The Deadly Cost of 'Free' - How Free Can Kill Your Marketing Efforts

<p>Free offers are everywhere.  Free iPad when you open a bank account, free decoder ring with your Fruit Loops, Act Now And Get A Free months membership, Buy one get one free.  Our world is filled with free offers because we as consumers love free stuff.  No doubt about it, there’s nothing like the thrill of getting a great deal and the marketing industry is full of free offers.  But what if there’s a hidden cost to free.  </p> <p><br /></p> <p>What if by accepting a free offer you’re actually hurting your business by accepting something that will keep you from achieving the results that you would achieve otherwise?</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Some of the concepts we discuss in this episode include:</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Everyone loves getting stuff for free, but in the world of marketing investment, what are some of the potential costs that a business owner may not be aware of when accepting a free offer?</p> <p><br /></p> <p><br /></p> <p>One of the often-overlooked aspects of free deals is that it lures us as business owners away from a better long-term choice by offering a short-term perceived incentive. How could this potentially keep the business owner from choosing the best choice for their marketing investment? </p> <p><br /></p> <p>How can a business owner avoid bad deals/free offers etc. that would hurt their business? </p> <p><br /></p> <p>Are there free offers that are often a good thing? Meaning not harmful to either business or the potential investment in moving forward with a paid-for purchase after the free offer is consumed?</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Join us for this episode.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><br /></p>