We're sorry to break it to you...but someone had to. You know that $25 refer-a-friend campaign you did? As much as you may think it's awesome, nobody else does. It won't spread. In fact, most traditional marketing won't spread. Everyone's used to it, and it's just not that effective anymore.

PSST!'s word of mouth marketing services are based on a simple principle: if you give people something worth talking about, they'll do just that (and in the process, do your marketing for you). What's the definition of something that will spread? Here's a good test. If you think you've got something buzzworthy, try to fill in this blank:

"Oh my gosh, can you believe _______________?"

OR "Holy moly, have you seen _________?"

Would anyone say that? Be honest.

To help recalibrate your brain and get you thinking in terms of buzzworthiness, here's a quick reference guide to things that spread...and things that don't.

Things that Spread!

• Unexpected event staged on the sidewalk outside the branch
• Surprising offer not associated with financial institutions
• Funny video on YouTube circulated via email
• A unique customer service touch only your credit union or bank offers
• Unsolicited random act of generosity
• Hard-to-believe products and services

Things that Don't Spread :(

• Newsletters
• Newspaper ads
• Refer-a-friend-and-you-both-get-$25 contests
• Self-serving press releases
• Statement stuffers
• Flyers

Get started spreading buzz!