Recommendations from friends and family are more likely to attract new customers to your business than traditional advertising. However, word-of-mouth marketing is not something that can be generated; it has to occur organically.

Here are three ways to drive word-of-mouth marketing:

Exceed expectations
Give your customers something to talk about by going above and beyond what is required of you. For example, you might add in a small gift or give discounts or special deals when a customer shops with you a certain amount of times. Ensure your products and services are of the highest quality and are priced in accordance to what your customers are willing to pay. Delivering quality products and services is guaranteed to get people talking about your business.

Create the right environment
Enable customers to leave reviews and recommendations, both online and offline. Creating the right environment for customers helps to get the conversation started and encourages happy customers to spread the word and leave positive reviews.

Build a sense of community
Loyal customers are more likely to recommend you to their family and friends. Focusing on building a tight-knit community is important as it connects customers to your business and one another. Online communities can be fostered through your company’s Facebook page, for example, engaging customers by responding to and asking for feedback, sharing company events with followers or starting discussions. Offline, you may decide to host an event and invite loyal customers and allow them to bring a guest, etc.