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The Power of Free Trials

February 28, 2010

This week I was surfing the web looking at different types of offers and couldn’t help but think about all of the different approaches to getting prospects further along in the purchase decision funnel. This is one of the most important areas that we, as marketers, can focus on.

One type of sales/marketing promotion that I’m seeing quite a bit of is the free trial. Online, the way this generally works is to offer a 7 day or 30 day free trial.  When signing up for the offer, you are asked to enter your credit card information. Upon trial expiration, you’re charged the full amount for your product or service.

Many services are subscription based too, charging your credit card a recurring fee. Subscription sites are a great way deliver information and provide a great deal of value. These sites, and others like them, are using free trials to allow you to experience the product or offering. Those who continue on with the product or service are more loyal and better informed about what they are buying.

I know a number of Internet marketers who offer subscription based services and they claim a much higher level of engagement among customers and higher degree of satisfaction. The question I have to ask myself as a marketer is how I can apply this methodology (free trial) to my own products and services?

This week, think about the products you’re marketing or selling. Is there a way to give your prospect a sample of what you offer? If you are offering an informational product, can you share the first chapter or first couple of pages (..as I have with my book, SEO Made Simple)?  Can you offer a small sample of your physical product? If you are a retail store, can you construct product samples that would allow prospective customers to take something home and try it out for a short period – charging them if the item is not returned or returned late?

I realize that free trials aren’t ideal for everyone or every product.  None-the-less, they force us rethink how we expose our prospects and services to our target market.  If free trials aren’t viable for your business perhaps they can encourage you to rethink the payment model for your products or services.  Can users buy a basic service (sample) and then pay for the standard or platinum service?  What type of upgrades can you offer – adding features beyond an initial purchase.
By rethinking the value of a trial you can take your marketing to the next level.  The key is to experiment with different offers.  Measure how many prospects take you up on the initial offer and then the upsell or ongoing subscription.  It’s important to focus on life time customer value, not just the initial purchase price.

Let me know if you’re usin free trials and how successfuly they are for you!

For more free marketing advice, visit the marketing experts at http://www.MarketingScoop.com.

Source: http://marketing-expert.blogspot.com/2010/02/power-of-free-trials.html

President Obama still smoking? Doctor’s note may be smoking gun – New York Daily News

February 28, 2010

President Obama still smoking? Doctor’s note may be smoking gun – New York Daily News


KATU
President Obama still smoking? Doctor's note may be smoking gun
New York Daily News
WASHINGTON – President Obama's doctors hinted Sunday that he still might be sneaking smokes when Michelle and the kids aren't around to yell at him. Obama's routine physical at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center found him in "excellent
Obama in great health but struggles with smokingWashington Post


Facts and figures on Obama's physicalThe Associated Press
Obama: Thumbs up after physicalUSA Today
BusinessWeek -Montreal Gazette -ABC News (blog)
all 373 news articles »

Pelosi Confident on Health Vote – Wall Street Journal


FOXNews (blog)
Pelosi Confident on Health Vote
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday expressed confidence that Democrats would have enough votes to pass a broad health-care overhaul, but acknowledged that it could come at a political cost to lawmakers who back the measure
Republicans Gird for Democrats' End Run on Health CareFOXNews


Dems, GOP Divided on Health Care CostsCBS News
Pelosi's job to pass health care gets tougher every dayUSA Today
The Associated Press -BusinessWeek -Daily Caller
all 13,473 news articles »

PA moves cabinet meeting to Hebron to protest Israel heritage sites – Ha’aretz


National Post
PA moves cabinet meeting to Hebron to protest Israel heritage sites
Ha’aretz
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad plans to hold his government's weekly cabinet meeting in Hebron on Monday, in an effort to raise public and international awareness about Israel's
Israeli police, Palestinians clash at holy siteThe Associated Press


Israeli police clash with Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old CityTelegraph.co.uk
Tension high in JerusalemThe Hindu
BBC News -Voice of America -CNN
all 351 news articles »

Playah: Cheryl Bernard

February 27, 2010

Playah: Cheryl Bernard

 by Margo Weber
Okay Cheryl Bernard, the day isn’t even over and you know you’re my girl.
You are the leading lady of the story that is unfolding before our eyes. You are having a great week, and just seem to be in the zone. You know how to squeak out these wins, and now you just need one more to guarantee a bye into Saturday’s final.
Now, the whole Playah of the Day concept allows me to only pick people who are easy on the eyes, and Ms. Bernard, you’ve got it covered.  You make me want to drop that last 30 pounds that have been nagging me, whiten my teeth and run to the nearest tanning salon. I also have to give a shout out to the ponytail you rocked this morning… super cute.

