Which one would you choose, Free or Paid

13 replies
Just wondering what you think.

Which model works better when it comes to marketing online.

Free or paid

Have you tried the Free business model and if so how did you use it.

Or

Are you using only the paid model where you are charging for everything.

Or...I know right..a lot of or's

Are you using a combination of both.
#choose #free #paid
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    Give information away for free.

    Charge for everything else.

    That's pretty much how I do it.
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    • Profile picture of the author thedealmaker
      Hey thanks for your reply iAmNameLess.

      Quick question for you.

      Are you using reports as your free giveaway item?

      If so how long are they.

      If not then what are you using for your giveaway
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    • Profile picture of the author ZHammer
      I'm with Nameless - Give away free info, charge for the rest.

      I'd add that there are different levels of information as well - the more thorough and turn-key the information is, the more likely that you can charge for that as well.

      But either way - it's a good strategy to give something away (some value) that has a low or no-cost to you in order to find interested leads.
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      • Profile picture of the author thedealmaker
        Has anyone here read the book called "FREE" by Chris Anderson.

        It's a good read, and actually covers some business models using FREE as it's lead.

        Your thoughts on the book if you've read it.
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        • Profile picture of the author ZHammer
          Originally Posted by thedealmaker View Post

          Has anyone here read the book called "FREE" by Chris Anderson.

          It's a good read, and actually covers some business models using FREE as it's lead.

          Your thoughts on the book if you've read it.
          I enjoyed the book - read it awhile ago so I don't remember too much of the specifics.

          I think the principle of what you need to do with any business is basically to be unique to your market - you need to have a quick way of separating yourself from everyone else. When it comes to a local level, you don't need to be as unique as you would at a State or national level - but you need to be unique to your market.

          Most markets are getting to the point where you almost have to have something for FREE to even be noticed - but when everyone is doing it - that will only get you so far.
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  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    You need to give away tidbits for free. Now for the entire strategy/execution thats when you charge.
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    Just here to see the shenanigans.

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  • Profile picture of the author philipdwyer
    I have found for fast results, paid marketing. For long term branding, (money) free marketing, but takes much more of your time up.
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    Philip Dwyer
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  • Profile picture of the author NXmarketeer
    Neither!

    The best model from 2011 and later is called "freemium". Research it. Started with online mmo games and ios gaming.
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  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    FREE: Education
    PAID: Implementation

    Even if you don't have any clients. Are afraid of how much to charge...
    At least barter... It has monetary value. Then, when you perform well, you are in the position to garner paying referrals.
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    • Profile picture of the author kat57
      I agree...have had great luck bartering. It is great pipeling for referrals.
      think about how many people you deal with on a weekly and monthly basis.
      From your dentist to car mechanic, and your favorite sushi bar!
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      • Profile picture of the author ZHammer
        Originally Posted by vndnbrgj View Post

        FREE: Education
        PAID: Implementation

        Even if you don't have any clients. Are afraid of how much to charge...
        At least barter... It has monetary value. Then, when you perform well, you are in the position to garner paying referrals.
        Originally Posted by kat57 View Post

        I agree...have had great luck bartering. It is great pipeling for referrals.
        think about how many people you deal with on a weekly and monthly basis.
        From your dentist to car mechanic, and your favorite sushi bar!
        I third this idea - I've found that some of the easiest clients to pick up are the ones that have come through a very good introduction or referral. Getting someone as a "client" through barter/trade can then open the doors to their network where you can really make some cash.
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        • Profile picture of the author thedealmaker
          Bartering is actually a good idea.

          I did that a few years back and received good work from the deal.

          It came from a bartering network I was in.

          I exchanged travel services at the time for advertising. The phone started ringing off the hook because of it.

          Lost contact with the network though. lol

          Might have to dig them up again.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    Does what you provide have value?
    If yes change for it.
    If no it isn't a basis for a business so start over till you can answer yes.

    Can you articulate the value to potential clients?
    If yes train to be better at it or hire someone better at it.
    If no train to be better at it or hire someone better at it.

    Am I against free? No lot's of things are free but we exchange something else for them. Google and Facebook are free because we exchange part of our privacy for them. So it isn't free. If a company can not monitize what they are selling in some way it isn't worth selling. If a company can't make a profit off their business model they need to be repalced by companies that can. Groupon is an example of a company that doesn't know how to make a profit and that it will not last.

    And when everyone else is offering free or low price do you think you stand out when you have a high but fair price? You bet you do.

    Freemium is great and it works for some businesses. We are not in those businesses though I have a business idea that once day I might try that is based around freemium. But consulting and creative services don't work like that.

    Information for free is fine especially if it scares the client into realising they need an expert. But beyond that charge. Offer discounts if you need it but if your service is worth it charge them. if your service isn't worth it please stop cold calling me. i don't need your free and low priced crapping services.
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