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To Give is To Receive: Gifts Keep Customers Coming Back

o market your business, know that giving things away actually equals giving back to yourself and your business. This applies to advice, services, publicity, as well as products, and money. Consider the following ideas when it comes to the business principles of giving and receiving.

Use your company web site. Employ the services of a professional web designer and make your site visually appealing so that people are interested in viewing it. Then, initiate a giveaway program whereby visitors receive a free product just for signing up with your company at your site. Be sure to get names, addresses, phone numbers, and on-line contact information. Assure customers that their private information won't be shared with other companies. For registering with your site, send customers a small, free item that is relatively inexpensive and possibly free to ship. The possibilities are endless- bumper stickers, business card holders" , pens, and key chains. You might also encourage registration with your company by having a monthly drawing for a larger item including a CD case, tee shirt, water bottle, or flashlight. Of, course all such memorabilia should be imprinted with your company's design or logo, so that your marketing continues to work for you. Be sure to advertise that anyone who participates receives a free entry for the monthly drawing. Keep your contacts interested in the giveaways and also maintain your company's credibility by publishing winners consistently.

Give your customers a value in their ordering and include several options. By giving them a discount for larger orders, they are more likely to shop with you and continue to do so. Whether your business is on-line, face-to-face in a physical location, or done primarily through mail order, saving your customers money means that they will want to spend their dollars with your business. This is true of products and services. Give away free gifts with orders over $100.00. Consider gift certificates to be spent on specialty items for clients who order over a certain amount. This type of giveaway entices shoppers to return to your business. And, consider using clearance products, discontinued merchandise, or out of print items for the gift certificate shopping. This means that you manage your inventory and continue to profit, while the customer reaps the benefits. What about discounts for referrals? Give away a free product or service for every new customer that an existing one sends to your business. Have an even larger bonus for five referrals. Word of mouth publicity can be powerful, and people like to be rewarded for sending new customers your way. In the end, everyone wins- your clients get recognition and freebies, and your business generates new revenue.

A "thank you" can be much appreciated. Many businesses overlook this token of gratitude, but taking the time to let customers know just how valued they are can establish a relationship and keep people coming back. Since so many companies fail to act upon this small gesture, people are impressed by those businesses that make the effort. Consider thank you notes, email messages, or small gifts. Give away small, inexpensive items like pens, water bottles, or magnets. Always advertise your business on such promotional products, so that people remember the generosity of your organization. Besides offering gifts because of sales, you can give away items in introductions, meetings, and at the closure of appointments. Make potential clients feel special for speaking with you, and let those long-standing contacts know they're always appreciated. Thank you gifts can make the difference in whether or not a customer decides to return business.

Get creative with giving gifts. It is customary to hand out business cards when networking, but think about handing out promotional products instead. Make new contacts feel special and remember you and your company. When establishing a new customer relationship give away a letter opener, hat, or tote bag- complete with your company's insignia or web site address.

Keep a variety of promotional items on hand. Remember products do not necessarily have to relate to your company's line of work. Perhaps you're in the auto sales industry. Invest in more than just key rings, ice scrapers, and license plates covers. Branch out and stock up on products that reach a broader audience. Your networking capability will multiply if you also give away beverage can holders, writing padfolios, picture frames, and mouse pads . Hand out these items out at the gym you belong to, in the restaurant you frequent, and at your children's school.

Remember, give away items and customers will give back. Through your web site, special offers, thank you tokens, and everyday giveaways, offering discounts, services, and promotional items builds business for you.

Author: Rick Sheldon has 18 years experience in the Promotional Products Industry and is currently President of Click 4 Promos. 1-877-238-2421