Are Influencers Born or Built?

Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM), the oldest form of marketing, is as relevant as ever.

Now we see different flavors of WOMM, including influencer marketing.

In today’s connected world, experts point out the 3Rs of influence: reach, relevance, and resonance.

Can entrepreneurs with small marketing budgets achieve success during the era of influencer marketing, often based on celebrity and publicity?

They should, as customer experiences still drive WOMM.

In a recent study, researchers found that word of mouth resulted in 50–91% of a company’s sales, but many companies lack a strategy for word of mouth marketing.

You can earn organic social influence by building trust rather than relying on paid publicity and celebrity.

A single recommendation, especially by an influencer, can have a significant impact.

M. Nick Hajili says:

Global consumers want connection and convenience at every stage of brand engagement.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand customer wants and encourage engagement through useful information.

How can a budding entrepreneur become an influencer and create a community of influencers?

Affirm your customers to turn them into influencers.

Reward your customers with your time, attention, and little extras — that’s how they become enthusiastic evangelists for your products and services.

Ask for their opinion, increase customer input.

Find new ways to develop loyalty programs that increase the lifetime value of your relationships.

Have you noticed that when influencers speak or write, everyone listens?

Why?

What are they providing to their fanbase?

Is it humor, encouragement, motivation, or useful information?

Find out by observing influencers such as Jon Morrow, Jay Baer, Tim Ferriss, or Neil Patel.

You may notice ideas, articles, informative presentations, or videos that are picked up and shared person-to-person via social networking sites or within niche communities.

Make it a habit to participate in community discussions, initiate conversations and relationships that help you become an expert.

Surprises are worth your time since they allow exceeding expectations.

Come up with a special offer or a free complimentary service.

Also, you can always add something remarkable to your product or service.

The level of expectations changes fast these days. Always find new ways to “over-deliver” so that you provide new reasons to talk about your brand.

Never stop learning how to be better and more efficient at what you do.

As you engage with your customers and other business owners, learn from them, offer help.

Find time in your busy day to send thank you cards and notes to people who have made a difference in your life.

Make it effortless for your loyal clients to provide information about you, your products and services. Find out why or why not people refer you.

If you become and stay referable, you don’t have to try hard to sell; the business will come to you.

If you have the drive, passion, and motivation — influence will follow.

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