The savviest business professionals will tell you that their ticket to success rests on solid customer service, which turns into referral opportunities, and thus more business. It’s as simple as providing top-notch quality with everything you do, and then relying on word-of-mouth marketing.
Satisfied customers are always happy to spread the word about the businesses they appreciate. Here’s how to do this and become a master of word-of-mouth advertising.
Ask Your Customers to Do “Facebook Check-Ins”
One of the most tangible and effective ways to get people chatting about your company is to utilize the “check-in” feature on Facebook. This is one of many reasons to have a Facebook fan page, since it allows customers to advertise where they checked in for dinner, sporting events, and even car dealerships. Remember, when they do this, all their friends will see your business when they check in on Facebook.
Leverage Outstanding Discounts & Bargains
Many successful businesses know how to encourage positive customer reviews by offering discount coupons and other incentives AFTER they provide excellent service. Let’s say, for example, you operate a plumbing company, and you do a great job installing a new water heater. You can trade the client a coupon for a few praises on Google Reviews or Yelp. This is how successful contractors scale their business with new referrals and word of mouth.
Work with Your VIPs and Other Influencers in Your Industry
Always remember your VIPs, those die-hard loyalists to your business. If you’re nice to them, then they’ll persuade others to try your products or services. Also, if you know influencers in your industry, then get on their good side, too. We can hardly imagine a better source of word-of-mouth advertising. Those quasi-celebrity podcasters and social-media champions have enormous audiences.
Give Away Free Merchandise & Samples
We already mentioned how businesses can encourage referrals by offering discounts for positive testimonials. You can even do something similar BEFORE completing a paid service. If your business sells merchandise, consider giving away a few items. This is a proven strategy that will generate future customers, who will also tell all their friends about you.
Use Social Media to Share Inspirational or Uplifting Content
Social media isn’t just something to help you beg for patronage. Many potential customers get put off by that approach. What would actually attract rather than repel them? Try sharing uplifting stories or “feel-good” content that revolves around your business. It doesn’t have to be manipulative, either. Just think of things you appreciate (perhaps newsworthy items) and incorporate them into your social media posts.
SRQ Business Alliance is happy to share these word-of-mouth advertising strategies. If you’d like to learn more about marketing, business networking around Sarasota, or anything else we do, call us anytime at 800-807-0331.