Just 18 months ago I took the plunge into becoming a full-time business owner. And it has been one heck of a ride! Starting a new company is both a scary and exciting journey. But one of the biggest challenges lies in capturing the attention of potential clients/customers and driving sales.
Standing out in a competitive landscape means you need to offer more than just a good product—you need to make compelling offers that people can’t resist. And don’t get me started on what it takes to market a new product or service. That said, one thing is for sure, coming out the gate, you have to find and build a customer base, and then gain their trust in the early stages.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about seven actionable strategies to create irresistible offers for your business. Some offers lend themselves to holiday seasons and some are evergreen. Nevertheless, choose the one(s) that fit your product and target audience. Or, try them all at different times to see best results.
1. Free Trials (Service Based)
Be honest, how many email subscriptions are in your inbox based on a free trial? A lot? That’s because everyone loves something free and free trials are one of the most effective sales promotions for a service-based business. It's been shown that 80% of consumers began their new services based on a free trial. And according to a yugabyteDB survey and article, anywhere from 58% to 78% of people who try out a free trial, convert to paying subscribers.
If you are a service based business, consider attracting new customers while expanding your reach through a free trial in new target markets. And, also consider asking for feedback from customers who don't renew after the trial to learn how to improve your service.
2. BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) Offer
As a new startup, one of the fastest ways to grab attention is with a “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) offer. This type of deal makes consumers feel like they’re getting exceptional value, which is an essential factor when introducing your new product or service to the market.
For example, if you’re launching a new line of eco-friendly cleaning products, offering a BOGO deal on your best-selling item will encourage people to give your products a try. It not only increases the chance of higher-volume purchases but also spreads awareness as customers often share their "free" items with others.
3. Free Samples with Every Purchase
As a startup, it’s important to get your product in as many hands as possible, and offering free samples with every purchase is a great way to achieve that. This entices customers to buy but it also introduces them to other products in your line that they may not have considered.
Therefore, if your startup is focused on health and wellness, and a customer buys your organic tea, you could include a free sample of your new energy-boosting protein powder. Free samples help build trust and create a better customer experience, increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases.
I have a good friend that runs an essential oils business. Even when she’s not selling she carries samples in her bag that she can pop out in a flash when the opportunity appears. This woman has made countless sales around those randomly given samples.
4. Discount Code for First-Time Buyers
Have you ever listened to a podcast with the host offering a product discount code ending in their name? That is one of the ways that companies get new buyers. So why not use that idea by offering your own first-time buyer discount? New customers are often hesitant to buy from a brand they’re unfamiliar with, but a limited-time discount will reduce this hesitation and motivate them to take the plunge.
Another smart move is to integrate this offer with your email marketing strategy. Encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter in exchange for the discount code. This will help you build an email list that you can leverage for future promotions.
Bonus! Offer a discount code for referrals, but don’t forget to request those referrals with an easy-to-click link, and a gracious request. (Referrals don’t usually arrive by themselves - LOL)
5. Downloadable How-To Guide
As the owner/creator you know how your products work in your sleep, but your audience does not. Educating customers should be one of your first priorities. Teaching them how to use your product can be just as important as the product itself. Offering a FREE downloadable How-To Guide is a powerful way to add value to your offer while helping customers get the most out of their purchase.
For example, if you’re launching a line of tech gadgets, a guide on "How to Use Your New Smart Home Device" can help customers understand the full capabilities of your product. This not only increases their satisfaction but also reduces the likelihood of returns or negative reviews.
HOW TO: Offer this guide on your website for new customers or create a lead magnet on your social media pages for followers to access.
6. A Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Sheet
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet is an often-overlooked but incredibly effective tool, especially when you are getting started. Customers will have questions about your new product, and having an FAQ sheet that addresses common concerns helps reduce hesitation and boost conversions.
Answer Product Questions Such As:
What is your return policy?
How long does shipping take?
How does the product work?
What sets this product apart from competitors?
Answer Service Based Questions:
How many edits do I get/ (for creators)
What is the turnaround time (for creators)
How much does this cost?
Do you get paid up front?
What is your refund policy?
Compiling these answers in a FAQ sheet upfront reduces uncertainty and reassures potential customers that your product is worth purchasing.
7. A 30-Minute Consultation (Service Based Companies)
30 minute consultations are often the gateway to grow your service oriented businesses. This allows potential customers to book a curiosity session with you, while allowing you to block out windows of your precious time. Consultation services are incredibly beneficial for the following reasons:
An opportunity for you to sell your services in person.
Enables you to personally connect with a potential customer.
Allows you to immediately answer burning questions.
Enables you to weed out the curiosity seekers vs serious buyers
Allows you to hear firsthand feedback on your presentation.
Three popular appointment scheduling software's are:
Free Level
$10/month
$16/month
Enterprise Level (for large teams)
Free Level
Growth $19.99/month
Professional $49.99/month
Enterprise Level $79.00/month
Emerging $16.00/month
Growing $27/month
Powerhouse $49/month
Custom
Conclusion: Building Customer Trust and Loyalty with Value-Driven Offers
Starting a new company comes with its challenges, but by creating irresistible offers, you can quickly attract customers and build a strong foundation for growth. These seven strategies—BOGO deals, free samples, first-time buyer discounts, How-To Guides, FAQ sheets, and 30-minutes consults—are proven to boost sales while adding immense value for your customers.
Being thoughtful and intentional about delivering valuable offers will not only capture attention but also earn the loyalty of customers who will want to return again and again.
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