Word of mouth marketing

Word of mouth marketing (WOMM) refers to the oral or word-of-mouth marketing where people share their personal experiences, recommendations and opinions about a product, service or company with others. This typically happens in conversations between friends, family, colleagues or online in social media, reviews or discussion forums.

But let's cut to the chase with a little history so there's no doubt what WOMM is in practice:

Sarah decided one day to take a break from work and visit the coffee shop "The Coffee Bar" recommended by her colleague Mark. She was greeted by a friendly barista and enjoyed their cappuccino in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Surprisingly, she met several of her colleagues and they shared their enthusiasm for the place. Gradually, she became part of the coffee shop's small community and started inviting friends and family. Her positive recommendations spread like wildfire and attracted more customers - both from her personal network and from her social media profiles.

This story shows how a single colleague's recommendation can have a domino effect and demonstrates the power of word of mouth marketing.

Firstly, word of mouth marketing is trustworthy. When people hear about a company or product from a trusted source like a friend, colleague or family member, they are more likely to trust the recommendation than traditional advertising or promotion. This creates a deeper trust between the consumer and the brand. Have you received a bad review? 

Secondly, word of mouth marketing has a huge reach in the digital age. Social media and online review platforms make it easy for consumers to share their experiences with a wide audience in a short amount of time. A single positive or negative post can reach thousands of people in minutes.

Thirdly, word of mouth marketing is cost-effective. It doesn't require large advertising budgets or expensive campaigns. Businesses can build a strong word of mouth marketing strategy by providing excellent products and services that naturally inspire customers to share their positive experiences.

Fourth, word of mouth marketing creates a sense of community around the brand. When customers share their experiences and recommendations with each other, it creates a sense of community and engagement that can strengthen brand loyalty and repeat business.

Well... word of mouth marketing is valuable because it's built on genuine credibility, has the potential for huge reach, is cost-effective and creates connections and engagement between the brand and its customers. It's a powerful branding strategy that not only influences consumer decisions, but can also have a decisive impact on a company's success in today's competitive marketplace.