I’ve been teaching how to profit with freebies almost since I first came online in 2006. Working online as an online entrepreneur is something that many people around the world are doing. There are many benefits to online marketing such as the fact you can work exactly when you want to, doing what you enjoy, and there isn’t a limit on how much income you can earn.
One of the things you will spend a good deal of time on is thinking of different ways you can increase your profits. One way to do this is by taking advantage of the different resources you have.
Just a few resources you have are:
- The things you are good at and think of as strengths (the different skills and knowledge you possess).
- Different technology and software for running an online business with more efficiency. Things like Aweber (or other autoresponder services), article management systems and software to help with invoicing are all things to help run your business more efficiently and easily.
- Time management tools like your calendar and an organizer.
- Relationships – family, friends, business partners, etc. These people are considered a resource because they can help you manage not just your life but your business too.
- The Internet. This can be huge resource for you giving you access to both free and paid opportunities to help you grow your business. For example you can network and build relationships via social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. You can pay to be a part of a mastermind group where you have access to a mentor and other like minded business people.
- And last but certainly not least, don’t forget the content and products you have created. These are definitely excellent resources as well.
Each of these resources provides different opportunities for you to grow your business which in turn leads to increased profits. And if you look at the last couple listed, you can use those to create different giveaways and freebies for more income.
The idea of this report is to show you how to profit from freebies, both ones that you have already created and ones that you can find online.
What are Freebies?
More than likely you’re probably already familiar with what a freebie is but I’m still going to spend some time explaining this topic and how to leverage it to your maximum benefit.
In the online marketing world, freebies are simply those things that marketers give away. Often they’re even known as a ‘bribe’ in exchange for someone’s name and email address. In the offline world, you’re probably more familiar as a consumer with the different freebie marketing tactics you see retail stores doing.
The idea behind freebie marketing is to either charge an extremely low price or give away an item that is fully salable to generate a continual market for another item, and that item is normally disposable.
For example, you’ll see freebie marketing in action when you buy a certain brush and get a pack of ponytail holders free. Or you buy a large bottle of body lotion and get a trial size hand lotion free. Or free mouth wash or a toothbrush when you purchase toothpaste. Or it can even be something like getting a free tube of lipstick if you give the makeup company your information (name, email, etc).
Now, let’s talk about freebie marketing in the online marketing world. It’s the free eBook you receive after signing up for someone’s mailing list. Or it’s the free 7 day trial someone offers to their membership site.
Free is no longer considered just a marketing tactic, it’s become a full-fledged economy and people have pretty much come to expect it, so be prepared to offer it.
Take a minute to think about this:
- Craigslist – you can post free classified ads on their site
- Google – you can get a free email account through
- Hulu, YouTube and big networks – they provide you with free video and programming options
- Zappos – they give you free shipping
- Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites – these platforms give you the opportunity to network for free
- Match.com – free dating connections
- The New York Times – free content (when you access their paper online)
- Membership sites – some offer free memberships
And of course you can’t forget all the different content that websites provide – blog posts, articles, videos, audios, checklists, reports and eBooks. You can pretty much find information online for anything you want.
You’re probably wondering, but how do they profit from doing these things?
One way is by giving away these free resources and then teaching people how to best use them. There is a saying that ‘you don’t get rich by writing books; you get rich by teaching your book’s content’. This is similar in that you will provide your readers and prospects with everything they need, without going into the details of exactly how to best use what you are recommending.
I also profit with freebies by giving away something from another marketer that ‘cookies’ me in to their affiliate program. Examples of this include:
- when you sign up for the free NAMS weekly calls
- opting in to receive a free eBook from Earn 1K a Day
- picking up some free tutorials from a new site
Think about how you can profit with freebies to build your online business and increase your income dramatically.
Celene Harrelson says
Hi Connie, as you know you have been instrumental in my online coaching business. I was just thinking about what you told me early on “If I can do it you can do it” that made keep going. Thanks for believing in me!
Freebies are a great way to build you list, get the know like and trust factor going and make money. They have to get your freebie first so they can say “Wow! If her free stuff is this good…” And I too promote other’s freebies through affiliate links as well and make a nice chunk of change doing it.
Celene Harrelson recently posted…Build Your List, Grow Your Business And Increase Your Income With This One Strategy
Connie Ragen Green says
Celene – I love freebies! I earn an additional six figures a year just by giving away my own and other people’s excellent stuff.
Connie
Connie Ragen Green recently posted…Getting Started Online – Online Marketing Tips Podcast
Carol Farbe says
Do you find that the “freebies” have to be longer these days than when you started?
I remember taking a course from you many years ago and you suggested a free special report need only be 4 or 5 pages long. These days, it seems like most of the ones I sign up for are more like 20 pages. Is that coincidental or has that become the norm?
What do you suggest?
Deb Aldape says
Thanks for putting freebies in a different light for me, Connie. You’ve really made me think, as always. Still struggling with what to give away that would provide value, but I’m working on it.
~ Deb
Deb Aldape recently posted…Can Google Voice Replace Your Landline?
Barb Brown says
Hi Connie, I was on a call recently and they were talking about freebies. They said that your freebie should not be report, that people want more now for their name and email. Is an ebook okay, or just another way to say “report.” What are your favorite freebies? I’m really trying to build my list.
Thanks for all you do.
Barb
Mark says
wow Connie!Thanks!
You have offered several original, list building marketing ideas!
Several of which, I not only have never heard of until now, but had you not graciously shared them!
I seriously doubt I ever would have!LOL!Thanks so much, for the creativity thinking, shot in the arm!
Mark recently posted…How Savvy Entrepreneurs Still Make It Even Though They Initially Lack Both Money And Experience!