8 Simple Ways to Generate Word of Mouth Marketing

When it comes to marketing your business perhaps there is no more effective method than by generating word of mouth from your existing customers. But aside from flat out begging, how exactly does one accomplish this? There are a number of simple ways to create a good buzz and get people talking (and hopefully coming in to give you some of their hard earned cash). Here are eight effective methods that will help you get the word out and start bringing more business in.

• Tease Your Audience – People are intrigued by mysteries. Running a teaser ad of the “coming soon” or “stay tuned” variety will pique the interest of your audience. Create buzzwords, give hints and use clever humor to give them just enough information to catch their attention and have them coming back for more.
• Take Advantage of Social Media – It’s the easiest and most cost effective method to pass information on and interact with potential customers. Running that teaser campaign I just talked about? Spread the word instantly through your blog, Facebook and Twitter and watch as the viral marketing takes off!
• Attend Events and Create a Buzz - Attend local social gatherings and networking events to showcase and talk a little bit about your product. Be sure to clearly demonstrate the need your product or service fills and why your business can offer the best possible solution. Most importantly, engage the attendees and make an impression to get people talking.
• Run a Contest – I’ve said it before – people LOVE free things. If they can win something by simply entering their name and email address, they’ll do it. Use social media to manage a contest or giveaway and encourage entrants to share the contest with their friends, family, colleagues, etc. to help spread the word. You’ll be amazed how many new email addresses (and potential new customers) you’ll end up with.
• Rub Some Elbows – Partnering with industry leaders can instantly create a better image and create a buzz about your company, service or product. It may require an investment, or perhaps you can work out some sort of bartering agreement, but it’s worth it.
• Ask for Feedback, Listen and Respond – Good, bad or ugly feedback is important to the ongoing success and improvement of your business. We’ve already talked about some simple ways to gather feedback but however you do it, make sure you do. The way you deal with the questions and concerns of your customers, even negative comments, can be an excellent way of creating a positive buzz about your business.
• Encourage Existing Customers to Share – This one’s probably one of the oldest methods in the book, but refer a friend programs work wonders (especially if there’s something in it for the referrer like a discount or freebie). As an added bonus, the web can make these programs even more effective and easier to track.
• Keep it Fresh – The best way to keep people talking about your business is by consistently generating reasons to keep the conversation going. Regular sales, promotional events, contests and other fun buzz-worthy things will have your audience captivated and always coming back to find out what’s next.

These are just a few of the countless ways to create a buzz and get people talking about your business. While these will certainly get you started, thinking outside the box and embracing your creative marketing skills (or enlisting the help of someone who has them) will help you come up with your own methods that will get you the results you want.

Labels: marketing