Q: Free Samples – Taste-test or credibility buster?
A free sample or “taste test” is never a bad idea and always appreciated by a potential client. If your client base is not full, this is a great way to market.
On the flip side, one good reason for not offering a “freebie” is when your sales funnel is quite full and you want to use an intro product as a qualifier to see if the prospect is willing to pay to taste. This works well especially with higher priced services.
I use a combination of free and not free intro products to begin the marketing process and allow people into my client funnel. This has worked very well for me, and I teach my clients to use variations on this that will help them. As long as everything is customized, part of an overall marketing system, and presents them as the experts they are, then free can be a great way to go to get the results they want.
Another worry related to the subject is that the word “free” in itself can undermined your product or service value, and it’s better to use words such as “complimentary”, “no obligation”, or “no charge”.
I think those words and phrases put up defense reflexes quickly, and actually can have the reverse effect, putting people on guard for an impending sales pitch. “What’s the catch?”
I think using the word “free” is fine as long as it’s framed well. Always let your prospect know exactly why it’s free, and don’t come from a place of desperation or insincerity. “Free” is straightforward and easily understood. But you want to show that your free product does have tremendous value, and people will respect that.
And besides, who doesn’t love getting something for free?
Happy New Year!
Jason