So… you’ve gone from perennial contender to now, possibly, a favourite to qualify for the Olympic Winter Games and wear the red and white. You made two awesome shots in your first game against Krista McCarville, won a very iffy measure against Amber Holland, had a solid win over Crystal Webster, wowed us against Kelly Scott and made a great little run back to beat Shannon Kleibrink in a wild game this morning. Now you’re all alone at the top of the standings at 5-0. Everyone else has at least two losses.

Girl, you go have a glass of red. You deserve it.
[Edmonton Journal photo by Chris Schwarz]

Curling immortality

by Margo Weber
EDMONTON – Oh, what a night.
Here’s a pic I snapped from last night’s women’s final at the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings, aka the Olympic Curling Trials.
This is the quick scrum they do for media with immediate deadlines – this used to be just the print guys, but now everybody wants everything they can get right NOW – right after the last rock, and before the march down the ice to the podiums, and the TV finale.
There’s more media scrumming afterwards, of course, and you can see the interviews with champion Cheryl Bernard and finalist Shannon Kleibrink here.
Awesome to see Bernard family members, including Cheryl’s husband Terry Meek in the foreground (in the Bernard jacket), watching her take that big step into curling immortality.
I’ve got another post regarding the women’s match before the men’s final today, so stay tuned… but for much, much more on all this great stuff (including another one of my pics from last night) make sure you subscribe to/follow/whatever the TCN Twitter feed, located here.

Live Web Chat – Nutritionist

February 26, 2010

Live Web Chat – Nutritionist

Improve your diet to get pregnant :: Understanding Your Fertility :: Baby Expert

Live Chatroom on Baby Expert with London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston – Mothers ask your questions for free.

Sponsored by First Response

What’s the difference?

Q: What’s the difference between an Olympic curling year and any other curling year?

A: Media. media. media.

Curlers in San Jose, California managed to get NFL football player Vernon Davis out onto the curling ice earlier this month, and in any other year, the story would have run in local media only. Perhaps with a photo.

We know this because various celebs have tried curling in the past couple of years… and we’ve promoted their experience, right here at The Curling News. Us, and local media where the experience took place.

However, with Vancouver 2010 less than three months away this story has exploded in this viral media universe, complete with video and multiple still pics.

Example: between 9:00am and 9:30am eastern time this morning, no less than 45 media outlets had posted the story online, and the counter was still running.

May we suggest more of these kinds of promotional efforts, from now until Games time. The recipe is simple: grab celeb; apply to ice; write and film.

Rinse and repeat.

Did you miss The Curling News Blog? This may be our first post since last Thursday, but there’s been lots to follow on our Twitter feed. Such as:

Rizzo beats Kleibrink for 11K; McEwen wins on a measure
Glenn Howard, Mike Harris and “Buttons” open The Dominion Curling Club Championship tonight
• When will they curl on Vancouver’s super-cool new/old city rink?
Wayne Middaugh would like to set the record straight:
• Canada loses to Japan at Vancouver wheelchair curling exhibition
• You can follow the Olympic Torch journey online
• No tolls on Team Gushue highway
• 30K raised in little Carmen
Kevin Martin moves into top spot on Tour money list
• The Daceys are off to Chelyabinsk, Russia
• Vernon, BC gets a Grand Slam
• TSN HD channel available free during Olympic Trials

And so very much more. Click on “Follow” at the top left of this page

[Photo by Associated Press]

Myanmar court rejects Suu Kyi appeal – Reuters

February 26, 2010

Myanmar court rejects Suu Kyi appeal – Reuters
A pro-democracy activist for Myanmar holds a portrait of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest in New Delhi August 12, 2009. Credit: Reuters/Adnan Abidi YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar’s Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi against her house

Teacher Killed at Tacoma, Wash., Elementary School – FOX News
TACOMA, Wash. — A man who shot and killed a special education teacher Friday as she walked into her Tacoma, Wash., elementary school recently made bail after being arrested for violating a protective order she obtained in September 2008. Tacoma Police spokesman Mark Fulghum says the two had

SeaWorld says Shamu Believe show will resume Saturday – Daily Press
However, SeaWorld President and General Manager Jim Atchison said trainers will not be allowed in the water at the theme parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio while they conduct their review. Atchison addressed the media from a podium stationed in front of a large window showing the park’s

Wind spreads fire at Surf Hotel in Hampton, NH to nearby businesses – NECN
(NECN: Jennifer Eagan, Hampton Beach, NH) – The howling wind quickly spread flames at the unoccupied Surf Hotel in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Several buildings, including an arcade and a restaurant, caught fire. Firefighters from Maine and Massachusetts headed to the coastal town to help contain

SeaWorld says Shamu Believe show will resume Saturday – Daily Press

February 26, 2010

SeaWorld says Shamu Believe show will resume Saturday – Daily Press
However, SeaWorld President and General Manager Jim Atchison said trainers will not be allowed in the water at the theme parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio while they conduct their review. Atchison addressed the media from a podium stationed in front of a large window showing the park’s

