Believe it or not, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to market a small business is by "word of mouth." Sound too good to be true? It isn't. Word-of-mouth is a powerful form of communication, and it is used most often when referring to services.

Many people consult their friends and families prior to making purchases. Think about it: many of the opinions we have, whether good or bad, are based upon things that we have heard others say and who do we trust most... our friends and family. If your business is known for being dependable, your staff for being professional, courteous, and reliable, and your product is known for being exceptional, your customers will not only remain your customers, but they'll likely tell others who may ultimately become customers as well. Likewise, if your clients have a negative experience with you, your staff, product or service, they will also tell others, yet the end result will probably be much different.

Furthermore, studies show that negative word-of-mouth has a greater effect on consumer behavior than positive word-of-mouth. Consumer complaints and rumors are the most common forms of negative word-of-mouth. Therefore, as a small business owner, you must recognize that one of the keys to successfully marketing your business is keeping your customers happy.

For more information on how to successfully market your small business, visit these websites: www.sba.gov; www.TheMarketingBible.com; www.my1stbusiness.com; and www.1smartpuppy.com.

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