Waseem Saddique explains why free samples are hugely beneficial for generating
business in a difficult economic climate.
The answer
is YES! At present we live in a something for nothing culture as economic
recession bites, not just for businesses, but consumers. As businesses look to
entice customers back into spending, it’s not uncommon to see sale signs spring
up, special offers on the increase and more commonly free samples being given
away.
Whilst in
relative terms it’s easier for a product based business to offer free samples,
there has been an increase in service providers being able to offer what are
affectionately termed ‘freebies’.
Waseem Saddique comments: “As a marketing services business, I often look at ways I
can help clients who have very little budget for advertising. For instance, offering
a client a free, small-size advert that proves to be effective in terms of
their needs, gives them confidence that advertising works and encourages them
to spend more utilising my services.”
Giving
people incentives to use your service is incredibly powerful and by far the
best way to approach this is to offer something for free. Make the client
matter, give something back to those who invest so heavily in your business as
it not only strengthens your relationship with existing clients, but increases
your reach to potential new clients also.
In a recent
study carried out by BDRC Continental (a well-respected research company), they
discovered that, on average, spontaneous brand awareness campaigns (like
offering something for free) can increase a company’s noticeability by 90%.
Furthermore,
the possibility of purchase or use of a service rises by a staggering 91% as
well as exponential increases in word-of-mouth, which is hugely influenced by
the presence of free samples. The key is to get people talking; it’s the best
form of advertising available! (Source: Marketing Week, 2012).
Offering a
free product or service also gets consumers engaged with your business,
interaction increases and therefore, awareness of your brand is made bigger.
Social networking sites can play a huge part in your campaign. Offering a free
product or service on a social networking site means that you can effectively
target your required audience, as well as reaching a whole new range of clients
you may never have considered before.
Sometimes
businesses neglect the finer details and fall into the trap of thinking that
massive advertising campaigns, with all their glitz and glamour, are the way to
attract customers. In some cases this may be true, but more commonly, certainly
given the current economic climate, it’s the personal touch that is proving to
be more valuable in reaching consumers.
Making
consumers feel valued and wanted is the key to the success of your business.
It’s what keeps them coming back, they learn to trust the brand, the image and
embrace the attention to detail that you as a business put into your efforts.
Waseem
Saddique concludes: “As CEO of Waseem Saddique Marketing Services, I have
recognised the value of establishing solid relationships with consumers.
Occasionally offering free services has increased the visibility of my business
and I would encourage companies to consider the ‘free sample’ a viable option
for promoting their business.”
