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How to Increase Word-Of-Mouth Referrals

How to Increase Word-Of-Mouth Referrals

2023-05-22 18:27:15 | Lauren Karwoski | creative ideas,digital marketing tips,lead generation

Research shows that 92% of people trust referrals from people they know. How can your brand tap into this valuable resource? Read more here!

An astounding 92% of people say they trust word-of-mouth referrals from those they know, and more than they trust all other forms of advertising

Let that sink in for a minute…

If your business is built to grow with word of mouth referrals (and who are we kidding – what business isn’t?) then you should be dedicating a significant amount of your resources to increasing the chances your customers will recommend you to their friends and family.

When customers share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues, it creates a ripple effect that can significantly impact your business’s growth. 

Additionally, in today’s digital world, where online reviews and social media play a crucial role in shaping brand perception, harnessing the power of word-of-mouth referrals is more important than ever. 

Here we discuss the most effective strategies to increase word-of-mouth referrals for your business.

Identify Your Ideal Customers

Before you start increasing your referrals, it’s important to identify who your ideal customer is. Referrals mean nothing unless they have the true potential to be converted into good customers. 

We recommend starting by conducting market research to gain a deeper understanding of your target audience. Analyze demographic data such as age, gender, location, and income levels, as well as psychographic information including interests, values, and lifestyle preferences. 

Additionally, you can collect insights and feedback from existing customers to identify common characteristics and pain points.

Another effective way to identify your ideal customer is by creating buyer personas that represent your ideal customers, incorporating both demographic and psychographic details. These personas will serve as a guide for your marketing efforts, allowing you to tailor your content to resonate with your target audience.

By clearly identifying and understanding your ideal customer, you can effectively express to your existing customers who you would like to be referred to. In addition, you can tailor your referral-building outreach to your best customers only, as the likelihood of them referring a best-fit customer is higher.

Provide an Experience People WANT to Recommend

Now, let’s get into how to increase your WOM referrals. 

Of course, the easiest and most effective way is by providing an amazing experience that inspires people to recommend it.

Your customers and clients should feel valued, satisfied, and delighted with the products or services they receive, as well as any communication had with your team. Train your staff to go the extra mile, provide personalized interactions, and promptly address any concerns with direct, consistent communication. 

“There are a number of low-cost ways to provide an amazing experience for your customers, while showing your appreciation for them. Consider extending exclusive offers just for them, getting their input on new offerings, or creating VIP experiences just for them” recommends our Founder & CEO, Karen Cummings.

By exceeding customer expectations, you can create a memorable experience that customers will be eager to share with others. 

Implement Review-Building Strategy 

92% of B2B buyers are more likely to purchase after reading a trusted review. So, how do you get more positive reviews? Start by focusing on customer engagement.

Engaged customers are more likely to become brand advocates. Encourage customers to share their experiences by providing convenient platforms for feedback and testimonials. Plus, make sure you feature positive reviews on your website and social media channels, showcasing real customer stories. 

You can also implement loyalty programs, referral incentives, or exclusive perks such as discounts or special offers to reward customers who refer your business to others. 

By actively involving your customers and turning them into advocates, you amplify the chances of word-of-mouth referrals.

Start a Referral Program 

A referral program is a structured way to encourage and reward customers for referring others to your business. Make the referral process simple and convenient, providing customers with personalized referral links or codes they can easily share. Or, draft introduction letters that your customers can easily use and modify for different platforms from email to Linkedin to refer others.

By implementing a well-designed referral program, you create a win-win situation where customers are motivated to refer others while your business gains new customers.

Leverage The Power of Social Media

Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for word-of-mouth referrals. Developing a strategy that encourages users to share their experiences is a great way to start the referral process.

We recommend actively engaging your audience on social media by:

  • Creating shareable, original content that sparks conversation.
  • Running contests, polls, or user-generated content campaigns to encourage customers to share their thoughts and tag their friends. 
  • Engaging with users by responding to comments, questions, and reviews promptly.
  • Participating in trends and demonstrating an understanding of internet culture.
  • Embracing memes and using them as a way to relate to and connect with your audience.

By actively participating in social media conversations, you amplify the chances of your business being recommended to others.

Overall, harnessing the power of word-of-mouth referrals is a cost-effective and influential strategy that can positively impact your business’s success. 

And remember, every positive word spoken about your business has the potential to attract new customers and drive long-term growth!

Let Radiant Marketing Help You 

Is your social media strategy and online presence helping you engage your existing audience and increase WOM referrals? At Radiant Marketing, we have years of experience helping brands generate high-quality leads and establish their brand voice online by creating engaging, original content tailored to their audience.

Schedule a Discovery Call with us today to learn how we can help you achieve all of your marketing goals.

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