Should More Rotherham Businesses Try Freebie Promotions?

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The UK is in a particularly sticky situation for businesses. Inflation remains above where the Bank of England wants it to be, as you can see right here, and that has knock-on effects on the costs of doing business. It’s becoming harder to sell as people are being more tight-fisted with their money while the economic headlines remain mostly adverse.

As such, it can seem almost insane to propose that a business in Rotherham kicks off a new marketing scheme with free samples, free trials, or freebies at its heart. However, there’s a good reason why the free sample approach has been around for so long. Simply put: it’s because it works – when done well, that is. In fact, one in Rotherham seemingly did wonders just last year.

Working the freebies in-house

The free sample approach has earned its reputation in-store. When someone mentions free samples, they invariably think about the little stall with spoons of jam or mini foods that are quick to try and direct you to an aisle of new products. There is another way, though, and one that gained a lot of traction last year.

To announce the opening of a new store in Rotherham, Popeyes announced that the first customers to order at the drive-through would win free food all year. The chain diner also ran this promotion at the Parkgate Shopping outlet for walk-in customers when it opened prior.

For the May 2023 promotion, the lucky winners decided to line up to win the promotion from 4 am, awaiting its 11 am opening. While there was only one winner on these occasions, the freebies created a lot of buzz before the opening of a new diner. It worked as an excellent way to promote Popeyes as a brand and a new location.

For those who could win the freebies, or in other more commonplace free sample promos, those who are graced with the free goods tend to then buy more of that product or at least more from that brand. It’s a well-established social reaction of reciprocity that can be tapped into in this form of marketing. As they’re getting extra value, somewhat of a debt is felt – especially if the sample is considered to be of value – and so, they seek to return.

Rotherham’s online businesses can work the angle, too

Putting up an online freebie offer can seem far riskier than one that’s in-person or in-house. It’s simply too easy to go to a website, claim the freebies, and leave, whereas in-house, human input can be seen as a way to help subsequent sales along. Still, the principle of reciprocity can and will still come into play.

Businesses don’t necessarily even have to post something out for it to offer value. Clearly demonstrated by the online gaming industry, you can find the best casino bonuses here and see that most offer something for free to new customers. Some go further with no wagering and even no-deposit bonuses. These are truly free offers without cost to the new player, but they raise the profile of the brand and earn a lot of favour.

With computer software firms, many look to offering free trials as a way to go about this approach, which is also a common theme with more niche streaming platforms, like Crunchyroll. Still, even with the matched deposit bonuses at online casinos, where cash needs to be deposited first, it’s still a form of much-loved freebie, just being a bonus after a set purchase.

You’ll see this on a whole host of online stores. New customers, or even existing customers, get something for free if they spend a set amount. It’s a great way to tap into the impact of the freebie while also ensuring a return for the business. Lego’s official site has something like this going on all the time, for example.

Freebies and marketing programs based around giving something to customers for free are proven to work, and if a business in Rotherham is considering jumping in, the key is to offer something of true value to encourage further purchases.

Images: Viktor Forgacs / Unsplash / PhotoMIX Company / Pexels

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