E-Lerts

So why should you E-Lert your business?

We know that Word of Mouth plays a huge role in the success or failure of any business. Although the impact of Word of Mouth hasn't changed, the way it's communicated has.

People are turning to the internet for their referrals. Peer-to-peer interaction and blogging is now the most common activity on the internet. And these online conversations are playing a huge role in establishing or destroying the reputations of brands, products and services.

On WOMF™, customers share the experiences they've had with large and small businesses in your community. With E-Lert you'll be able to keep tabs on what they're saying... maybe about you.

What is E-Lert?

So how does it work? By subscribing to the WOMF™ E-Lert service you'll know the very moment your business name enters a conversation anywhere in the Forum. You can even join in if you like.

Imagine the benefit of knowing when a customer is recommending your business, or the value of being alerted when expectations haven't been met.

With E-Lert, you'll know what's being said about your business and WHEN it's being said. That way you can respond and present your side of the story ... quickly.

Think you can ignore online conversations - Read this

If you think you can ignore online conversations, and that it doesn't matter what people are saying, click on the link and read what happened in the Kryptonite Lock case study.

What do I get as an E-Lert subscriber?

Every time a user mentions or searches any of your nominated words, you'll receive email notifications to your five chosen email addresses.

With each notification, you will be advised the sex, demographic and postcode of the contributor, allowing you to get a feel for the customers talking about you.

You'll also be provided with a direct link to the comment, along with a link for your reply, which will stay permanently attached to the original comment.

Your commitment to stay in touch with customer feedback is rewarded by being acknowledged as a Business who Cares. Your business name and contact details will appear when people click on the 'Businesses who Care' link in up to five nominated categories.

The subscription is for a twelve month period, starting from the day you sign-up.

Why so cheap?

We have kept the cost of this service as affordable as we can, so as many businesses as possible can benefit from staying informed with their customer base.

Advertising

How local businesses can get noticed on the internet

There are over 80 billion pages on the World Wide Web - I know coz I've counted them. Each one is trying to get noticed and the big boys spend big bucks to make sure they're at the top of that enormous list.

So how can a small to medium size business like yours get noticed? By advertising on a different list - a much smaller, more targeted one, like the Word of Mouth Forum.

It's the one place on the internet where people can talk about or search for local business or services, without getting in a world wide tangle.

Why Consumers love WOMF™

We've all had experiences where the product or service we've just bought hasn't lived up to the hype of the advertising or the pitch of the sales assistant.

So it's no wonder we're relying more and more on referrals from friends and family.

The Word of Mouth Forum is a way of extending the circle of local people we can go to for trusted consumer information. We can choose a specific subject, read about the real experiences other people have had and use this information to make better informed decisions.

Why Advertise on WOMF™

Consumers have more choice than ever before. So we'll really study our options before we hand over our money.

More often than not, we're doing our research on the internet, and The Word of Mouth Forum makes it easier than ever to find relevant, impartial information, about businesses and services in our area. Best of all it's information we can trust because it comes from our peers.

There couldn't be a more relevant place to advertise your business than the Word of Mouth Forum. The very place consumers are already passing on tips and sharing experiences about the product or service you offer.

To make this offer even better

What about the ad itself?

You have complete access to your ad space, so you can update it as often as you like. Change your message according to the time of year, sales, stock levels or market conditions.

WOMF™ advertisers can use a simple program to create and change their advert at their discretion. You can choose a text advert similar to a Google Adsense advert of alternatively can create an Image advert. Animated Image adverts are allowed with restrictions only applying to the file size.

Check out our handy tips for responding to comments on WOMF™!

Link to your website

When potential customers click on your ad, they'll either be taken directly to your own web site, or to an automatically generated email, so they can make further enquiries.

Measurability

So how do you find out the number of people that are using WOMF™ and are actually going to the page with YOUR ad?

Simply by logging in all WOMF advertisers have direct access to a real time advertising results area which offers you statistics on:

• The total number of Impressions your advert has received
• The total number of Click throughs your advert has received

The WOMF™ Newsletter

By being a WOMF™ Advertiser you'll receive free monthly newsletters with tips and advice from world renowned marketing experts. They'll cover subjects like how to generate positive Word of Mouth, creative marketing and improving customer service.

