What is Word of Mouth Marketing?
One of the most important stages in sales and marketing processes is reaching new consumers. To increase sales and profitability, it is necessary to constantly expand the customer portfolio. As the number of customers increases, word of mouth marketing solutions are used to reach the desired sales levels. So, what exactly is this method? What advantages does it bring to brands?
Word of Mouth marketing, as it is known in English, is based on consumers sharing information about brands and products among themselves. Expressing opinions about brands verbally or in writing increases awareness and helps eliminate doubts about trust.
In recent years, many brands have adopted word of mouth marketing. You too can adopt these strategies to grow your brand, reach wider audiences, and achieve successful results. So, what are the biggest benefits of word of mouth marketing for brands?
Why is Word of Mouth Marketing Important?
Word of mouth marketing, one of the most preferred alternatives in marketing, is highly important as it is based on the sharing of knowledge and experience. Consumers value products that have been tried and proven successful. Thus, making success-oriented choices within word of mouth marketing will always lead to better results.
Word of mouth marketing increases trust in the brand and plays a role in reaching significant sales levels, allowing you to run a transparent advertising and marketing strategy. This process, where success is more certain, enables you to achieve quality results.
What are the Advantages of Word of Mouth Marketing?
Among marketing strategies, word of mouth marketing is one of the most successful alternatives. Here are some of the benefits it provides for your brand:
Advantages of Word of Mouth Marketing
No need for extra budget as promotion and marketing processes are carried out by customers,
A trust-based relationship forms between potential customers and those who recommend your brand, increasing the overall trust in your brand,
Strong communication makes it easier for customers to refer others to your brand,
Brand awareness and sales figures improve significantly,
Brands recommended by trusted people are more likely to gain new customers without direct sales or marketing efforts,
This is a low-cost strategy that offers solutions for every need,
Your brand gains organic customers much faster,
The relationship between customers and the brand is built on stronger foundations,
The number of loyal customers who regularly choose your brand increases, expanding your loyal customer base,
The workload for your marketing department decreases, and you achieve quality results.
Word of mouth marketing increases customer trust and sales.
How Does Word of Mouth Marketing Affect Consumer Decisions?
Consumers' motivations to choose a brand or product they don't know can vary. While some consumers like to take risks, most prefer safe purchases. For this reason, word of mouth marketing, through the safe transfer of information, directs consumers to make confident shopping decisions.
Many consumers consult online reviews for brands they do not know. However, when it comes to word of mouth marketing, the purchasing decision becomes more reliable. Since online reviews can also be manipulated, word of mouth marketing is considered a very special method for reaching real customers.
How Does Word of Mouth Marketing Work?
It is possible to say that word of mouth marketing has changed compared to previous years. This strategy naturally occurred when consumers recommended products or brands to each other. However, with the rise of Affiliate and Influencer marketing, these concepts have started to merge.
In affiliate marketing, partners inform their audience about a product/brand and encourage them to buy. For each sale, they earn a commission, thus facilitating word of mouth marketing. Influencer marketing, on the other hand, operates more like traditional advertising, where influencers promote a product/brand in exchange for a fee.
With the increase in social media channels, word of mouth marketing has reached significant dimensions, with trust at its core. Therefore, brands should prioritize authenticity and trust in their advertising efforts. If consumers do not feel trust, they are unlikely to shop, making it harder for word of mouth marketing to succeed.
