How Influencers Use Traditional Word-of-Mouth Advertising Tactics

Influence or word of mouth?

Social media marketing embodies the essence of word-of-mouth advertisiing but with the added advantage of reaching prospects at lightning speed.

The internet revolutionized data analysis and understanding consumer behavior. With vast information and connectivity, we gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. Real-time tracking of online activities gives businesses a competitive edge. As technology evolves, the internet's role in consumer research will shape the future of marketing.

In marketing, there is a never-ending stream of new strategies aimed at dissecting data and understanding the purchasing power of each prospective customer or client. However, we should ask ourselves: although it is important to know details about our customer's buying habits, is it more valuable to ensure that each client or customer advocates for our brand through positive experiences?

Years ago, Marketing 101 students were taught that when customers were satisfied with a product or service, they would naturally share their positive experience with someone else. Thus word-of-mouth advertising formed the foundation of a cycle for a successful business.

Interestingly, even in today's digital marketing, we still witness the power of traditional word-of-mouth, although in a different form. Instead of gathering around the proverbial back fence or engaging in conversations over tea or coffee, a business's reputation now hinges on the number of "followers, likes, and fans" on social media platforms.

Consider the influence of others on your own buying decisions. What factors pushed you to the brink of making a purchase, then pulled you back, only to finally persuade you to go ahead and complete the transaction? More often than not, someone else's opinion played a significant role in guiding your decision. We have instant access to product reviews and commentaries, and these opinions inevitably shape our choices.

Opinions are crucial for online businesses. Digital marketing relies on interacting and talking with others to effectively share your message. It's important to use SEO and keywords, but even a highly ranked website may not sell if it doesn't engage with customers.

Social media has completely transformed advertising, and understanding how this translates into actual sales is a critical challenge in modern marketing. Social media marketing embodies the essence of word-of-mouth but with the added advantage of reaching prospects at lightning speed.

Words hold great power. Marketing executives have long utilized this power to shape advertising strategies. It's important to understand that traditional and online marketing strategies should work together, not against each other.

Social media’s marketing potential is huge, so words matter even more. You need to choose how you deliver your message carefully, whether it’s on a billboard, in a press release, or on social media. Focus on the platforms that help you reach your goals and take advantage of digital word-of-mouth.