How to Use Free Samples to Market Your Products
One of the most effective ways to promote your products is through the deliberate use of free samples. Free samples allow you to show the quality of your product while also creating a positive impression with customers. This also lets you incite reciprocity. When people receive something for free from you and they're likely to think that they ought to make it up to you somehow - For example by purchasing your product.
Free samples are not something you should do in a rush. It can cost you a lot of money to give away free samples to everyone.
How can you use free samples to promote products? Here are a few suggestions.
Think about giving away something that becomes an integral part of their life
If you can give away something that becomes an integral part of their everyday life and you can utilize the free samples you receive to keep your name in front of your customers for weeks and months at an time.
An unrestricted coffee maker that is branded with your logo could be an example. If they're a coffee lover and make their coffee each day. They'll think of your name and brand every time they look at it.
Are You Giving to the Right People?
If you offer samples for free, it's crucial that you reach the right audience. Why? Because samples cost money. If you give free product samples to those who are in the right place, that money can bring in an impressive ROI. However If you distribute it to anyone and everyone, you could end up having to pay back your investment.
Start by giving samples for future products to people who've purchased your products previously. Then give products away to people who've expressed an interest in your product, for instance, people on your email lists or attendees at your event. Offer free samples to potential customers within your segment - only if they aren't interested in your brand.
Give away something of high Perceived Worth
Perceived Value is the amount that someone believes that a gift is worth. It doesn't necessarily have to be tied to the actual value of a present.
For instance, at a fashion show giving away free color contact lenses can have a significant perceived value. Contacts are often associated with expensive optometrists. Colored contacts can create these negative feelings and cause people to believe you're offering something costly. In reality, the colored lenses may cost just a few dollars to acquire.
Make use of freebies as a surprise present
Another excellent way to make use of freebies is as an unexpected gift. This is an effective way to strengthen relationships.
Let's say, for instance, you manage a subscription-based business. Customers cancel their subscription within three months. Offer your customers a free gift 2.5 months after signing up. This gift can extend the length of your average subscriber by two months, adding significantly to your profits.
It will allow you to stand out in events.
Free samples are a great opportunity to make yourself stand out at events. Trade shows and seminars for example are fantastic venues to make use of free samples.
It is essential to publish something that catches people's attention. You should give the gift of something that is talked about by people. Give away more than an item like a mug or pen. Be sure to give something that "wows" people. Your gift should be a talking topic at any event.
Use it to dispel doubt
A lot of times, a free sample is given to customers for the sole purpose of removing doubt. For instance, you could sell a skin product which claims to make the skin appear tighter and healthier. If they aren't convinced, they can ask for an unrestricted sample to dispel their doubts.
Use it for Lead Generation
Free samples are another choice to generate leads. Offer the free samples however, make sure they give you their address, email and telephone number in exchange. This allows you to follow up with them and close the deal at a later time.
Free samples can be an extremely effective marketing tool. Be sure to utilize it correctly to ensure you receive a high return on your investment.
