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Frictionless Funnels: How to Sell Comfort to Enneagram Type 9

Hessam Alemian
calendar_today 2025-12-27
Frictionless Funnels: How to Sell Comfort to Enneagram Type 9

Imagine a customer who just wants everyone to get along and feels most at home in a quiet room with a warm cup of tea.

This person is likely an Enneagram Type 9, often called the Peacemaker.

In the world of business, we call this Enneagram Type 9 marketing.

If you want to sell to a Type 9, you cannot use loud colors or high-pressure countdown timers.

They do not want to be rushed or pushed into a corner.

They want comfort, ease, and a frictionless experience.

Who Exactly is the Type 9?

Type 9s are the masters of keeping the peace.

They are kind, easygoing, and very supportive people.

They hate conflict more than anything else in the world.

Because they want to avoid stress, they often procrastinate or look for the easiest path.

When they see a marketing ad that says “HURRY! ONLY 2 MINUTES LEFT!”, they usually close the tab.

That kind of energy feels like a personal attack on their peace of mind.

To reach them, you must speak their language: the language of harmony and relaxation.

What is a Frictionless Funnel?

A marketing funnel is the journey a person takes from seeing an ad to buying a product.

“Friction” is anything that makes that journey difficult or annoying.

For a Type 9, friction includes complex forms, loud videos, or aggressive sales emails.

A frictionless funnel is smooth, quiet, and very simple to navigate.

It feels like walking down a beautiful, clear path in a park.

There are no bumps, no confusing signs, and no one yelling at you to run faster.

The Power of Soft Visuals

Type 9s are very sensitive to the vibe of a brand.

If your website uses bright neon red and flashing lights, a Type 9 will feel tired immediately.

Instead, use soft colors like sage green, sky blue, or warm cream.

These colors signal “safety” and “comfort” to their brain.

Use images of people relaxing, smiling gently, or enjoying a quiet moment.

Brands like Airbnb do this very well by showing cozy homes and peaceful getaways.

They sell the idea of belonging and peace, which is exactly what a Type 9 craves.

Language That Invites, Not Demands

Most marketing uses “strong” words like CRUSH, EXCLUSIVE, or DOMINATE.

For Enneagram Type 9 marketing, these words are a big mistake.

You should use invitational language instead.

Use words like “Join us,” “Explore,” “Ease,” and “Support.”

Instead of saying “Buy this now to change your life,” try “Find your balance with this simple tool.”

This makes the customer feel like they are making a gentle choice, not being forced into a contract.

Pro Tip: Type 9s often struggle to make decisions. Instead of giving them 10 options, give them one clear recommendation. They will thank you for making their life easier!

Social Proof and the “Inner Circle”

Type 9s value connection and community.

They want to know that other people are happy and that no one is fighting.

Show them kind testimonials from real people.

They don’t need to see a celebrity; they want to see someone who looks like a good neighbor.

If a Type 9 sees that a product helps people get along better, they will be very interested.

They love products that bridge the gap between people.

How to Handle Their Procrastination

One big challenge with Type 9s is that they can be “asleep” to their own needs.

They might want your product, but they just don’t feel like clicking the button today.

To help them, use gentle reminders.

Do not send five emails a day.

Send one nice email that says, “We are here whenever you are ready.”

This low-pressure approach actually builds more trust with them over time.

They will remember that you didn’t stress them out.

Building Trust Through Consistency

Type 9s are loyal, but you have to earn it by being steady.

If your brand changes its message every week, they will feel uneasy.

They like predictability.

Think of brands like IKEA or Target.

You know exactly what to expect when you walk in.

There is a sense of order and comfort that makes a Type 9 feel safe enough to spend money.

Step-by-Step: The Perfect Type 9 Funnel

  • Step 1: A beautiful, quiet social media ad with soft music.
  • Step 2: A landing page with lots of white space and simple text.
  • Step 3: A clear “Why this helps you relax” section.
  • Step 4: A simple checkout process with only two or three clicks.
  • Step 5: A “Thank You” page that makes them feel appreciated.

