Using existing connections on social networking websites is a very practical and obvious first step when engaging in word of mouth marketing. It is always smart to build up large numbers of friends, followers and other contacts on websites like Twitter and Facebook; otherwise, you will need to create a brand new profile. Creating an all new profile will add a lot of time to the process of using such social networking sites, as you will need to build up your group of friends.

You should seek out people on social networking websites who share interests regarding the product or service that you seek to market. Finding people who already have a natural inclination toward the product you are promoting is a very effective way of using such networks. For instance, if you are trying to promote a childcare blog or website, seek out people on social networking sites who discuss childcare related topics. Many social networking sites make finding people with similar interests very easy to do.

Seek Influential People

A great way to speed up the effectiveness of any word of mouth marketing campaign is by getting a person with a decent sphere of influence to mention your product or service. In this regard, finding a popular blogger to help you out is a tremendously smart move. If the product or service you are marketing is related in some way to the topics that a blogger discusses regularly, they are much likelier to be receptive to your suggestions. Offering free samples or other freebies is another good way to get bloggers to work with you. Getting just one relatively popular blogger to mention your product can really kick start your word of mouth marketing campaign.

The Exclusivity Angle

It is human nature to want what one cannot have; therefore, making your product or service only initially available to a select group of people is sure to generate interest. Many companies have used this technique with tremendous success; one of the best examples was Gmail. When Gmail - the hugely popular free email service by Google - first debuted, it was available on an invite-only basis. Only people who already had Gmail accounts could send invites to their friends; buzz grew, and people began seeking out accounts of their own. It was a beautifully orchestrated example of word of mouth marketing via exclusivity.

You do not need to mimic Google's efforts to achieve success from an exclusivity angle. Rather, you could set up a website promoting your product or service and restrict access to key information to people who have submitted requests. When a person hears a friends talking about your website, they naturally want to check it out; however, they need to submit some information first to gain access. This adds to the mystique - and appeal - of what you are offering.

Make It Personal

Another very successful word of mouth marketing angle is allowing people to make the product or service uniquely "theirs". As witnessed by the proliferation - and incredible popularity - of social networking sites like Myspace, people really like having a say in the products they use. Even if it means setting up a website that allows users to customize it to their needs, making personalization a part of your marketing campaign can be a very savvy move. If you are selling a specific product, you can also micro market it - in other words, allow people to custom design it precisely the way they want, ensuring them a truly unique and one of a kind product.

Take A Focused Approach

With word of mouth marketing, casting a wide net is generally not a wise approach. Sure, you will reel in a few interested people - but the majority will move along to other sites. The trick here is marketing to select, niche areas of the Internet where people who are most likely to find your product useful congregate. The word will spread much more quickly within his niche market, and from there it can really explode. In fact, planting seeds in a couple of related areas is an excellent way to get the ball rolling.

Each and every word of mouth marketing campaign is different. It has to be - otherwise, people will lose interest quickly. Keeping a few of the above referenced approaches in mind is a good way to create a campaign that will work for you.