While there are flyers, newspapers, radio and TV, word–of–mouth is often the best way of promoting your business. A satisfied customer is good advertising.

A large part of satisfying your customers is to determine their needs and then meeting them. What are your customers’ needs? What do they expect when they buy your products?

Is it better prices, certain products, certain brands, prompt service, helpful and cheerful employees, parking, or convenience? Some of these? All of these? When customers are satisfied, it means you've met their expectations.

Once you’ve identified your customers’ needs and expectations, you can design your product offerings around them.

Think of your products as more than just what customers pay for. They are also paying for your meeting some or all of their needs and expectations. So rather than just the sale of a product, think about the whole transaction.

Was the clerk courteous and helpful? Did you have the right product(s), the right brand(s)? Was the service prompt and efficient? Is your store conveniently located? Some or all of these qualities are also part of the transaction.

Position your operation to provide those areas that customers value most and which make you different from your competition.

That’s when word–of–mouth advertising takes place.