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If you’re on a road trip in Texas, chances are you’ll hear about Buc-ee’s (pronounced “Bucky’s”). This gas station franchise has a unique word of mouth topic and a ton of raving fans. Here’s how Buc-ee’s has become a must-stop for travelers by spreading incredible word of mouth:
1. Do one thing remarkably well
2. Put your logo on everything
3. Build anticipation
4. Check it out: 23 Ancient Websites That Are Still Alive
1. Do one thing remarkably well
Word of mouth topics shouldn’t be complex. They travel further if they’re short and easy to repeat. For example, Buc-ee’s has the best bathrooms in America. (Seriously. They’ve won awards.) Not only are the restrooms the cleanest you’ll ever step foot in, there are 83 stalls (yes, really), so you never have to wait in line. The message is simple enough, but when weary travelers see that they’ve committed to their promise, that’s something worth passing on.
The lesson: What’s one simple thing you can do so well that people will rave about it?
Learn more: Buc-ee’s
2. Put your logo on everything
Are your fans sending you pictures of themselves wearing your logo at Christmas, on vacation, or at their birthday party? Buc-ee’s fans are. They’re also sharing pictures of their dogs and babies in Buc-ee’s gear and dressing up as Buc-ee the Beaver for Halloween. Buc-ee’s makes this kind of fanaticism easy by putting their logo on everything. In fact, half of the giant gas station is made up of logo’d gear ranging from pajama pants to coasters.
The lesson: Make it easy for your fans to show their love.
Learn more: Buc-ee’s
3. Build anticipation
Buc-ee’s uses distance to start conversations. How? By putting their billboards over 200 miles away. While other gas station signs might say, “Take the next exit,” theirs say, “You can hold it. Exit 212 miles.” By the time drivers reach the nearest Buc-ee’s it’s like they’ve reached a destination or accomplished something — and now they have to stop.
The lesson: How far are you going to build anticipation?
4. Check it out: 23 Ancient Websites That Are Still Alive
Ever wonder what happened to that weird Space Jam website from the 90’s? It’s still alive and well here along with 22 other sites you didn’t know were still around.
Check it out: Gizmodo