Follow their tips and you'll not only be featured alongside the forum, soon your business will generate positive comments within the forum too.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Bloggers

What do blog readers want to see more of?

Original, genuine, authentic, honest, lessons learned, great finds, first hand accounts, interesting, awesome, outstanding, above and beyond the call of duty experiences. You get the idea! Story worthy blogs that others can learn from and share.

What are the legal risks?

Defamation: To avoid defamatory statements, write the facts and don't use emotion. Please see "WOMF™'s guide to defamation" on the home page. Be aware that WOMF™ expressly disclaims itself from any liability with regards to comments posted that are found to be damaging, libelous or defamatory. Please read the Terms and Conditions when posting for more on this and other responsibilities you must be aware of when using this forum.

Copyright: Do not use copyright material unless you have prior written permission to do so. Again, remember that should you use material, images or ideas that are not yours, you need to be aware of the possible consequences. Refer to Terms and Conditions to understand your role in this.

Confidential information / material: Avoid using confidential or sensitive material or information. Use common sense when writing about your experiences. The aim of WOMF™ is to not to be used as a weapon to hurt people or businesses, but rather to help other consumers.

What is a good length for a blog?

Blogs should be short and concise, no rambling. But there is also no limit on the length of your blog. Use as many words to say what you feel you need to, without repetition or lapses into cliche.

Why should we bother to blog?

To give your opinion in a forum so others can benefit. You can learn from others' mistakes, and others can learn from your successes! It can help you make an informed decision about your next purchase or alternatively help others make their right choice.

How do I know which category to blog into?

Some experiences may be hard to categorise. A good idea may be to do a search with some of the words you think you will use to describe the business or service, and then use the category that appears the most where others may have had similar thoughts.

Can I use short hand and abbreviations?

If you wish, but please bear in mind this site is for everyone and some may not understand all abbreviations/short hand that are used in the blogisphere. It can defeat the purpose if people do not understand your experience.

Can I write well enough?

Be honest, genuine and authentic as if you are talking to a close friend. Your blog will be perfect.

What if I don't understand blogging etiquette?

Speak truthfully and honestly, stating your opinion and you will be fine.

If you have any further questions please register and ask your fellow bloggers!

Frequently Asked Questions for E-Lerters

What is E-Lert?

E-Lert is an automatic and immediate notification system for businesses, that let's them know when they are being searched and mentioned (Blogged) on the WOMF™ site.

E-Lert also adds your business to a list of "Businesses who Care" for everyone to see. In other words by subscribing you also get to be seen in the public eye as a business that cares what its customers think.

Can I change or add to my insured word list?

No. Please choose carefully when picking them at the start as they will be your words for the next twelve months.

Can I insure my competitors' business names?

No. If you are found to have done this you will void your subscription.

Can I change my email notification addresses?

Yes at any stage. It is password protected by you and can be edited as often as you need.

When does my subscription start?

Immediately after the registration process is completed and it will remain in place for a full twelve months.

Is my subscription refundable?

No. You do not have the option to withdraw from the E-Lert service; unless it is proven that you did not get the service subscribed to. You may then request a refund.

How do I reply to an E-Lert email notification?

Click on the link in the notification email. Your response will be attached directly to the comment (Blog) and highlighted so all consumers can see your side of the story.

Can I change my nominated categories for the "Business who Care" list?

Yes, you have up to five categories' as part of your membership and once again it is password protected and can be accessed by you at any time.

Any questions about the E-Lert service should 'not' be directed to the media partner, but rather direct to WOMF™ enquires [at] womf dot com

Frequently asked Questions for Advertisers

How to Get WOMF™ Working For You - (PDF)

Are my credit card details secure and safe?

For your security, WOMF™ do not retain any credit card details. We transfer your details via 128-bit SSL encryption immediately and employ only the best payment gateways available. For automated recurring payments, the payment gateway will look after your details and process all financial transactions.

How do I place my ad?

By clicking on the link in the "You have been successful in securing an advertising spot" email, it will take you to the ad creation page. Please follow the instructions.

