I was reading Mediabistro and noticed an event coming up called the Freemium Summit. Curious, I read further and discovered what a freemium site was and that I, in fact, was already part of a few of them, although I didn't know there was a term for it. Freemium sites combine a free offering with a premium, paid offering. Basically any site that offers tiered membership, including a free option. I love this type of site because in an era where relationships and trust are key, trying on something for size will provide most people comfort to ultimately spend money on the value of the tiered content.
I am preparing to launch my new business, Sweetline Agency, in early February (more to come on this!) and I'm interested in sites that discuss entrepreneurship, women business owners and marketing methodologies. I am a {free} member of Savor the Success, Ladies Who Launch and, most recently, the Hatch Network. Each of these resourceful and important sites offer a free tier as well as various price-point tiers that provide more information. Depending on what you are looking for and what you are willing to spend, you can decide what's right for you. For me, the free option is great - I can check out the networks, meet new people and then decide to spend money to join a more detailed tier later on. I wanted to share four reasons why all business owners should join freemium networks.
1) Meet like-minded people who will support you. Many of us are creative business owners and time is of the essence. Adding another site, like freemium sites, will just take up more time - and, yes, it will. But you are meeting people, creating your own mini-network of business owners who all are looking for the same things - support, guidance and like-minded people.
2) Great networking! Most people on these sites are in the same shoes as you and are looking to support, share and meet new people. Plus you have a new pool of people to turn to if you need help with your company, a connection or advice. Why will most people help? Because you are all part of the same freemium community.
3) Embracing a new community and adding more people to your own group. As you build your business, consider all avenues for spreading your services and brand. A freemium community is a great place to share your brand by re-blogging a few posts and joining some of the forums.
4) More opportunity to express yourself as an expert in your field. Join the forums and meet people on your freemium sites. Add to the conversation relevant and interesting thoughts to express yourself and your company.
I am preparing to launch my new business, Sweetline Agency, in early February (more to come on this!) and I'm interested in sites that discuss entrepreneurship, women business owners and marketing methodologies. I am a {free} member of Savor the Success, Ladies Who Launch and, most recently, the Hatch Network. Each of these resourceful and important sites offer a free tier as well as various price-point tiers that provide more information. Depending on what you are looking for and what you are willing to spend, you can decide what's right for you. For me, the free option is great - I can check out the networks, meet new people and then decide to spend money to join a more detailed tier later on. I wanted to share four reasons why all business owners should join freemium networks.
1) Meet like-minded people who will support you. Many of us are creative business owners and time is of the essence. Adding another site, like freemium sites, will just take up more time - and, yes, it will. But you are meeting people, creating your own mini-network of business owners who all are looking for the same things - support, guidance and like-minded people.
2) Great networking! Most people on these sites are in the same shoes as you and are looking to support, share and meet new people. Plus you have a new pool of people to turn to if you need help with your company, a connection or advice. Why will most people help? Because you are all part of the same freemium community.
3) Embracing a new community and adding more people to your own group. As you build your business, consider all avenues for spreading your services and brand. A freemium community is a great place to share your brand by re-blogging a few posts and joining some of the forums.
4) More opportunity to express yourself as an expert in your field. Join the forums and meet people on your freemium sites. Add to the conversation relevant and interesting thoughts to express yourself and your company.
Rebecca
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