Why Word-of-Mouth Still Matters In the Digital Marketing Age

Word of mouth marketing is still important in this digitalized age. If you’re like most people you probably check reviews, ask a friend or take a peek at social media comments before you buy a new product.

That is word of mouth marketing in full action. Even though we live in a digital age, full of algorithms, flashy promotions and online tools, word of mouth marketing is still one of the most effective ways a business can grow. People trust other people more than they do billboards or even pop-ups. That hasn’t changed in any way. No matter how advanced technology gets, it cannot surpass this. 

Word of mouth marketing now looks a lot different than it used to. However, it’s even more impactful now because one person’s opinion can spread across the internet very quickly. You need to understand why the word of word marketing still matters and how you can use it to your advantage. This can make a difference in the way that you run your business. 

Why Trust In People Still Beats Ads

Imagine a stranger looking at you and telling you that their product is the best one out there. Would you believe them in any way? The answer is probably no. However, if your best friend tells you about this product and that it really works, you are much more likely to give it a chance. That’s the very heart of word of mouth marketing. People are wired to trust the recommendations that their friends and families give to them.

People even trust what strangers online tell them more than they will trust the business itself that is selling. This is why online reviews as well as social approval are so beneficial for your audience. Even if your company spends a lot of money on marketing, having some recommendations from real customers will often do a lot to convince someone to buy from you. 

This means that the trust of your customer is much more valuable than any advertising budget you may have. When you treat people well and deliver on the promises that you make to them you are going to provide consistent value.

How Word of Mouth Works In the Digital Age 

In the online space where opinions can spread to thousands of people very quickly via social media platforms and even forums, casual conversations now have a powerful marketing effect. 

For example, whenever someone shows a photo of a meal that they enjoyed, they are  giving away free advertising to the restaurant in which they have eaten. When a customer leaves a glowing review on Google about a product it is visible to many others who are searching for this same type of service. 

That’s word of mouth marketing that has been amplified by using digital tools. This is why businesses share user generated content. Even niche companies such as Vesper Alcohol Marketing Agency rely on digital channels in order to turn their satisfied customers into advocates. 

The bottom line is that word of my marketing is not just about one person telling another about your business. It’s about one voice influencing bigger communities online. 

Simple Ways to Encourage Word of Mouth 

You don’t have to wait for people to recommend you. There are some practical steps that you can take to encourage word of mouth.

Deliver Great Experiences 

The most powerful way in which you are going to get people to talk about your business is to make sure that they have something to talk about. Go the extra mile with your service, do follow up as well as  packaging. These small touches will create lasting immersions for your business.

Ask for Reviews 

A lot of happy customers will not think about leaving you a positive review. You have to remind them. A simple message after a person has shopped asking for feedback is going to go a long way in securing a positive review for you. 

Make Referrals Easy 

You should also ensure that you are creating referral programs where customers can get discounts as well as rewards. People love to share the good deals that they get.

Engage On Social Media 

Be sure to share user photos, pay attention to people mentioning your brand and reply to comments on social media. When your customers feel noticed they are more likely to talk about you again and again. 

Be as Honest as Possible 

Honest communication is going to build stronger connections more than any sales pitch ever could. If people feel that they are dealing with real humans they’ll be much more open to spreading the word about your business.

Word of mouth starts with one person but all of these steps are going to create a ripple effect that is going to spread to your entire customer base.

Why Word of Mouth is the Future of Marketing 

It may sound strange to say that word of mouth marketing is the future when it has been here all along. However, the truth is that it has only become a lot more powerful in the digital era. 

This type of marketing should never be ignored and blocked during this age. Personal recommendations are very hard to resist. Algorithms may change but user generated customer stories will never lose impact in any way.

Your Most Valuable Marketing Tool

The fact is that people trust people. No matter how technology may change, word of mouth is going to remain one of the most effective forms of marketing that you can have for your business. By treating your customers exceptionally well you are giving them reasons to start talking amongst each other about your business. You’re going to build a reputation that no form of paid advertisement will ever be able to match.

This is a power that you have at your fingertips from social media and various other platforms where word of mouth marketing is king. Be sure to make use of it for your business so that you can grow a brand that reaches your real customers in authentic ways.