The challenge with selling a new product is getting potential customers to try it. Of course you can just give away free samples to everyone and anyone, but you may go bankrupt in the process.

Consider text messaging as your strategic ally. In this Starburst lollipops example, consumers were prompted to send in a text message (SMS) entry to win over 50,000 instantly redeemable prizes in the form of Starburst lollipops, instant win (mail out) prizes and entry into a grand prize sweepstakes draw. By using text messaging, you can integrate “send a message to receive a sample” right into your media (print, online, TV - anywhere). The difference here is that you’re sending samples to people who have shown an interest in the product. On top of that, you could also tie the sampling results back to specific media investments.

In any case, by using text messaging for product sampling, you’re putting your samples into the right hands, while also creating a direct connection with your customer. This means that you can follow up and continue to promote your product (e.g, send coupons). What sort of feedback do you get from your current sampling efforts?