With word of mouth marketing there are social barriers to people freely volunteering recommendations or stories unless something truly exceptional (or terrible) takes place. But, that doesn’t mean that all possible tools shouldn’t be made available to make spreading the word painless and easy for fans, customers and clients, regardless of whether an experience “blew their mind”. So, let’s go through some quick ideas that make it easier for happy people to talk.
1) Be Awesome – The number one factor in encouraging word of mouth marketing about your business or product is of course having something worth talking about. There needs to be a very unique experience or exceptional story before most people will willingly share a story or recommendation for a product or service. But, after the actual experiences there are certainly tools that can be used to encourage spreading the (hopefully positive) word of mouth.
2) Social Media – Give people an easy way to review, comment, display, and talk about the product or business experience they just had. Have pre-written Tweets. Make doing a review simple, with no sign-ups or sign in’s (We are very happy with TrustPilot). Offer easy links and perhaps an incentive to follow through with posts, pictures and comments.
3) Physical Incentives – Many transactions are not taking place on-line. Use special coupons or cards to not only encourage return visits, but to encourage introducing friends to a product or service. In this way you are not only offering a hard-to-resist deal or trial, but are encouraging conversation about the product or business while getting new people through the door to see for themselves what is unique and special.
4) Brand What You Can – Add your name/logo/identity where ever possible. Additional product labeling, shipping boxes, bags, promotional sale merchandise (products that your customers need but can be exclusively branded) all keep your name seen and may spur conversation. Make sure you have a professionally designed logo/identity so that the right emotions and conversations are triggered.
5) Give Them A Badge – Give away or include promotional products that your customers love and will utilize. Custom stickers are one of the most cost effective giveaways because they not only are they inexpensive, they can be placed in any number of places (cars, water bottles, laptops, etc.) to maximize exposure and encourage word of mouth. It is also easy to distribute stickers in the mail, attached to products, add in packaging, offer at check-out, etc.
What other tools and methods can be used to encourage word of mouth marketing? What are some of your success stories with any of the above methods?
Websticker is here to help with creative, design and production of custom stickers, labels, magnets, and other promotional products.
