You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

Why Word-of-Mouth Marketing Matters (Infographic) Here's why it's important to get people chatting about your brand.

By Rose Leadem

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

BraunS | Getty Images

From social media to banner ads and SEO, there are a number of ways companies market their goods and services. However, the most trusted source is usually from a person's friends, family or colleague.

Related: Top 3 Ways for Building a Word-of-Mouth Business

When people hear about something from someone they trust, they'll instinctively trust that recommendation. In fact, word of mouth is so impactful that half of Americans would prefer it over any type of marketing. Eighty-three percent of Americans said they've made a word-of-mouth recommendation -- 55 percent said they make recommendations at least monthly and 30 percent said they make them weekly.

Related: 5 Ways to Maximize Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Many people assume that social media is the best way to get the word out about a business. But according to research by Talk Triggers, Americans value word of mouth 41 percent more than social media when it comes to recommendations. However, these numbers can vary by industry. Half of Americans rely on word of mouth when it comes to choosing a restaurant. The events industry also heavily relies on word of mouth -- when planning a wedding, recommendations from friends is 331 percent more likely to be relied on than advertising. People also depend on word of mouth in politics. During election season, millennials are 115 percent more influenced by word of mouth than by advertising.

Related: How to Get Influencers to Drive Your Word-of-Mouth Marketing

To learn more about the power of word of mouth, check out TalkTriggers.com's infographic below.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

This Trauma Doctor Has Seen It All — And in Moments of Failure, He Shares The 2 Things That Help Him Start Again

Here's how an ER doctor grapples with loss, failure and persistence — and how you can do the same.

Money & Finance

7 Easy Ways To Manage Cash Flow Surprises In Your Business

Small businesses should thrive without financial worries. Explore strategies to manage cash flow effectively and keep your business's focus on your operations and long-term goals.

Growing a Business

When Customers Balked at High Prices, This Bubble Tea Maker Educated Them About Quality Ingredients. Now His Flea Market Stand Has Turned Into 3 Permanent Locations.

From day one, Mathew Wong's goal has been to share the authentic bubble tea experience with his community. By staying true to his vision and facing obstacles head-on, he's brought a taste of Asia to customers across three New York City neighborhoods with his company Tea and Milk.

Devices

Get an Android Tablet for $120

This powerful tablet can support a wide range of business travel needs.