Promo Distributors: Build Some Buzz!

Today’s post will give you some great tips for creating word-of-mouth or buzz marketing for your promotional products/advertising specialty business.

Recently I saw a movie I loved, Chef.  It’s the kind of movie that had the audience clapping at the end. I thought the film was really enjoyable and a great story, so I  recommended it to all my friends.

Chances are, you’ve done the same thing. You’ve had a great experience that you couldn’t wait to share with others. This is the essence of word-of-mouth marketing, a powerful way to promote a product or service… and it’s easier than you think.

Here are some things you can do today to make that happen.

1. Be different. Look at what your competitors are doing and seek to be different. Providing a mini marketing plan, graphic design help, special packaging, industry trend reports or help with distribution are a few examples. Anything that will make your client’s job easier and enhance the promotion will have them “singing your praises.”

2. Engage with them on social media. Post interesting articles, ask questions and provide tips to help your target market grow their sales.

2. Find out what they want. Ask your current clients if there is any service you’re not currently providing that they would want. Then seek to provide it!

3. Perform damage control. When something goes wrong, accept responsibility and get it fixed quickly. People are much more likely to remember how you handled the situation rather than what happened.

4. Have a contest. People love contests. A trivia contest, a puzzle, a “help me name this” contest will get your customers engaged and talking about you.

5. Give more to get more. Make a list of your favorite business resources and give it to your best clients. Chances are your clients will be so impressed and grateful they’ll be thinking about what they can do for you.

6. Get testimonials. Chances are your customers do love you and they probably say great things about you. The next time you hear something favorable about your business, ask if you can use it as a testimonial. You can even save your client time by writing what they said and getting their permission to use it. Testimonials establish credibility and trust, a great way to drive business to you.

Speaking of word-of-mouth marketing: do you have a favorite promotional products industry supplier or service provider that is worthy of mention? I’m compiling a list and would love to know who you absolutely love working with. Leave a comment with your favorite and why you love working with them.