Show Free
The business model of FREE
The Internet is seen as synonym for free by a lot of people. A lot of information or services are free. As the author of www.freestuff.co.za I get frequently asked how do these websites/companies survive. Surely they must have cost and salaries to pay.
Today I’ll try to shed some light on the issue of free and how some websites/companies make money or not.
Some information websites are not driven by profit or even to cover cost. They are either websites maintained by persons passionate about a certain subject or hobby, or for example government portals etc. Some people are quite happy to just cover some of there hosting cost by maybe some advertising like adsense or other programs.
The other type of website are the ones which the ultimate aim of breaking even or even make a profit, but their main service is FREE. But here is the question posed how can they make money in the end ?
One way of generating income is advertising space on your web page. If there is enough traffic to a website this can generate quite a bit of revenue.
The second one is offering a free basic service with paid for extras if you would need or like these. If for example you offer a free invoicing service, the basic service can be free and if you want printable invoices in pdf format you will have to pay for that extra option. The majority of the users will be happy and satisfied by the free offering while maybe 10% needs the extra offering and is prepared to pay for it. The way to lure them is first to get them to use the free product and then sell the addon. The same can be done with information type of sites, where you have a good collection of free information but if you need more you can buy a subscription to the website to access the other information.
The third way of monetising a site is by cross selling , where the free site is a means for you to get people to buy your main product or service on maybe another website. This for example can be a blog about real estate in a certain area which is maintained by a real estate agent.
Any hybrid combination of the three mentioned options is also possible. You can have a subscription service with ads on the site as well.
Sometimes there are sites where there is no obvious business model. They don’t cross sell, they don’t have advertising and there are no premium services you can buy. These sites if they become popular are backed normally by venture capital and in the future they might still be working out the right business model based on their offerings. So advertising may be placed on those sites at a later stage or subscription services might be added etc. But their current model is to grow the user base and get them hooked to whatever service is being offered.
About the Author
Article by www.freestuff.co.za a popular freestuff website
Free Kick Show Ep. 1 — Dipping Free Kicks ft. Ronaldinho (2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa) Sports
|
|
FREE SHIP**LOT OF 3 NO SHOW ULTRATHIN SOCKS-SIZE-8-10-**FREE SHIPPING****** $4.19 |
|
|
WWE Slam Attax Mayhem Champion Card – You choose which one(s) FREE P&P $3.12 |
|
|
Chrome Free Spirit Cam Covers (1 pair) – Honda Valkyrie $42.59 |
|
|
A Classic Christmas From the Ed Sullivan Show (DVD, 2005) FREE SHIPPING $3.99 |
|
|
BP Missha Show Powder Blusher – Devy 8g + Free Tracking & Sample $15.19 |
|
|
BP Missha Show Powder Blusher – Tyra 8g + Free Tracking & Sample $15.19 |
|
|
BP Missha Show Powder Blusher – Heidi 8g + Free Tracking & Sample $15.19 |
|
|
THE LUCY SHOW COMICS # 1 AND #4 FREE Shipping Included $45.00 |
|
|
New 12″ Black Pony Small Horse Western Kid Show Leather Saddle Free Tack Set $299.99 |
|
|
Pretty Glamour Lady Shows Ring Cotton Quilt Block FrEE ShiPPinG WoRld WiDE $12.50 |
|
|
Milton Berle TV Show – Volume 1 (2007, DVD) FREE SHIP $6.89 |
|
|
New 13″ Black Pony Small Horse Western Kid Show Leather Saddle Free Tack Set $299.99 |
|
|
Milton Berle TV Show – Volume 2 (2008, DVD) FREE SHIP $6.98 |
|
|
Hot New Sexy black Show buns charm women intimates stockings free k222 $1.84 |
|
|
WESTERN HORSE LEATHER SHOW BRIDLE LONDON SILVER DOUBLE EARS & CHEEKS FREE S/H $29.99 |
|
|
WESTERN HORSE LONESTAR STUDDED MED OIL LEATHER SHOW BRIDLE/REINS FREE S/H $36.99 |
|
|
New Free People Ivory Side Show Mesh Skirt Small $98 $39.99 |
|
|
Mac King Las Vegas Harrah’s 2 FREE Comedy Magic Show Tickets + 2 for 1 Buffet $4.99 |
|
|
Mac King Las Vegas 2 FREE Comedy Magic Show Tickets + Buffet coupons Terrible’s $4.99 |
|
|
1962 ISRAEL SOUVENIR SHEET №236536 EL AL AIRLINES STAMP SHOW SEAL FREE SHIPPING $8.00 |
|
|
Western Farm Show Pins 4 ea FREE SHIPPING $12.77 |
|
|
American Saddlebred Horse Show Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Arabian Horse Show Rodeo Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Welsh Pony Horse Show Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Appaloosa Horse Show Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Morgan Horse Show Rodeo Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Shetland Pony Horse Show Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Quarter Horse Show Rodeo Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
Paint Horse Horse Show Afghan Throw Woven Personalized Free Embroidery $45.00 |
|
|
