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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryBrand & Performance MarketingCategory Entry Points

Brand & Performance Marketing

Category Entry Points

The situations and needs that prompt buyers to think of a category.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Category entry points are the situations, needs, and cues that prompt buyers to think of a product category, such as needing a quick lunch or a gift. The concept comes from Ehrenberg-Bass research on mental availability. Brands that are linked to more entry points are more likely to come to mind when purchases happen.