How to Use Freebies Without Cheapening Your Brand

The concept of giving something away to customers for free first dates back decades, even before the days of the internet. Shopkeepers would often provide free ‘try-before-you-buy’ samples of products, as they knew that this could tempt customers into making an unplanned purchase.

In the online world, freebies are more prevalent than ever. However, some businesses still shy away from them as they believe they cheapen the brand. There are ways to use this marketing approach without cheapening your brand, though.  

Freebies Have Worked Wonders in the Online Bingo Sector

One example of freebies working well in the modern digital age is the online iGaming industry, where players can access games without having to pay any money. The free bingo games at Paddy Power are available every day, and they even give players the chance to win prizes.

This was a wise move for the online bingo sector, as it has tried to shed its previous image and appeal to a wider demographic. By giving people a chance to try it out for free first, it means that more people can discover the game. There are other incentives as well, such as allowing people to buy cheaper tickets at certain times of the day.

The availability of these freebies doesn’t negatively affect the brand, as operators are trying to convey an image of inclusivity. Bingo is available to all, and freebies reflect that well. If players then want to spend money on the games, they have the option to do so.

Free Offerings Should Align with Your Brand Values

One lesson that businesses should learn from the bingo industry is that, if you do decide to offer freebies, they should represent your brand’s core identity. According to a piece from Forbes on the importance of branding in business, everything you do should reflect the brand. Therefore, you initially need to decide if freebies are even right for you.

There are loads of unique ways to offer freebies, regardless of what industry you are in. For example, TradingView provides loads of free indicators to users so that they can easily analyse charts without paying. The company’s philosophy is that trading should be open to everyone, so this fits. If people want more advanced features, however, they need to sign up for a monthly subscription.

This could work in other sectors as well. For instance, a sustainable clothing brand could offer free recyclable bags to highlight its dedication to sustainability, or a coffee shop could give free reusable cups to people who spend a certain amount.  

It’s also a wise idea to try to create exclusivity and purpose with any freebie deals you might offer. If something is free all the time, it loses its value. However, if you opt for a limited-time offer, people may think it’s worth more. There’s also the option to give people the chance to work for their freebies, such as through loyalty schemes.

Freebies are an important aspect of marketing, and they can be an excellent way to hook customers. As long as you do them right, these deals can add to your brand and make it even stronger.