One of the simplest ways to to look at marketing is through pain and reward.

Does the thing I am buying prevent pain or discomfort from happening in my life? & Does it help me get what I desire from life?

Pains and rewards. Desires and fears. Incentives and consequences. Promotion and prevention.

It's certainly not the only way that you want to look at marketing but it helps you to frame the problem in a simple way.