Word of mouth is obviously the best but its so small and targeted you may get 1 a year and that's not a way to grow your business. Marketing to a consumer/client that is apt to respond is the best way. knowing their demographic, psychographic, shopper data, and lifestyle choices are the best way. Using data helps you target to your desired customer instead of the old spray and pray approach.

Word of mouth referrals have an element of trust associated with it, that an advertisement cannot provide. Someone has had a good experience working with you directly and he/she trusts your integrity and quality enough to spread the word. That's personal and powerful.

In any state, city, town, there are at least a handful of clubs and groups looking for a space to hold their meetings and events. By offering to be that space, you can bring in a specified number of patrons who are part of the group.

If you offer your coffee shop to a local book club for their monthly meetings, what do you think the odds are that most of them buy a cup? Pretty good, right? That's the rationale behind event marketing—just get them through the threshold.

Getting out into the community this way, and bringing the community to you, is a great way to get more business and start word of mouth circulating. . People come in for the wine, stay for the food, and come back for the restaurant's tremendous quality.Don't have an office space? Join forces with another company that has a space and co-host the event. Another option is to host a virtual event. You can also have an outdoor event, like a marathon or race, or sponsor an existing event.

If it brings people together and gets your name out there, it's great publicity.

I would keep in mind that word of mouth spreads online as well as offline today. And many times starts online in a search, review or on Social Media sites. Many of your current customers do reviews and post to social media.

So, even if you run a local brick-and-mortar business, chances are they are going to check you out online. Word-of-mouth goes well beyond John Q. Smith talking to a friend about your products or services. And there could be negative reviews online also

Remember when there is a negative review or comment online, it's not a question of burying your head in the sand. You need to be aware, so you can fix it. It's called reputation management and it is very important. Monitoring how you appear online to others takes some monitoring.

You can fix many negative impressions, such as customer complaints or negative reviews. But first you have to know about them — and not be blindsided or ignore them because they're too painful to confront but they could go viral.

We have done it in several ways at GNC. Events like the Annual Fitness Festival, Sample the City at UW-L, Health Fair & Welcome Back Bash at Viterbo, as well as live sampling at local gyms and leaving coupons for purchases at GNC.

Word of mouth includes social proof - which can't be beat. Research has shown that people see Facebook and LinkedIn referrals and recommendations as social proof as well. People trust people on Facebook and LinkedIn for the most part, unless you've shown yourself to be untrustworthy. Social media advertising can be a very powerful marketing tool if it's done right.

Marketing campaigns on Facebook

Hello Eric,

I see that most people voted "word of mouth" is the way to reach people and grow your business. It is a slow marathon as some of the other comments mention. It is a valued way to help attain clients, because if you have built a huge following with referrals and people that have used your business - and they have reviewed you online - you have a great start. But how are you getting clients' "word of mouth" out to where everyone is looking? Sure they can talk to each other in person, but who are you targeting? People, not necessarily clients, are saying things about you, do you know what they are saying about you? The bulk of people searching for you are online, and you need to be able to monitor and control what is being said about you. Social media is the "other part of the web", meaning, aside from paid search on Google, Yahoo/Bing and directories, over 85% of people looking for your business are checking social media first, moreover, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation . They are looking at referrals and reviews. They are also checking at least 3-5 other businesses like yours, before making a decision. They are looking for recent information about your business - and someone that has expertise. Having a solid, comprehensive social media presence on the web - where everyone is searching and surfing, is the key to successful referrals, no matter what business you are in.

This is going to sound a bit obvious, however, you wouldn't believe how many businesses are not putting the (2 + 2) together. So, I'm going to use a "hypothetical" example- and explain hoping it helps someone. You are welcome to contact me as well as I'd be happy to help.

People use the Internet to search for business information the same way they USE to USE printed phone books.

Almost 90 percent of searches are done using "digital" devices (smartphones).. It is called LOCAL search. It is not enough anymore to just have a website and to have your business listed on a business directory online.

It is VITAL that your business appears "IN" the SERP's- "ON" the digital devices (smartphones)- "WHEN" and "WHERE" people are searching for the things they need (your products and services).

The Internet and Digital Devices have changed the game and the playing field. It has changed the way people search for things.

It is now necessary for you to change the way your customers and people find you.

Let's say you have one of those "lunch trucks" and you've always parked in a particular spot- so when it's lunchtime, workers come out of the building and of course can see you- you haven't really had to advertise , there's really been no need. You have been right there (where your customers are)- where they can find you- when and where they need you.

But say the shop you park at suddenly shuts down. There are other businesses in the area with workers that will need lunch- BUT you decide to stay in that same spot- where you've been- because you've always done good there.

There's even more workers (potential customers) that you could serve, but you still have your "regulars"- and your food and service is great- so they'll come around- you'll be fine, right??!!

But, now, someone else with a truck comes along and parks in the spot where all of the workers now come out to take their lunch. (and even though you feel your food and service/ prices are better, you're almost depending on at least your "regulars"- right?--

Now, this other truck- IS RIGHT THERE IN FRONT- where these workers are. They see him, find him "when" and "where" they are looking for him- when they need him.

This is THE first task I complete for my clients. I put them in the hands of the people who are searching for their business, products and services.

You can advertise 100 different places, off-line or on-line, make better signs for the outside of your business, add your business listing on an online site or even facebook, but if you haven't put yourself and your business WHERE your customers are now at- you are not going to see the results you want.

What do customers or people find when they search for your business?

I'm on a mission to help get our local businesses on the right playing field.

Each time a person is searching for your business and products or services and you are not there- you have lost that customer because they are giving their business to the businesses who they found in their local search.

-Lisa

I've been in the financial services industry for nearly 29yrs. Nothing is better than a true qualified referral. Most referrals come from satisfied clients. However, do wrong by someone and you can forget ever getting a referral from them or anyone else they know. The negative impact will be huge. I always live by the motto of treat others as you would want to be treated. That goes a long way along with honesty, integrity, professionalism, and always take others needs above your own!!