14 Best Consumer Behavior Courses to Take In 2024
Understanding consumer behavior has become a thing for B2B marketers in recent times. We now listen to Gong calls, or spend time shadowing our sales team to get a sense of how our prospects think or approach the buying journey.
But what if that's not enough. Going by all the recent data by 6sense, Bain, and Google, buyers already have a dream list of vendors before they talk to sales. This means most of our consumer behaviour data is flawed. Incomplete at best.
So maybe its time to go back to the basics. If you're with me on that, here's a great list of 14 consumer behaviour courses for a refresher on all things consumer behaviour.
I need it. And I am sure you do too!
Best Consumer Behavior Courses Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best consumer behavior courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Consumer Behavior Course: Using Neuromarketing to Predict and Influence Customers (Harvard University)
- Consumer Behaviour: Behavioural Fundamentals for Marketing and Management (London School of Economics and Political Science)
- Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy (The University of Chicago)
- Consumer Behavior: Using Neuroscience to Improve Your Marketing (LinkedIn Learning)
- Product Marketing: Research, Consumer Behavior and Analytics (Northwestern University)
- Market Research and Consumer Behavior (IE Business School)
- The Power of Markets I: The Basics of Supply and Demand and Consumer Behavior (University of Rochester)
- Consumer Behaviour (Indian Institute of Management Bangalore)
- Consumer Behavior (London School of Business Administration)
- Consumer Behaviour and Psychology (Coventry University)
- Marketing Foundations: Consumer Behavior (LinkedIn Learning)
- How to Influence the Consumer Behavior to Drive Sales by Jonah Berger (WOBI)
- Consumer Behavior (Study.com)
- Buyer Behaviour and Analysis (Curtin University)
Find out each detail of the course below.
Overview Of The Best Consumer Behavior Courses
1. Consumer Behavior Course: Using Neuromarketing to Predict and Influence Customers (Harvard University)
This program explores the neuroscience behind consumer behavior, focusing on how memory, emotion, and social influences drive brand equity and purchasing decisions. Participants will learn to apply these insights to create impactful marketing strategies while maintaining ethical standards. Upon completion, attendees will receive a certificate validating their expertise in consumer psychology.
- Who It’s For: Professionals seeking to apply neuromarketing in their marketing strategies, best for those in B2C sales with 5 to 15 years of experience including mid-level marketing managers, product managers, content specialists, and brand managers
- Topics Covered:
- Neuromarketing techniques
- Consumer decision-making processes
- Predictive analysis
- Marketing gamification
- Psychology of consumer behavior
- Ethical considerations in marketing
- Overview of neuroanatomy and neuromarketing
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Harvard University
2. Consumer Behaviour: Behavioural Fundamentals for Marketing and Management (London School of Economics and Political Science)
This course explores how behavioral economics shapes consumer behavior and its impact on marketing and management. Participants will learn how buying decisions are made, what influences them, and how to apply these insights in business, using real-world examples and the latest technology. Enroll now to gain practical skills for understanding consumer actions.
- Who It’s For: Students and professionals in marketing and management, aspiring consulting, and business managers
- Topics Covered:
- Behavioral theories
- Brand marketing strategies
- Consumer decision-making
- Four phases of the customer journey
- Looking for and getting consumer information
- Reviewing consumer information
- Utilizing behavioral tools
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration:
- Lectures: 36 hours
- Classes: 18 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Starts from £960
- Take The Course: London School of Economics and Political Science
3. Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy (The University of Chicago)
This course explores the connection between consumer behavior and marketing strategies, drawing on insights from social sciences and marketing analytics. It covers theories of cognition, motivation, and social influence. Participants will learn to transform data into effective marketing actions, guided by industry leaders. With no prerequisites, it's ideal for those looking to enhance their understanding of consumer behavior.
- Who It’s For: Marketing professionals and strategists
- Topics Covered:
- Consumer behavior analysis
- Strategic marketing planning
- Behavioral insights
- Defining a business goal
- Define a targeted consumer reaction in a conceptual model
- Identify the appropriate course of action
- Create and present a plan
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2,800
- Take The Course: University of Chicago
4. Consumer Behavior: Using Neuroscience to Improve Your Marketing (LinkedIn Learning)
This course explores how neuroscience impacts marketing strategies and consumer psychology. Participants will learn about the roles of attention and perception in shaping consumer choices and how memory influences marketing design. By understanding decision-making processes, participants will be better prepared to enhance their marketing efforts and create more meaningful customer experiences.
- Who It’s For: Marketers interested in applying neuroscience
- Topics Covered:
- Neuroscience in Marketing
- Consumer psychology
- Behavioral data analysis
- Perception and attention
- Designing for memory
- Consumer decision making
- Pleasure, pain, and pricing
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 50 minutes and 49 seconds
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free for a month
- Take The Course: LinkedIn Learning
5. Product Marketing: Research, Consumer Behavior and Analytics (Northwestern University)
This course covers key aspects of product marketing, focusing on research, information systems, and consumer behavior to enhance decision-making. The course content includes analyzing consumer habits, motivations, and sustainability factors for a more personalized customer experience. Participants will also use practical tools to develop effective product strategies that drive business growth and anticipate future customer needs.
- Who It’s For: Product marketers, analysts, market researchers, strategists and consultants
- Topics Covered:
- Market research techniques
- Consumer behavior analysis
- Data Analytics
- Market intelligence and consumer insights
- Using research design
- Behavioral insights
- Envisioning the customer’s future
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 6 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Northwestern University
6. Market Research and Consumer Behavior (IE Business School)
This certificate program offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of market trends, consumer behavior, and their impact on consumer well-being. It covers gathering and evaluating information to gain insights into what drives consumer choices. Participants will learn to formulate research questions, create effective plans, and develop strategies based on consumer behavior, ultimately enhancing their marketing approach.
