As you kick off the new year and plan your marketing strategy for your St. Mary business, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t afford to overlook: word-of-mouth. In a small, tight-knit community like St. Mary, personal recommendations can work wonders for your business.
People trust what their friends, neighbors, and family say much more than an ad or a flyer. When someone has a great experience and talks about it, that carries far more weight than anything you could put on a billboard.
Here’s why it works so well and how you can use it to your advantage.
Benefits of Word-of-Mouth Marketing for Your Business in St. Mary
Boost Your Business
A 2021 Nielsen study found that over 80% of people worldwide trust recommendations from people they know. It’s no surprise, but seeing the actual number is still pretty mind-blowing.
In a world full of ads online and on billboards, people are bombarded with so much marketing that they often can’t tell what’s genuine. Word-of-mouth cuts through the noise because it feels real.
Paid ads can work, but they’re often short-lived. Word-of-mouth, on the other hand, builds trust and lasts longer.
Cost-Effective
Advertising can get expensive fast. But word-of-mouth doesn’t come with that price tag. Instead, it grows organically as happy customers share their experiences.
When people recommend your business, it’s like free marketing that’s far more convincing than most paid campaigns. And because it spreads naturally, it keeps working for you over time without constantly draining your budget.
Gives Your Brand Credibility
Word-of-mouth is also authentic. It comes from real people who’ve experienced your services or used your products, which makes it much more believable than even the most perfectly crafted ad copy.
When someone raves about your business, it carries weight. It’s social proof that what you’re offering is worth it. That credibility is priceless, especially in a community like St. Mary.
How You Can Integrate Word of Mouth Marketing into Your Strategy
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service and/or Products
The first step in getting people to talk about your business is to make sure they’re truly happy with what you offer. If customers are satisfied with both your product and the experience they have with you, they’re much more likely to share their positive thoughts.
Always aim to overdeliver, whether it’s through exceptional service, a high-quality product, or a memorable experience. When you go the extra mile, word gets around.
Build Genuine Relationships with Your Customers
In a close-knit community like St. Mary, it’s about building connections, not just making a sale. When you take the time to genuinely get to know your customers and show them you care, they’ll feel more inclined to spread the word.
Ask for Their Feedback and Act on It
Sometimes all you need to do is ask. People love to share their opinions, and when you ask for feedback, it shows you’re committed to improving.
You can ask directly in-store or send a follow-up message or email to request a review. Whatever the feedback is, be sure to acknowledge it.
If it’s negative, take it in stride and let them know you’re working to improve. If it’s positive, thank them sincerely. A little appreciation goes a long way in making people feel valued and heard.
Don’t Force It
Word-of-mouth only works if it’s authentic, so don’t push your customers to spread the word if they’re not comfortable doing so. Keep it natural and let your customers share their thoughts and experiences at their own pace.
Make it Easier for Your Customers to Share
Asking for feedback is great, but sometimes, it’s not enough. You need to make it as easy as possible for your customers to share their experiences.
For example, if you’re following up by text or email, include a direct link to leave a review. Or, if you have a physical location, create a unique spot where customers can take a picture and share it on social media.
Word-of-mouth marketing can be a powerful tool for your business in St. Mary—when done right. It’s a great way to build trust and create buzz, but it’s just one piece of the larger puzzle when it comes to growing your business.
St. Mary Economic Development offers no-cost business consulting services for businesses of all sizes in Franklin, Baldwin, Berwick, and surrounding communities across St. Mary Parish. Our goal is to support you every step of the way.
Reach out to us today! You can give us a call or simply fill out this online form to connect with one of our business development experts. We’re here to help you succeed!