Every small business owner, nearly without exception, will confirm that the best way to drive business to them is through word of mouth marketing. This is most effective when done in person, through genuine testimonies of successful business experiences.

When a customer finds the product or service they need, where and when they need it, they may very well tell someone. If they have a unique or exceptional experience there is a better chance they will share, but too often only immediately following the encounter, or if asked.

If you want to know how to be a champion for small businesses and our local economy, making the effort to share positive experiences, from the small and subtle to the extraordinary, has more impact than you might imagine. And to multiply the impact, take it to social media.

Marketing/advertising is one of the biggest yet hardest to measure expenses of any business. Customers turned fans are invaluable!

So, next time you do business, leave a tip if appropriate, but go the extra mile by telling someone about the great service you received or turn that testimony into a post and make sure you tag the business.

Check back next month for more small ways to help small businesses, and remember to shop local!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.