You've probably already heard of the sales technique where you throw in a "free gift" to get people interested in your brand. If you haven't, check out this article about Offering Something for Nothing. Mr. Levinson, the author, calls this "bribing" the customer. I wouldn't go that far, but it is a proven method to getting new and repeat customers.

Like most sales techniques, this one can be transferred to the internet. In fact, offering free content exclusively through your website can not only earn you extra customers but also increase your website traffic.

Here are some ideas:

1. Coupons for your services: Allow your customers to print off a coupon that proves they've visited your website. Consider giving them 10% off your services or products.

2. Samples: People can email you for a sample or a free consultation.  Think of other ways for clients can "sample" your business.

3. Use your blog: Give advice that relates to what you do. If you are a business attorney, give a tip once a week or keep your readers up-to-date on business law. Most people will jump on free advice it they find it relevant.

4. Downloads: Offer downloads that would be of interest to your readers: podcasts (interviews, live recordings of events, lectures), video, pdfs... think creatively.

5. Surveys: People love to take them. Link to a free service from your blog or put one directly on your site. Not only will you get active involvement from your readers, you can glean interesting information as well.

Do you ever download music? Lots of bands and recording companies get very offended by illegal downloading, but it still happens. The band ColdPlay decided to encourage downloading their music and offered it directly on their website. They went from ranking 305 among Bands and Artists websites to number 1. Their hits increased 1800% in 2 days.

Talk up your website and what you're offering to your clients. Do it during consultations or when you are networking. Lots of people say "visit my website" but don't give any incentive. Create your incentive and people will be asking you for your website's address.

Have you used any of these ideas? How did it go? Post new ideas as well!

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm and is filed under Veribatim. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.