In my recent e-mail newsletter (sign up here to receive a copy), I discussed the types of practices that should be analyzed as a part of the DETOX phase of the Results Revolution marketing makeover (PDF) process.
If you’re new to the world of "word of mouth" marketing, there are some great resources and books available. But even better, George Silverman, author of The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing, describes the seven secrets to word-of-mouth success for small businesses in this article from The Daily Breeze. Use these tips are simple ways to get started in the world of word of mouth marketing.
1) Send the same simple message through all of your communications. If it’s not simple, it can’t survive being passed via word of mouth.
2) Don’t position your product or service as part of a general category. Get more specific. Define it by its most-needed attribute: "The dandruff shampoo that doesn’t dry your hair."
3) Make your examples borderline outrageous so people will find your story worth repeating.
4) Sprinkle your materials and marketing messages with success stories from real people.
5) Offer customers multiple (but simple) ways to inquire about, investigate and order what you offer.
6) Get experts on your side by bringing them into conferences, advisory groups and seminars. Encourage them to spread the word to others.
7) Ask customers for referrals. Encourage your sales people to request referrals, recommendations and testimonials.
Link: 7 steps can lead to word-of-mouth business success
Thanks to Jackie Huba’s post at Church of the Customer for directing me towards this article.
