Everyone loves free stuff. But is it worth it for your business? Let these six main reasons why giving away free products can benefit your business or your brand make it simple for you to decide.

1. Grateful followers

People appreciate generosity. If a potential or a new customer accepts a complimentary offer from your company They are not just grateful, but maybe even (just slightly) indebted. They will be more likely to recommend people about your product, and will be generally more open to the benefits and less critical of its possible flaws.

2. Attracts a young audience

The number one way to attract one of the most valuable audiences for university students is to use free samples. The ability to build brand loyalty among an audience that will finish post-secondary education and one day occupy some of the highest-paying positions in the job market is an amazing asset. A little generosity goes far with students, even if it's only in the form of a 15% off coupon.

3. Highly shareable content

People are drawn to sharing positive things, especially when they don't need to pay for it. Coupons, giveaways and large-prize contests with are highly sharable and more likely to be shared than product information or traditional advertising efforts. Your fans can do the work by sharing something they like - it's free stuff!

4. Information goldmine

In today's world of social media, where living a highly public life is a norm People are more than willing to share their valuable information (whether via an online survey, email address or their Facebook profile on public view) with your business in exchange for free samples. However, I recommend not using this data directly to increase subscribers or views to your newsletter, because oftentimes people will unsubscribe once they receive your emails. Instead, make use of this information to gain better awareness of your target market and inform your larger strategies and targeted efforts.

5. Generates leads

What better way to bring customers to your website, store or other event than giving them an opportunity to save their hard-earned cash? Coupons and BOGO deals are a great way to leave your fans with a sense of savings as they drive traffic and sales to your company. The likelihood of clients coming into your business and bringing friends along more often if you offer them something for free, rather than only rely on traditional marketing.

6. Brand loyalty is the foundation of a successful business.

When you're faced with a option of two nearly identical items - two different brands of water bottles or dish soap or towel for instance what is the reason you select one over the other? Offering samples of your product away for no cost or at a discount coupon cost increases the likelihood that next time your customer has to make that difficult choice, they'll pick your product over another due to its familiarity and the positivity they feel towards the brand you've chosen to mention in the benefit number one.