I’ve compiled a list of insightful word of mouth marketing statistics; a brief overview is provided below.
Word Of Mouth Marketing Statistics: Key Numbers
- Word-of-mouth generates 5X times more sales than paid media.
- 55% of consumers learn about products through word of mouth.
- 90% more likely to trust and purchase from a brand recommended by a friend.
- Word-of-mouth generates $6 trillion in annual global spending and accounts for 13% of all sales.
- Word-of-mouth marketing retains customers 37% better than other types of advertising.
- 64% of marketers believe that word-of-mouth marketing is the most effective form of marketing.
- 86% of customers trust reviews and recommendations from other people.
- 83% of Americans have given a word-of-mouth recommendation.
- 91% of B2B buyers base their purchases on word-of-mouth.
- Consumers are 77% more likely to purchase a product if their friends recommend it.
Sources: (R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, Business News Daily, Invespcro, Semrush, WebFX, Writersblok Live, Convince & Convert, Useful Social Media, Buyapowa.)
#1. 55% of Shoppers Discover Products via Word-of-Mouth, Study Shows.
Source: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: HubSpot, Converted, Market Splash, Genius Referrals, Trustmary, Semrush, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word of mouth remains a powerful influence | 55% of consumers discover products this way. |
| Brands can’t neglect its organic impact | Peer recommendations drive consumer behavior. |
| Amplifying customer satisfaction is paramount | Direct correlation with word-of-mouth spread. |
#2. Paid Media Lags: Word-of-Mouth Yields 5x More Sales.
Source: Business News Daily
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: HubSpot, MarTech Alliance, Semrush, Invespcro, Business News Daily, Investopedia, Forbes, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word-of-mouth trumps paid advertising | Generates 5 times the sales of paid channels. |
| Over-reliance on paid media may be misguided | Organic recommendations reign supreme. |
| Brands should prioritize organic advocacy | Evident ROI from word-of-mouth sources. |
#3. Friend’s Recommendation Ups Brand Trust by 90%, Research Indicates.
Source: Invespcro
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Business News Daily, Semrush, Buyapowa, Invespcro, Linkedin, Thrivemyway, Referral Rock, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Peer endorsements carry unmatched weight | 90% increased trust from friend referrals. |
| Ignoring the power of personal recommendations is perilous | Peer influence shapes purchase decisions. |
| Foster brand loyalty for organic advocacy | Friend-backed brands dominate choice. |
#4. Global Word-of-Mouth Drives $6 Trillion Spend, 13% of Sales Annually.
Source: Semrush
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Linkedin, Forbes, PR Newswire, Invespcro, Thrivemyway, Hiver, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word-of-mouth has colossal economic influence | Directs $6 trillion in global spending annually. |
| Disregarding its impact is a strategic oversight | Accounts for 13% of all sales. |
| Brands must harness its unparalleled potency | Unquestionable driver of global commerce. |
#5. Customer Retention: Word-of-Mouth Outperforms Ads by 37%.
Source: WebFX
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Brightedge, G2, Investopedia, Friendbuy, Getroster, Buyapowa, Semrush, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word-of-mouth marketing excels in customer retention | Surpasses other ad types by 37% in retention. |
| Overlooking its retention prowess is a miscalculation | Proven method for sustaining customer base. |
| Prioritize this organic medium for loyal clientele | Unequalled in fostering brand allegiance. |
#6. 64% of Marketers: Word-of-Mouth Reigns Supreme in Effectiveness.
Source: Semrush
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: MarTech Alliance, Forbes, Referral Rock, Invespcro, Business News Daily, Thrivemyway, Market Splash, Digital Marketers World, Userpilot, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word-of-mouth holds preeminent status in marketing | 64% of marketers hail its effectiveness. |
| Dismissing its potency undermines optimal strategy | Majority-backed as marketing’s pinnacle. |
| Brands must align with this marketing consensus | The gold standard in achieving outreach. |
#7. Trust in Word-of-Mouth: 86% Value Peer Reviews and Recommendations.
Source: Writersblok Live
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: MarTech Alliance, Buyapowa, Referral Candy, Review 42, Invespcro, Trustmary, Socialbee, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word-of-mouth holds unparalleled trustworthiness | 86% of customers place faith in it. |
| Ignoring its weight in decision-making is hazardous | Dominant force in shaping consumer trust. |
| Brands should foster environments for recommendations | Vital tool for cultivating brand trust. |
#8. 83% of Americans Actively Recommend Products, Trends Show.
Source: Convince & Convert
Significance of the Data: High
Mentioned By: Market Splash, Pr Daily, Buyapowa, Semrush, Trustmary, Forbes, Thrivemyway, Linkedin, and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
| Word-of-mouth is an intrinsic American behavior | 83% of Americans have actively participated. |
| Neglecting its widespread nature is a misstep | Pervasive method of product endorsement. |
| Brands must tap into this natural advocacy channel | Deep-rooted cultural sharing mechanism. |