You may wish to use a professional to create your ad. That is fine and may make you stand out amongst the other five.

We suggest you keep your login and password secure as you are responsible for your account security.

If you do give your ad creator access to it we suggest you change your password once the job is complete.

Can I change my ad?

Yes, at any stage and as often as you like. If you have promotions or something you want to highlight to your local market and your potential customers you can put them in your ad space anytime.

Please note it is your responsibility to ensure your space is used and all the details in your ad are correct.

What costs are involved to change my ad?

If you choose to do the ads yourself then the costs are nil. If you choose to employ someone (an external person/company) to change and create your ads then the costs incurred are what they will invoice you.

What if I am not happy with the benefits I am getting from my advertising?

If you are still not happy after discussing your advertising with your Account Executive at your local media partner, at the three-month mark, you may cancel your ad and terminate your contract.

How long do I have the rights to this advertising space?

The initial contract term is six months, after that the contract term is twelve months.

What if my payments are not met or are late?

WOMF™ reserves the right to remove your ad and it will be replaced with the businesses that are waiting for a spot in your category.

How can I get the most out of my WOMF™ Advertising Experience?

The "Help Tab" has some ideas on how to get WOMF™ working for you!

By employing a professional to create your ad.

We will also be sending newsletters out to you via email with advice, tips and ideas on how to grow your business and make it worth WOMFing!

WOMF™ - Guide to Defamation

Defamation is the publication of words or images to a person that damages the reputation of another.

A defamatory statement is one that is likely to cause ordinary, reasonable people to think less of the person about whom the words or images are published. An inference arising from the statement that casts a defamatory "imputation" is enough to bring an action. It can relate to damage to either a personal or business reputation.

For a defamation action to be successful the statement must be "published" to a third person (i.e. to at least one person other than the person defamed) and must identify the person defamed.

In identifying whether a comment is potentially defamatory and whether it should not be entered:

Is the comment abusive or offensive? - Generally this will be defamatory and should not be entered.

Does the comment touch on or make allegations in relation to matters of a serious nature; such as improper behavior, dishonesty or other criminal activity? - Again such comments are all "high risk" and should not be entered. Legal advice should always be sought before entering such comments.

If the comment provides a negative opinion (i.e. criticism, deduction, judgment, remark, observation, or conclusion) is there any factual statement supporting that opinion? - opinions are generally offered protection provided that the factual basis for the opinion is stated (unless widely known) and the subject matter is a matter of public interest.

It is not possible to state comprehensively what is and what is not defamatory. Determining whether a statement is defamatory involves deciding not only whether the statement would tend to damage the reputation of another, but also whether one of the various legal defenses may be available.

For example the reporting on news programs of details about evidence given in legal proceedings may carry imputations that clearly damage that person's reputation. These statements however will be protected by legal defenses available in relation to the reporting of legal proceedings.

It is recommended that you obtain legal advice if allegations are made that a statement published on the WOMF™ site is defamatory.

Disclaimer: This Guide is intended for information purposes only and is not intended for legal advice.

Policies

WOMF™ Refund Policy

Site Security

This site is secured with 128-bit SSL encryption.

Once the link is established, all communication between the WOMF ™ site and your browser remains confidential.

Advertiser Refund Policy

Advertisers on WOMF™ agree to enter into chosen set term contracts, The method of payment for each term is upfront by credit card at the day of registration and is non refundable. Each sites respective pricing is outlined in the advertising registration page.

In the United States, the WOMF™ Ad Service comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. Except in cases where your ad subscription began with a free trail period, WOMF™ will refund your first month's charge in full if you cancel within 30 days of payment. If your ad subscription began with a trial period, that trial period takes the place of the 30 day cancellation period, and once the paid subsciption begins, no refund will be given. Additional Web site fees such as set up, registration and design fees are non refundable.

E-lert Refund Policy

E-lert is an online alert subscription that notifies business as to when their company has been blogged or searched. The 12 month subscription fee is payable by credit card on the day of registration and is non refundable. E-lert subscribers must view their local site for the correct currency and tax payable.