What Is Advocacy Marketing?
Advocacy marketing is a strategy where your current customers help promote your business, products, or services online. They can support you in various ways, such as:
- Making YouTube review videos.
- Posting about your business on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
- Sharing your content with their followers.
Why Is Advocacy Marketing Important?
Advocacy marketing can bring in more new customers than traditional advertising. People trust recommendations from other people more than ads. In fact, over 80% of customers research products or services online before making a purchase.
When people see others recommending a product or service on social media, they’re more likely to be impressed and consider buying it themselves. Plus, this type of marketing is essentially free for your business.
How to Get Advocates
It’s simple: make your customers happy. If your customers feel they’ve been treated exceptionally well, they’re likely to tell their friends about it. Here’s how you can encourage them to share their experiences:
Use Incentives: Offer special deals to customers who spread the word online. For example, give a discount if a referred friend makes a purchase. Send promo codes to previous customers via email to encourage them to come back.
Create a Brand Story: Give customers something unique to talk about. Set up a loyalty program to encourage repeat visits and give them a reason to share their experiences.
Combine Storytelling and Incentives: Use hashtags on social media to encourage customers to share their experiences. This not only promotes your brand but also boosts their personal brand. Successful examples include campaigns by Starbucks and Pets at Home.
Be Personal: If something went wrong, acknowledge it and show you care about the customer’s experience. Offer free replacements or upgrades if needed, and follow up to ensure everything turned out okay.
Offer Good Shipping Options: Partner with a shipping company to offer cheaper or free delivery. High shipping costs can deter customers, so providing affordable options can make a big difference.
Get Your Team Onboard
For advocacy marketing to succeed, your entire team should support it. Ensure everyone, from marketing to customer service, is aligned and informed. In a remote-working world, invest in the right communication tools to keep your team connected. Explore options like Skype, Glip, and Microsoft Teams to find what works best for your business. Having an organized digital workspace is crucial for managing new customers brought in by your advocates.