Are Offline Giveaways Still Relevant in the Digital Age

We live in a world where online shopping is getting all the buzz

Businesses focus more on online ads, giveaways, and social media campaigns.

However, we all still need foot traffic in our stores, and offline giveaways might seem like a thing of the past in today’s digital world. But are they?

Not at all. While online giveaways will create more clicks and engagement, offline ones create real-world interactions that digital campaigns can’t replicate. If used well, these drive to store giveaways can create strong customer relationships that ensure constant foot traffic.

The Unique Power of Offline Giveaways

Offline giveaways allow customers to enter a store, sign up for a prize, and interact with the business in person. This helps the brand in different ways.

👐They Create Personal, Hands-On Engagement

When running an offline giveaway campaign, a customer will come into your store. This means they will see your products physically and likely try out different ones. They’ll also interact with your staff, so you’ll have an opportunity to convince them why your products are right for them. This personal touch will appeal to potential customers in a way that an online giveaway can’t.

🎯They Take Advantage of Impulse Participation

When a person is walking past your store, they won’t really be looking for a contest or the products you are selling. However, a sign that says, “Enter to win a free year of coffee!” can stop them in their tracks and bring them to the store. Once they come in, they will enter the competition and probably make a purchase. At the very least, you can be sure they’ll remember your brand.

🏠They Help Build Local Brand Recognition

Brick-and-mortar businesses rely on the local community. When you set up an offline giveaway, it will create a buzz within the community. It can be a pop-up contest, an event-based raffle, or product sampling, but they will all encourage foot traffic and word-of-mouth marketing.

🔄They Turn Visits into Habits

When a person visits your store and takes part in the prize competitions, they will remain with an image of a business that cares about its customers. Whether or not they win, they will likely come back because you’ve already established a positive brand image.

Blending Offline and Online for Maximum Impact

The fact that it’s a drive to store campaign doesn’t mean that it needs to operate fully offline. In fact, the most successful campaigns find a way to bridge the gap between in-person experiences and the audience power that digital channels have.

Here’s how you can integrate both for the best results.

📱Use QR Codes for Entry

Not many people will enjoy filling out physical forms in the store, and this also doesn’t work in your favor. Instead, you can make the registration online and the prizes in-store. When the customer comes in, they can scan a QR code that links them to an online entry form. This way, you’ll easily capture email addresses you can use for future marketing.

📲Encourage Social Sharing

Since the registration is online, provide buttons (and templates) that allow users on social media after entering the draw. You can make this more effective by offering bonuses or multiple entries for users who share on social media. This will help generate online buzz and lead to more traffic.

📣Promote the Giveaway Across All Channels

A giveaway should never rely on a single marketing channel. Your social media channels are already localized, so you can use them to reach a wider audience and allow broader participation. Notify your subscriber list, and also partner with influencers who can popularize the campaign and your business. This will help you maximize exposure, attract a wider audience, and create customer experiences that live beyond the giveaway itself.

Are you ready to organize an offline giveaway?