Giveaways have been the trade show move since forever. Big brands, scrappy startups—everyone’s tossing out branded junk hoping it’ll buy them attention.
But let’s call it what it is: most giveaways are trash.
They don’t attract serious leads. They don’t spark lasting connections. And they definitely don’t build your brand. All you’re left with is a line full of freebie-chasers and a box of regret.
If your giveaway isn’t turning heads and driving ROI, it’s time to level up.
Here’s why your current freebie game might be flopping—and what to offer instead if you actually want to win the floor.
Why Your Giveaway Game Is Weak (And Why Nobody Gives a Sh!t)
1. You’re Attracting Freebie Hunters, Not Real Fans
“Like, follow, tag a friend” might boost your numbers—but it’s vanity. You’re building a fanbase of people who just want free crap. The second the contest ends, so does the interest.
2. The Prize Isn’t Aligned With Your Brand
Sure, giving away an iPad gets clicks. But if your giveaway doesn’t tie into your product or brand, what exactly are you marketing? Congrats—you just paid for empty engagement.
3. There’s No Hook Beyond the Hype
If your only value prop is “win this thing,” don’t be surprised when the relationship dies the second it’s over. Real fans stick around for substance—not just swag.
4. You’re Not Gathering Anything Worth Using
Followers aren’t leads, and likes aren’t pipeline. If your giveaway doesn’t collect data you can actually use to build connections or drive sales, it’s just noise.
What to Do Instead (Because You Deserve Better Than Crickets)
If your giveaway isn’t building your list, boosting your brand, or firing up real fans—it’s dead weight. Here’s how to flip the script and serve up engagement that actually matters:
1. Bribe With Value
Instead of a random prize, offer something exclusive in exchange for an email address—like a free ebook, template, or discount code. This builds your email list with people who actually want to hear from you.
Example:
- “Drop your email, snag our ‘10 Social Media Hacks’ PDF, and you’re in the running for a 1:1 strategy call. Boom.”
2. Make ‘Em Work (Just a Little)
Want attention from the right people? Make the entry worth earning. Ask them to show up with UGC, tag their crew, or tell you how they’d use your product in the wild. Lazy lurkers need not apply.
3. Blow the Minds of People Already in Your Orbit
Instead of shouting into the void, turn your existing customers into superfans. Surprise one with an upgrade, a bonus gift, or even a handwritten note. That unexpected energy? That’s brand magic.
4.Build a Challenge They Can’t Ignore
Host a multi-day challenge. Serve up small daily tasks (think: share a photo, comment, show progress). Reward the people who actually show up and engage.
Example:
- We ran a mini golf game at Essence Cosmetics’ booth for Ulta’s 2024 Field Leadership Conference—insane energy, constant traffic, tons of laughs, and serious stickiness.
5. A “Pay What You Want” or Charity Giveaway
Let customers pay any amount (even $0) for a product, with proceeds going to a cause. This builds goodwill and attracts people who align with your values.
The Bottom Line
Giveaways aren’t dead: bad giveaways are.
If you want real ROI, stop chasing empty engagement and start offering incentives that attract the right audience, nurture relationships, and drive long-term growth.
Let’s talk shop and get your next event dialed in:
