Giveaway items put your name right in front of customers. For this kind of marketing to be effective, however, you need to choose items customers use and see repeatedly. If you are operating a pizza parlor, you may think of giving away magnets to your potential customers. So the next time they want pizza delivered to their house, all they have to do is to run to their refrigerator where your magnet is placed to order pizzas from you. Sponsoring events can turn your products into public spectacles and, as a result, transform your marketing into news events.
Events help launch products, gain wider distribution, build awareness, and just plain sell.
Others start their own contests, and send out press releases to announce the contest. The New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, VT. started a unique cooking contest to attract new students. Their efforts have paid off, and the contest has attracted national publicity, including a coverage on Good Morning America and articles on various publications including The New York Times. There are various other ways that you can market your products without burning yourself out of business. All you need is to put your thinking cap and let your creative juices flow.