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How to Market with Free Samples

Guest post by: Sue Barrett

Article Overview: People love free samples, and giving away free samples is a great way to promote a product or service without having to do "hard selling" that most of us try to avoid. But how do you give away free samples without losing money?

How to Market with Free Samples

People love free samples, and giving away free samples is a great way to promote a product or service without having to do "hard selling" that most of us try to avoid. But how do you give away free samples without losing money?

First of all, you want to make sure you are giving freebies away to your target market - those who are likely to be interested in your product. This way, you eliminate most of the non-buyers right from the beginning. For example, if you bake and sell all-natural granola bars, it would make sense to promote your product to health conscious consumers. Giving away free samples at natural food stores, farmers markets or triathlon events are different ways of reaching these people.

Secondly, give the potential customer information on where they can find more of your product - either a store location or a website where they can order. This can be on the sample packaging, business card, brochure, etc - just be sure it is something they can take with them.

Thirdly, you want to offer an incentive for the person to buy, either immediately or in the future. Offering a coupon or limited time discount is a simple sales tactic that can lead to more buyers. The sooner you can get interested prospects using your product, the less likely they are to forget about you. You can create your own coupons cheaply using basic programs online, or you can have a printing company create coupons for you.

Fourth, try to get the contact information of people who try your samples and like your product. Generally, email is the easiest contact information to get. Let samplers know that you regularly offer discounts or coupons, and if they want to know about upcoming specials - they should give you their email address. If your gift is substantial, you may be able to require an email address in exchange for a free sample. Of course, be sure to follow through on your promise, giving prospects a reason to buy from you.

Fifth, if you give away free samples from your website, or consistently from the same location, people who sample your product can refer others to get your free samples - and potentially buy from you. This is a great way you can use free word-of-mouth advertising to your advantage.

If you provide a service or product where it is difficult to give away free samples, see if you can offer a free trial or offer a something free that will introduce customers to your products. For example, if you own a dress shop, you could offer free fashion consultations. This way, you can introduce people to your products and your expertise without the expense of advertising, just your time.

With so much competition in the market, the buying process can sometimes feel overwhelming. Sometimes the way to gain a customer is to reach them first (before other competitors) or get them to like you better. Giving away free samples can accomplish both - at the same time.

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Article Tags: advertising, free sample marketing, free samples, freebies, get customers, marketing, new customers



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