I had a problem with my PC and it looked like a virus managed to get in. So I had to go and look on the Internet for a virus scanner. Of course I should have done this before to avoid problems, but you know how it goes. Lazy.
I found two free software programs that gave me the idea they were able to solve the problem for me. After downloading the two programs I ran them to find the virus that was giving me a hard time and kill the bastard. In both cases with the same result. The virus was detected but to remove it I first had to register and pay for a full version of the programs.
Different Kinds Of Free
There are different ways of giving something away for free
- offer something with a limited functionality – often called a ‘light version’ – you have to pay for the full version
- give people the full benefit of your product for a limited period of time – after which they have to register and pay
- give something away for free and let others pay for the product – for instance advertisers
- use what you give away for free as a bait to make people buy your other products
All four are a very good way to promote your business and products. But only if you are able to make sure they offer the users some benefit. Otherwise people may get the impression they are being cheated.
Not Good
Although the two programs did what they promised – virus scanning – I was very much disappointed about the fact they did not do what I expected them to do; kill the virus. Knowing the name of the virus that infected my PC was nice and after searching the Internet I found a way to get rid of it myself, but I had expected the two programs to do that for me.
The result was that in this case ‘free’ did not do a very good job.
Value
In whatever form you use ‘free’, it can only be successful if your ‘free’ has value. Without value your ‘free’ is ‘useless’ and may not be as successful as you expected.
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{ 2 comments }
Hate product who do what you describe, do a part of the job, then may you pay to complete it. I find that sleazy and unethical. That is not free but a trick.
Congratulations on being named a top B2B marketing blog. That’s quite an honor. I’m pleased to share the news that Fearless Competitor was also named to that great list. It’s nice to meet you.
Jeff Ogden, the Fearless Competitor
Find New Customers
http://www.findnewcustomers.com
Thanks for your reaction, Jeff.
I found enough inspiration on your website for at least a fistfull of posts.
Rgds Hans
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