As the world becomes increasingly digital, word of mouth marketing has transitioned from in-person conversations to online reviews and testimonials. According to a study by BrightLocal, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This means that building a successful word of mouth marketing strategy using authentic online reviews and testimonials can make a significant impact.
Here are some tips for building a successful word of mouth marketing strategy using authentic online reviews and testimonials:
1. Encourage customers to leave reviews
The first step in building a successful word of mouth marketing strategy is to encourage customers to leave reviews. This can be done by sending follow-up emails after a purchase, offering incentives for leaving a review, or simply asking customers to share their experience.
It’s important to note that the reviews should be authentic and not incentivized. Incentivized reviews can come across as insincere and can ultimately harm a company’s reputation.
2. Utilize multiple review platforms
There are numerous platforms where customers can leave reviews, including Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Utilizing multiple platforms can broaden a company’s reach and increase the chances of potential customers seeing positive reviews.
It’s important to regularly monitor and respond to reviews across all platforms, as this shows that a company is engaged with its customers and values their feedback.
3. Incorporate testimonials on a company website
In addition to online reviews, incorporating testimonials on a company website can enhance a word of mouth marketing strategy. Testimonials can include quotes from satisfied customers or success stories.
It’s important to ensure that the testimonials are authentic and specific. Generic testimonials that lack detail can come across as insincere and may not resonate with potential customers.
4. Showcase positive reviews on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for word of mouth marketing. Showcase positive reviews on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
When sharing reviews on social media, it’s important to highlight the customer’s name and profile picture to show that the review is authentic. This can add credibility and authenticity to the review.
5. Respond to negative reviews in a constructive manner
Negative reviews can be detrimental to a company’s reputation. However, responding to negative reviews in a constructive manner can demonstrate a company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and can even turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.
When responding to negative reviews, it’s important to acknowledge the customer’s concerns, apologize for any negative experience, and offer a solution or next steps to resolve the issue.
In conclusion, building a successful word of mouth marketing strategy using authentic online reviews and testimonials can enhance a company’s reputation and ultimately increase sales. By encouraging customers to leave reviews, utilizing multiple review platforms, incorporating testimonials on a company website, showcasing positive reviews on social media, and responding to negative reviews in a constructive manner, companies can build a strong word of mouth marketing strategy that resonates with potential customers.
Review Eagle is a leading provider of automated online review management empowering businesses of all sizes to enhance their online reputation, increase customer trust, and drive growth through the power of authentic customer reviews. Review Eagle’s innovative platform automates and streamlines the review collection process, leverages social proof, and boosts conversions to help businesses stay ahead in today’s competitive digital landscape. If your business is ready to grow with more authentic 5-star reviews, contact us at 518-240-1833 or www.revieweagle.com.
