Word of mouth has long been known as the best form of marketing. The best thing about word of mouth is that it’s free! Plus, people trust it.
Today, we’re more likely to refer to this type of marketing as “buzz,” since it can take many forms, including actual person-to-person verbal recommendations, comments on social media, or favorable reviews on Yelp, Trip Advisor or company websites.
But not every business has enough buzz to keep customers coming to the website or through the door. So, just how do you create buzz for your business?
Offer a Great Product or Service
It may seem obvious, but you really can’t get people talking about your business if there is nothing worth talking about.
If you need to refine your products or improve your services, do that first. Solicit feedback from current customers to see where you can do better.
Incorporate improvements, test, solicit more feedback and launch the improved version as quickly as possible.
Provide Outstanding Customer Service
Great service can be more exciting than great products. Customers will talk about the service they received from your company – good or bad – long before they’ll talk about how great your product is.
It’s especially important to step up and show your commitment to service when something goes wrong. Turn a bad experience around, make people feel valued, and you’ll create loyal customers who will tell others about your amazing service.
Don’t Be Shy
Today, business owners have so many ways to generate buzz! Here are just a few ideas:
- Get busy on social media with a strong brand voice and valuable content followers will want to share.
- Reach out to reporters for coverage.
- Pitch stories and press releases to industry publications.
- Write guest columns on websites you follow and enjoy.
- Support a charitable cause.
- Sponsor a 5K race.
- Host an event for your local Chamber of Commerce.
- Get your company name and brand out there, everywhere.
Create a Sense of Exclusivity
Human nature leads us to want something even more, just because we know we can’t have it. Businesses can create scarcity by placing people on waiting lists for new product offerings, or giving an exclusive “first look” at a software upgrade only to those who sign up on the website.
You can try these tactics, too. Or, develop a webinar with limited access, host an invitation-only event (live or online) or create an entire product just for your preferred audience. It can be as simple as a sticker, bracelet or patch.
Become a Thought Leader
If you don’t already know the ins and outs of your industry, then brush up on it. Follow current events and keep up with what others are saying. Form your own opinions and ideas, and use social media as your sounding board to get them out into the world.
Start conversations and lead discussions with others in your field. Before you know it, you’ll be a thought leader – which is a great way to attract more followers, attention and credibility.
Build a Loyal Audience
Devoted Apple fans line up for hours to buy the company’s latest gadgets – or new versions of their old gadgets. Why? Because they like (or need) to be the first to have something new and exciting.
Take a cue from Apple and build loyalty by appealing to early adopters. Try these tips:
- Send out event invitations, pre-release product offers, discount codes or early news reports to a selected target audience.
- Incentivize this group to share approved content with the general public, or to spread the word about your products and services.
- Produce members-only podcasts, Q&A sessions and other exclusive content delivered just to this audience.
- Limit the size of your target audience for easier manageability, as well as to keep it truly exclusive.
Be Creative and You’ll Create the Buzz You Want
Fortunately, you have access to more tools and resources than ever before that can help you get the word out about your company, products and services.
Start by getting creative with these steps to creating a buzz for your business. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. It’s okay if you make a few mistakes along the way. When it comes to creating buzz, taking risks often pays off.
