I was reading the monthly client e-newsletter put out by Priti Organic Spa in New York City. They’ve discovered a creative way to expand their presence on the Web and encourage word-of-mouth advertising. Priti manager Catherine Acosta targets the tech-savvy client by offering a simple incentive: positive feedback on citysearch.com in exchange for a chance to receive a complimentary service.

She started the offer in September during customer appreciation month. “I noticed that reviews are a big way to gain recognition,” says Acosta, who chooses her favorite review and notifies the writer that she has won a free service of her choice. Since it started, Priti has been getting the positive reviews it was aiming for, and Acosta plans to continue the offer.

— Judy