(Source: LexisNexis 2010)

Your customers trust strangers

Nielsen consumer reports show that the number of people who trust word of mouth recommendations has increased significantly. 90% of the participants of a 2009 survey said that they trust recommendations from people they know. Even more substantial is the news that 70% of people surveyed trust consumer opinions posted online – by strangers.

By essentially giving away control of how your brand is perceived online to total strangers you could be doing more damage than you’ve ever anticipated. Not knowing what your potential and existing customers are saying about your brand can mean you risk losing sales, decreasing customer retention and diminishing the value of the brand you’ve worked so hard to build.

Join the conversation

With the power of online conversations reaching unprecedented heights now is the time for you to think twice about the attention you give your brand online. The good news is that the continual growth of the online scene presents key opportunites for you to take hold of. Thanks to the introduction of Facebook, Twitter etc., you can now converse with your market, at a personal level in the comfort of their surroundings.

Engagement is key

Engagement, not broadcasting, is fundamental. Too many companies, particularly SME’s, use their online reach to bombard their audience with advertising content. Consumers appreciate genuine engagement which presents added value to their relationship with your brand. By enhancing this relationship you can create affiliated customers who spread the good word of your brand for free! Turning your online fans into brand ambassadors is a fundamental part of digital strategies and will help to ignite and secure positive word of mouth for your brand.

Chat to us today to learn more about how you can grow your online presence.

Investing in your brand should be seen as an investment in your business…and in its future. 

Just as human beings have their own DNA which makes them unique, your business brand should have its own DNA which makes it stand out in a crowd. Within our current economic climate many business owners and managers have cut back or are holding off, on investing in their brand. A recession if fact is probably one of the best times to boost if possible this investment in your brand. Brands should use this time to make assurances to customers of quality as well as give the customer confidence during this time of uncertainty in the market place. 

Within times of recession in business downturn, always remember that it won’t last for ever. Conversely these times can actually be a massive opportunity for businesses prepared to try something new and think a little differently. Think of these times as a challenge to stand out from others, be open to new ideas and innovative ways to position your brand to ultimately create awareness to your customers. It is paramount for the business at these times to make long term decisions as apposed to short term gain; remember cutting any such investment could ultimately affect the long standing position of your brand.

From past experience, many businesses tend to invest very little into the ongoing development of their brand. For many businesses, a key business change ,marks the only time branding might be scrutinised. By then it could be too late. Many businesses also find it just too costly. However taking this approach could and most likely will in the long run be even more expensive and a much larger task when finally facing the fact that something has to be done. 

Branding does not have to be costly. Even the smallest change can make a difference. 

For more information on how we can help your brand grow, contact 10thstep.com today. 

There are many different types of viral marketing which can be used these include pass along messages, games, and video clips. These forms of marketing can be further Incentive-driven to offer rewards for the end user signing up or providing an email address.

One thing to remember in all this is that ‘customer is king’ and the number 1 concern for any company or business. Its very important to cater to the needs and wants of your customer giving them what they want by advertising only what you can deliver and not making false promises in any viral marketing which you do either online or offline.

For more information and help doing effective viral marketing that gets your results contact 10thstep.com