How Marketing Freebies Impact Consumers Perceptions and Willingness to Engage in Word of Mouth

Marketers are constantly striving to discover strategies that promote the greatest amount of word of mouth (WOM) from their consumers. WOM is perceived as one of the most reputable forms of marketing by consumers due to the authenticity and sincerity that is associated with the strategy. With WOM being an organic and genuine response from consumers, marketers are often faced with difficulties or failure when explicitly requesting that consumers engage in positive WOM behaviors. However, there are certain practices that firms can implement to encourage WOM behaviors from their consumers. This study examines the effectiveness of two different freebie marketing methods and the impact that each method’s presentation has on a consumer’s willingness to participate in WOM. The results of this study will be used to provide companies with guidelines and recommendations to successfully create freebie marketing strategies that drive authentic WOM surrounding their brand and products.