Brand awareness and communicating your brand’s value are key to any CPG brand’s success. Sampling offers a real, hands-on experience that forms a connection between your product and your consumers. They can taste, see, touch, and smell your product—creating a memorable interaction that sticks with them long after the moment has passed.
Sampling is an important piece of experiential marketing. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love free stuff? By offering samples, you’re not just giving away a product, but creating a lasting impression. Here are some strategies that brands are using to engage consumers with sampling:
- Providing a sample of a new spirit at your local grocery store.
- Handing out trial packs of vitamins or skincare products at events.
- Sharing free detergent samples paired with coupons.
- Offering travel-size beauty products at retail stores.
According to the Product Sampling Study by Arbitron and Edison Media Research, 35% of customers who try a sample purchase the product on the same shopping trip. This shows how impactful samples can be, not just for immediate sales, but for keeping your brand on top of mind for future purchases. Sampling is also a great way to maintain relationships with your current customer base. The human connection and brand loyalty are strengthened when consumers get to experience your product firsthand.
The Impact of Sampling
- Amplify Your Reach: Brand ambassadors can help spread the word far beyond traditional marketing, especially for newer or innovative products that need to build a presence.
- Drive Engagement: Samples, when part of your marketing strategy, generate buzz. Brand ambassadors share their experiences, sparking conversations around your brand.
- Education: It’s more than just a freebie—sampling provides an opportunity for consumers to learn about the personal benefits of your product, which is especially valuable for more complex items.
- Justifying Premium Products: Even high-price products benefit from sampling, as it gives consumers a chance to experience and justify their potential purchase.
In a world where human connection is vital, sampling is one of the most direct ways to engage with your audience. It not only builds brand awareness but also boosts sales and strengthens the value of your brand.