There are a myriad of techniques companies can use to get the word out about their business and all the wonderful things it has to offer. From direct mail and internet advertising to television and radio spots, there are plenty of advertising methods to choose from. All of these marketing techniques cost money, and it is important for companies to target their advertising where it will have the greatest impact.

Even though the costs of traditional advertising can be quite high, cash strapped businesses of all sizes will be happy to know that there is one form of advertising that is completely free. This powerful free advertising is also known to be one of the most effective, often far more persuasive than television, radio or internet ads. This advertising is priceless, but not available for purchase at any price.

I speak of course of word of mouth advertising. Simple word of mouth, spread by happy customers, is perhaps the most effective type of advertising there is. Nothing can boost sales and interest in a company’s products quite like a strong buzz generated by happy customers telling others about their positive experiences. Cultivating this type of word of mouth can transform a company’s sales, boost its image among its peers and greatly enhance the bottom line.

Of course generating word of mouth advertising is easier said than done, and in order to do it right it is important that all parts of the company, from the mailroom clerk to the CEO, work together toward a consistent vision. It is especially vital that the customer service team be available to support the sales force by providing top notch follow up help to customers. Customer service is often a weak link in the chain, and boosting the ability of customer service reps to solve problems can give the company a real advantage and lead to excellent word of mouth advertising.