Is there anything better than someone helping you out when you’re in a pickle?
As soon as someone solves a problem for you, the warm fuzzies kick in, and you naturally think favourably of them – that’s just the rule!
Which is why I thought my local mortgage broker’s recent marketing approach was so genius.
Marketing in the bag
Picture the scene: the mortgage broker is located right next to my local greengrocers, which means people regularly park nearby when going shopping.
People would pull up, realise they’d forgotten their reusable bag, then have to awkwardly shuffle to the car carrying all their groceries in their arms (a recipe or a spilled bottle of milk, if ever I’ve seen one).
That’s until the mortgage broker placed a basket of free branded reusable bags just outside their door.
Cue problem solved for the shoppers, free marketing for the brand as people walked around displaying their logo, and plenty of goodwill generated – both now and every time the people pulled out these bags in the future.
And next time they need a broker, you know who’ll be front of mind.
Find your “ free bag moment”
This type of marketing is all about showing up at the exact moment someone needs you.
The person you’re helping isn’t necessarily your customer – but they’re people who could become customers in the future.
Some other examples could be:
- A café near a beach handing out free dog poo bags for people who forgot theirs.
- A financial adviser providing free phone charging stations at community events.
- A real estate agent leaving umbrellas outside their office during unexpected rain.
- A mortgage broker providing free coffee vouchers at nearby open homes on Saturday mornings.
The common thread? None of these businesses are directly selling anything in that moment.
They’re creating a positive association by solving a problem when it matters most.
👉 Want help finding your version of a “free bag moment”?
Book your Marketing Kickstarter here and let’s turn your everyday opportunities into marketing that actually works.
Because crisps and pickles aren’t just a great flavour combo – they’re an amazing marketing combo too.
P.S. Want more marketing inspo? Read my piece Why Your Marketing Feels Chaotic (and What to Do About It).