5 Ways To Increase Your Word of Mouth By Engaging Customers

Posted on June 20, 2012 by John Stewart

Increasing your word of mouth marketing isn’t as hard or expensive as you may think. In fact, there are several ways of increase the buzz behind your name that are low cost and effective.

Warning- the most important thing to remember is your customers. When your customers are happy, your business will generate more sales than when you leave your customers unsatisfied. Current customers will come back, and often will refer you to friends without you asking. All the marketing tools in the world will not help a business that cannot keep its customers happy.

That being said, let’s take a look at some ways to engage your customers and get them talking about you.

Method number 1: Ask your customers to try your product/service

By asking your customers to try your product, you are doing several things at the same time. Firstly, you are raising awareness of the product. This means that even if they do not try it or need it at the time, they know you carry it for the future. Additionally, if someone they know is looking for such a product (or service,) they know for certain that you will have it and recommend your business.

Secondly, you are engaging your customers by asking. If you are giving out samples it will show good faith in your product you are providing and if customers are happy with it, sales will increase.

Method number 2: Invite customers to refer your product/service

Many people don’t bother referring companies because they aren’t asked/ don’t know they should. By having your customers refer others creates an honest referral.

To encourage referrals, set up a reward system where both the giver and the new customer can benefit. It’s an incentive because if your customers are happy with your product, they will be able to benefit from the incentive you offer.

Method number 3: Encourage testimonials and reviews

In today’s connected world, there will always be someone talking and reviewing products. By asking and creating a space for testimonials and reviews, you are making it easy for people to see your standards and make a purchasing decision.

It’s also a great way to monitor how people are reacting to your products and services, which brings us to the next method.

Method number 4: Asking for feedback

By asking customers for their feedback, you are showing that you care about their opinion and making them feel like a part of your business by giving them a voice. Many people buy from companies they are loyal to, or emotionally invested in. Try making that your company.

Also, the suggestions and opinions given to you are free- you aren’t paying a marketing company for research when you can easily do it yourself!

Method number 5: By special invite only

Inviting your customers to important events makes the customer feel important and special, whether it’s to a BBQ you are sponsoring or your businesses’ 50th. It helps you stay in touch with customers and increases the visits of your customers.

Most importantly- it gets them talking.

As you can see, in using word of mouth marketing there are many ways to get people talking about your company. You can use as many methods as you want, or find new ways to get people talking about you. As long as you remember to keep your customers happy, positive recommendations will reflect that.

PS – I am very passionate about helping businesses grow through word of mouth marketing. Because of this, I have created a referral marketing solution that works for all business. Take a look at the features and find out how you can make it work for your business.