When is the last time you got something for free? I mean really free, like no strings attached. It was probably a while ago. The word "free" is now being used more than ever and especially on the internet. Everyone wants something for free and if they think they just have to do a quick sign up or answer a few questions to get it, the majority of people will.
In this post we are going to take a look at how some big web sites are using free to increase their conversions, viral activity and overall business. How many of these methods can you implement into your business?
The gaming space has been very big with the whole "free" theme. Here's two sites in completely different gaming niches, but both are using free to get people interested in taking action on their site and walking them through the process.
BigFishGames.com is an online gaming site that offers free games for people to play while they are on their site, or that they can download to their PC or Mac. The business model is that they offer advertising on their site when people play free games, or they make money when people buy their full versions of the game. To play the free games on their site you will need to register, which allows them to build out their database and mailing list for future promotions.
Live Roulette is another gaming site that is catered to a different audience and has quite an advanced free section on their site. If you wanted to learn how to play roulette or just play a few games online, then you can do both right on their site with no need to download or install any software. They have a live video and game of someone spinning the wheel while you are actually playing on their site. The end goal here is to get people to play for free on their site, then eventually sign up with their real gaming experience.
It's not just the gaming space where "free" is a big hit, but also in the internet marketing and blogging space as well. Everyone loves to get something for free, especially when their is a perceived value to it. This is often seen by top bloggers and marketers to help grow their web sites and blogs.
This practice is being used by thousands of online marketers, but one of the best is through QuickSprout.com and what Neil has been doing with the site. Not only is his site loaded with quality content that get people to listen to what he has to say, but his free course sign up process and the actual product is really great. You will see how he has a (Valued at $300) mention in the sign up form... who wouldn't enter their info to get that for free!
To finish off the examples we just have to talk about contests and sweepstakes, which are one of the absolute best ways to bring traffic and sign ups to your site. The better the prize and the better the brand running the contest, the more attention and results it will get. The promotion below has been getting a lot of traction as they are pushing the popular Despicable Me movie and partnered with Chiquita bananas to give away a free vacation to Hawaii. All you need to do is fill out the contest form and have the option to join their mailing list. Imagine how many new subscribers they will have by the end of this promotion.
If you aren't currently using "free" in your business model or on your web sites and blogs it's definitely time for you to implement it now. No matter what you are selling, promoting or building, you will almost always see an increase in conversions and activity when you incorporate a reward or bonus.
image creadit: Aisquared.com
image creadit: Aisquared.com