MBTI 16 Personality Types: Introduction and Origins

MBTI stands for Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, also known as the 16 personality types test. It was developed by an American mother-daughter duo, based on the psychological theories of Carl Jung’s Psychological Types. This test categorizes people into 16 different personality types based on four dimensions. Participants answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and the results provide them with a four-letter code that represents their MBTI personality type.

Each letter stands for a different dimension. The first letter (E for extroversion or I for introversion) indicates how individuals gain energy. The second dimension (S for sensing or N for intuition) reflects how they process information. The third (T for thinking or F for feeling) shows how they make decisions, while the fourth (J for judging or P for perceiving) reveals their approach to life. For example, ISFJ, also known as the “Defender” personality, is the most common type, characterized by altruism and reliability. Defenders are known for their diligence and are great listeners, making them ideal for supportive roles and interactive work.

MBTI and E-commerce: Trends and Practical Examples

MBTI has become more than just a personality test—around 80% of Fortune 500 companies use it in their recruitment processes. It has also gone viral on social media, opening up new avenues for personalized marketing in e-commerce. Through personalized content, online store brands can better understand their customers and adjust their products accordingly. This type of content also resonates more with consumers, building stronger brand loyalty and boosting sales. A study by Epsilon Research found that nearly 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that offer personalized marketing.

A great example of personalized marketing is Spotify’s yearly “Spotify Wrapped” campaign. Every December, Spotify compiles users’ listening habits into a personal report, showing their most-listened-to artists and songs. This data-driven approach, which allows users to share their results on social media, has become a marketing sensation. In 2022, Spotify Wrapped even incorporated elements of the MBTI personality test, analyzing users’ music preferences to suggest their personality type.

How to Use MBTI for Personalized Marketing

So, how can online stores leverage MBTI for marketing? Brands can create personalized content based on different personality traits. For instance, you could offer shopping guides tailored to each MBTI type. ESFPs (the Performer type) are likely to prefer trendy, attention-grabbing products, while ISFJs (the Nurturer type) might prefer thoughtful gifts for family and friends, such as cozy clothing and home essentials. Once you find the right angle and learn to connect with your customers using language they understand, you can master content marketing.

Personalized marketing isn’t limited to MBTI or zodiac signs. Take inspiration from the recent movie Inside Out, where emotions take center stage. By paying attention to current trends, you can create personalized content for various audiences. A simple way to start is by crafting product descriptions that resonate with specific customer groups. For instance, you could recommend products for different Inside Out characters, such as Sadness, Joy, Anger, Fear, or Disgust, and even create exclusive offers around them. This approach not only boosts brand visibility but can also break sales records, all without relying on traditional holidays. As an online store owner, you can use these personalized tags to elevate your business.

To stand out among thousands of online stores, Carousell Ads is your best ally! Carousell’s new “Shoutout” feature recommends your store when buyers search for or browse related products, helping you reach your target audience. Paired with a suite of seller tools, you can effortlessly expand your customer base and build a stable online business.

Ready to harness the power of personalized marketing? Learn more through Carousell College and take your online store to the next level!