Word of Mouth to promote your Business

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3 Ways to Get Word-of-Mouth Marketing Working for Your Business


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1. Join a business networking group. These local groups bring people together for the specific purpose of learning about each others' businesses and generating referrals for those businesses. Ideally, the strongest relationship networking group should not admit a business that competes with any other business in the group. Once you're part of a group, your colleagues become a powerful (and free!) sales force for your business.





Where can I find a group? The biggest and most established is Business Networking International, with chapters in many U.S. cities. There are also state-based networks like Michigan's Local Business Network. You can even find or start an independent group with local business people. These groups require a substantial time commitment, but the return can be huge. For example, in 2009 one local chapter generated $13.7 million in new business for its members from 2,136 referrals! As a bonus, members benefit from business ideas and insights from an ever-expanding circle of contacts.

2. Promote a local cause. Giving back is a win-win for local businesses: you get the satisfaction of making a difference in your community, while benefiting from the contacts you make in the process. Businesses tend to see the greatest value from identifying themselves with and actively promoting one cause. Still, many others see steady rewards from becoming that "go to" business that can always be counted on to donate to the silent auction, advertise in the high school yearbook, or sponsor a Little League team.





Do's and don'ts. Do let customers know about your cause: mention it to them; post information about your cause on your website; feature it in your marketing materials (e.g., Proud Supporter of Inova Hospital or 10th Year Sponsoring The Bearcat's Little League Team); and display photos in your shop or office (team pictures, photos of you "at work" for the cause, people you've helped, etc.). Do let your fellow volunteers know about your business — but do not actively promote your business. The focus should be on making relationships, not sales.





3. Actively ask for ratings and reviews. Have you just done a great job for a customer? Has someone just complimented your service? Do you have "regulars" who've been with you for years? Ask all these customers to share their experience and rate your business on Local.com! Ratings and reviews are powerful "risk reducers," that show prospects you're a good business. At the same time, they highlight specific differentiators of your business like personal service or a knowledgeable staff.

How to ask. It's easy — just thank customers for their business and say how you'd appreciate it if they'd post a review on Local.com. One boutique owner has seen great results by tucking a small slip of paper in every shopping bag. The paper thanks the customer and mentions how much a "rating and written review of their recent service" would mean to her. Then she provides the Local.com URL where customers can post their review. Most happy customers are flattered to be asked and delighted to give you a great review!





Local Success TIP: Cash in on other businesses' coupons.

The economy may be showing signs of life, but consumers are still eager for ways to save money — and that's why interest in coupons is still booming. Did you know that spreading the word about other businesses' coupons and offers can also bring you profits, too?

Share the savings to create loyal customers and referrals.

Sharing the news of coupons and special offers with complimentary businesses gives customers a great way to develop a hub of their favorite places. Your extra interest in customers builds loyalty and can set your shop apart from others in the same market. Your fellow merchants will also be grateful for all the customers who come in because you mention their special offers or great reviews.

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