Word of Mouth Marketing: Why It Works Best with Print + Digital Support
At Intaglio Creative, we know businesses have more marketing channels than ever before—social media, websites, email, print campaigns, and more. But there’s one tactic that consistently outperforms them all: word of mouth marketing (WOMM).
According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of marketing. When people talk positively about your business, they’re essentially doing the advertising for you. That’s powerful—and it’s free.
But here’s the key: word of mouth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. To truly maximize WOMM, you need a strong foundation of print and digital marketing that reinforces your reputation and makes it easy for customers to spread the word.
Why Word of Mouth Works
Word of mouth is effective because it’s built on trust. When a friend recommends a service, they’re putting their own credibility on the line. They don’t gain anything from referring you—they simply believe in the value of your product or service. That authenticity makes WOMM far more persuasive than an ad alone.
And WOMM builds loyalty. Research shows that referred customers are more likely to stay with a business long-term compared to those acquired through other means. When trust is transferred through a personal recommendation, it forms a stronger bond.
How WOMM Creates Buzz
In today’s digital-first world, word of mouth spreads faster than ever. A happy customer shares a positive experience on Facebook or posts a photo on Instagram, and suddenly dozens—or hundreds—of others are exposed to your business. From local coffee shops to large events, buzz builds when people start talking.
But here’s the catch: if your branding, website, and marketing materials don’t back up that positive word of mouth, you risk losing momentum.
How to Strengthen WOMM with Marketing
Word of mouth starts with exceptional experiences—but it thrives when supported by strategic marketing. Here’s how:
1. Digital Marketing Amplifies WOMM
SEO-friendly websites make it easy for referred customers to find you after hearing your name.
Email campaigns keep your brand top-of-mind and encourage customers to share with friends.
Social media content gives customers something worth resharing, multiplying your reach.
2. Print Marketing Reinforces WOMM
Business cards, brochures, and flyers give happy customers a tangible way to pass along your information.
Direct mail campaigns keep your brand visible in homes and offices, sparking conversations.
Event signage and print collateral ensure your brand looks professional and memorable when people talk about their experience.
3. Integrated Marketing Makes WOMM Last
At Intaglio Creative, we believe the most effective WOMM happens when your print and digital efforts work together. A QR code on a postcard can lead directly to your website. A branded email can be forwarded to a friend. A social post can match the design of a flyer in someone’s hand. This consistency strengthens trust and makes your business easier to recommend.
The Bottom Line
Word of mouth marketing will always be one of the most valuable tools a business can have. But to unlock its full potential, you need integrated strategies that make it easy for customers to talk about you—and even easier for new prospects to find you.
At Intaglio Creative, we help businesses combine the power of print + digital marketing with the natural credibility of word of mouth. From designing branded collateral to managing your digital presence, we ensure every touchpoint reinforces your reputation and drives referrals.
Ready to amplify your word of mouth marketing? Contact Intaglio Creative today.
