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The Enneagram of Conversion: A Marketer’s Guide to the 9 Types

Hessam Alemian
calendar_today 2025-12-27
The Enneagram of Conversion: A Marketer’s Guide to the 9 Types

Imagine if you could read your customer’s mind.

You would know exactly what they want and why they want it.

This is not magic. It is the power of Enneagram marketing.

The Enneagram is a system that describes nine different personality types. Each type has a specific way of seeing the world.

When you understand these types, your marketing becomes much more effective. You stop guessing and start connecting.

Here is the truth about why people buy things. They do not just buy products; they buy feelings and solutions to their deepest fears.

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram is a map of the human heart. It explains the motivations behind our actions.

In the world of business, we call this “consumer behavior.” It tells us why one person buys a fast car while another buys a safe minivan.

Using Enneagram marketing helps you create messages that feel personal. Your customers will feel like you truly “get” them.

Type 1: The Perfectionist

These people want things to be right. They value quality, honesty, and hard work.

If you are selling to a Type 1, focus on details. Show them that your product is the best version available.

Pro Tip: For Type 1 customers, use words like “efficient,” “reliable,” and “premium quality.” They hate mistakes, so make sure your website is perfect!

Brands like Dyson or Apple often appeal to this type. They promise a product that works exactly how it should.

Type 2: The Helper

The Helper wants to feel appreciated and loved. They spend their time taking care of others.

To reach them, show how your product helps them connect with people. Use warm images of families and friends.

Marketing for Type 2s should focus on generosity. Brands like Toms (who give shoes to people in need) are very popular with this group.

Type 3: The Achiever

Type 3s want to be successful. They care about their image and how others see them.

If you use Enneagram marketing for Type 3s, show them how your product makes them look like a winner. They love status symbols.

Think about brands like Nike. Their slogan “Just Do It” is a perfect match for the high-energy Achiever.

Type 4: The Individualist

These people want to be unique. They do not want to follow the crowd or be “basic.”

To sell to a Type 4, focus on creativity and depth. Tell a story that feels artistic and special.

Type 4s love brands that feel authentic. They prefer a small boutique shop over a giant supermarket.

Type 5: The Investigator

The Investigator values knowledge. They want to understand how things work before they spend money.

For this type, you need data. Give them charts, long descriptions, and technical facts.

They do not like “hype” or loud sales pitches. They want logic. Brands like Google or Wikipedia appeal to their love for information.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Type 6s want to feel secure. They worry about what might go wrong in the future.

When using Enneagram marketing for this group, focus on trust. Show them reviews, guarantees, and safety ratings.

Volvo is a classic example. Their entire brand is built on the idea of safety and reliability.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

The Enthusiast wants to have fun! They hate feeling bored or trapped.

Your marketing should be exciting and colorful. Talk about adventure, new experiences, and joy.

Brands like Red Bull or Disney are experts at talking to Type 7s. They sell the feeling of a “good time.”

Type 8: The Challenger

Type 8s are powerful and strong. They want to be in control of their lives.

To reach them, be direct. Do not use weak language. Show them how your product gives them strength.

Think of brands like Harley-Davidson. It is all about power, freedom, and being the boss of the road.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

The Peacemaker wants harmony. They avoid conflict and look for comfort.

Your message should be calming. Use soft colors and talk about relaxation and “peace of mind.”

Apps like Calm or brands that sell cozy home goods are perfect for Type 9s. They want life to be easy.

Why This Strategy Works

Most marketing tries to talk to everyone at once. This makes the message weak.

When you use Enneagram marketing, you pick a specific “vibe.” This makes your brand stand out in a crowded world.

You might be surprised that small changes in your words can lead to big changes in your sales. It is all about the psychology of the buyer.

How to Start Using It

You do not need to change everything overnight. Start by looking at your current customers.

Which Enneagram type do they look like? Are they looking for adventure (Type 7) or safety (Type 6)?

Once you know their type, rewrite your headlines. Use the specific words that matter to them.

Quick Tips for Success

  • Listen to the questions your customers ask.
  • Observe which social media posts get the most likes.
  • Test different messages to see which one “clicks.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type for Enneagram marketing?

