Word-of-mouth recommendations have always been some of the most reliable and trusted methods of generating new business. In the old days, that usually meant an in-person conversation or phone call. Today, a simple click of the “share” or “like” button or an online review are much more plentiful and frequent.
For businesses, technology presents a tremendous opportunity to generate these valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Here’s how to do it:
Tip One: Find Your Key Influencers
These people will be different for every company and industry. Although a famous model might be a great influencer for a fashion business, her opinion might mean nothing to a manufacturing company.
Consider who your target audience respects and listens to, and then work to get on their radar. The influencer might be an industry executive, a popular online blog author, or a local leader. Although some influencers can be paid to endorse a particular product or service, you’ll get more mileage from the referral if it’s genuine.
Work, instead, to build real, long-term relationships with key influencers and find common causes to support. If you can get true buy-in because your company and influencers have similar values, their referrals will be incredibly valuable.
Tip Two: Enlist the Help of Customers
There’s nothing quite like a gushing, happy customer to boost your business. Whether you rely on your customers to write online reviews, share their experiences or generate ideas and suggestions for your business, getting their involvement can pay back dividends quickly.
Asking for suggestions, comments, and feedback is a great way to open conversation with your customers. Even negative reviews can be valuable as they provide an opportunity for your company to showcase how it handles conflict and complaints.
Contests, within state rules, can generate ongoing conversations on social media and provide a fun platform to discuss your products and services as well.
Tip Three: Exceed Expectations
By simply delivering what you promise and a little more, you will automatically build a fantastic reputation as a company in just about any industry. Sell and provide an exceptional product or service, and watch the word-of-mouth support roll in.
Tip Four: Inspire Everyone
In today’s world, everyone is seeking inspiration and positive influence. If you can love and believe in your business and share that feeling and experience with your business partners, customers, employees, and suppliers, they will remember that and easily become ambassadors for your product or brand. Create something they can be proud to be associated with, and the referrals will come on their own.
For more Las Vegas public relations ideas when it comes to word-of-mouth marketing, contact GYC Vegas. This PR company in Las Vegas has worked with small, medium and large companies to generate successful public relations programs across multiple industries.