FREE - quite possibly the most powerful word in marketing. Who doesn't like free stuff? How often have you signed up to receive something free, whether it was an e-book, a newsletter, a product sample? I'm sure we've all done it - likely more than once! And if you stop and really think about it, you will likely begin to see the power of this little word. Once you see the power of it, the next step is to start to think about how you can take advantage of it, and use it in your own marketing to boost sales! Let's look at some ways you can do this...

Your Website

Picture this for a moment: a visitor clicks through to your website and find not only an attractive home page, but a free download for an ebook on a topic that relates not only to your business and product, but also to their interests. They fill in their name and email address to receive the download. Now two things have happened. 1) you have the name and email address of someone who is interested in your business and your topic of expertise and 2) your visitor has received valuable information from you for free, which will help them to remember you and your product and make them more inclined to visit again and do business with you.

This is a good way for you to create a mailing list, to send out offers, a newsletter, event notices, etc - to people who are interested in your business. Note: always include an option for them to opt out of future emailings. Since these people have already expressed interest in the information on your website, they will be likely to be interested in future offers, information or products.

It is not hard to set up a form and autoresponder to automatically receive emails and download the information to the visitor. Ask your web developer about implementing this into your own website.

Print Material

Be sure to take advantage of the chance to promote your website and free download in your print promotion material. You could also offer a free trial, if it pertains to your product or service. It's not hard to slip that little word in a way that will draw customers and offer them something of value, not to mention get them to your website!

Email Signature

If it is appropriate, mention your free offer in your email signature. For example, if you offer a free newsletter, put a short tag in your signature about it with your website link.

Forums, Social Networking Sites

If you are involved on any forums pertaining to your topic of expertise, mention your free information on the forum. (If you are not involved on any forums, then consider joining a handful.) Do it in such as way that you don't seem to be promoting your own business or product, but are offering a valuable resource. This will help to establish yourself as an expert in your field, with valuable information and product. Do the same on any social networking sites you may be on.

These are just some ideas to get started. Use brainstorming and get creative to think of more ways to integrate this fantastic 4-letter word into your marketing.

Learn more about this author, Teh Jess.
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