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Do you want to grow a business without investing in ads? It’s really amazing how simple it is already. Your customers can be your number one marketing force.

If you have been doing your best in search engines to find the best tips on building a brand that will keep your customers around, you have most likely encountered the concept of word-of-mouth marketing. 

However, here’s the trick: it’s not just a term. Without proper use, it would be just another buzzword for a company. Word-of-mouth is a big thing in branding, and when done correctly, it becomes one of the most effective tools you can use.

This is where competitive branding services come in. They allow companies to be successful by pulling this gold out of the earth with methods that get people to talk and connect with each other and share valuable information about your product or service. After all, who will talk about it more than a completely satisfied customer?

So, how can you turn those one-time buyers into loyalists who will never stop praising you? Let’s explore.

1. Start with a Great Product 

It’s important to know that people do not talk about things that are average or below average, and when they do, it’s not good for your brand’s image. So, if your product or service is nothing like what you promise, all the marketing magic you try to put in is a waste; even paid word-of-mouth won’t work.

Instead, begin with something unique that addresses the customer’s legitimate need. Customers will love to share whatever you have done to make their lives easier, happier, and worthwhile. When your product becomes a mouthpiece, you shall efficiently execute the rest of your marketing strategy.

Pro Tip: Remember the last time you asked someone to try something. You had to want them to try something cool. Make sure your product creates that excitement.

2. Make Sharing Easy and Rewarding

People like to share, but when they have a reward in return for themselves, that is when it becomes exciting. One of the greatest ways to make word-of-mouth marketing work is by designing referral programs or rewards to help customers spread the word. Give them a reason to talk about your business, and they will gladly do so.

When referring a friend, give a discount, a special perk, or even a freebie. The key here is to keep it simple. Don’t require customers to jump through hoops. The easier it becomes for them to share, the more likely they will share.

Pro Tip: Make it fun. Your referral program should feel like a game or a club rather than something you must put much work into. People are far more likely to share when they feel they’re getting something special or meaningful.

3. Create Shareable Content

You must have heard that content is everything several times, but it shouldn’t just be any content. The content you showcase should be shareable. It should include videos, blogs, memes, or posts on your social media platforms that customers get interested enough to share with their respective networks. It all comes around you creating something worth sharing with them, which triggers them to share this with their people.

You might create practical and humorous content or one that instructs readers in a graphical way through infographics. You might also share behind-the-scenes shots about your brand for people to catch glimpses of, among other types. Word-of-mouth marketing starts when your content makes people say, “I have to share this.”

Pro Tip: Make content share-worthy by adding a personal touch. People love sharing with people, not brands. Share your stories when they make your audience happy, inspired, or slightly amused.

4. Build Trust through Authenticity

Consumers choose wisely in an era when so many commercials bombard people’s senses. They can sense artificiality, and they don’t stand it. Word-of-mouth relies on a sense of trust, and trust requires authentic customer relationships to be built first.

Be transparent. Be human. Mistakes happen. Own up to them. Customers respect honesty, and that very respect often leads to references.

This goes way beyond your product. It is the voice of your brand, values, and how you relate to your customers. If they consider you a caring brand, they will more likely become vocal advocates for you.

Pro Tip: Share customer reviews and testimonials. When potential customers see that others trust your brand, they’ll feel comfortable purchasing from it.

5. Encourage User-Generated Content

User-generated content is the unspoken hero of word-of-mouth marketing. Think about that for a second: somebody takes a picture of your product on Instagram or leaves glowing comments on your site, can bet that’s social proof. It goes to show that your customers love what you’re doing, and it encourages more people to check you out, too.

But how do you get that kind of content? Ask for it! Invite your customers to share their photos, videos, and stories about using your product. Encourage them with contests or rewards. If they keep sharing their experiences, your brand will get more exposure.

Pro Tip: Show off UGC on your website or social media. It will make your customers feel appreciated, and others will feel part of your brand’s story.

6. Leverage Social Proof

Social proof plays a game-changing role in your digital presence. It shows your potential customers that people already love you. And what can be better than that? It is powerful word-of-mouth marketing. People trust the things used by other users and have a great experience.

You can use social proof with review ratings, case studies, or testimonials. Remember to add them to your website, share the reviews on social media channels, email newsletters, and run various advertising campaigns.

Pro Tip: The more specific, the better. It is not how it has made your day, week, or year but exactly how it has made a difference in life.

7. Engage and Interact with Your Community

Sitting back and waiting for your customers to spread the word will not do you any good. You need to engage with your community actively online or offline. Reply to all the comments received on social media sites and have interactive conversations with them so that they know how invested you are in their audience’s preferences.

If your customers feel they belong, they will advocate for you. They will feel their voices are heard, which will improve their loyalty.

Pro Tip: Appreciate your loyal customers. A thank-you could turn an occasional buyer into a loyal advocate.

8. Create a Memorable Experience

Let’s talk about this: customers might forget great products but they never forget great experiences. So, if you provide outstanding customer service or do something extra special for your customers, they will feel the urge to share this experience with others.

Consider viral brands that have gained momentum solely because of their spectacular customer service. Zappos, for instance, built its empire on delivering extreme experiences. When you make your customers feel wowed, they will spread the word.

Pro Tip: Always deliver more than expected. Little touches, such as faster shipping, personalized notes, or an unexpected upgrade, can create a big buzz.

9. Make It Personal

Word-of-mouth marketing works best when it is personal. The likelihood of someone recommending something increases by several degrees if he or she feels connected to it. This means personalizing the messages and offers instead of just firing off mass promotions.

Know your customers and have them know you care: Use their names, request feedback, and appreciate their business. Valued customers turn into the most loyal promoters for you.

Pro Tip: Personalize your communication, whether that’s via email, social media, or customer service. The more personalized your interaction, the more likely you are to have them talk about the positive experience you gave them.

Conclusion

Word-of-mouth marketing is a great method because it is the most trustworthy and the cheapest. Besides making buying pleasure, when you have a good product and communicating is easy, you can turn your clients into enthusiastic promoters who will help you spread the word about your brand.

If you are looking for an expert to help you design a strategy to maximize your word-of-mouth potential. Get in touch with American Web Designers. As a leading branding service, we will help you every step of the way to create a brand that not only attracts customers but also makes them loyal followers.

Let us learn and work together to make your message louder and business more well-known. Want to expand? Let’s create an unforgettable brand.