Day 13: Use Word Of Mouth As A Marketing Tool

Word of mouth can be a very effective source of marketing for your business, this is partly do to the fact that people’s reputation is on the line. So how do you gain their confidence so you can achieve the free marketing known as “Word of Mouth Marketing?” There are many ways to do this:

Customer Service: People always remember when they received bad customer service and when they actually receive good customer service they will likely be a repeat customer. So your goal is to make sure that they receive the best customer service possible and they might just give out that coveted recommendation.

One of the simplest ways to do this is to listen to your customers. If they give you feedback, good or bad, answer it in a prompt and professional way. People like to know that there is someone actually listening to them behind the scenes.

Another way is to make yourself available in many ways. Most of the time a simple email or comment on the website will be enough to satisfy most customer service issues, however, I personally find it frustrating when there is no phone number to call and actually speak to a real person. Sometimes this is the only way an issue can be resolved. And be sure that the person taking the calls does so in a polite and professional way, this goes for the emails and comments also.

A Great Product: We all want our business to be successful, however if you have a product or service that is up against many others be sure to make your product stand out from the others. Offer something a little different than your competition. Let us take a real simple example, tutoring. There are many tutors out there whose knowledge on the given subject is pretty much the same. However, if you offer tutoring on the weekend or late hours, this might be one way that will make you stand out.

Of course the other way is to have a product that is a game changer. Take a look at the iPhone. Here is a product that flipped the smartphone business on its head, and for some reason people who own it just can not stop talking about it.

Be Knowledgable: With your product or service you want to be able to convey to the customer that you are extremely knowledgeable about your business. If you have specific knowledge on a subject be sure to help out as many people as possible and they will likely either become a customer of yours or will recommend someone to your business.

Activity: If you own a business where you are welcoming comments and feedback, be sure to respond to them in a timely manner if it calls for it. Also try to participate in discussions where your knowledge on the subject would be welcome. This in turn will draw attention to you in a good light and you will more than likely gain a few customers in the process.

Comments and Opinions