Why Simple English Works Best

When marketing to Type 9s, do not use complex jargon or “business speak.”

If they have to work too hard to understand your sentence, they will stop reading.

They want clarity.

Using simple English is not just good for learners; it is good for business.

It removes the “mental friction” of trying to solve a puzzle.

Keep your sentences short and your benefits clear.

Comparing High-Pressure vs. Frictionless Marketing

Feature High-Pressure (Avoid) Frictionless (Type 9)
Colors Neon Red, Bright Yellow Soft Green, Pastel Blue
Deadline “Only 1 Hour Left!” “Take your time.”
Buttons “BUY NOW!” “Get Started Peacefully”
Email Tone Aggressive & Frequent Calm & Supportive

Final Thoughts on Type 9 Marketing

Selling to a Peacemaker is all about respecting their space.

If you create an environment that feels like a warm hug, they will stay with your brand for years.

Remember, the goal of Enneagram Type 9 marketing is to remove every obstacle.

When there is no friction, the Type 9 can finally say “yes” without any fear.

Keep it simple, keep it kind, and keep it comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start Enneagram Type 9 marketing?

The best way to start is by simplifying your message. Look at your website and remove any confusing pop-ups or loud colors. Focus on the benefit of “peace” that your product provides.

Do Type 9s ever buy things on impulse?

Not usually. They prefer to think things over and ensure the purchase won’t cause stress or regret. Providing a money-back guarantee is a great way to make them feel safe enough to buy.

Why do Type 9s hate aggressive sales tactics?

Type 9s value their internal peace. Aggressive tactics feel like someone is “pushing” into their personal space, which triggers their desire to pull away and hide.

Can I use humor in marketing for Type 9s?

Yes! Gentle, lighthearted humor is very effective. Avoid “edgy” or mean humor. They enjoy feeling a warm, friendly connection with a brand.

Do you think your favorite brands are making it easy for you to buy, or is there too much friction?

Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not professional advice.

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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

38

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  • Elena 2025-12-27

    This explains so much. I honestly feel a physical tightening in my chest whenever I see those ‘HURRY’ banners. It’s nice to see someone suggesting a softer approach for once.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-27

      That physical reaction is exactly what we want to avoid. Neuromarketing is about respecting the user’s nervous system to build long-term trust.

  • Ahmed 2025-12-28

    While I appreciate the psychological angle, I’m skeptical. If you remove the urgency entirely, don’t you risk the Type 9 just procrastinating indefinitely? How do you nudge them to the finish line?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Great point, Ahmed. We use ‘gentle invitations’ rather than ‘demands.’ Highlighting the peace they will gain *after* the purchase works better than threatening them with loss.

  • Sarah 2025-12-28

    I noticed in the third paragraph you mentioned ‘procrastination’ as a trait. Are there specific UI elements, besides removing timers, that help streamline the decision-making process for them?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Absolutely, Sarah. One-click checkouts and pre-filled forms are essential. The less ‘work’ they have to do, the less likely they are to retreat.

  • Luca 2025-12-28

    I love the idea of a ‘warm cup of tea’ aesthetic. It’s so much more meaningful than the typical aggressive corporate branding we see every day. It feels more human.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Authenticity is key. When your brand feels like a safe space, the customer doesn’t feel like they are being sold to—they feel understood.

  • Wei 2025-12-28

    Can you provide the specific data or a case study where removing urgency increased conversions for this segment? I’d like to see the correlation between low-pressure copy and actual LTV.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      We are currently compiling a white paper on this. Generally, while initial conversion might be slower, the refund rate for Type 9s in frictionless funnels is significantly lower.

  • Mateo 2025-12-28

    If I implement this, how do I ensure I’m not also losing the Type 3s who actually respond well to high-energy, results-oriented language? Can a funnel be both?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      That is the ultimate challenge. We recommend using behavioral triggers to segment your audience so they see the version of the page that fits their personality.

