So, is 'word of mouth' + business cards still the best form of advertisement??

Question

And in your experience, has the internet advertising really done much for your business?
[I guess it just takes awhile to 'discover' where on the net to place ads, ey?]
thank you!! :-)
Deirdre

Thankyou very much Mr. Keeter. Appreciate it

Answer 1

Your best marketing tool really depends on the products or services you're selling. For example, impulse purchase items like candy bars are usually best markted through on-site advertising - posters, displays, etc. However, for products/services that are more expensive or more important to the buyer - selecting a mechanic or a lawyer, for instance - word of mouth, a.k.a. referral-based marketing is definitely the single most powerful tool in your arsenal. You can maximize this by looking for ways to motivate your existing customers to recommend you to new customers through things like offering a 10% discount on their next purchase.

I'm a professional consultant and rely heavily on referral-based sales. I augment that by having a web site with more detailed information about me and my business that prospective clients can check out. It adds an air of legitimacy about my business and provides details that my referring customer might miss or misrepresent.

As for more traditional marketing channels like print ads, billboards, radio spots, etc., they're great if you have a product with a very broad appeal or if you're trying to raise awareness of your company or products, or to promote a certain image. For example, if you're selling high-end wristwatches, an ad in GQ or Vanity Fair might be worthwhile from an image standpoint.

Long story short: 9 times out of 10, word of mouth is still your most cost-effective advertising option.

Answer 2

The reason why "word of mouth" is so effective is that it is usually friends telling friends, and there is already a foundation of trust between them. They trust (a) their friend's taste, and (b) that there is no ulterior motive for the promotion of a product. Also, when the the promotion is done in a conversation, there is less of a guard to go through.

While "word of mouth" is one of the best forms of business advertisement, it should not be the only facet of your marketing plan.

An internet website in today's age is very important. While it might not generate direct sales, etc, it has been shown that companies with websites (whether through direct or indirect sales from the sites) experience higher revenue generation. The website's value is as much intangible as tangible. In fact, a study showed that people were more likely to go to your store to purchase something if they could browse the product on the web first.

The best way would be to advertise your website everywhere so that people know about it. Don't forget to include the site address on your business cards!

Answer 3

Online advertising isn't easily effective. It's saturated and you must differentiate yourself to succeed.
Word of mouth is absolutely the BEST for ANY business.

Answer 4

Depending upon what your business is, putting out business cards, and having people that personally recommend you is the best way to go.

Answer 5

Nop, Internet it is not the best way.