18 replies to this topic

[TheGreatDane]

Hi everyone,
this may sound like a silly idea , but I believe it will work, if it is done in the right way.

In order to find new prospects, I from time to time send out Direct Mails to selected potential customers. The message is "Book a meeting - it's free and you get a lot of valuable information on how to increase the benefit of your website!" .

In order to get a higher response percentage, I'm considering something like "Get a xxx for free - book a meeting now!". Considering that it shouldn't get to silly, I'm on the lookout for a widget or a service, that would have a true value for the receiver AND that is related to the service I offer.

The potential new customers would be in all kind of business, having or not having a website. And the service I offer is webesign and SEO.

Any ideas? Any experience you wanna share with me?

[mcanerin]

The usual suspects are, of course, pens and t-shirts.

For computer related industries mousepads and other compu-swag also works.

Have you considered something more useful? How about a Custom CD with demos and branded versions of great internet / SEO utilities? Or even a Music CD featuring local artists - it would set you apart from the crowd.

Just some thoughts,

Ian

[Scottie]

Check out all the stuff at Admagnets.

In our moonwalk rental business, we give out refrigerator frame magnets. Moms don't throw away magnets, especially if there is a picture of their child in it! There's nothing like advertising everyday on your target market's fridge!

Aiming at a more business-oriented crowd... stop and think a minute. Has a promo item ever convinced you to do business with that company? I have a zillion promo pens... I barely look at the logo on them.

I have promo mousepads... I couldn't tell you the company on them. I have a cool clear acrylic clock on my desk- I forget who sent it to me. OK- I looked at the logo. Still not going to buy their stuff.

I may not be average... maybe people do business with people because of promo-giveaways. Do you?

[stoli]

You may have already tried this. You can also offer your own services as some free work. You could do something like 10% off or if they spend $1000.00 they get a $100.00 coupon towards future work.

This way you don't have to really spend anything on promo items and if the customer is on a budget they may get a little extra because of it.

[deborah2002]

Scottie, thanks for the link--I checked it out and the tote bags are exactly what we've been looking for!

It gave me a great marketing idea for our company (we need something now that we've officially hit "low season" at the attractions!).

Thanks again!

deb

[Scottie]

Tell Jeff I sent ya!

[TheGreatDane]

Hi Ian,
thanks for your input. There could be something there – I’ll have a look at that!

Hi stoli,
interesting thought – thanks!

Hi Scottie,
thanks for the link and input – interesting statements they have on the value of refrigerator magnets!

Do I do business with companies BECAUSE of promo-giveaways? No, but it don’t prevent me from doing business with them either. But it’s a bit off my point. Let me give you an example of what I mean:

If my business were to sell central heating systems to home owners, and I was trying to book meetings with new prospects, I could send out a letter with a message like this:
“Before you read this letter, please throw away all your blankets!”

And then finish with a PS:
“If you really have thrown away all your blankets, don’t worry. After our meeting, you won’t need them anymore!”
And:
PPS: “If you decide NOT to book a meeting, leave your name and adress at our website www.heat.dk/blanket_please.html. Then I will send you a new blanket for free!”

This is of course a silly example, but it proves my point. IF there is a story to it all, if the giveaway actually has a certain value to the customer (and you maybe can make him/her smile a bit), and if it is related to the topic in question, I think it makes a difference. On the other hand: As you point out, who needs another pen with another logo….

As you might have guessed, I’m not into central heating systems (maybe I should consider a shift ), so I am looking for a giveaway, that in some way can be related to the business, we are in. Ian suggested some internet utilities – that might be an idea. Other suggestions…anybody?

[Scottie]

Can you tell us what business you are promoting? It's easier to be specific with ideas that way...

BTW- I'm not saying don't do promo items. But I think your money is better spent with a quality direct mail postcard that says something than a pen with your name on it.

[TheGreatDane]

Can you tell us what business you are promoting? It's easier to be specific with ideas that way...

Well - I did that in my first posting, but I will be happy to repeat it:

"The potential new customers would be in all kind of business, having or not having a website. And the service I offer is webesign and SEO."

[Scottie]

I missed that- didn't know if you were talking about promos for a client or yourself!

What is your goal? To have people remember your company or move them to action?

Promos can get a little expensive and to my mind, are more of a branding excercise than a lead-generating thing.

In the past, we've offered to send speakers to business networking organization meetings and chamber of commerce meetings; anywhere your target audience gathers. They are usually thrilled to have someone speak on a "cool topic" like search engine marketing and you can get real leads.

I like your direct approach of inviting business owners to a "free seminar"; I find the difficult part of that is getting a qualified mailing list. You send out a lot of cards or flyers and get little response.

Still thinking on this one...

[Haystack]

If the goal of giving something away is to generate new business, I think it's generally a good idea to match the giveaway to the service you sell. For example, if I gave away a free trip to Bora Bora I'd certainly get a lot of entries, but would that generate a good list to market to? Probably not.

[Scottie]

Hey! Cool new pic, Ed!

- in your natural habitat, I assume -

[Haystack]

That's me out in the elements. I'll be driven inside in a few more months once the temp starts dropping. I haven't figured out a good way to type with mittens on yet.

It's 86F here today and I'm heading out for a rollerblade around the lakes.

[TheGreatDane]

Hi Haystack,

If the goal of giving something away is to generate new business, I think it's generally a good idea to match the giveaway to the service you sell. For example, if I gave away a free trip to Bora Bora I'd certainly get a lot of entries, but would that generate a good list to market to? Probably not.

I totally agree!

[stoli]

We have had this discussion on another thread but you can try to trade your services to a company that can offer you the promo items. This way you don't have to come up with the cash.

As you can probably tell I always look for ways to NOT spend money. I am a cheap bastard! Can I say still say that word here?