5 Ways to Maximize Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies – it’s practically free! All you need is a happy customer to share their story with other consumers. Potential shoppers will hear about your company through word-of-mouth no matter what, but there are some steps you can take to make sure they primarily hear good things. Keep reading to learn five ways to maximize word-of-mouth marketing.
1. Go above and beyond for every customer
Every time you interact with a customer, exceed their expectations. Disgruntled customers will be quick to share their experiences, and if you only meet customers’ expectations, they might not tell anyone about your store at all. If you blow them away with your customer service, however, they’ll want to tell everyone about how great you are.
For example, as someone is shopping, make personalized recommendations based on what they’re looking for. Or, make sure your newsletters and social media posts share helpful tips and tricks, not just store promotions.
Read also: 6 Ways to Effectively Use Email Marketing
2. Ask for a referral
One of the best ways to encourage your customers to tell their friends and family about you is to ask them to. You can make it easy for your customers to share your information by giving them a referral card. They can write their name on the card and give it to a friend. If the friend uses it when they shop, offer them both a small discount.
3. Refer your customers
You’ll likely start to form friendships with some of your regular customers. So, you’ll learn what they do for a living or what gifts and services they need. You can use this information to make referrals. For example, if one of your shoppers is looking for someone to clean their house, tell them about the housecleaning business another customer owns. Your consumers will likely return the favor and share your shop with their friends.
Read also: Building Customer Loyalty Programs for Small Business: 3 Tips for Success
4. Keep your store clean and organized
Unfortunately, customers will be quick to tell their friends how annoying it was to sort through disheveled clothing racks or how dirty your restrooms were. If you keep your store clean and organized, however, they will only be able to say good things.
5. Engage on social media
Not every interaction has to happen in your store. Sometimes, they’ll take place on social media platforms. If someone tags your company in a comment, reply to it. If they say good things, thank them for shopping with you and tell them you’re looking forward to seeing them soon. If they say something negative, apologize for their experience and ask them to message you so you can make things right.
Read also: 6 Tips for Dealing with Negative Reviews