Write an eBook and Promote Your Brand

If there is one thing folks like getting it is something for free. Whether that's a food sample at a grocery store or free shipping, freebies are a decent way to build up customer loyalty and increase sales. It might seem odd to make money by giving away stuff but that is often the case.

With an online business it's challenging to come up with that free item to attract customers. However, there is one item that could be a big benefit to your company and your brand. That would be an eBook.

An eBook is probably better thought of as a self-published extended pamphlet. Most business eBooks are anywhere between 10 to 50 pages and contain plenty of graphics and photos. You don't need to be the next Hemingway to create an eBook. In fact, there are many reputable companies which can do the work for you.

So why have an eBook giveaway? Consider these benefits:

Increased Conversion Rate

In the world of online marketing, a conversion is when a recipient performs an action that you want on your site. By offering them a free eBook as an incentive to subscribe or join your website, it increases your conversions.  

Increased Subscriptions

You should have a newsletter that promotes your online business. The more customers who subscribe to your company newsletter the bigger your email list will become (see above!). Visitors to your site who aren't on your mailing list can join when they register to receive their eBook. It's a kind of quid pro quo incentive.

Increased Promotion

If you're plugged into social media (and you should be) then releasing an eBook to your already loyal customers is a great way to generate increased promotion. You can encourage those folks on your network to share the eBook with their friends. If the eBook is engaging and informative then they won't have any problem sharing.

Increased Customer Awareness

An eBook allows you to provide information about top selling products or services and also launch new ones. Just because you have a customer who made a purchase and subscribed to your newsletter doesn't mean they are aware of everything your company does. Let the eBook spread the good news. 

BONUS! Download our free small business eBooks:

Online Marketing Primer

Small Business Management Primer

Drive Traffic To Your Site with Give Aways

Let’s face it; we all love to get free stuff. Whether it’s a T-shirt, a delicious dessert or advice - as long as it’s free, we’re going to be smiling. Now flip that around to the business who is handing out that free stuff and think about what they are getting in return. They are generating a lot of “smiles.” That’s a proactive stance towards building a more robust business and branding. Keep in mind that adopting this approach doesn’t mean you have to give away the store. Instead, you’re looking for ways to drive traffic to your site through enticements which can ultimately lead to other business.

By providing your customer with free advice, product or service, you’re ultimately building customer loyalty. You can create a blog which provides great advice on solving your customers’ pains. This makes you a resource, giving your prospects plenty of reasons to return to your site. This in turn could make them more inclined to follow your advertisers to their websites or purchase what you’re selling. Think of the “freebie” as the bait to hook a new customer.

Here are some more reasons why providing free stuff helps your business:

1)      Providing free stuff is good PR: News travels fast. By offering free stuff, your prospects will start talking about it amongst their friends and colleagues, helping you spread the message organically. People love to receive free stuff, and they’re more willing to take action if their friend recommends it to them.   

2)      You minimize risk for your prospects: When you offer a free trial period, a free e-book filled with great information, or even a free item, you are reducing the perceived risk in purchasing your product or service. By taking away the risk, you are providing your prospects with the opportunity to have a positive experience with your brand and make it easier to purchase later. 

3)      Build customer loyalty: Everyone loves to get something for free, especially when there are no strings attached.  Customers remember how they got something special and will associate it with your brand. This builds loyalty and positions your brand as someone that is always looking out for the customer. 

Free stuff doesn’t just have to be products or services. There are examples of donations, contests, free food and even a dream job!  Giving away free items or trial offers is a win-win strategy for both you and your customers. If done right, offering a free incentive will pay your company back in spades.