It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and you’ve got to have a massive appetite. Standing out from the crowd is never easy in a saturated market, but it isn’t impossible. Thanks to a ‘try before you buy scheme,’ customers can test drive the products before making a final decision. It’s easy to see the downsides, such as the potential costs and the lack of conversions. However, the opposite is true. Letting consumers try before they buy eradicates the unpredictability of online shopping. And, it’s a way to get the most out of excess stock.
If there is one thing a business should offer, it’s a test drive. There are complications, the main being transporting the testers to the individuals. Thankfully, with a pinch of creativity, you can sidestep this hurdle without breaking a sweat. Here are the examples which should inspire you to revolutionize the firm’s marketing strategy.
The Free Sample
Krispy Kreme is one of the giants of the doughnut industry, so you could forgive them for not giving away handouts. Yet, the second largest and second most reputable vendor in the industry has other ideas. Every Valentines Day (14th Feb, guys), the stores around the world provide free samples to lure in new customers. There’s nothing like a free jelly doughnut and a cup of Joe to start the day. And, this isn’t the only company which gives away freebies. Kellogg’s have family rewards codes, and every smoothie-maker in the mall has a shot of strawberry and banana to give away. A free sample is a staple of corporations because it adds value and puts a smile on a person’s face.
Virtual Reality
Technology has advanced in a big way since the early 2000s. Now, the virtual world is becoming a reality; that’s how good tech is today. Barring the whole ‘AI is going to take over the world’ argument, the business benefits are huge. One example is using 3D or virtual reality tours to lure in new customers and clients. Altium is a business which is renowned for its PCB design software that helps manufacturers create prototypes. Probably the most obvious example though is a property tour. With a virtual realtor, buyers can look at houses without leaving their living room. Sure, no one buys without closer inspection, but selling real estate is about the first impression. VR tours allow companies to get into the head of the buyers and organically influence their thoughts. Plus, ease of access puts the customer first because they don’t have to move.
“Your Package, Madam”
Warby Parker is a firm that deals in discount glasses. Their biggest obstacle, as an online vendor, was getting people to purchase without trying on the products. For a while, they struggled to break into the market, and then they had an idea. It was simple yet ingenious: send samples in the post. All a customer had to do was to fill in a form and provide the relevant information. Then, the business shipped out testers and let the river run its course. After their epiphany, the firm is now worth over $1 billion. Even more impressive, competitors are stealing the idea for themselves. Going the extra mile can be a money-spinner.
Free Trial
Amazon is without a doubt the biggest corporation that offers a free trial. In a bid to launch its Prime service, the bosses decided to give everyone the chance of a 30-day freebie. After that, the subscription would renew or the customer could cancel free of charge. Now, Prime is one of the leading online shopping services with millions of subscribers. Yes, some people take advantage of the scheme by signing up and canceling immediately, still being able to use the service for the rest of the period. However, Amazon has found that the majority of people see the benefits of the extra features – free delivery, etc. – and never turn back. Sometimes, a slip of the mind can lead to new revenue for a business.
Prize Giveaway
Events are part and parcel of modern marketing. Hosting one means you have to giveaway gifts, either for free or to a winner of a competition. What savvy companies do is offer their products as gifts for marketing purposes. How often do you see a new Toyota or BMW in an airport lounge? Aside from the constant foot traffic, the winner of the draw will be tempted to stick with the manufacturer when they buy a new vehicle. Remember to play the long game and to instill loyalty.
Creativity can lead to innovative and original ways to market a business. Do you have a favorite?
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