Why “Free” can be an ugly word for a marketer
As a new internet marketer and usually on a tight budget (and even not sure in what to invest first) then getting something for free is not only tempting but something you even love...
When you offer something for free... it's a promise of something for nothing.
Why "Free" can be an ugly word for an online marketer...
Using a free web hosting service and domain name
With the economy the way it is, new online entrepreneurs are looking for ways to save money in their startup costs.
Everyone seems to look for free web hosting, but they really don’t understand the cost to their business by doing this.
When you use free web hosting, your URL (the web link for your website) will look something like this: http://Is-Free-webhosting-really-free.blogspot.com/
In the example above blogspot.com is the company providing the free hosting.
If this is a business blog or website, it doesn’t give the appearance that you are serious about your business.
For a more professional image of your business, it would be prudent of you to invest in a domain name and some professional hosting.
Free Autoresponders
Is this kind of autoresponder really what you need for your business? It's free for a reason, and they may not offer you the benefits you really want. While they're better than nothing, you might find out they cost you money in the long run.
Among many other reasons, a major one is that many of these autoresponders are sold by resellers or persons with private label rights. So they don't come with back-end support.
Ask yourself — what is the price I will pay for ‘Free’?
Using "Free" in your domain name
This might be a valid choice if you truly offer free resources to download directly from your website with no other action needed.
But can you convert a freebie seeker into a buyer? I think it is very difficult.
Using "Free" in your (email) subject lines or content
Nothing makes your message look like "marketing speak" when using it and visitors will leave your website or instant delete your email.
Keeping your subject lines without this word will have a noticeable impact (on your open and response rates in case of emails)
Yes, it's hard to craft a great subject line — but it's worth it.
Use alternative words in your content. For example: "at zero cost for you", "a gift", or "in return for your best email", "I need your personal information to send you X"
Well, you get the point, be creative 🙂
My final thoughts
Giving away a free product or service is one of the most powerful techniques available for customer acquisition and building brand awareness in return for their personal information.
While you don't charge them money is it not free when you ask for their personal information like name and email.
You can do some great marketing by offering white papers/ebook/online resources in return for business intelligence.
All the best,
Luc
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About The Author
lucbizz
I’m Luc Dermul, a Belgian online entrepreneur living in “the big apple of Flanders” Antwerp
I have gotten many offers like this with the tag free but in the end you find out that you have to either link it to your facebook account or linkedin. sometimes all they are fishing for is information and sometimes these can even be greater than paying them. thank you for this review
yes, often for free goods you need to provide your personal information
I can now realize why some platforms do give away to bring people in but in the long run, they are trying to acquire something else and achieve it by making some or most part of their service free. this is also an idea that can be used in my business. thank you very much for this awesome article.
Thanks for your comment , Kirkman
Yeah, I totally agree with you…For me, i am not a fan of free stuff as free things are liable to purge you because when you get free stuff you never get the quality once and would end up loose time when the free ones fail and end up falling back to the paid product….why not save yourself the time and get the paid product.
Thanks for your comment. There are always consequences of using free versions. Usually it is from missing features to little or no support.
Great article. It’s true that a lot of people starting a business, especially an online business, misconceive the word “free”. There are several types of costs when you run an online business. Financial costs are only the most visible one but the long-term costs of not having a proper hosting or a proper online marketing tutor / learning program can be much higher in the long term!
Thanks for adding your insights as well 🙂
Thanks for the tip. I just launched my website after 3 months. I’m learning very slowly. I don’t even have content yet. Just a page and a name. I have a feeling it’s going to take months for me to learn how to put in anything 1 piece at a time ok in wordpress. I appreciate the great advice.
Good, you could appreciate this advice 🙂