The current state of marketing is very exciting with emerging technologies bringing people closer together giving everyone a chance to voice their opinions. This connectivity has fostered a new form of gossip that when used correctly can boost your brand and just as quickly take you out for good.
It has been a long standing truth that word-of-mouth marketing is the best way to build a loyal customer base. Basically, gossip can fuel the growth of your brand. The rise of social media, blogging, and online communities like Yelp have made it very easy to gossip to large groups of people. When considering your brand this new powerful form of online gossip is a tool that can shape the success or failure of your business. So, what should you do to influence public opinion and shape gossip in your favor?
1. Communicate regularly through your social media channels. Try to engage customers on social media with a human touch. Be personable and respond truthfully to posts and comments. Connect with customers on a human level.
2. Listen to consumer criticism with an open mind. Bad gossip can spiral out of control quickly and nothing starts bad gossip like customers who feel neglected and unheard. Even if you cannot fix your customers problems, always let them know you hear their issues and are working for them. This simple communication can stop gossip and save face.
3. Create useful content. Harness the power of good gossip by creating fun, engaging, informative, and targeted content that your consumers want to talk about and share. This content should be focused on entertainment value and not sales. Some are uncomfortable pitching sales content so be aware of your phrasing and keep it light.
The way people talk about your business to others is what your brand really is about. Your brand is not static and will fluctuate based on consumer perception. Do your best to stay ahead of the gossip and shape the brand you want. Happy selling from Wazala.
