Giving Away Your Product for Branding

Giving your product away for free may not seem like the best way to do business, but it can be an excellent way to build your brand.

Of course this will not be feasible for all businesses or all products, but if it won’t set you back too much, why not give it a try?

This is one of Mark Nagurski’s "big business sponsorship ideas to market your small business".

"Quite often your expertise, product or service can be as valuable as your cash," says Nagurski. "Look for opportunities where you benefit from both promotional opportunities and the chance to show off what you can do. For example, a landscaper could sponsor a neighbourhood renewal project by providing supplies and manpower rather than just cutting a cheque. A bakery could support a children’s hospital by supplying goodies for a bake sale."

In a comment to Mark’s post I suggested a business selling their own sports drink giving them out the drinks at local little league games. Kids get thirsty. Especially kids playing ball.

I think what Mark is talking about is more about how your product can "help", but even if it’s not really "needed" you can still benefit.

I remember when I was in school and the soft drink Surge came out. This may be a poor example being how I don’t think it exists anymore, but Surge representatives came to our school and offered free cans to the students as a promotion. I have to say that I did see a lot of people drinking it there for a while. I went to a Reds game a year or two ago and there were representatives for the soft drink Vault doing the same type of thing outside of the stadium.

People love free samples. People will try almost anything if it is free, and getting them to try your product once might be the beginning of a loyal customer relationship.

You may just offer discounts, but nothing is going to get more customer participation than something that is free. Let them decide if your product is worth paying for. If response is poor, it may be an eye-opener and lead you to consider some change. If response is good, you will sell your product.