Using ‘word of mouth’ marketing in social media

by Mike Saunders on 22/02/10 at 11:00 am
6 comments

Word of Mouth Marketing
I have had about 15 conversations with small businesses over the last week that still claim that word of mouth is still their number one lead generator.

Word of mouth marketing works so well because people hold the reference of a friend or family member in very high regard. The experience of someone becomes a testament of your service of product. This testament thens turns into business fairly easily. In fact I have had a few referrals this year when the business was mine even before the first meeting.

Word of mouth in Social Media
We need to keep this in mind when marketing ourselves in social networks. Social networks are a gold mine for ‘word of mouth’ marketing. This just happens in a slightly different way.

Think about it, people share their experiences in text, photo’s and video on social networks. This sharing sharing then becomes a reference for whatever is shared.

Here are a few examples:

1) If you share a great restaurant on Facebook, you have just recommended them to everyone

2) When you update your Facebook status about how your boss is acting today you have just become a character reference for him in your network.

3) On twitter a company tweet may seem informative but a retweet from a follower may carry more weight than if the company tweeted that information themselves.

What does this mean?

To market yourself in social networks your number one aim should be to get people to talk/share about you, your services and your products as much as possible.

This is social media word of mouth! And it works like a bomb!!

Mike is the CEO of DigitLab, a digital marketing and social media agency, as well as Keynote Speaker and Social Media Coach at TomorrowToday. An internet strategy consultant by day, and blogger by night on www.mikesaunders.co.za, Mike is the guru on all things digital and provides training, presentations, and consulting on strategy, social media, social business, internet marketing, and the new world of work. View more articles by Mike Saunders.

Tags: Entrepreneurial Ideas, facebook, facebook marketing, socia media, social media marketing, Twitter, word of mouth

6 Responses to “Using ‘word of mouth’ marketing in social media”

Tyron Bache

Feb 22nd, 2010

Cool post. That’s so true – never thought of it like that. If I may add my 2 cents for the point.

“To market yourself in social networks your number one aim should be to get people to talk/share about you, your services and your products as much as possible.”

And the best way to achieve that aim is to listen to your market, audience or friends and find out what they need, want and like then give it to them and they will do the rest.
Mike Saunders

Feb 23rd, 2010

Thanks Tyron

Listening to your audience is key!
Wayne Mc Connell

Feb 28th, 2010

Hi Mike.

Great post! Very true . . . .

Word of mouth is the best advertising! Its always great news to hear that a client has recommended me to someone else. Personal attention plays a big part in business.

Kind regards
Wayne Mc
Mike Saunders

Feb 28th, 2010

Thanks Wayne

Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully it inspires more social networking.
Arthur Charles Van Wyk

Mar 1st, 2010

Since forever I have believed that at it’s very root (or it’s core depending on where you stand) social media is nothing more than word of mouth facilitated by or transmitted via technology.

Would you agree?
Mike Saunders

Mar 1st, 2010

Hi Arthur

I would agree! Its a strong statement but very true.

If you approach social media with this mindset you can achieve great results.

Entrepreneurs Thinking BIG: Business resources, tips, success stories, interviews and business ideas

Ideate