Word of Mouth Marketing - Are you Facilitating Talk?

January 26, 2007

One way to do word of mouth marketing is to get heavy talkers to talk about you.  By heavy talker, I mean those people that already have an audience.  This is a good way to build buzz, and anyone can do it with consistent effort and a good product.

Another way to do Word of Mouth Marketing is to give people who are advocates for you the proper training and tools to broadcast their love of your product or service.  Like what, you ask?

  1. Employee Blogs - Getting employees to blog is a great way to create more content that will generate interest in what your organization is doing.  The key is to carefully set guidelines and expectations for each blogger.  Choose employees that want an opportunity to shine and advance their career, because these people will be more committed to writing well and writing to promote the organization.
  2. Testimonial Pages - Asking people for testimonials is a good way to get stories from your customers.  What would happen if you shot the testimonial on video and posted it on your website?  People would tell their friends about the video they “Stared” in and drive more people to your site.
  3. Refer a Friend Tools - There are lots of tools available on the web that make it easy to “Tell a Friend“.  The simpler this tool is the better as it is easier for a casual way someone can create buzz for you.  This is helpful because people do not spend their day thinking about how to promote you, but they may let a friend know about something of value if they can do it in 30 seconds.
  4. Affiliate Programs - If someone is taking the time to create valuable content, they may pay much more attention to you if you offer an affiliate opportunity.  Some people will say that financial rewards should not be put under the word of mouth strategy.  I agree that it is not for every product or service, but it can be a useful tool to spread your message.  And what if your product is in a crowded marketplace?  Maybe the buzz would be about your great affiliate program along with your good (but not remarkable) product.
  5. Viral Emails - Build resources that your existing advocates can share with people they know, such as eBooks and other resources that can be easily sent to people.  If your topic is not a topic that can go viral, put together something that people will want to chare, and slip in some branding and information about you.  An example would be “The 10 Best Things for Families to do this Summer in your city.
  6. Contests - Create a contest that is compelling enough that your advocates will encourage the people they know to participate.  Again, make it easy to spread.

These are just some ways you can get your existing fans to have a more focused reason and way to talk about you.

- Thank You!

Posted by Ron McDaniel | Filed Under Blog, Buzz with Blogs, Buzzoodle, Internet Marketing, Word of Mouth Marketing 

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Comments

2 Responses to “Word of Mouth Marketing - Are you Facilitating Talk?”

  1. Dawud Miracle on January 27th, 2007 8:57 am

    Most business owners don’t really seem to understand WOM marketing. They just assume it’s going to happen.

    Yet, I’ve found it’s like anything else - it can be taught. And truthfully, it should be taught. If your a business owner, it would be wise to learn as much as you can about WOM tactics and then educate your clients on it as well. You’ll find much greater results.

  2. Ray Lanfear on March 8th, 2007 8:59 pm

    Just want to say thanks, appreciate your tips on
    Internet Marketing. Can I post a blog here? Trying
    to promote my son Lance Lanfear, who at the age of 29
    has finished his first movie as a Producer. The trailer
    can be viewed at: http://www.jakesclosetmovie.com the writer/
    director is Shelli Ryan, producer Lance Lanfear

    The film is a about a young boy going through emotional
    drauma, while his parents get a divorce. It speaks volumes
    about the relationships and effect on children.

    Enjoy the trailer.

    Ray

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