In today’s business climate, there is increased pressure to grow market share despite increased competition. Now is the time to think hard about outside the box ideas to gain market share. What can you do to give prospective customers an ownership experience for free.
You’re in business because you offer products and services that deliver desirable benefits. You’re in business because you’re better than many of your competitors. You’re in business because you want to consistently earn profits.
That’s why you must be really serious about transforming all your prospects into customers. If they won’t purchase from you, regardless of your investment in marketing, perhaps they’ll purchase what you have to offer if they are made to feel like a long-time customer.
If they have the experience of being your customer, they’ll understand the advantages of being your customer. And then, they’ll be far more likely to actually make a purchase.
This means that a prime marketing investment for these prospective customers will be a well thought out freebie. You’ll be giving valuable things away for free, risking that you’ll get nothing in return. But if you’re truly confident in your quality and service, that risk is dramatically minimized.
Here is what many smart businesses give away for free:
- Obviously, gift certificates for your product or service.
- Free consultations and never make them seem like sales presentations. Truly try to help your prospects.
- Free seminars and clinics. If the information is worthwhile, it will attract the right kind of people to you.
- Invite prospects to company sponsored functions or even your Christmas party.
- Of course, give them any swag you might have. People love free stuff they can hold in their hands.
The investment of your freebie must be measured against your current marketing investment. My advice is to use this strategy with a select group of prospects and measure the results. If it garners results, then expand the program to a larger group of prospects.
The bottom line will always be the quality of your company, your people, and your service. These will prove more than anything you can ever say in a marketing context. Your customers are your customers because of the benefits of being your customers. Now go out and get more of them.