Creating advocates

An advocate is simply someone who actively promotes your business and sends customers and clients your way. They do it for no financial reward, simply because they believe in your business and you. So, how can you create more advocates?

Here's a few ideas:

- A simple to understand, easy to refer business (ie. they can say what you do in a few simple sentences - "FreeForm Media work with small businesses to deliver low cost marketing ideas")
- Return the favour by sending referrals to them
- Delivering and following up on anything you promise
- A straight forward approach
- Thanking them and recognising their contribution
- A good personal relationship
- WOM recommendations from other sources (ie they may feel more comfortable if others recommend you as well)
- A consistent, quality product or service
- You go the extra mile for their 'referees'

An advocate is effectively putting their own reputation on the line every time they refer someone to you - so you need to deliver. What's more, even though there's no financial reward, they need to feel that they are benefiting from the relationship as well - even if it's just a 'thank you'.

We all know recommendations are a more valued source of info than any advertisement; look to cultivate and grow your group of advocates and you'll benefit from the best form of marketing there is - for free.