subject: Influencing Consumer Behavior Through Word of Mouth [print this page] Influencing Consumer Behavior Through Word of Mouth
Have you ever bought a dress because you thought the model wearing it was attractive? It's as if we thought that by buying that dress, we would be bound to look attractive in it too. The truth is that many of us were once subconsciously influenced by simple factors. I remember looking through wedding magazines and falling for every dress that was on a pretty model. Put that dress on someone who wasn't as attractive, and I would probably think twice. Sometimes we make silly decisions like these without even noticing it. And I'm going to go on a limb and say this is society's fault.
Today, we are a different type of consumer. We think and discuss before we buy. We no longer buy simply on impulse. We have knowledge and information at our fingertips so we use our resources to find us the best thing for the best price. Although for consumers this is helpful, it may make things difficult for companies who are stuck in the traditional marketing mindset of selling through scamming.
The problem with traditional marketing is that it just doesn't work on most people today. Because there is more competition and free ad space through social media, more people are selling the same product and being creative in it's delivery. There is a higher level of competition and companies are having to brand themselves through online personalities just to get our attention. I know I don't mind this because, for some brands, it means practicing better business ethics.
As a company, you have to appeal to your customer not only through product satisfaction, but also through your own vision and brand morale. Some people refuse to buy certain brands because they hurt animals or they pollute the environment in their production of their products. These things definitely matter to people, so make sure you keep this in mind before throwing your product and brand out there. Remember, everything you are doing is in turn influencing consumer behavior, positively .. and negatively, so whatever you are doing make sure it is what you want your brand to be known for.
