Are You Targeting Your Giveaways?

Giveaways. Contests. You see them all the time. But are they effective? I guess it depends on what is being given away. If it’s something I might like, or want to try without investing a lot of money, then yes. But I also wonder whether people only enter contests because they like free stuff, or because they actually want or like the product being offered.

For example, I received some eco-friendly scrubbers and a bamboo dish towel at a party. I wasn’t expecting them, but as I looked closely, I realized it was something I want to try. And if they work well, I’ll be looking for them the next time I go to the store. At first, I wasn’t open to cleaning products (I don’t need to be reminded how much I still have to do, thank you). But when I heard they were made from recycled products, I decided to give them a try.

I’m happy to get some samples, but at the same time, don’t really care about others. I’m not interested in most makeup because I have sensitive skin. And I don’t even bother with perfumes or scented body washes due to allergies. So if offered those, I’d probably pass or give to a friend. But techie stuff? I’m all over that since I’m a huge geek. Paper, pens, office supplies? Bring it on! Books? Yes, please.

The point is, if my interests are so diverse, so are my customers’. And if I’m to offer a giveaway or free sample I need to take into account whether what I’m offering is actually of interest to them. What I like, someone else may not. And vice versa. So you need to find people who are already interested, or open to your product. If you want your giveaway to do more than go into the recycle bin, you must know who you’re offering to.

Have you done targeted giveaways (or free samples)? Did you see the results you were looking for? Any return on it? New customers? What do you think works for you?

image: morgueFile