How to Create Your Own Word of Mouth Campaign in 5 Easy Steps

Word of mouth is viral on its own.However, businesses need to think about the marketing aspect of everything they do and this includes "word of mouth" advertising.

Word of mouth is among the very few techniques to infiltrate the no-marketing zones people have built around their lives. Many marketers, including myself, believe that informal, unmediated communication through blogs, social networking sites, or chats in the girls' bathroom is hands down more effective than even the most polished ads.

Word of mouth is a great starting point for an online marketing campaign. Below are 5 easy steps to get you to start your own "word of mouth" campaign:

1. Find people who will talk about your business. Look for bloggers, customers, volunteers, and influencers.

2. Give them a topic to discuss. This could be a new product, great service,, or a new feature.

3. Use the tools that are available to you. Handouts, blogs, online communities, samples.

4. Take part in the conversation. Reply to blog postings, online discussions, and use Twitter for updates.

5. Track your comments. Use dashboards and other advanced measurement tools. Offer feedback on on message boards.

Use this info to start your own word of mouth marketing campaign and get the word out.

To Your Success,

Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations

Is Your Business Using Social Media?

Social media is here to stay. Now we just have to grow and develop with it. Social media is the new marketing medium, and every agency, no matter how clueless they are in actually using or implementing social media in campaigns, is telling their clients that this is what they have to be doing. I've been one of the people banging the drum for businesses to catch up in implementing social media into their current marketing efforts and for their clients and customers. Why? Social media is so much more than just social networks. It’s about visibility and enhancing brand through blogs, video sharing, photo sharing, micro-blogging, forums and much, much more.

The public at large is not utilizing social media and we have only begun to scratch the surface in power, influence, and value that social media offers in personal and business relationships. Social Media is blogging and podcasting. Its joining social networks and social sharing sites. Social media is a form of communication that is rapidly changing the way business relates to its customers. Social media tools facilitate and magnify these communications.

Social Media is definitely not as omnipresent as email yet. It’s been reported that 75% of 18-24 year olds spend significant time on social networks. Knowing that how can you influence that important group of purchasing power? Social Media is redefining how we relate to each other as humans and how we relate to the organizations that serve us. While it is commonly represented by blogs, video, audio, wikis, other user generated content and social networks, it is not about those specific things as much as it is about what happens around and because of those things. If you own a business, regardless of size, then you MUST have a social media campaign. This will help form and solidify sound relationships that are valid, reliable, and true.

To your success!

Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations

Is Your Web Designer Building You a Dynamic Site?

I have, recently, run into several business people who hired a web designer to build them a dynamic website for their business. What was interesting is that their websites, although they looked good, did not provide them with any leads and minimal page views. I found them to be frustrated as they spent a considerable amount of money to help them garner leads, enhance their brand, and visibility on the internet.



I have posted a short video that will share with you 3 questions that you MUST ask prior to hiring a web designer. This is a must watch video as it will literally save you thousands of dollars and lot's of headaches!

To your continued success,

Tony Estigoy

VP, New Media

Rebel Public Relations

Interview with Amparo Perez Cook

Today, I want you to meet Amparo Perez Cook. Who you might ask? Most people have never heard of her yet she achieved something that most will never do.

Amparo followed her dream. Watch the interview with RebelWoman host Jann Taber and listen to her story. It is one of many yet one of so few. Her dream, her passion, allowed her to purchase a radio station(one of the first woman to ever do so!) for $15M, without any money, and later sell it for $23M.

Her story is one of passion, determination, and the desire to think big and act big. Her laser focused drive would not allow failure although there were many obstacles against her.

Take 15 minutes and watch the interview. It just might help propel you past any obstacles!

To your success!

-Tony Estigoy
-VP, New Media and Social Media Coach
-http://www.RebelPR.com

Twitter and Social Media

If you are not taking advantage of social media or are not currently on Twitter you're missing out big time!

Get on Twitter asap. Start looking for people who have the same interests as you or how about getting some news flash's from CNN or your local news outlet? With companies like Dunkin' Donuts, Southwest Airlines and Expedia using Twitter it only makes sense for you to be on there too! What are you waiting for?

Twitter will help you drive traffic to your website. There are other social media bloggers who are claiming 800 additional views per day to their website. I don't know, can you use 800 more views per day on your site? I know I can!

Twitter is not complicated and it's a great tool to start meeting like minded business people. You get 140 characters to work with in your mini-blog. Get creative and learn how 2 shortn txt. Every character counts.

Social media is all about transparency. Be real. Don't sell. Make friends. Don't make it complicated. Have fun.

Get on Twitter now and start sending your tweets. Your marketing will never be the same!

Here's to a successful 2009!
Tony Estigoy VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com

p.s.Below is a self-serving video that shares testimonials from my last social media seminar.