There is no “best” type. The best type is the one that matches your ideal customer. If you sell hiking gear, you might target Type 7 (Enthusiast). If you sell insurance, you target Type 6 (Loyalist).

Is Enneagram marketing difficult to learn?

Not at all! You just need to learn the basic motivations of the nine types. Once you understand what makes people move, the marketing part becomes very natural and easy.

Can a brand target more than one type?

Yes, but it is usually better to focus on one primary type for your main message. You can create different ads for different types, but your overall brand voice should stay consistent.

Why should I use the Enneagram instead of regular demographics?

Demographics tell you who the customer is (age, location). The Enneagram tells you why they buy. Knowing the “why” is much more powerful for conversion.

The Bottom Line

Marketing is about connection. By using the Enneagram, you can speak directly to the hearts of your customers.

It makes your brand feel human and relatable. This is how you turn a stranger into a loyal fan.

Which of the nine types do you think your favorite brand is talking to? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Hessam Alemian

I’m Hessam Alemian, a digital entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in the trenches of online business. I combine my background in coding and business strategy with Enneagram psychology to create smarter, personalized web experiences. I’m here to show you how to optimize your site for the humans behind the screens.

Discussion

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  • Ingrid 2025-12-29

    Regarding Type 1: If they value ‘the best version available,’ should our copy focus on our manufacturing process or the final QC stats?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-29

      Both, Ingrid. Type 1s appreciate the ‘why’ behind the quality. Showing the rigor of your process builds the honesty they crave.

  • Liam 2025-12-29

    What happens if a customer doesn’t fit neatly into one type? Or if they are ‘winging’ into another? This feels like it might make my ad targeting way too complex to manage.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-29

      Start with the ‘Core Type’ for your primary persona, Liam. Don’t overcomplicate it at first—target the most common motivation in your audience segment.

  • Sofia 2025-12-29

    This is exactly what I needed to help our support team. If we can identify the personality type during a live chat, we can tailor our help to their specific needs. Thank you for sharing!

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-29

      Spot on, Sofia. Using this for customer success is just as powerful as using it for conversion!

  • Amara 2025-12-29

    I’m curious about the ‘deepest fears’ mention. Can you give an example of a fear for a Type 1 that isn’t just ‘being wrong’?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-29

      For a Type 1, the deeper fear is often being ‘corrupt’ or ‘defective.’ That’s why they look for products that symbolize integrity and precision.

  • Dmitri 2025-12-29

    I’ve read about the Enneagram before, but applying it to a minivan purchase is a stretch. People buy minivans for utility, not ‘heart maps.’ Stick to the facts.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-29

      Utility is the ‘what,’ Dmitri. The ‘why’ is the desire to protect one’s family or be a reliable provider. That’s the emotional conversion point.

  • Yasmine 2025-12-30

    This post is so helpful! I’m going to share this with my marketing students. It’s such a warm way to look at data-driven marketing.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-30

      We’re honored to be part of your curriculum, Yasmine! Thanks for sharing.

  • Marcus 2025-12-30

    How fast can I realistically train my team to identify these types in our lead gen forms? We need to implement this before the Q4 push.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-30

      You can start by adding one ‘motivation-based’ question to your forms. You’ll see patterns emerge within weeks, Marcus.

  • Sven 2025-12-30

    The section on Type 1 is a bit short. Will there be a more detailed breakdown for each type later? I’d like to see a checklist of ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for each.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-30

      Yes, Sven. This is just the intro. We’ll be releasing deep-dive checklists for all 9 types soon.

  • Fatima 2025-12-30

    I worry about the privacy implications. If we start profiling people by personality type, are we crossing a line into intrusive data collection?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-30

      Great point, Fatima. We recommend using this to guide *messaging* to broad segments, rather than storing individual personality ‘labels’ without consent.

  • Lars 2025-12-30

    Interesting concept. I’ll wait to see the rest of the types before I decide if this is actually useful for my business or just another psychological gimmick.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-30

      Fair enough, Lars. We look forward to proving the value to you as the series continues.