  • Siobhan 2025-12-28

    What if the ‘path of least resistance’ leads them away from the premium options? I worry that making things too easy might lower the average order value.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      It’s a valid concern, Siobhan. We find that Type 9s will actually spend more if the premium option is framed as the ‘most complete’ or ‘worry-free’ choice.

  • Marcus 2025-12-28

    This is too soft. At the end of the day, business is about closing the deal. If you don’t push, you don’t sell. Period.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      It’s a common perspective, Marcus. However, ‘pushing’ a Type 9 often results in a ‘ghosting’ behavior that kills your retargeting ROI.

  • Aiko 2025-12-28

    This sounds wonderful and so calm. I’d love to see a list of ‘safe’ colors you recommend for this type of frictionless design.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Think muted earth tones, sage greens, and soft blues, Aiko. Avoid high-contrast neon or ’emergency’ reds.

  • Javier 2025-12-28

    The article mentions that Type 9s hate conflict. Does this mean we should avoid comparison charts against competitors, as that might feel too ‘confrontational’?

  • Priya 2025-12-28

    I’m so glad you wrote this! I always felt bad for closing tabs when I felt pressured, but now I realize it’s just how my brain works. Thank you for being so helpful.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      You’re very welcome, Priya. Marketing should be a bridge, not a barrier.

  • Lars 2025-12-28

    The technical implementation of ‘frictionless’ often requires a lot of backend logic. Is there a specific tech stack you recommend to keep the front-end feeling this light?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      We focus on headless commerce or lightweight frameworks that prioritize speed, as lag is a form of ‘friction’ that causes Type 9s to disengage.

  • Fatima 2025-12-28

    What about social proof? Does seeing ‘500 other people bought this’ help them feel safe, or does it feel like a crowded room they want to escape?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Excellent nuance, Fatima. For Type 9s, use ‘community’ language rather than ‘popularity’ language. ‘Join 500 others in our quiet community’ is better than ‘Join the crowd!’

  • Dmitri 2025-12-28

    You’ve outlined the ‘why,’ but I need the ‘how.’ Give me a step-by-step checklist for auditing a funnel for Type 9 friction points.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      We have a checklist coming in next week’s newsletter, Dmitri. It covers everything from copy tone to button radius.

  • Chloe 2025-12-28

    I feel like this approach could be used to create such a unique brand identity. It’s almost like ‘Zen Marketing.’ It stands out because it isn’t trying to stand out.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Exactly, Chloe. In a world of shouting, a whisper can be the most distinctive sound.

  • Arjun 2025-12-28

    Is there a risk of the user falling asleep? I’m joking, but seriously—how do you keep the engagement high enough that they don’t just drift off to another tab?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Visual storytelling is the key, Arjun. Keep them moving with a gentle narrative flow rather than abrupt calls to action.

  • Ingrid 2025-12-28

    Your point about the ‘personal attack’ of a countdown timer is 100% accurate. I immediately distrust any site that uses them. It feels manipulative.

  • Zane 2025-12-28

    Let’s be real—this only works for luxury or wellness niches. If you’re selling insurance or software, you need a bit of friction to qualify the lead.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Even in high-stakes industries, Zane, reducing unnecessary cognitive load (friction) for a Type 9 lead increases the quality of the eventual conversation.

  • Hana 2025-12-28

    This is so sweet and helpful. I’m going to share this with my design team so we can be more mindful of our users’ peace of mind.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      We love to hear that, Hana. Empathy is the best optimization tool.

  • Youssef 2025-12-28

    In the section about the ‘Peacemaker,’ you didn’t mention how they handle ‘guilt-tripping’ opt-outs like ‘No, I prefer to stay stressed.’ I assume they hate those?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Spot on, Youssef. Those ‘confirmshaming’ tactics are highly effective at making a Type 9 never want to return to your site.