How to Increase Sales by Giving Away Free Stuff

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By HBCinc

Increase Sales
Increase Sales

How to Increase Sales

Getting new customers can be challenging. Not only do they need to want what you sell, they also need to trust and like you. Giving away free stuff can not only introduce your products or service to potential customers, it gets them to drop their guard and get to know, like and trust you.

But doesn't giving away free stuff cost you money as a business owner? Won’t it cut into your bottom line and therefore decrease profits. Not necessarily. When done right, this popular time-tested marketing strategy can bring in plenty of sales, making your up-front promotional costs worth the investment

The key to giving away free stuff is to ask for something in exchange - something that the prospect does not mind giving up. Usually, this is basic contact information like a name and email address. For gift items or higher value, a phone number or mailing address can be requested.

In any case, the contact information gives you, the business owner, a means of following up with the prospect at a later date. When you follow up, the gift recipient is more likely to perceive you as that trustworthy, likable person than an unknown salesperson.

In addition to building a likable reputation with potential clients, letting people test-drive your products or services makes the purchasing process easier and more comfortable. The shopper is not put in a position where she feels like she may be wasting time or risking her hard-earned money by making a stupid purchasing decision.

Taking this small step first instead of trying to force shoppers to buy the first time they meet you may take a little more time, but can end up in lots more sales, referrals and repeat buyers in the long run. People like to shop, but they don’t want to be told when to buy. Let customers feel like they are in control, and they will feel more comfortable handing their money over to you.

Once a prospect hand over their contact information to you, it is like breaking the ice. It will be easier to make a sale after the ice breaker than if no contact information or free gift was ever exchanged. You have started the purchasing process momentum, and getting a big “Yes” after getting a small “Yes” becomes much easier.

So what can you give away free to prospects without risking too much money? You can hand out free samples of products, but also free reports, CDs, videos, free estimates, consultations, newsletters, demonstrations and more. The best free gift will of course depend on what you are selling, and what your target market wants. Keep in mind that if you can provide a small solution to a problem they are having, they are likely to contact you again for more help to a bigger problem.

Another benefit to giving away free stuff to potential buyers is that you introduce yourself and your company in a friendly, relaxed way. If you are a plumber, for example, people who have met you are more likely to think of you the next time their sink stops up. It is like free advertising minus the cost of the freebie.

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