Attention Bar Owners: Why not let your patrons do some of your marketing for you?

Word of mouth advertising is one of the most underrated, albeit important types of marketing a bar can use in this economic climate.  Many Michigan bar owners underestimate and often overlook the importance of WOM marketing.  It costs nothing and can be a powerful, powerful weapon.  If a customer finds his/her way into your bar in Michigan, is treated to fantastic customer service, gets chatted up by a friendly and charming bartender, is served simple, yet delicious pub fare made with fresh ingredients and has a good time in a great atmosphere, they will tell their friends.

Unfortunately, the aforementioned points aren't the only features needed in your Michigan bar to get the most out of word of mouth advertising.  What is it about your bar that makes it stand out from the rest?  In order to get WOM marketing to be the powerful tool it can be, your bar needs to have that intangable "it" factor; i.e. something to make your customers want to talk about your establishment.  This is why out of the box thinking is so important.  You need to come up with that something REALLY special that makes your bar in Michigan noteworthy.

The "it" factor may come in the form of something as simple as really incredible artwork that will elicite conversation.  It may be a signature drink that is so incredible that customers will talk about the experience of trying it for days and weeks to come.  It could be an event or party celebrating a day not usually celebrated.  The possibilites are limitless, but whatever you choose to make your bar stand out must be so incredibly unique that patrons will simply HAVE to talk about it.  In this economy, good service, decent food and clean restrooms no longer do the trick.  Your Michigan bar has to be very different from your competition.  Figure out what is potentially unique about your establishment and make it even more unique, quirky, fun.

Don't get me wrong.  You still MUST have the great service, drink specials and quality food to back up your bar's uniqueness, but those things aren't enough anymore.  You need to figure out what gives your bar that "it" factor and let your customers do some of your marketing for you.  In this age of social networking, word of mouth advertising extends further than customers talking face-to-face.  If your bar is unique enough, your customers will not only discuss it with their close friends, but will also talk about their experiences on facebook or tweet about it on twitter or even include your Michigan bar in a blog post like the one you're reading now.  Think about the endless possibilites of word of mouth marketing from that point of view.  One customer's positive experience could potentially reach hundreds new customers very, very quickly.  And before you know it, those people will be shouting your praises from the rooftops (or their desktops) in no time at all.

Looking for other types of successful, cost-effective advertising for your Michigan restaurant or bar?  Michigan Flavor, Michigan's most comprehensive, interactive online directory of bars, restaurants and caterers may be the perfect fit for your business.  An enhanced listing on http://www.miflavor.com/ gets your establishment its own page complete with contact information, description, map and directions, photo gallery, downloadable, printable menus, specials and events listings, features and cuisine types listings, links to your website and social media sites and a customizable coupon.  The possibilities are endless.  Michigan Flavor is sure to be one of Michigan's favorite dining resources, with its mobile version up and running and google and Iphone applications in development.

www.miflavor.com

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