Whether consumers are shopping for a new phone or a car, you want their research and shopping experience to be not only hassle-free, but to include a nice takeaway.
You, as a consumer, probably appreciate this kind of online no-strings-attached takeaway, and that is what you as a marketer need to offer in return. Approximately 40 percent of the world population is now hooked up to the Internet; they are all potentially ready to be impressed with your business’s takeaway.
Here are a few magic marketing takeaways that any business can profit from using.
1. Offer Something for Free
This could include a free estimate, if that’s practical. Give such an offer prominent space on your landing page so that it is one of the first items a person sees when they visit. Who doesn't like a free estimate? It's a great way for you to introduce your product or service to prospective clients without them suspecting you are actually marketing to them. According to rug and furniture retailer NW Rugs, "Free shipping is also appreciated by customers, especially for bulky items like rugs and furniture that may not conveniently fit into today’s fuel-efficient, smallish cars."
2. Live Chat
What does the prospective customer take away from live chat? The impression that your company or service cares enough to provide someone who will take the time to chat with them personally. This is especially important for the growing segment of people who use their mobile devices to shop around; they may not be in a place where they can call for information, or may merely feel they don't want to talk directly to anyone right now.
Chatting offers the perfect alternative. It is viewed as an appreciated convenience by most consumers. For example, online colleges like Anna Maria College are incorporating a live chat feature on their websites to help potential students connect directly with knowledgeable admissions personnel that can answer their questions about the admissions process or the degrees offered.
3. Update Your Blog's Approach
Make your company's blog entertaining and informative, and not about your company. According to Christa Ostler, Owner of Daisy Maids, “Most people today have a built-in hype-counter. When it goes above a certain point they automatically move away to find something with less hype.” So hire good professional writers who can craft interesting, entertaining, and informative articles. The ranks of unemployed journalists continues to swell — you can find one easily enough to make your blog read like a newspaper or magazine article. That is truly a gift to your audience!
4. Virtual Giveaways
You can’t escape the fact that your consumers spend nearly half of their day interacting with something digital — whether paying bills, booking travel, or watching TV. You know that you’ve got to give your consumers useful tools, and still manage your costs. Virtual giveaways are a win-win in that respect. eBooks, Bitcoin, Amazon codes, Wii points, free app downloads of a paid app, etc. These are a few ideas that will appeal to a huge swath of your market.
5. Offer Gift Cards
This may seem counter-intuitive — what benefit does a prospect get from buying one of your gift certificates? But think about it; it is estimated that $134 billion will be spent on gift cards this year. They are convenient and can be given with a minimum of fuss and bother, sent digitally or by snail mail.
Practically everyone has used them when they couldn't think of anything else to give, or were in a rush. No matter what goods or services you offer, gift cards will almost always give your business an uptick in interest and appreciation!
