Owning and operating a business in the digital era means countless marketing strategies are available at your fingertips. From SEO, PPC, CRMs, and everything in-between you have all the tools you need to succeed. 

But let’s take it back to the Stone Age–does word-of-mouth marketing (WOM marketing) actually work?  

WOM marketing is built on the premise that personal recommendations are your most powerful and cost-effective marketing tool. With 92% of customers saying they trust their friend’s recommendations, you can bet that WOM marketing is still a powerful form of marketing that can significantly increase your client base. 

In a recent chat with Amber Brown (RN, MSN, CPNP, and CEO of I.V. League Tutoring), I was left to ponder the power of word-of-mouth marketing. When she stated “I don’t do much advertising at all” I was intrigued by the fact that her business continues to grow, without much online advertising. 

Much like other successful CEOs, Amber Brown focuses on creating unforgettable experiences for her students, which opts them to include their friends and spread the word of I.V League Tutoring on their own accord. 

While word-of-mouth marketing is proven to bring clients to your door, it can also deter potential leads depending on feedback. In fact, most people trust online reviews just as much as they trust their friend’s recommendations. Meaning, WOM marketing depends completely on positive client outcomes. 

Here are few tricks for dominating WOM marketing:

• Strategize 

Every marketing method requires a little strategy. But simply asking for a review is an effortless and effective step you can take to spread the word about your business. 

• Did you know 7/10 people are willing to leave customer reviews? 

• Dazzle 

First impressions matter! Throw on the charm and go out of your way to dazzle your new clients.

• Did you know 65% of people claim to have stopped using services due to one poor encounter?

• Sustain 

As a business owner, you have the responsibility to keep your current customers happy. This includes listening and learning to create optimal customer outcomes. 

• Did you know it costs an average of 5X more to onboard a new client than to retain a current client?

If you think that WOM marking is outdated, then think again! Taking the extra step to ensure customer satisfaction isn’t difficult, but it can go a long way.  

For more tips, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can also listen to my podcast with Amber Brown, here.