While the delivery may change with time and technology, there will never be a suitable replacement for "word of mouth". Nothing will ever help your business grow the way that personal recommendations can. The same is true for negative feedback, as well. One poor mention of your business can have a significant impact on your bottom line.
It's critical for the modern business owner to not only understand the underlying concept of "word of mouth", but to also impart this wisdom on every member of their organization. Your team is the face of your business, after all.
So, what does "word of mouth" look like in today's digital environment? It's in review sites like Yelp or Angie's List. It's the 5-star rating system found on your company's Facebook page or the tweets made to and about your business, which are indefinitely available for public viewing. You could even say that the comments made by your audience on your blog are a form of "word of mouth".
One of the best things you can do for your business is to request these types of referrals. You certainly shouldn't shun the old-fashioned means of peer-to-peer recommendations, but try to integrate a more modern approach, as well. Ask your followers to like and share your posts, and request that your email subscribers forward your messages to their friends and family. These personal recommendations have always been and always will be your most valuable asset.
If you're interested in learning more about modern day word-of-mouth and how it applies to social media, download our free social media ebook or contact us to schedule your free 15-minute digital marketing consultation.
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