WOM
WOM is the acronym for Word-Of-Mouth.
Word-Of-Mouth
Refers to the informal communication among consumers about the characteristics, benefits, or drawbacks of a product, service, or brand. Unlike traditional marketing methods, WOM is an organic process driven by customers’ experiences and opinions. It’s a powerful tool in sales and marketing for several reasons:
- Trust and Credibility: People tend to trust recommendations from friends, family, or even online reviews more than direct advertising from companies, as they perceive these sources as more honest and unbiased.
- Viral Potential: Good or bad experiences can be quickly shared and amplified through social networks, both offline and online, potentially reaching a broad audience rapidly.
- Influence on Purchasing Decisions: Positive WOM can significantly boost sales because prospective customers are often influenced by the opinions of others who have already used a product or service.
- Cost-Effectiveness: WOM is generally a low-cost marketing tool compared to traditional advertising, as it relies on customers to spread information.
- Feedback for Improvement: WOM provides valuable feedback to companies about what customers appreciate or dislike about their products or services, helping in improving offerings and customer satisfaction.
In the digital age, WOM extends to online reviews, social media posts, blogs, and other digital platforms, broadening its reach and impact. Encouraging positive WOM is a crucial strategy for businesses, often achieved by ensuring customer satisfaction, building strong relationships, and engaging effectively with customers.
As a strategy, there is also word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM), which encourages WOM.
- Abbreviation: WOM
