“Word-of-mouth” – the most powerful, most effective, cheapest and yet most under-used marketing approach on the planet – is perfect for this economy! The most powerful promotion on the planet, bar none, is word-of-mouth. That is when people spontaneously tell each other about the product. Word-of-mouth has worked for many years even in third world countries that had much worse economies than ours. Word-of-mouth is key to promotion and will always work if properly applied. Yet, a product that people do not “talk about” – on their own – in favorable terms – can be advertised until you are blue in the face and it won’t sell. Most American marketers have a pretty vague idea of what causes a product to be talked about favorably. I know what causes word-of-mouth and I am willing to show you how it works. Let me start, however, by saying, unequivocally, that just being a “satisfied customer” will not be enough! In today’s commercial arena, one expects to be satisfied. If one does not get what one expects, he will probably talk negatively about it. The seven steps that cause a product to get lots of positive “word-of-mouth” are: 1. Make your message simpler, shorter, clearer and more compelling. I can help. 2. Add something unique. A “me too” product will not get talked about. I can help. 3. Get it covered in the media. People talk about what they read in the news. 4. Surprise your customers pleasantly after they purchase. They will tell friends. 5. Position your product against something known. People will talk about that. 6. Help your customers write success stories. I will show you how. 7. Help your customers distribute success stories to others in mass quantities.
-John W. Elliott, Founder Power PR, Inc.
Blog presented by Jenny Anderson-Giese, RPM Graphics. Jenny has 20+ years graphic design experience. RPM Graphics is a full service sign company, selling signs, banners, and vehicle graphics.