‘Growing Pains’ actor Andrew Koenig found dead in Vancouver – Contra Costa Times
VANCOUVER — Vancouver police say “Growing Pains” actor Andrew Koenig has been found dead. At a press conference in the downtown park where his body was found, police said foul play was not suspected, but would not release a cause of death because the coroner is still investigating. The actor’s

Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle

February 26, 2010

Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle
The stock was down 69 cents, or 9.4 percent, to $6.66 in afternoon trading. Shares have traded between $4.99 and $13.70 over the past year. Novatel, which makes modems and wireless networking gear, said Thursday after the close that it expects an adjusted loss of 8 cents per share on sales of $70

SeaWorld says Shamu Believe show will resume Saturday – Daily Press
However, SeaWorld President and General Manager Jim Atchison said trainers will not be allowed in the water at the theme parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio while they conduct their review. Atchison addressed the media from a podium stationed in front of a large window showing the park’s

Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle

February 26, 2010

Novatel Wireless shares drop after weak forecast – San Francisco Chronicle
The stock was down 69 cents, or 9.4 percent, to $6.66 in afternoon trading. Shares have traded between $4.99 and $13.70 over the past year. Novatel, which makes modems and wireless networking gear, said Thursday after the close that it expects an adjusted loss of 8 cents per share on sales of $70

White House Social Secretary To Step Down – NPR News
A White House aide says Desiree Rogers is resigning her post as social secretary, effective sometime next month. Rogers recently came under criticism for her handling of the administration’s first state dinner. A celebrity-seeking couple from northern Virginia got into the exclusive Nov. 24 affair

SeaWorld trainer killed, and TV speculates at length – Orlando Sentinel

February 24, 2010

SeaWorld trainer killed, and TV speculates at length – Orlando Sentinel


CBC.ca
SeaWorld trainer killed, and TV speculates at length
Orlando Sentinel
WKMG-Channel 6 went wall to wall with SeaWorld coverage, and this was a case of more not being necessarily better. Anchors, with few certain facts, had to stretch to fill the time. The stations interrupted regular programming for a SeaWorld news
Sea World San Diego closes Shamu show after deadly whale incident in OrlandoLos Angeles Times


Whale kills trainer at Florida's SeaWorldReuters
Whale kills its trainer in front of visitors to amusement parkThe Guardian
Forbes -Worcester Telegram -BBC News
all 1,767 news articles »

Turkish leaders to meet as coup plot storm gathers – Reuters


Reuters
Turkish leaders to meet as coup plot storm gathers
Reuters
ISTANBUL, Feb 25 (Reuters) – Turkey's political and military leaders meet on Thursday as a storm gathers over a coup plot investigation against the armed forces which is threatening stability and investor confidence in the EU-candidate
Turkey Unsettled by Officer ArrestsNew York Times


Turkey coup plot: 12 officers charged as government takes on militaryChristian Science Monitor
Turkey Risks Worst Currency Slump on Army Arrests, Options ShowBusinessWeek
BBC News -CNN International -Voice of America
all 454 news articles »

Toyoda Is Wary Star Of Kabuki At Capitol – Wall Street Journal


Reuters
Toyoda Is Wary Star Of Kabuki At Capitol
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda came here to mend fences. But first, he and lawmakers had to bridge an ocean of confusion. Consider the frustration of US Rep. Edolphus Towns (D., NY),
Recalled Toyotas are not safe,' transportation secretary saysMiamiHerald.com


Lawmakers blast Toyota, US agency at hearingReuters
Toyota Doesn't 'Run Away' From Problems, Toyoda SaysBusinessWeek
Detroit Free Press -MarketWatch -BBC News
all 7,333 news articles »

Director of state hospital that treats child molesters accused of repeatedly … – Los Angeles Times

February 24, 2010

Director of state hospital that treats child molesters accused of repeatedly … – Los Angeles Times

Director of state hospital that treats child molesters accused of repeatedly
Los Angeles Times
The executive director of Napa State Hospital, a Northern California mental institution whose patients include convicted child molesters, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of sexually molesting a foster child in his care for more than a decade.
Napa State Hospital director arrested on child molestation chargesSan Jose Mercury News


Hospital Director Arrested on 35 Counts of Child MolestationKTLA
Man arrested on suspicion of molesting Long Beach youthLong Beach Press-Telegram
USA Today -LBPOST.com -Santa Rosa Press Democrat
all 110 news articles »

Argentina asks UN to bring UK into talks on Falklands – BBC News


Telegraph.co.uk
Argentina asks UN to bring UK into talks on Falklands
BBC News
Argentina has formally asked United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to bring the UK into talks over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said he had asked Mr Ban to help stop Britain from "further
Argentina appeals to UN over Falklands oil drillingThe Guardian


UN help sought in Falklands disputeAljazeera.net
Falklands oil: Britain paves the way for talks with ArgentinaTelegraph.co.uk
Times Online -Xinhua -The Press Association
all 1,179 news articles »

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