Is Word of Mouth Still You Most Effective Advertising Channel?

[Joe Marconi]

We all know that word of mouth is one of the best forms of advertising. But there are some auto shop owners that say that due to Google and social media, it's not as effective as it once was. 

I still say that building strong relationships with your ideal customers is the best marketing strategy.

Your thoughts? 

 

[Transmission Repair]

9 hours ago, Joe Marconi said:

We all know that word of mouth is one of the best forms of advertising. But there are some auto shop owners that say that due to Google and social media, it's not as effective as it once was. 

I disagree with shop owners who say word-of-mouth (WOM) isn't as effective as it used to be.  Unless those same shop owners use Call Tracking to quantify that statement, they are shooting from the hip.  They have no real data to base it on.  They are making a false general assumption based on a "hunch" or a "feeling" that Google and/or social media is making WOM less effective.  I believe that Google and social media, if handled correctly, ENHANCES WOM advertising.

[newport5]

I would say WOM is just as effective as it was. But that doesn’t mean don’t use Google or social media.

Here’s an example that surprised me. I was chatting with a first-time caller who was referred by a good customer. As we were talking, I suggested he check our great reviews. There was a slight pause. He said he’d already checked our reviews. Wow! Even after being referred. So yes, BOTH are valuable.

[Joe Marconi]

With the internet, social media, etc.. today is much different than years back.  While we need a balanced approached to marketing, what people say about us and how they use technology to find our more becomes the norm. 

Essentially word of mouth is still powerful. 

[JustTheBest]

Effective? Absolutely! And like you said, when you think about it, social media is really the same - it’s word of mouth. 

And yes, it's really strong and effective! Just look at some of the stats!  

You’re also correct about building strong relationships too! The only change we’re seeing is that it helps (lots!) when you provide incentives or rewards. After all, everyone is listening to the same radio station WIFM… “What’s In it For Me?”

When you think about it, you’re going to buy your customers. So you can pay for a bunch of advertising… or just share some rewards with your customers. When you refer a friend, I’ll give you “X”. 

Besides, you won’t believe how far a $10 or $20 Subway gift card goes! Really! Just take the reward “outside” of your business, In other words, the reward can’t be a discount off your next service. It’s something OUTSIDE of your business - something they wouldn’t typically get - and it doesn’t have to be really expensive! 

Happy Car Counting!
Hope this helps!
Matthew
“The Car Count Fixer”

[Joe Marconi]

5 hours ago, JustTheBest said:

Effective? Absolutely! And like you said, when you think about it, social media is really the same - it’s word of mouth. 

And yes, it's really strong and effective! Just look at some of the stats!  

You’re also correct about building strong relationships too! The only change we’re seeing is that it helps (lots!) when you provide incentives or rewards. After all, everyone is listening to the same radio station WIFM… “What’s In it For Me?”

When you think about it, you’re going to buy your customers. So you can pay for a bunch of advertising… or just share some rewards with your customers. When you refer a friend, I’ll give you “X”. 

Besides, you won’t believe how far a $10 or $20 Subway gift card goes! Really! Just take the reward “outside” of your business, In other words, the reward can’t be a discount off your next service. It’s something OUTSIDE of your business - something they wouldn’t typically get - and it doesn’t have to be really expensive! 

Happy Car Counting!
Hope this helps!
Matthew
“The Car Count Fixer”

Makes a lot of sense! Agree!