What is Free Sample Marketing?

Free Sample Marketing is the act of giving your customers free services or products. There is much debate on whether this is a smart marketing strategy for businesses. It is not something that we advise all clients.  We often opt for other options first, unless it is very clearly thought through as part of their pricing strategy with their overall business figures in mind. However, we are going to show you why we think this is an effective marketing strategy. And how you can implement it into your business plan.

Examples of Free Sample Marketing  

The women in Ireland are feeling a heightened sense of unsafety because of the recent devastating news of Ashling Murphy. Many self-defence organisations and companies have been offering free classes / sessions for women. We have seen companies in Meath, Wicklow, and all over the country offering this service to women. Indeed, our owner, Jill Lush attended a really hands on class provided by her local Krav Maga studio.  While these businesses are offering their services from the kindness of their hearts, they are also participating in free sample marketing.

The Effects of Free Sample Marketing

Word-of-Mouth

One of the biggest knock-on effects from free sample marketing is word of mouth. Free sample marketing can quickly translate to word-of-mouth marketing. If a customer enjoys their experience with your brand, they are likely to tell their friends and family about the experience. Our owner is probably a good example of that.  After attending the aforementioned class, she’s been telling lots of friends about it.  All positive word of mouth.

Reach New Audiences

Offering free services or products can open your business to new customers and a wider audience. For example, some of these new customers may have not been interested in your product / service before it was free. By offering free things, you give potential customers a chance to test the waters and explore what your business has to offer.

Brand Awareness

Creating brand awareness is an effect that can result from both word-of-mouth and reaching a wider audience. Even if potential customers do not avail of your service / product, the offer of a ‘freebie’ creates a sense of brand awareness among these customers. Offering freebies can make you stand out from competitors and make your brand memorable.

Customer Loyalty

Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty! One of the biggest effects free sample marketing can have on a business is creating customer loyalty. Not only will the offer of free samples create a sense of trust among new and potential customers. But it will also aid the formation of brand loyalty among your existing customers. Customers will feel more inclined to purchase from your business again because of the enjoyable experience they had previously.

Is This the Right Strategy for Me?

In business, you must invest money to get a return on investment (to an extent of course). Free sample marketing is a fantastic way to:

• increase brand awareness,
• reach new customers,
• create brand loyalty,
• and increase word-of-mouth.

There are so many benefits of this marketing strategy, and at the end of the day who doesn’t love free stuff! We can already see the positive effects it is bringing to the community and the businesses, especially from the example we touched on earlier.

If you’re feeling unsure of what marketing strategies are right for you, please feel free to contact us! We are here to provide you with all your marketing needs. If you want to keep up to date with our marketing tips and advice, follow us on our social media pages!