This proves the size and scale of word-of-mouth marketing in San Francisco and the rest of the United States. While many may think that digital marketing replaced WOM marketing, it has actually made it more effective. This is because people now have more options to share information with friends and family.
Word-of-mouth marketing includes a wide range of marketing initiatives and strategies. This means that you can choose the right strategy for your business specifically. Choosing the right path is essential to maximize the effect of this kind of marketing.
Interested in learning more about WOM marketing strategies? Here’s a quick look at WOM marketing, along with the best strategies to consider.
Word of Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth marketing is a traditional form of marketing. This kind of marketing has not been replaced by digital marketing. Instead, digital tools like social media have empowered word-of-mouth marketing.
WOM marketing involves customers spreading positive information about your business or brand. This marketing strategy includes people as a communication method. While digital marketing is usually direct, WOM marketing takes a more subtle approach.
This approach encourages people to spread the word about your business. In this way, existing customers help you bring in new customers. Since customers are approached by friends and family, they are more likely to listen and trust the information that they receive.
This is in contrast to direct marketing. When you market directly to customers, they need to trust you immediately. By hearing information through a friend or family member, they’re more likely to trust the business from the beginning.
This is because the trust that they have in their friend or family member translates to your business. Since their friend likes this product, they’re more open to trying it. In this way, the entire marketing strategy is more effective.
The Benefits of Word of Mouth (WOM)
WOM marketing is incredible when you blend it with digital tools like social media. Even though WOM marketing has been around for a while, it’s even more effective today.
Digital tools like social media and the internet make it easier for people to communicate. In this way, people can share information about businesses and brands in a fraction of the time. In the past, people would need to physically visit or call an individual to tell them something.
Nowadays, you can just take a photo of a poster in the Bay Area and post it online. This can reach thousands of your friends and family members in a fraction of a second. This makes WOM marketing even more effective.
The Top Word-of-Mouth Marketing Strategies
As mentioned above, word-of-mouth marketing comes with a host of benefits. When it comes to picking a WOM strategy, there are a few options to choose from. Here’s a quick look at the best strategies you can use.
1. Distributing Flyers
Flyer distribution in San Francisco is one of the most popular ways of spreading awareness for your business. Flyers can come in a variety of forms, allowing you to design the perfect ones for your business. You can include a discount code and information encouraging customers to refer your business to their friends.
2. Poster Marketing
A postering service across the Bay Area is a great way of building a brand for your business. These posters can be designed to embody your brand. They can also include information about where your business is and any promotions you may be running. These posters can be displayed outside your store or on message boards throughout the city for maximum reach.
3. Referral Marketing
Referral marketing is a major industry that has only gotten bigger with the internet and social media. This strategy is based on encouraging customers to invite their friends and family members to also come to the store. You can encourage them by offering discounts or points that can be claimed in-store.
4. Discount Coupons
Discount coupons are the most effective way to encourage customers to purchase from you. After all, who doesn’t love a bargain?
You can also include a second coupon for the referring friend or family member.
5. Brand Ambassadors
Brand ambassadors in San Francisco provide a great way to spread the word about your business. These individuals can be placed in stores but can also work online. Influencers have massive audiences online and can spread the word to thousands of people overnight.
6. Host Events
Events are a great way to build a brand and spread the word about your business. Business expos are great but put you next to other businesses that may be competitors. Instead, brand events and sponsorships are often the more effective option.
7. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is incredibly beneficial. Social media has built-in tools to help you share information quicker than ever before. In this way, you can promote your business online and get people to share that information with their friends and family.
The Most Effective Types of Marketing
While modern marketing has evolved, sometimes the traditional method turns out to be more effective. Word of mouth marketing embraces the traditional forms of marketing and leverages people to spread the message for you. This is a more effective form of marketing since it’s not as direct.
Thumbtack Bugle can help you grow your business through WOM marketing and distribution. If you need help with your marketing in Oakland or the San Fransisco Bay Area, reach out to us today.
