ShivaniWord-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective and powerful forms of marketing. It relies on satisfied customers’ recommendations, opinions, and experiences to promote a brand or product.
In today’s digital age, word-of-mouth marketing has evolved to include online reviews, social media posts, and other user-generated content that can reach a large audience and influence purchasing decisions.
In this blog, we will explore 30 word-of-mouth marketing examples and how these brands have successfully leveraged the power of customer recommendations and referrals to grow their businesses. From innovative marketing campaigns to customer-centric approaches, these examples demonstrate the importance of building strong relationships with customers and harnessing the power of word of mouth to drive growth and success.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, these examples will inspire you to think outside the box and find new ways to leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing.
What is Word-of-mouth marketing?
Word-of-mouth marketing is a marketing strategy that relies on recommendations and referrals from satisfied customers to promote a brand or product. It is based on the idea that people are more likely to trust the opinions of their friends, family members, and peers than traditional advertising or marketing messages.
Word-of-mouth marketing can take many forms, from customer reviews and testimonials to social media posts and online communities. It is a powerful and cost-effective way to promote a brand, as it can generate positive buzz and drive new customers without the need for expensive advertising campaigns.
To succeed, word-of-mouth marketing requires a strong focus on customer satisfaction and building strong customer relationships. By providing exceptional customer service and delivering high-quality products and experiences, brands can generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers through the recommendations of their existing customer base.
Why is Word-of-mouth marketing important?
Word-of-mouth marketing is important for several reasons:
- Trust: People tend to trust the recommendations of their friends, family, and peers more than traditional advertising or marketing messages. Word-of-mouth marketing leverages this trust and can be a powerful way to build credibility and trust for a brand.
- Cost-effectiveness: Word-of-mouth marketing is often more cost-effective than traditional advertising methods. By building strong customer relationships and providing exceptional experiences, brands can generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers without expensive advertising campaigns.
- Reach: Word-of-mouth marketing can have a wide reach, as satisfied customers can share their experiences with their networks through social media, online reviews, and other user-generated content. It can amplify a brand’s message and attract new customers.
- Longevity: Word-of-mouth marketing can have a longer-lasting impact than traditional advertising methods, as positive recommendations and referrals can continue to drive new business for a brand long after a campaign has ended.
Let us now look at Word-of-mouth marketing examples.
30 Word-of-mouth marketing examples
1. Dropbox
Dropbox’s referral program offered extra storage to users who referred their friends, resulting in the viral growth of its user base. By incentivizing its existing users to refer their friends, Dropbox created a powerful word-of-mouth marketing campaign that helped it gain traction in a crowded market. The referral program was easy to use, and Dropbox’s excellent product made it easy for users to recommend the service to their friends.
2. Uber
In the Uber referral program, for example, current users can refer their friends to the platform and receive a free ride credit once their friend takes their first ride. The referred friend also receives a free ride credit. This incentivizes current users to refer their friends and family to Uber, which can help to drive new business for the company.
3. Tesla
Tesla’s electric cars have gained popularity through customer referrals and online buzz. Tesla’s passionate fan base loves sharing its experiences with the brand on social media and other online platforms. Tesla’s innovative technology and commitment to sustainability have helped it create a powerful brand that inspires customer loyalty.
4. Glossier
Glossier’s cult following was built on social media through user-generated content and recommendations. Glossier’s marketing strategy revolves around creating a community of loyal customers who share their experiences with the brand on social media and other online platforms. Glossier’s products are designed to be easy to use and promote a natural, effortless look, which has helped it gain a loyal following among young, social media-savvy consumers.
5. Harry’s
Harry’s razors gained popularity through positive word-of-mouth reviews from influential bloggers and podcast hosts. Harry’s was able to break into a crowded market by creating a high-quality product and leveraging the power of influencers to promote it. By partnering with influential bloggers and podcast hosts, Harry’s generated buzz and gained a loyal following among its target audience.
6. Peloton
Peloton’s community of dedicated users regularly shares their experiences and progress on social media, driving brand awareness and sales. Peloton has created a strong community of fitness enthusiasts who love to share their experiences with the brand on social media and other online platforms. By creating a social network around its products, Peloton has been able to generate buzz and attract new customers.
7. Zappos
Zappos’ exceptional customer service has generated a strong base of loyal customers who frequently recommend the brand to others. Zappos is known for its exceptional customer service, which has helped it create a loyal following among its customers. Zappos’ employees are trained to provide high customer service, and the company goes out of its way to ensure that its customers are satisfied with their purchases.
8. Slack
Slack’s integration with other popular apps and platforms has led to widespread adoption among professionals and teams. Thanks to its ease of use and integration with other popular apps and platforms, Slack has become the go-to tool for team collaboration in many industries. By making it easy for users to integrate Slack with their existing workflows, the company has created a powerful word-of-mouth marketing campaign that has helped it gain traction in a crowded market.
9. Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club’s humorous marketing campaigns and affordable pricing have resulted in a strong customer base. Dollar Shave Club started offering a subscription service and delivered premium quality razors at an affordable price. By using humor in its marketing campaigns and leveraging the power of social media, the company created a powerful brand that resonated with its target audience.
