4 Tips for Building Brand Advocates

As a professional, you are your brand. In other words, how you are perceived by others is your brand, and everyone that has interacted with you has the ability to strengthen or weaken your brand. So, building an enthusiastic group of Brand Advocates should be high on your priority list.

Brand Advocates are clients that constantly and positively refer you to others. They’re a powerful marketing tool because potential clients are more likely to listen to a third-party passionate advocate.

Here are a few ways to help encourage Brand Advocates:

1. Ask. It may sound simple, but it’s the first rule of sales. You have to ask. You might be surprised at how enthusiastically your top clients will “brag” about you if simply ask them to refer you when appropriate.

2. Give Them Something to Talk About. Don’t assume your Brand Advocates know everything that is going on with you. When you’ll be speaking publicly, tell them. When you receive an award, thank them.

3. Listen to Your Clients. Periodically, ask your top clients for their input. When you encourage clients to help you improve your practice, you infuse a sense of ownership. When your clients feel they own your brand, they’re more likely to promote you.

4. Set the Stage. Create social situations where your Brand Advocates can comfortably share with others. Summer barbecues, art show sponsorships, and amateur sports team sponsorships are just a few opportunities for you to ask clients to invite others to social, non-work gatherings.

Brand Advocates are powerful, so make it easy for them to give out your name. Always show up on the first page of GOOGLE®, YAHOO!®, and BING® when prospective clients search for your name.