SAMPLES AND COUPONS - YOUR TICKET TO SUCCESS by Kathleen Gage
Small businesses continually search for strategies to position
themselves in the most cost effective way possible. Samples and
coupons may be just the approach that will work for them. Prior to
giving anything away think through what the real costs are and what
your return on investment is.
We're all familiar with the type of promotion that offers you
something free for a limited time or
to a limited number of people. It could be anything from a cookie
sample to free movie tickets
promoted by a radio station. If done right, this type of promotion
can work extremely well.
What small, inexpensive things could you give out that will keep you
fresh in your customer's mind? Or what can you give away that
introduces prospects to your business in a very cost effective manner.
FREE CONSULTATIONS
This would work well for designers, makeup artists, or landscapers to
name just a few.
BOOKS
I know many authors, myself included, who speak professionally and
give potential clients a complimentary book to add value to what they
bring to a speaking engagement.
MINI WORKSHOPS
This is a great way to introduce people to your services. Or, you
could offer a mini workshop as a perk to your current customers.
Perhaps something like "Customer Service in the ABC Industry."
FREE PRODUCT
Give away a sampling of your product. Virtually any business could
benefit from this during slow times. Take a tanning salon for
example. They could offer one free tan during a specified period.
Once they get customers in, make them another irresistible offer.
A client of mine who is a massage therapist is successfully building
her client base by offering free massages to a select group of
people. She has done demonstrations with mini massages at festivals,
benefit walks, and outdoor activities. She is very cognizant about
gathering contact information and doing good follow up.
FOOD
Another client made a name for their restaurant by having a vendor
booth at professional gatherings. They gave away samples of their
unique food. They had a bowl to collect business cards for a giveaway
for free dinners. This allowed them to collect names for backend
marketing.
They were in business for just over a year when they began surpassing
all their projections due to focused promotions and great backend
marketing.
FREE CLASSES
Yoga instructors, martial arts, and even puppy training all lend
themselves to offering one free
class. What a great way for people to be introduced to what you have
to offer.
DONATIONS
Donating your product or service to a charitable cause often results
in positive exposure to community leaders, charity board members,
civic groups, etc. Just about anything can be donated if there is a
value attached to it. If you have a facility you are trying to
promote, you could donate the space to a nonprofit organization for
one of their events. This is a win/win in that you are gaining
exposure to a large group of people at very minimal costs.
FREQUENT BUYER PROGRAMS
This is a great way to offer a benefit to those who frequent your
business. As a customer it is a great feeling to get a perk because I
have been a frequent customer. Make sure your staff fully understands
how important treating people who redeem their points, cards, or
whatever tracking mechanism you are using, with complete respect.
After all, they are the reason you are in business.
COUPONS
Coupons as a follow up to a sample will definitely generate more
business, but make sure the offer is worth a person's time. You can
offer 2 for 1 and discounts. Make sure to put an expiration date on
all coupons.
VEHICLE PROMOTIONS
Your vehicle is a moving billboard. One client, Just Bears and Stuff,
a unique teddy bear and gift shop located in Myrtle Creek, Oregon,
has realized some great business from having her company name, logo,
phone number and web address on her car.
Granted, mobile business promotions aren't for everyone, but imagine
the number of people you
might reach with the right sign on your vehicle.
As you search for ways to continually promote your business, what is
it that you can offer to your current and potential customers and
clients that will create value for them and more foot traffic for
you?
Kathleen Gage is a business advisor, keynote speaker, and trainer
working in areas of marketing, promotions and achievement for small
businesses. Call 801. 619.1514 or E-mail
kathleen@turningpointpresents.com . Get Gage's free online newsletter
Street Smarts Marketing and Promotions® by visiting
www.kathleengage.com
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