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Word of mouth advertising is effective because it is trustworthy.  When a friend or relative recommends a product or service, you know you can trust their opinion based on the history you share with them. Word of mouth advertising fits well into any budget because it is inexpensive, but it does take a concentrated effort. Here are some tips on how to encourage word of mouth advertising among your customers.

Postcards or business cards are a great way to generate effective word-of-mouth advertising!

Give Rewards – The most obvious way to get your customers talking about your business is to offer them something in return. This should be a carefully thought out promotion or you may end up spending too much money in your promotional offers. Referral business cards or postcards are a great way to keep promotional offers within reason. Offer customers a few of your cards at checkout. For each new customer who comes in with a referral card, the existing customer named on the card could be given 10% off one item or 20% off a purchase of $100 or more. You may want to offer the same special to the new customers as well.

Start Conversations – Another obvious way to advertise your business with word of mouth is to talk about it yourself. Become knowledgeable about your business and products so that you can have interesting conversations about its place in the community, in the industry, or even in society at large. You may want to have a few of your referral cards handy during a conversation to offer friends and family. Create a sense of enthusiasm and purpose when you talk to others about your business – it’s contagious!

Involve Employees – Maintain a good relationship with your employees. Employees who are satisfied with their work environment and coworkers are far more likely to recommend your business to their friends, family, and acquaintances. Consider giving some of the referral cards to employees perhaps with a cash bonus reward instead of the discount you offer to customers.

Display Feedback – When you get positive feedback from customers, post it on your website, in your store, add it to the design of your card on the next printing. If customers give you positive verbal feedback, ask them if they would mind jotting a quick note to the same affect. You may want to offer them something if it seems appropriate, but handle such instances with the utmost appreciation and graciousness in order to maintain your integrity.