SmallBizResource Blog
-- Business Know-How
Bring In Customers With Giveaways
Posted by Janet Attard, Courtesy of Business Know-How Thursday, Oct 23, 2008, 11:32 AM ET
Advertising specialties (items you give away without a purchase) and premiums (items you give away for free with a purchase) can be good way to keep your name in front of customers and prospects.
In fact, a study of business executives reported by the Promotional Products Association International showed that 68 percent of the recipients could recall the name and message of advertisers who had given them promotional items.
Remember that the advertising specialty or premium you give away represents you to customers and prospects. If you want recipients to think highly of you, the item should be of good quality. If you want them to remember you the next time they need your product or service, the item should be something that is useful and that has a place for including your name, logo, and contact information.
Also, consider allowing potential customers to try your service for free. Doing so is a smart strategy for two reasons, says David Frey, president of Marketing Best Practices: "First, prospects that test your service risk-free will hopefully recognize its value and want more of what you have to offer. Or even better, your prospect will get 'hooked' on your service and won't be able to live without it. Second, the fact that your coaching or consulting service was given to your prospects as a free gift will compel them to return the favor by continuing the relationship with you. This principle is called the 'Law of Reciprocity,' which simply states that people naturally feel an obligation to return favors as a way of expressing their thanks."
How well do such giveaways really work? Well, like so many of the ideas and tips I bring to you each week, this idea is one we use at Business Know-How. Last year we gave away a free, write-on/wipe off wall calendar to customers who ordered a labor law poster. (They were so popular, we're doing it again this year.)
Business Know-How
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