooks into this fundamental drive.

Why I'm Not Your Typical Agency

You Work Directly With Me

No account managers, no junior staff, no runaround. When you hire me, you get my full expertise on your project—not a watered-down version through intermediaries.

ROI-Focused, Not Vanity Metrics

I don't celebrate meaningless metrics. Success is measured in revenue generated, leads qualified, and actual business growth—not just traffic or impressions.

No Long-Term Lock-Ins

Most services require just a 3-month commitment. I earn your business through results, not contracts. If you're not seeing value, you're free to leave.

Transparent, Fair Pricing

No hidden fees, no surprise charges. You'll know exactly what you're paying for and what results to expect. My pricing is structured to align with your growth.

The Agency Alternative

Typical Agency vs Richey Consulting
12+ month contracts 3-month minimum
Junior staff execution Direct expert work
$5-10k monthly minimums Packages from $750
Cookie-cutter strategies Custom solutions
Focus on billable hours Focus on your ROI

Building Sustainable Growth, Not Quick Fixes

"Real marketing success isn't about gaming algorithms or finding loopholes—it's about creating genuine value for your customers while building systems that scale."
— John Richey

Core Principles

  • Test Everything: Assumptions kill campaigns. Data reveals truth.
  • Speed Matters: Fast implementation beats perfect planning.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Better to dominate one channel than struggle with five.
  • Customer Psychology First: Understand why people buy, not just what they buy.
  • Sustainable Systems: Build marketing that works without constant intervention.

Full-Stack Marketing Solutions

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