- Who It’s For: Students and professionals in market research and marketing
- Topics Covered:
- Market research methodologies
- Data analysis
- Consumer insights
- Behavioral fundamentals
- Interpret the findings
- Consumer decision process
- Marketing research fundamentals
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 6 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free (with optional paid certificate)
- Take The Course: Coursera
7. The Power of Markets I: The Basics of Supply and Demand and Consumer Behavior (University of Rochester)
This course covers the basic ideas that affect how markets work and how consumers make choices. It looks at how economic theories help us predict outcomes and how policies impact those results. We’ll also focus on how people's preferences and budgets influence their decisions, with examples from ObamaCare and education.
- Who It’s For: Students and professionals in economics and marketing
- Topics Covered:
- Supply and demand
- Market trends
- Economic principles
- Consumer choice
- Benefits of exchange
- The idea of opportunity cost
- Examine consumer behavior
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 7 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free (with optional paid certificate)
- Take The Course: Coursera
8. Consumer Behaviour (Indian Institute of Management Bangalore)
This course examines how psychology and sociology influence consumer behavior and how these insights can shape brand management strategies. Participants will learn concepts relevant to various marketing roles, including retail and brand management, with examples from digital marketing. It also covers brand associations and practical applications of consumer behavior, featuring interviews with industry experts for real-world insights.
- Who It’s For: Marketing professionals and students
- Topics Covered:
- Psychological aspects
- Sociological factors
- Marketing strategies
- Segmentation and brand positioning
- Consumer decision making
- Perception
- Learning analysis
- Practical consumer behavior
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 6 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 2 to 4 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free (with optional paid certificate)
- Take The Course: edX
9. Consumer Behavior (London School of Business Administration)
This course examines the factors that shape purchasing decisions and focuses on a theme such as motivation. Participants will learn to apply these insights to enhance marketing strategies and engage customers effectively. It highlights the importance of understanding customer preferences in today’s market.
- Who It’s For: Business owners, marketing professionals, and students aspiring to enter this industry
- Topics Covered:
- Psychological factors
- Economic influences
- Practical marketing applications
- Consumer decision-making
- Perception and attitudes
- Learning and memory
- Ethics and social responsibility
- Emerging trends
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: £100
- Take The Course: London School of Business Administration
10. Consumer Behaviour and Psychology (Coventry University)
This course explores the psychological factors that affect buying decisions, such as emotions and attitudes. Participants will learn basic marketing concepts and how they impact customer-business relationships. By the end, students will be able to tell consumer psychology apart from related areas and use strategies like market segmentation and product positioning.
- Who It’s For: Students and professionals in marketing and psychology and individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of consumer psychology
- Topics Covered:
- Emotional influences
- Attitudes and perceptions
- Marketing applications
- Choice and decision-making
- Psychology in consumer society
- Consumer-oriented marketing
- Importance of consumer psychology
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 2 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free (with optional paid certificate)
- Take The Course: FutureLearn
11. Marketing Foundations: Consumer Behavior (LinkedIn Learning)
This course gives a clear introduction to consumer behavior and what influences buying decisions. Students will learn how understanding these behaviors can improve marketing strategies, product design, and packaging. Marketing professor Drew Boyd will discuss factors like motivation and social status, comparing how individuals and organizations shop, and how to use these insights in marketing efforts.
- Who It’s For: Marketing beginners and professionals
- Topics Covered:
- Consumer decision-making
- Influencing factors
- Practical marketing insights
- Defining consumer behavior
- Psychological factors
- Understanding purchasing behavior
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 41 minutes and 56 seconds
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free for a month
- Take The Course: LinkedIn Learning
12. How to Influence the Consumer Behavior to Drive Sales by Jonah Berger (WOBI)
This course teaches to influence consumer behavior and increase sales with practical techniques. Participants will learn how to improve customer relationships by using emotions and effective communication. Led by Jonah Berger from Wharton, the program shares insights from his work with major companies to make marketing efforts more effective.
- Who It’s For: Sales and marketing professionals
- Topics Covered:
- Influencing techniques
- Consumer decision-making
- Sales strategies
- Introduction to influence and customer focus
- Utilizing social currency
- Using triggers and emotions
- Making the brand visible and relevant
- Using storytelling power
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 2 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 4 to 6 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Without certificate: Free
- With certificate: $309
- Take The Course: edX
13. Consumer Behavior (Study.com)
This course explores consumer behavior in-depth, emphasizing the factors influencing purchasing decisions. Participants will delve into various topics, including effective marketing strategies and the importance of consumer research. Assessments throughout the course aim to deepen understanding of the material and its practical applications.
- Who It’s For: Students and professionals in marketing
- Topics Covered:
- Psychological factors
- Social influences
- Practical marketing applications
- Heuristics
- Microeconomics
- Market research
- Experiential consumption
- Consumerism and behavioral appeals
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 3 to 4 semester hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Study.com
14. Buyer Behaviour and Analysis (Curtin University)
This course explores how people decide what to buy and what influences those choices. It combines ideas from different subjects to help learners understand consumer behavior better. By the end, participants can analyze their shopping experiences and create strategies that meet consumer needs, while improving teamwork skills.
- Who It’s For: Marketing professionals and students
- Topics Covered:
- Buyer behavior analysis
- Influencing factors
- Marketing applications
- Consumer decision making
- Perception and unconscious thought
- Knowledge, recall, and brand placement
- Identity, gender, and physicality
- Ethics and misbehaviors
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 13 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 to 12 hours each week
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in a degree program to take this course
- Take The Course: Open Universities Australia
What’s Next?
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