Social media is a marketing platform that has been around since humans could communicate. We’re not talking about Facebook or Instagram here, though. Word of mouth marketing (WOMM), the original Twitter and Instagram, has proven to be the most valuable and effective form of marketing and the one that consumers trust above all others.

As an independent building and construction professional, the most powerful tool in your utility belt is positive word of mouth. And the long-term benefits of customer loyalty outweigh any new business.

So, what can you do to encourage positive referrals?

Be proud and vocal about what makes your business unique

If your customer knows what makes you stand out and feels your passion and enthusiasm, it will stay with them when they speak about your business to friends and family.

Establish trust with your client base

Projecting an image of trust is vital to any business. There is a lot of competition out there and the customers’ choices come down to who they can trust.

Encourage user-generated content (UGC) 

User-generated content is any form of content that has been created by individuals and posted on social networks. People trust testimonials and online reviews as much as personal recommendations and they create reassurance around the performance, quality and value of your claims.

Get product ratings on your site

Give people the ability to rate or review your services directly on your site.

Offer outstanding customer support

Being available to meet your client’s needs leaves a lasting impression. This is made up of direct support, consulting on future projects or simply educating your customer on certain jobs they can DIY.

Surprise your client

When you go above and beyond your clients’ expectations, use initiative and offer a user experience unlike anyone else, your clients will have more than enough reason to talk about you.  They will automatically create excitement around your brand, just by sharing their own.