Word-of-mouth marketing can get people to talk about you and make it work for you and your small business. Word of mouth is one of the main ways that people learned about new business before the Internet or major advertising networks. With an online business, getting the word out using this strategy can be done without a lot of major marketing dollars on your part. Most of it will be done offline, which is probably your untapped market right now.
Strategies for Word-of-Mouth Marketing
* Customer service – This is one of the crucial areas of your business. You could be the biggest company, but if you treat your customers as though they are not important to you, they will take their business to Company B and let everyone know why. How much you value your customers will keep them talking long after they have purchased the product. Online, you can provide help pages and auto-responder emails for customers needing help with purchases or other questions.
* Become visible in the community – This includes advertising in your local community newsletter or church directory. People can become aware that you exist and find out what your services are.
* Give out samples – Sometimes you have to give some to get some. Donate sample products to prize baskets for fundraisers. Donate your own prize basket to raffles and other community events.
* Create promotional items for family and friends to share – Invest in shirts that contain your logo. Give away key chains, bottle holders, cups and refrigerator magnets. Family members can distribute them to their friends. Be sure to poll them to see what kinds of promotional items would be the most popular.
* Sponsor a sports team – This could be the local little league team. Buy them shirts for their team and get your business name on the back; they will be representing you in every game that they play.
* Hold home shows – Create a presentation and ask friends to book a show. In exchange for the use of their home, they can receive free products or services. You can do this free of charge for the opportunity to expand your client base. Ask everyone that attends the show to sign up for free coupons or your mailing list if they don’t decide to buy anything. Also give away free trial samples so they can share them with friends.
There are a number of ways to expand the reach of your business. Word-of-mouth marketing can be done by valuing your customers and also increasing your visibility in the local community.
