It’s Good to Have Giveaways

FIVE EASY GIVEAWAY OPTIONS

There are lots of budget-wise marketing handouts that could help your practice gain recognition. Here are just five:

1. Newsletters: These don’t have to be long, in-depth items. A savvy one-pager can gain solid customers. I developed this monthly sales handout for Erickson Retirement Communities, offering caregiving coordinators insights on the latest long-term studies (plus one personal care pointer). Research showed these coordinators were keeping the hole-punched item in loose-leaf form as reference tools, thus a solid reminder.
   
   
2. Booklets/e-books: Similar, but e-books are electronically developed and downloaded, while booklets are generally published in the traditional way. E-books provide an image of authority when your firm’s leaders are presenting on TV, radio or podcasts — without taking the same time and dollars as a traditional book. Booklets — like the mesothelioma example — are great for other marketing, including webinar giveaways, website pulldowns and offers during commercials (to build a mailing list).
   
   
3. Infographics: When you check the blog post noted for the stats mentioned earlier in this article, you’ll see great infographics. This tool has erupted in popularity in recent years; it’s simple, fast-reading, with insights that pique interest — even respect — for the source. Here’s an example of an infographic offering a checklist for finding a writer.
   
   
4. Flyers: If you can handle infographics, you can develop flyers. Many of these are one-pagers, offering quick notes about special events coming up. Others can provide the kind of checkpoints and stats that infographics offer.
   
   
5. Brochures: Every good business can use a brochure. Get the graphic done and then you can hand out real paper ones or let folks download it. This one I wrote won an award for the complete two-color design.

In fact, almost all these examples (except the e-book) are good in paper format. That way when leaders are speaking at a trade show, chamber of commerce or other event, they can offer these handouts.

“To build brand loyalty, providing free ‘get to know us’ and ‘stay with us’ giveaways on a regular basis is a great tool.”

Remember, your insights must be truly informative — not just a batch of commercials. Yes, you can offer self-promotional news periodically. I did it for one of my clients when I created his LinkedIn Pulse stories. Some were quick news items, such as when he took part in a special event or was hosting a webinar. But most were true features because the best bet to entice your audience is to educate them. You can always add in this reminder: “For more great insights — and discounts — on ________, contact XYZ Law Offices at _________.”

GETTING IT DONE

Your decision-makers need to be truly honest. Who in the firm can really provide day-in, day-out marketing needs? Who understands the different levels of plain language? How is the practice going to inaugurate its marketing program?

These are just a few of the questions that need answers. But if your firm truly seeks to be noticed above the competition, they’re great things to consider. Then start generating a solid giveaway program.