Buzz marketing has become one of the fastest growing areas in alternative marketing. Estimated expenditures for these programs are at $1 billion annually.
Buzz marketing or word-of-mouth marketing, emphasizes consumers passing along information about a product. A recommendation by a friend. family member or even an acquaintance carries higher levels of credibility than does an advertisement. It can be more powerful than the words of a paid spokes- person or endorser Buzz. or word-of-mouth. can be generated by consumers who truly like a brand and tell others, consumers who like a brand and are spon- sored by a company to tell others, or by company or agency employees who tell others about the brand.
CONSUMERS WHO LIKE A BRAND
The ideal situation occurs when a consumer truly likes a particular brand and tells others. Enthusiasts deliver these messages in person or via the Internet in chat rooms, blogs, or e-mails. Many musical groups have achieved fame through this type of word-of- mouth support by those who have seen the bands in bars or as part of a small concert or tour.
SPONSORED CONSUMERS
Many companies sponsor individuals as agents or advocates to introduce new products. It works best when these individuals, or ambassadors, also like the brand. An alternative type of sponsorship involves house parties Brand Ambassadors customer evangelists, or brand ambassadors, are typically individuals who already like the products that they are asked to spon- sor. The company offers incentives and rewards in exchange for advocacy. Companies select these ambassadors based on their devotion to the various brands and the sizes of their social circles.