4 Social Media Methods for Generating Word of Mouth
From 4 Social Media Methods for Generating Word of Mouth:
Want to get people talking? Want to use social media to generate word of mouth? Here’s a secret: there are really only 4 ways to do it:
Social Media Tool #1: Value
Marketers have realized that if you provide incredible value, consumers will line up around the block for you.
Social Media Tool #2: Status
Our social media economy has forced us to prove who we know and where we go. Our value is derived from status – and the more public that is, the better. How many Facebook friends do you have or Twitter followers? Do you wear the badge of honor that comes with more than 500 connections on LinkedIn? Are you a top 100 Blogger?… The key to status is everyone wants to share it. And the more you have it, the more you’ll do just that. If you make it simple for people to share their connectivity, there won’t be a tight lip in the house.
Social Media Tool #3: Scarcity
Nothing gets people talking like something they can’t get their hands on. Years ago, Google launched Gmail as an invitation-only experience. You had to know someone who knew someone to get your own account, which came with 5 – only 5 – invitations you could share with your favorite friends. Limited supply not only made you choose wisely, but also created infinite demand.
Social Media Tool #4: Exclusivity
Finally, if you’re going to get people talking, try yanking the exclusivity chain. It’s what makes you jealous when someone whips out their Black Platinum Centurion Diamond credit card, or why you feel so special eating tasteless tiny no-crust hummus sandwiches in the British Airways Club Lounge. Exclusivity is the velvet rope of social media: everyone wants to be special enough to be on the right side of it.
But exclusivity isn’t limited to stuff. Information and knowledge can be the basis for incredible chatter. Why do we all want to talk about the secret ingredient in Coca Cola (it’s water, silly!)
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