Comments on: Free content sells. We get it. What’s next?

By: Ryan @ Planting Dollars

Ryan @ Planting Dollars — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:11:05 +0000

Really interesting aritcle you linked to, just happened to stumble upon this blog because of it. I plan on using free to leverage my blog with higher traffic and build a personal brand. This will help with future business ventures, affiliate sales, and recently has helped with getting a book deal on the drawing boards… even after only blogging for about a month! Really powerful stuff if you can create great content and a solid reader base.

By: Jamie Barmach

Jamie Barmach — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:29:12 +0000

Excellent information. Thanks for sharing!

By: Millionaire Acts

Millionaire Acts — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:04:14 +0000

Yes, free content sells most especially if it helps your readers! In blogging, this is definitely true.

In other industries, I think “free” is conceptualized in bundled services. If you get our service, then you get this free.

The concept of “free' is also being used in food delivery services. You get a free delivery “IF” you met the minimum amount of order.

By: Monica O'Brien

Monica O'Brien — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:28:05 +0000

Seems like a decent lead generation strategy

By: Sarah Montague

Sarah Montague — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:51:09 +0000

Yes, you are correct. Those that fall flat on their fannies when they fail at execution often do come back to us.

By: Monica O'Brien

Monica O'Brien — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:30:35 +0000

Sarah,

I hear ya. I have the same issues. Often, I give away "too much" information.

What I've actually found is that giving away 90% of my general information is a fantastic way to convert a prospect to a lead. At times, we think as consultants that we are selling our ideas. The ideas are everywhere though. Someone could just Google to figure out anything we have to say at this point.

Where I think consultants are headed is customizing the execution plan. I sell myself by sharing all my general knowledge, knowing that 99% of businesses can't execute on anything I say. I follow up after they've had time to try, and they end up hiring me because they need a customized plan.

Perhaps this is not your experience, but that's what I've found in my field. Thanks for the comment!

By: Sarah Montague

Sarah Montague — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:58:03 +0000

I guess I am concerned about what this model does for small businesses and sole proprietors, and our economic rebound relies on growth in small business sector. I guess you have to find the right balance. It can be very effective if used selectively in lead generation. I am an advocate of inbound marketing techniques that push content out to bring prospects back in. But, I also work for a small consulting firm. I find I “give” away a lot of ideas when I talk to prospects on the phone. Some come back and do business with us. Some may take the ideas and do it themselves. I guess maybe it is about finding that balance. @sarahmontague

By: Monica O'Brien

Monica O'Brien — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:57:50 +0000

Thanks Jon! Glad you enjoyed it.

By: Monica O'Brien

Monica O'Brien — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:57:36 +0000

Shane,

That's a really positive way to look at it. I do think there is a lot of upfront work but ultimately it's more opportunities.

And like Carlos said, we can't change it anyway! Complaining about free isn't going to fix things. So we should just roll with the punches and capitalize on the opportunities we receive.

Thanks for the comment!

By: jonwortmann

jonwortmann — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:47:23 +0000

Monica, the best summary yet of why free works and the value it creates.