Unleashing the Power of Advocates: 6 Proven Techniques to Cultivate a Loyal Marketing Force

Creating advocates is essential for the success of any business. An advocate is a customer who loves your brand and is willing to share their positive experiences with others. Advocates can be your most potent marketing tool, helping you build your brand, acquire new customers, and defend your reputation against detractors.

Here are six tried and tested ways to turn your customers into advocates:

1. Provide an Insanely Great Product

The first step in creating brand advocates is to provide a product or service that is so amazing, customers can't help but recommend it to others. This is easier said than done, but it's essential to get it right. Focus on creating a product that solves a problem or fills a need that your customers have. Make sure it's user-friendly, reliable, and offers excellent value for money.

2. Deliver Memorable Service

In today's world, where products and services are often similar, exceptional customer service is the key differentiator. Providing memorable service involves going above and beyond what your customers expect. This can include anything from personalized experiences to quick and efficient problem-solving. When customers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to become brand advocates.

3. Focus on Good Profits

Good profits are earned by providing value to your customers while earning a fair return for your business. Bad profits, on the other hand, are earned through shady practices like price gouging or hidden charges. Customers are savvy and can quickly identify when a company is prioritizing profits over their needs. Focus on creating good profits by offering excellent value, transparent pricing, and high-quality service.

4. Do the Right Thing

Doing the right thing is crucial to building trust and loyalty with your customers. When your customers trust you, they are more likely to advocate for your brand. Doing the right thing can be as simple as admitting a mistake and rectifying it quickly or going out of your way to help a customer, even if it may be costly. In today's social media age, a single unhappy customer can harm your reputation, so it's crucial to do the right thing, even when it's difficult.

5. Have a Social Conscience

In today's world, customers are increasingly aware of the social and environmental impact of the companies they do business with. Companies that demonstrate a social conscience by giving back to their communities, supporting ethical practices, or promoting sustainability are more likely to earn loyal advocates. Customers want to do business with companies that align with their values, and having a social conscience can help build that connection.

6. Fire Your Detractors

Sometimes, it's necessary to fire customers who are detractors. Detractors are customers who are unhappy with your products or services and are unlikely to become advocates. While it can be challenging to let go of customers, it may be in your best interest to do so. When you have customers who are high-maintenance, too demanding, or not well-suited to your products or services, parting ways can be the best approach for everyone involved.

In conclusion, creating brand advocates is critical for the success of any business. By providing an insanely great product, delivering memorable service, focusing on good profits, doing the right thing, having a social conscience, and firing your detractors, you can turn your customers into loyal advocates who will help you build your brand and grow your business.