10. Patagonia
Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices has generated a strong following among environmentally conscious consumers. The company’s reputation for quality products and responsible business practices has helped it build a loyal following, and its customers often recommend the brand to others. Patagonia also encourages its customers to repair and recycle their products, which helps to reinforce the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
11. Headspace
Headspace’s meditation app has gained popularity through user recommendations and positive reviews in the media. Headspace’s easy-to-use app and accessible approach to meditation have helped it attract a wide range of users, who often recommend the app to others. The company’s marketing campaigns also emphasize meditation’s benefits, which helps generate buzz and attract new users.
12. Toms
Toms’ “one for one” business model, in which the company donates a pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair purchased, has helped it create a strong following among socially conscious consumers. Tom’s commitment to social responsibility and its reputation for quality products has helped it generate positive word of mouth, with many customers recommending the brand to others. Toms also partners with other socially responsible organizations, which helps to reinforce its reputation as a socially conscious brand.
13. Mailchimp
Mailchimp’s user-friendly email marketing platform and emphasis on customer support have helped it build a loyal following among small business owners and entrepreneurs. Mailchimp’s marketing campaigns often feature success stories from its customers, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new users. The company also offers a range of resources and support to its users, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
14. Allbirds
Allbirds’ eco-friendly materials and minimalist design have helped it create a strong following among environmentally conscious consumers. The company’s marketing campaigns often highlight its commitment to sustainability and high-quality products, which helps generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers.
Allbirds also encourages its customers to recycle their shoes and offers a range of resources on sustainable fashion, which helps to reinforce its reputation as an eco-friendly brand.
15. Drizly
Drizly’s alcohol delivery service has helped it build a loyal following among convenience-seeking consumers. Drizly’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for the brand’s service, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers.
Drizly also strongly focuses on customer experience and provides resources and support to ensure customers have a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience, reinforcing its reputation as a customer-centric and innovative brand.
16. Glossika
Glossika’s language learning platform has gained popularity through positive reviews from language teachers and enthusiasts. Glossika’s unique approach to language learning, which emphasizes immersion and repetition, has helped it attract a dedicated following of language learners who often recommend the platform to others. The company also offers a range of resources and support to its users, which helps to reinforce its reputation as a high-quality language learning platform.
17. Casper
Casper’s innovative approach to mattress design and commitment to customer satisfaction has helped it create a strong consumer following. The company’s marketing campaigns often feature customer testimonials and success stories, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Casper also offers a range of resources and support to its users, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
18. Dollar General
Dollar General’s low prices and convenient locations have helped it build a strong following among budget-conscious consumers. The company’s marketing campaigns often feature its low prices and wide range of products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Dollar General also offers a range of rewards and discounts to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation as a budget-friendly retailer.
19. Yeti
Yeti’s reputation for durable and high-quality outdoor products has helped it create a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts. Yeti’s marketing campaigns often feature customer testimonials and success stories, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Yeti also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
20. Glossier
Glossier’s minimalist approach to beauty products and commitment to inclusivity has helped it create a strong following among younger consumers. Glossier’s marketing campaigns often feature real customers using the products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Glossier also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
21. Peloton
Peloton’s high-quality exercise equipment and engaging online fitness classes have helped it create a strong following among fitness enthusiasts. Peloton’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and motivational messages, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Peloton also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
22. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s reputation for quality products and unique offerings has helped it build a loyal following among consumers. Trader Joe’s marketing campaigns often feature the company’s unique products and affordable prices, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Trader Joe’s also offers a range of rewards and discounts to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation as a budget-friendly retailer.
23. Airbnb
Airbnb’s unique accommodations and personalized travel experiences have helped it create a strong following among travelers. Airbnb’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for unique accommodations, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Airbnb also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
24. Warby Parker
Warby Parker’s affordable and stylish eyewear has helped it create a strong following among fashion-conscious consumers. Warby Parker’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for the company’s products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Warby Parker also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
25. Slack
Slack’s user-friendly communication platform and emphasis on productivity have helped it build a loyal following among professionals and teams. Slack’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for the platform’s features, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Slack also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
26. Halo Top
Halo Top’s low-calorie and high-protein ice cream have helped it create a strong following among health-conscious consumers. Halo Top also offers a range of flavors and products, which helps to reinforce its reputation as a healthy and innovative brand. Halo Top’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for the company’s products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers.
27. ThirdLove
ThirdLove’s commitment to inclusivity and innovative approach to bra sizing has helped it create a strong following among women. ThirdLove’s marketing campaigns often feature real customers using the products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. ThirdLove also offers a range of resources and support to its customers, which helps to reinforce its reputation for excellent customer service.
28. Glossika
Glossika’s language learning software and methodology have helped it build a loyal following among language learners. Glossika’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for the brand’s products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers. Glossika also strongly focuses on customer feedback and uses customer insights to improve its products, reinforcing its reputation as a customer-centric and innovative brand.
29. 23andMe
23andMe’s DNA testing and personalized health reports have helped it create a strong following among consumers interested in genetic testing and personalized healthcare. 23andMe’s marketing campaigns often feature customer success stories and recommendations for the brand’s products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers.
23andMe also strongly focuses on customer education and provides resources and support to help customers understand their genetic data, reinforcing its reputation as a trustworthy and informative brand.
30. Hello Tushy
Tushy’s bidet attachments and sustainable bathroom products have helped it create a strong following among environmentally-conscious consumers. Tushy’s marketing campaigns often feature customer testimonials and recommendations for the brand’s products, which helps to generate positive word of mouth and attract new customers.
Tushy also strongly focuses on customer education and provides resources and support to help customers reduce their environmental impact, reinforcing its reputation as a socially-responsible brand.
