2:12pm
East of the Mississippi
There’s a scene in Napoleon Dynamite where Uncle Rico is selling “indestructible” plastic bowls, door to door.
And one couple is somewhat interested in the bowls…
But GREATLY interested in the unrelated premium:
A large wooden ship.
I waaant that.
“I waaant that.”
In direct marketing, we’re often told the bonus should be related to the main offer, to enhance it, or make it easier, or faster, or done for you.
But don’t underestimate the power of an unrelated bonus gift.
Swag, like a t-shirt or notebook, is always popular.
If you can customize it for the recipient, all the better.
And if the recipient can use it for self identity––as a person of the In-Crowd, or a person who supports a charity––all the better still.
I know of a compamny who’s owner doesn’t spend money to obtain customers.
No free trials. No complementary check-ups.
His company is surely not alone. And, if it works for those companies, cool.
But what’s the value of a $1000/mo customer who is happy with your service and stays with you, month after month, telling fellow business owners about your quality services for years…
If it costs you $500 to land them in the first place?
The value is high. That $500 is money well spent.
And if you can land a customer with a $10 t-shirt, or a $20 water bottle? One that continually reminds them of your brand?
Even higher.
Something to think about as you head into 2026.
But one of many things that most small companies don’t think about, because they’re not marketers.
But I am a marketer.
And I have ideas for you.
Want to talk about ’em?
Reply now and we’ll get a time on the calendar for early 2026, to see if we’re a fit to work together.
Merry Christmas eve-eve-eve,
Jeffrey