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How the Contrast Effect Can Boost Your Online Income Fast
Alun Hill
March 20, 2025
Want to make your offers impossible to ignore—and boost your online income?
The Contrast Effect is a powerful tool that can make your products and services look like absolute bargains, and most people aren’t even using it.
Let’s say you’re selling a $50 product.
On its own, it might seem pricey.
But next to a $500 version?
Suddenly, it looks like a steal.
That’s the Contrast Effect in action.
And if you’re marketing online without it, you’re leaving serious money on the table.
Let’s break it down and show how to turn this into real online income.
What Is the Contrast Effect?
Your brain doesn’t judge value in isolation—it compares.
A $3,000 watch sounds expensive… until you place it next to a $15,000 Rolex.
Then it feels affordable.
Same with digital products.
An online course "worth $997" now on sale for $97?
That feels like a bargain—even if you never planned to spend $97.
As an online business owner, you can use this bias to increase sales, boost conversion rates, and raise your average order value.
Let’s see some real-world examples you can apply today.
Example 1: Apple’s Pricing Strategy
Apple doesn’t just release one MacBook—they release three.
🔹 MacBook Air – $999 (entry-level)
🔹 MacBook Pro – $1,299 (mid-tier)
🔹 MacBook Pro Max – $2,499 (high-end)
What happens?
Most people pick the middle option because it seems "reasonable" compared to the ultra-expensive version.
That pricey model?
It exists mainly to make the mid-tier one look like great value.
How to Use This to Make Money Online:
Offer a basic version of your product (cheap, limited features).
Position your mid-tier offer as the best value (this is your moneymaker).
Add a premium version (high price, luxury features) to make the mid-tier look affordable.
Apple makes billions this way.
You can apply the same principle to courses, memberships, software, coaching—anything.
Example 2: Netflix Subscription Model
Netflix makes you compare before you subscribe:
🔸 Basic Plan – $6.99/month (with ads)
🔸 Standard Plan – $15.49/month (HD, no ads)
🔸 Premium Plan – $22.99/month (Ultra HD)
Nobody wants ads.
But Premium seems too much.
So, Standard feels "just right"—and most people go for it.
How to Use This to Make Money Online:
Create a budget version of your offer (inconvenient or missing key features).
Your mid-tier plan removes those problems (ideal pick).
Add a premium plan to justify the mid-tier price.
People will choose the middle ground—and you’ll sell more.
How to Apply the Contrast Effect in Online Marketing
1. Price Smartly
Start with a high anchor price, then reveal your discounted offer.
If you have multiple products, show the most expensive first.
Always offer a VIP or premium version to support your main offer.
2. Use in Sales Pages & Ads
Show a bad alternative before your real offer: "You could spend $5,000 on a marketing agency… or grab my course for $497."
Use Before vs. After comparisons to make your offer shine.
3. Upsell & Bundle Cleverly
Create a basic offer lacking features.
Contrast it with a fully-loaded version that seems like a great deal.
Bundle products, showing the separate price vs. bundle discount.
Final Thoughts: Use Contrast, Make More Sales
The Contrast Effect is real psychology that boosts conversions and revenue - you can increase sales and charge more without pushback.
So next time you’re launching a product, ask:
What am I comparing this to?
How can I make my offer look like an amazing deal?
Use this today—and watch your online income grow.
Alun