Is Word of Mouth Effective for Bad Products?

June 3, 2008 by Nicholas | 6 Comments
In Advertising

TechDirt:

Way too many people seem to think that “word of mouth marketing” is about getting others to spread your marketing message. That is, they think it’s about putting words into the mouths of others. But that’s not true at all. Real word of mouth marketing is about building a great product, and then letting your customers pass on the news however they see fit. If there’s anything to do on the “marketing” side, it’s merely to enable the tools for your biggest fans to spread the word, and then get the hell out of the way. However, it appears many marketers still don’t understand this concept.

Word of mouth marketing is never going to make a lick of difference if your product sucks. Rather than focusing on such things, concentrate on making a good product first — and then worry about the marketing campaign. And if the campaign fails — recognize that maybe it’s got something to do with the product.

Plenty of movie studios have tried promoting movies that just weren’t any good by word have mouth and had minimal success. Lesson learned is, good products promote themselves. If a product just isn’t good the only word of mouth that’s going to be going around is how bad product is.

Image via SicuSynergy

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Comments

  • David Mosley on June 4th, 2008 at 12:42 am

    That is so true,word of mouth can make it or break it.
    I listen to what others have to say about a product,before I buy it.

  • danakeith on June 4th, 2008 at 5:35 am

    i agree with David Mosley, i used to listen what others say about a certain product before i decide to have one on my own, just making it sure so that no regrets after buying it.

  • Ben Jones on June 4th, 2008 at 7:28 am

    I absolutely agreee. I am actually in the process of launching a new venture where wiord of mouth will be our mian source of marketing. The only things we are doing to facilitate this process is providing great products at low prices. We are also putting together a referral program thatshould help a little but thats it. People will talk about great products, especially ones with low prices.

  • Angelina on June 5th, 2008 at 4:46 am

    Though word of mouth is an acceptable strategy, it is not going to work if your product is useless or bad.

  • cassy on June 29th, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    I usually buy a thing if my friends told me that it is good and they have already tried it. Im not jumping into conclusion but its better that somebody you know have told you then.

  • Tony Brueski on August 16th, 2008 at 7:19 am

    Or if your product is that bad - people will talk too. You obviously want to be on the positive end of the spectrum, but if you are on the lower end, you will also get viral marketing… wich even though the product may suck, may still get you some interest.

    What is horrible to see sometimes is people who have a horrible product, get negative viral marketing, and think they are doing great - only to have it all crashing down once the buzz is over.

    Tony
    http://www.bestradiocommercials.com

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