Today’s discussion will revolve around the potential of word-of-mouth marketing (WOM), incorporating a six-step strategy for success and over 30 distinct methods to boost your WOM marketing efforts. So, let’s dive in!
Here are the six key steps to maximize the potential of word-of-mouth marketing (WOM):
- Comprehend your customers’ values and priorities, which will provide insight into why they might be interested in your Product/Services .
- Gain knowledge about different consumer types: innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards.
- Determine the necessary decision stages for the adoption of your Product/Services .
- Utilize the insights gained in steps 2 and 3 to identify the effective choice of words and word-of-mouth strategies using the Decision Maker Matrix (we’ll explain this shortly).
- Amass the resources required to maximize the impact of your word-of-mouth marketing (WOM).
- Design and implement your word-of-mouth marketing (WOM) campaign.
The Decision Maker Matrix is an insightful tool, developed by George Silverman after years of experimentation. It primarily maps out various concerns you might face when dealing with different types of consumers and formulating a decision process for each one.
Now, let’s explore the 30+ strategies to maximize the potential of word-of-mouth marketing (WOM):
Rely on Experts
Experts come in various forms, and their insights should be integral to your WOM marketing campaign. Some potential expert sources of information include:
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Subject Matter Experts
- Sales teams
- Expert roundtables
- Expert sales groups
Seminars, Workshops & Presentations
Such venues present excellent opportunities to gain insights. Attendees at these events are usually open to providing feedback, enabling you to collect valuable information. Some potential events include:
- Guest speaker programs
- Seminars
- Webinars
- Group sales events
- Dinner meetings
- Peer sales groups
- Expert panel video conferences
- Trade show events
Referral Selling
As discussed previously, a referral program can support business growth in numerous ways. By employing the following strategies, you can uncover the key actions required to generate positive word-of-mouth:
- Testimonials
- Networking
- Referral Selling Program
Emerging Media Platforms
The idea of “emerging” media platforms involves using new and rising media sources to spread the word about your Product/Services and services while actively listening for feedback. Most social media platforms fall into this category:
- Facebook and its associated tools
- TikTok
- YouTube
- And numerous others
Utilizing Traditional Media for Word of Mouth Marketing
Traditional media is a powerful platform to gather feedback. These channels remain mainstream methods of communication with the public and customers. Some examples of traditional media outlets include:
- Customer service
- Public Relations
- Placements
- Events
- Promotions
- Word of mouth via ads, sales brochures, or direct mail
- Salesperson initiatives, star sales teams, or peer training
- Word-of-mouth incentive programs (“Refer-a-friend” programs)
- Customer gifts that can be shared with their friends (articles, how-to manuals)
Internal Word of Mouth
- Foster word-of-mouth communication and feedback sharing among employees, friends, and family
- Provide incentives or commissions for successful word-of-mouth marketing (WOM)
As evident, there is an array of strategies to enhance your positive word-of-mouth marketing (WOM) efforts. If you require assistance with any of these aspects, don’t hesitate to try our FREE test drive to access exclusive resources that can help you put this whole thing together.
Call me and I will show you how to be more successful without breaking the bank!
Have a great day!
Harm Stratman
704 737 3785
