Samples and Coupons – A ticket in the door.

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.

Most people are familiar with the type of promotion that offers 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. This type of campaign creates urgency and when done right 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.  

Prior to giving anything away think through what the real costs are and what your return on investment is.

FREE CONSULTATIONS
This would work well for designers, makeup artists, or landscapers to name just a few 

BOOKS
Many authors who speak professionally 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.

One Riverton, Utah-bsed 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
A restaurant could build their name by having a vendor booth at professional gatherings. Give away samples of food. Collect business cards for a giveaway for free dinners. This allows for follow up and 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 when you 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. Put an expiration date on all coupons or you may be held to the offer for years to come. Promotions

VEHICLE PROMOTIONS
Your vehicle is a moving billboard. 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. www.justbearsandstuff.com

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?

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