This is why it's important to always put your best foot forward and your business must value good customer service. Since the very beginning referrals has always been the most cost effective way of getting sales without blowing my budget! Today, I've been able to really reflect on what it took to get to this point. So how do you get more of them? Here are some tips to consider;
Review sites - There are a number of different industry specific sites that post reviews and ratings for people to look at when researching a product or service. If you’re looking for word of mouth marketing options, encouraging your customers or clients to contribute reviews can be a great way to get good feedback and positive testimonials.
Ask everyone you know for a referral - Perhaps a less intrusive way of soliciting referrals is to ask clients for testimonials once a project is complete or after a few months of working together. This is a more subtle way of letting them know that you would appreciate them referring your company to their own clients, friends, family and colleagues.
Other suggestions that you may like to include in your word of mouth marketing plan are join a word of mouth referral group such as BNI, update your website or contract a supplier to build a professional looking website for you. It is always easier to refer people who at least look good online. Look for partnerships with other businesses that have the same target audience but are in separate industries.Use ‘free’ promotional tools such as radio station segments, speaking opportunities to promote your business.
In summary, if you do a great job you will ultimately get referrals. By going that extra mile, your word of mouth referrals will follow and with some formal plans in place to leverage on this, it will no doubt become an important part of your marketing plan.