It’s Free Stuff People

Posted on 15 February 2010 | by Christina Quist

Thanks to some snazzy marketing ploys during the Super Bowl, I found myself visiting advertiser’s websites and signing up for their e-newsletters. Watching the parade of long awaited commercials highlighted some valuable marketing ideas. First, don’t ever ask The Who to perform live. Second, give away free stuff.

I distinctly remember two commercials: Dockers and Denny’s. Both purported to give away something for nothing. Besides the scene of half dressed singing men sauntering through an open field, the Dockers commercial was memorable because they are giving away free pants. I’ve never visited Dockers.com. In fact, never thought twice about men’s pants and their corresponding website. When I visited the website, I discovered that the pants are only free for a limited number of people. Kind of a ruse. But it worked because I signed up for the e-newsletter, in hopes of hearing about more free apparel. It’s free pants, people.

The second freebie appeared multiple times. Denny’s free breakfast. I don’t normally eat at Denny’s but I will if it’s a free breakfast. When I researched this at the Dennys website, I was delighted to see they are giving away free burgers and fries when you sign up for their club. Denny's did not disappoint. Who doesn’t want free food? Before the Super Bowl I rarely gave a second thought to men’s pants or the Denny’s breakfast Grand Slam. But, because both offered something free, I’m now a big fan, of both. Not only will I check back at each website, but I’ve been telling friends. It’s free stuff people.