It should come as no surprise that the most successful marketing campaigns include multiple media forms and channels. Typically those media forms and channels include social media, search engine optimization, print and possibly more. Unfortunately, many small businesses forget one of the most powerful and economical marketing tools: Word of Mouth.
So how do you increase your word of mouth advertising? It really isn’t difficult if you are creative. Here are a few ideas. . .
Ask friends, family and customers to recommend your services. It may be as simple as just mentioning you would really appreciate them talking you up or you may have to be a little more creative.
Offer a discount for referrals. Something as simple at 15% off or a free upgrade of services or products for the referrer and/or referral may be enough to really get things rolling. The logistics of the discount can be as simple as handing out business cards with the referrers name on the back or as high-tech as a custom web form.
Give away small promotional items, such as pens, notepads, magnets, etc. When a customer uses the promotional item in front of someone else it may has the potential to strike up a conversation about your business, products and services.
Of course, you can’t rely solely on word of mouth to advertise you business. Once someone hears about your business, you will need to have a great website to help complete the sale and other marketing efforts to reach those that don’t immediately contact you.
