Marketing Trend 2024: Why Video is a MUST-HAVE for Impactful Marketing
Video is no longer just a “nice-to-have” in marketing - it’s an essential tool for making a lasting impression.
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BIG DEAL Company was proud to be a part of the City of Loveland's, "Small Business, Big Summer" promotion. The goal of the promotion was to increase visibility to the small business community to customers and other businesses, forging new relationships with community partners and increased community awareness about all the awesome places to shop in Loveland! 

This promotion came with some great numbers (and we love numbers!)

• 306 raffle entries submitted from shoppers
• 262 visits to the website with our listed businesses
• 52 participating Loveland businesses
• 12 raffle prizes donated by thoughtful participants  
• 5 community partnerships supporting outreach efforts (Downtown Development Authority, Visit Loveland, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Business Development Center)

For BIG DEAL, we care that we contribute to the success of others and to the cities we live in. Thank you to all who make this program possible and supported it this summer!

​It’s so easy to get caught up in your same old routine when it comes to your marketing strategy.  BIG DEAL Company is always keeping an eye out for whatever the next big thing is.  Shake it up with this list of 2024’s list of projected hot marketing trends.

Two words…video content! - Video continues to dominate online content. Consider including video content in your marketing strategy, such as product demos, tutorials, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes.
 
Embrace the future – Let’s face it, artificial intelligence (AI) is our future and honestly, learning to use it can save you time and frustration.  Use AI to enhance customer interactions, automate routine tasks, provide instant customer support, and gather valuable data for marketing insights.
 
Interact with your audience – Capture the attention of your customers and clients with interactive content like polls, quizzes, and surveys.  Not only is it fun for them, but it also provides you with valuable data.
 
Go green - Consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental and social issues. Highlight your company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
 
Give ‘em what they want - Tailor your marketing messages to individual preferences and behaviors. Leverage your data analytics and automations (like Google Analytics) to create personalized experiences that speak to their preferences.
 
Good old customer experience - Customer experience remains a key differentiator. Prioritize seamless, user-friendly experiences across all touchpoints (check out our Website Health Check Blog for a few tips) to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Up your local SEO and micro-moments game - Optimize your online presence for local searches, as consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices for quick, location-based information during micro-moments.
 
User-Generated Content – Not all businesses need or can get user-generated content, but if it fits your model, it can be a highly impactful way to tell your story.  User-generated content can build trust and authenticity while expanding your reach.
 
As you dive into the new year, consider diving into new ways to grow your marketing plan.  Be prepared to adapt strategies to your specific industry, target audience, and business goals. Regularly assess the performance of your marketing efforts and be prepared to make changes based on evolving trends and consumer trends.  BIG DEAL Company is here to help you through the jungle of marketing and we’re just a click away.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Generating Referrals for Small Businesses

In the realm of marketing, nothing beats the power of a glowing recommendation from a satisfied customer. Word-of-mouth marketing is an age-old practice that remains one of the most effective strategies for generating referrals and boosting business growth for small enterprises. People overwhelmingly trust word-of-mouth referrals from their peers. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and provide actionable tips for generating referrals for your small business.
 
Why is word-of-mouth marketing so powerful?

In a word: trust. Consumers tend to trust recommendations from people they know more than traditional advertisements. When someone recommends your business, it carries inherent credibility. In a Nielsen study, 83% of people said they trust word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members, and another 92% trust word-of-mouth recommendations more than any other method of advertising.
 
Word-of-mouth-marketing (or WOMM) is essentially free, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to promote your business. In addition, your satisfied customers can potentially reach a broader audience than you might through traditional marketing efforts, speaking with people who are not usually part of your marketing audience.
 
Positive recommendations also have a long-lasting effect on your business, as people remember and value personal referrals. Word continues to spread long after the initial recommendation, fostering your business’s community prestige and creating an enduring reputation.

​How can I generate word-of-mouth referrals for my small business?
 
Let’s delve into some strategies that small businesses can employ to generate referrals and maximize their impact:
 
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
 
Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. When you provide a positive, memorable, and/or unique experience, you’re setting the stage for effective word-of-mouth recommendations from your customers.
 
Encourage Reviews and Testimonials
 
Reviews and testimonials are a form of unpaid advertising that, when used effectively, is more productive than the majority of paid advertisement. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific review sites. Showcase your rave reviews on your website, on social media, and in marketing materials you send to prospective customers.
 
Leverage Social Media
 
Social media can be another source of testimonials in the form of user-generated content – content that is created by a user or customer rather than by your marketing team. Encourage your audience to share their experiences, then broadcast their feedback to reach a wider audience and build trust and credibility in your business.
 
Implement a Referral Program
 
A structured referral program formally incentivizes your satisfied customers to bring in new business. Referral programs offer benefits to happy customers, such as gift cards to your business, freebies, or discounts on services or products, in exchange for bringing new customers to you. These customers are more valuable than a new customer who walks in off the street, because your referring client has already laid the foundation of trust and the expectation of a positive experience.

Network and Collaborate
 
Collaborate with other local businesses and professionals, and attend networking events. Establishing partnerships with complementary businesses can lead to partnerships and mutual referrals. Business owners who have had positive personal interactions with you are much more likely to recommend your business to their customers.
 
Use Storytelling
 
As we discussed last month, storytelling is a powerful tool for eliciting an emotional response from your customers and potential customers. Share your business journey and success stories with your audience. People love hearing about the passion and dedication behind a small business. An engaging narrative can inspire others to support and recommend your brand.
 
Engage with Customer Feedback
 
Regularly monitor online reviews and customer feedback. Promote the positive, and address any negative comments professionally and promptly (but after you’ve allowed some time for your initial emotional response to wear off). Demonstrating your commitment to resolving issues can turn a review around and transform a dissatisfied customer into a loyal advocate. Even when that fails, others will see your response as a testament to your dedication to your business and desire to create positive experiences for your customers.
 
Word-of-mouth marketing holds immense potential for small businesses. By focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences, encouraging reviews and referrals, and leveraging social media and networking opportunities, you can harness the power of word-of-mouth to grow your business organically and sustainably. A happy customer can be your best marketing asset, and nurturing those relationships can pave the way for a successful and thriving business.
 
When you hire BIG DEAL Company for small business marketing, you gain a built-in partnership. We’ll refer your business to our clients and network of other small businesses and promote your company across our social media network. Start building word-of-mouth today with our experienced marketing team.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.