Whisper marketing is one of the most powerful forms of promotion, because nothing works better than a positive review from a trusted person. It’s a bit like a recommendation from a friend – if someone you know and like recommends something, you’re more likely to check it out. Ready to learn how to use this power in your strategy? Well, here we go! 😊
Whisper marketing, also known as Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM), is one of the oldest forms of promotion, but it has not lost its importance at all. On the contrary, it has become even more powerful in the era of social media and online reviews. People trust other people, not ads. Therefore, if you manage to build positive reviews, you can gain loyal customers without spending a fortune on ads.
Why is whisper marketing important?
- High trust – Opinions from friends or family are seen as more reliable than advertisements.
- Low cost – You don’t have to spend a lot on advertising because customers promote you for free.
- Long-lasting results – Positive reviews can circulate online for years, attracting new customers.
- Greater engagement – People who recommend your brand often become brand ambassadors.
How do you build positive feedback?
- Deliver an exceptional experience
Whisper marketing starts with an excellent product or service. If customers are delighted, they will start recommending you on their own.- Example: Zappos, an online store, is known for its excellent customer service. Their policy of free returns and fast delivery makes customers eager to share positive reviews.
- Ask for feedback and reviews
Sometimes customers need a little reminder to leave feedback. You can ask them to do so, such as via email or SMS after a purchase.- Example: Airbnb regularly asks guests for reviews after their stay. This gives them thousands of positive reviews that attract new users.
- Reward loyal customers
Loyalty programs are a great way to encourage customers to recommend your brand. You can offer discounts, points or gifts for referrals.- Example: Dropbox offers additional cloud space for recommending the service to friends. As a result, it has gained millions of new users.
- Work with influencers
Influencers are the modern “whisperers.” If you build a relationship with people who have the trust of your audience, you can reach new customers.- Case in point: cosmetics brand Glossier built its popularity by working with micro-influencers who genuinely recommended their products.
- Create stories that people want to tell
People love to share interesting stories. If your brand has something unique to tell, customers will love to repeat it.- Case in point: TOMS Shoes has gained popularity for its social mission – for every product purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to those in need. It’s a story people want to tell.
How to use recommendations?
- Showcase reviews on your website
Place positive reviews prominently on your website. This builds trust with new customers.- Example: Amazon shows product reviews to help customers make purchasing decisions.
- Use social proof
Social proof means showing that other people are using your offer. For example, you can show the number of satisfied customers, expert reviews or logos of companies that work with you.- Case in point: Booking.com shows how many people are currently viewing a hotel, which creates a sense of urgency.
- Create case studies
Case studies are detailed descriptions of your customers’ successes. They show how your product or service solved a specific problem.- Example: HubSpot regularly publishes case studies that show how their tools help companies succeed.
- Encourage social media sharing
Ask customers to share their experiences on social media. You can even create a special hashtag for your brand.- Example: Starbucks encourages customers to post photos of their cups with the hashtag #Starbucks. This gives the brand constant visibility on social media.
Examples of effective whisper marketing
- Apple
Apple does not spend much on traditional advertising, but has millions of loyal fans who are eager to recommend their products. This is due not only to the excellent quality, but also to the excitement the brand builds around its products. - Tesla
Elon Musk, founder of Tesla, is a master of whisper marketing. His Twitter posts and genuine commitment to the brand attract attention and generate discussion. - GoPro
GoPro encourages users to share their videos taken with GoPro cameras. As a result, the brand has thousands of authentic ads created by customers.
Summary
Whisper marketing is a powerful tool that can greatly benefit your brand. The key is to deliver exceptional experiences, build relationships with customers and encourage them to share their opinions.
Remember that whisper marketing is not a quick win – it’s a long-term process of building trust and loyalty. But if you do it right, you’ll see how much of an impact it can have on the success of your business.
