The advantages of freebies can be many but at the same time
you can be caught up in a marketing campaign that you just
don't want. So how can you beat the marketing pitfalls when
you are offered something for nothing?
In this article we discuss what to look for and how to test
for validity.
1. Let's consider free classifieds and email sites.
a. Free Classifieds are completely harmless. Having tested
hundreds of sites there is nothing to be found that will
cause you any marketing grief. What you do need to do
though is look at the sites that will give you an option of
both pay per ad and free ads. You should also look for
sites that promote to the search engines on a regular
basis. This gives your ad and your website more visual
power and your website backlinking from the major search
engines.
b. Email sites are usually known as Safelists. A safelist
can boost your business a thousand fold. There are free
safelists and there are paid ones. We have found both types
of safelists to be effective. We have however, found a paid
safelist has a slightly better quality range of leads than
that of a free safelist. A safelist allows you to email
thousands of likeminded clients without being accused of
spam. This is very important as direct marketing is the
most effective form of marketing and spamming is a fineable
offence. Therefore safelists rectify this problem.
2. Search Engine Submission. This is a minefield and
unless you have loads of time you probably don't want to do
it yourself. Free search engine submission offers are great
but what they essentially do is list your website on
smaller non-descript sites where nobody will find you. To
really get your website out there you should pay somebody
to do it. We have found that as little as $10 a month will
get your website into over 1000 quality websites and
increase your hits and your sales.
3. Marketing need not be all about the Internet. What
about promotional material such as business cards? A
business card is something you really must have no matter
what business you are in. A person with your business card
in their pocket, wallet or on their fridge will be a great
asset to you. Why? Because whenever they access these areas
they see your card and are subliminally reminded of you.
That is why repetitive TV and Advertising works - it is all
subliminal. So what has this to do with freebies? Well
surprisingly there are companies out there who want to help
you by giving away free business cards. You normally only
need to pay for the postage. They can offer you a great
range of designs and layouts to ensure you have a
professional look without the cost. So don't discount a
Business Card freebie it could well give your business a
kick start.
Finally...
4. Free downloads. There is nothing free in this world or
is there? Most times you have to pay a service fee, a
postage fee, or read other peoples ads, or receive offer
for whatever it is you are accessing for free. This can be
really worth your while. If you are looking for free
downloads then look for those that have an admin free
attached and don't expect you to sign up in some way. That
way you will not get bombarded by junk mail and just get
what you were wanting - free downloads. Also if you are in
business look for the free downloads that give you the
opportunity to give away goodies to your clients, or to
resell as well as to use yourself. Otherwise there is no
point even bothering.
So there it is an overview of the great way to market your
business using freebies.
Best wishes with your business!
----------------------------------------------------
Katherine Quirke is an Australian based business
entrepreneur. She has worked in the IT industry for over 10
years and owned a number of businesses over the last 20
years. Sharing her knowledge has become a passion. Further
information: http://www.potentialtime.com.au/printshop.htm
and http://www.potentialtime.com/advertising.htm
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