The Marketing Message Blog

Word of mouth around the world

Interesting article in eMarketer called "Word of Mouth Works Worldwide"  According to an April 2007 Nielsen study of internet users in 47 markets around the world, 'recommendations from consumers' is the number one type of trusted 'advertising' (78%).  Not too surprising.  I think we all agree that we'd probably trust a consumer opinion over an advertisement.

Online banner ads came in at 26% and search engine ads came in at 34%.  This is a good reality check for small business owners who live and die by advertising. 

The great thing about social media marketing is that if you focus on delivering a great product, the customer will do the work for you.  Perhaps you should spend more time on improving your products and services and less on banner ads.

How 'Word of Mouth' Can Work for Small Business Owners

Are you using 'Word of Mouth' marketing to help your business grow?  Are customers spreading the word for you?  In her article in December, 2006's Entrepreneur Magazine, Kim Gordon shows you how Talk is Cheap and how you can harness it for your small business. 

Her three tips and my comments: 1)Market to influencers: Influencers are easy to find if you pay attention to people in your audience who engage you in conversation and want to know what's new.  Invite them to participate more actively and you've got a thoughtful collaborator.

2) Create winning PR coverage: People are more likely to believe what they read in editorials than advertising.  Make an effort to send out press releases and try to get your product mentioned.  PR Web is making that easier.

3)Seed viral marketing: This is more difficult.  You need to make your product or service easy to talk about.  That's a new way to think about your marketing message.  And make it fun!