My Husband and I just launched our website for our brand new business, to get our name and our product (which we figured would sell itself) out in the world we ran a FREE COFFEE add on our site. Now it has been nice talking with people and hearing how much they loved the coffee, but how do we close the deal? Since we are so small, I personally contact via email the people who visit the site and ask for the sample, I send an email letting them know when we mailed it and that it is on it`s way, and about a week after they received it...I follow up with them via email to make sure they`ve received it and ask them for their feed back. Most everyone writes back and they loved it....but then they totally drop off. Is the free sample idea worth it? Any advice here would be great.
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How do we get our "free sample" customers to buy?
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Jake and Wendy,
I visited your website and came away with an immediate impression: you`re offering free coffee. The word "free" appeared twice in the first page of your website. I think you`re attracting people who want a great cup of coffee - for free. Who wouldn`t?
Your intention for offering the best, fresh-roasted coffee, and your belief that your coffee IS the best seems very sincere. I think you have to focus in on your target market - coffee purists who are willing to pay a little more for a pound of fresh coffee. Price isn`t the biggest issue for those people. In fact, I think I read an article on this website that said for most buyers, price ranks about 5th. Trust, or confidence in the brand, ranked 1st, and "value" is also before price in importance. Don`t give the impression that you`re apologizing for the price of a first-rate product.
There`s a lot of competition out there in terms of a decent cup of coffee - I think you need to find your own unique niche. You seem dedicated to great customer service - I`d play up that angle more. That`s something that`s rare these days, and still greatly appreciated. Also, as far as your website goes, I`d like to know more about the two of you. I think there`s something interesting about a husband and wife team getting into the coffee business.
I don`t know where your marketing efforts have been directed, but I think investing in a professional website would be beneficial. You need your graphics and layout to reinforce the high quality you`re promoting in your product.
I`ve struggled with the whole "free sample" issue myself - it`s a complicated issue. I`ve found that I get noticeably better results when I send out a nice brochure and some great product photos to a very targeted list of potential buyers. I`ve come to the conclusion that free samples can work against you - lowering the perceived value of your product.
Hope this helps - keep experimenting, you`ll find the right marketing angle.
Best of luck to you both!
Hi,
I have the same feeling.You are inviting the crowd that finds "free things". How do you think they are finding you, to get their free samples? If it`s the keyword "FREE" that could hurt you.
The right keywords, best etc. could benefit you. SEO, (but not by the companies that make all the ridiculous promises,.... but by finding someone that knows what their doing, someone you can trust and believe in.) Great pictures of your product, and the `why`. they should buy your coffee. .. More descriptions about how `yummy it is` And when you gain some good customers, ask for their reviews.
I wish you two lots of luck, but remember, there is not always instant success in a new product online. It really can take some time, so hang in there!
Janie
Getting something FREE is always nice... and you will get people that are only looking for free stuff.
You might change your marketing strategy a little and offer something free with a purchase, That way you and the customer are getting something (you a sale - the customer their free item).
~Roland
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Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter
I want to Thank everyone for their advice! We really do appreciate it!
Hi,
I agree with the advice of a professional looking site, I like you`re idea and wish you the best in your business venture........Dave
I think you`re offering way too much freebies. First, you`re offering free samples and secondly, you`re also paying for shipping. If you`re going to offer free samples, let your prospective customers pay for the shipping otherwise, tie your free samples to a purchase. That way, you`ll be sure of attracting the right clientele base to your website. Also, I agree that you need to do more in terms of your brand communication via your website. A little professional help will go a long way.
January
MemoryEvergreen
I think Joan has a point. I also like the idea of offering Free coffee with purchase. That way you are offering something and getting something in return
The best way to get people to purchase your coffee is very simple: Follow up.
You have their contact information, once they get their free sample wait about 4-5 days and then give them a call.
Like any product... If they like it - they will buy it!
Good luck!
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IsraelExporter.com - Marketing and Lead Generation for Israel's Leading Export Companies PiTag Media - PiTag Media uses online tools to provide increased value for start ups and large companies. Connect with me on LinkedIN
you must incorporate a "call to action" once they have received the free sample. like perhaps a with the free coffee and discount coupon on the next order, and then follow up on that. Do you offer packages and/or gift baskets?
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