New Free People Ivory Side Show Mesh Skirt XSmall $98 $34.99 |
|
|
Mr. Bill Show book with 33 1/3 vinyl record included,1979,SNL,FREE SHIPPING! $3.99 |
|
|
SALE!!! 2 Intimissimi No Show Thongs size S!! FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!!!! $16.99 |
|
|
Paiste Giant Beat Hi Hats – 14″ – Trade Show Demo, Save BIG – Free Shipping! $297.00 |
|
|
ALYSSUM WHITE CARPET OF SHOW Lobularia Maritima — 100,000 Seeds + Free Seeds $69.99 |
|
|
John Force Racing 2011 NHRA John Force Road Show Diecast Hauler 1/64 FREE SHIP $59.95 |
|
|
New 15 Leopard Print Horse Cordura/ Synthetic Trail Show Saddle Free Tack & Pad $225.00 |
|
|
NWT Victoria’s Secret Pink Bling Fashion Show 2011 Fur Hoodie +FREE VS Dog $189.00 |
|
|
NWT Victoria’s Secret Pink Bling Fashion Show 2011 Fur Hoodie +FREE VS Dog $189.00 |
|
|
NWT Victoria’s Secret Pink Bling Fashion Show 2011 Fur Hoodie +FREE VS Dog $189.00 |
|
|
NWT Victoria’s Secret Pink Bling Fashion Show 2011 Fur Hoodie +FREE VS Dog $189.00 |
|
|
32″ WIDE Retractable Banner Trade Show Booth Display Pop Up Stand + FREE PRINT $119.00 |
|
|
THE BEST OF THE COSBY SHOW FREE SHIPPING EPISODES 1-10 $6.00 |
|
|
1893 INDIAN HEAD Penny CENT LIBERTY SHOWS-COMBIN 4 FREE SHIP – See Description 7 $0.99 |
|
|
Sumersault Show Doggies Crib Bumpers & Crib Skirt Set FREE 14 DAY LAYAWAY $15.99 |
|
|
♫♪♫ BUY 5 GET 3 FREE! 7″ 45rpm HARRY JAMES Great Lie/Three For Show JAZZ EXC- $8.88 |
|
|
8″ Black Silver Zebra Saddle Western Show FREE hs bc NU $154.98 |
|
|
NEW LITTLEST PET SHOP GRAY GREY SNORKELING SHOW POODLE DOG #2240 FREE GIFT BOX! $7.95 |
|
|
13″ Dark Brown Teal Green Suede Western Saddle FREE HS BP Horse Pony Tack Show $270.00 |
|
|
New 17 Show Green Ostrich Synthetic Western Horse Saddle Tack Set Free Pad $249.99 |
|
|
INNER CIYTY XPRESS SHOW ME WERE THE FUNK IS+2 FREE $1.57 |
|
|
Contigo AUTOSEAL Kangaroo Water Bottle with Storage Compartment – 24 oz. – Blue $12.99 This water bottle delivers on essential needs while on the go. The AUTOSEAL Water Bottle with compartment delivers on a unique combination of style and function. Durable. Colorful. Functional. Holds your keys and credit cards. The AUTOSEAL Water Bottle is easy to drink from, easy to carry and has a protective cover at the spout . It’s the ultimate in on-the-go hydration with a compartment that hol… |
|
|
Corelle Simple Lines Square 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 $52.99 Displaying the latest in contemporary aesthetics, Corelle’s Square Round line consists of square plates and bowls with rounded corners, delineated round centers, and subtly lifted rims. The Simple Lines pattern presents a white background minimally graced by several swooping thin lines of black. The effect is at once stark yet artistically appealing, creating a dinnerware pattern that can be used … |
|
|
Wilton 10-Inch Cake Circle, 12-Pack $5.34 Support your cake while decorating and transporting, with one of these cake rounds. They also help protect your serving platter from knife damage, or you can slide it out from underneath when the decorating is done…. |
|
|
The Muppets $3.99 … |
|
|
I Dreamed A Dream $7.98 The debut album from the British singing sensation who stunned the judges, audience and TV world, coming out of nowhere to audition for Britains Got Talent with a powerfully moving rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables. Like Paul Potts the year before in BGT, Boyles humble appearance belied her amazingly rich, beautiful voice that won the hearts of listeners worldwide. This first albu… |
|
|
Lake Placid Spirit-300 Women’s Figure Ice Skate $26.99 Show them what you can do in these durable figure skates. The Lake Placid Spirit-300 figure ice skate is a stylish ice skate for cold weather fun. |
|
|
Wolff Systems Solar Storm 220V 24 Lamp Tanning Bed $1999 Enjoy the relaxation of a warm, soothing, salon-quality tan in the privacy of your own home. This residential tanning bed promises quicker, even results and maximum comfort. The Solar Storm will give you more time to show off your sun-kissed good looks. |
|
|
Cuff Daddy Silvertone Jade and Abalone Cuff Links $0 Show your love for nature with this jade and abalone cuff links set in round orbs of 316-grade stainless steel. Each cuff link is finished by hand to give it a touch of quality craftsmanship. |
|
|
Citizen Men’s Eco-drive Perpetual Calendar Watch $337.5 Show a bit of class when you wear our Citizen perpetual calendar watchThis men’s Eco-drive timepiece will be an stylish addition to any wardrobeHandsome chronograph wristwatch features an all-stainless steel case and bracelet |
|
|
Four Aces Wood Dart Cabinet Set w/ Darts and Board $103.99 You will enjoy this Four Aces high-quality dart cabinetDart board and darts are included Don’t pass up the chance to show off your talent with this superior wooden cabinet gaming board |
|
|
Wittnauer Women’s Ceramic Yellow Goldtone Diamond Watch $267.05 Since 1890, Wittnauer has been designing timepieces in a wide array of styles and this women’s Ceramic watch shows us that quality only increases over time. This beautiful yellow goldtone steel and black ceramic watch has 12 diamond accents. |
|
|
Cutie Pie Dog Tank Top $0 Show the world that your dog is the cutie pie with this playful T-shirt. The stretchy cotton ribbed dog shirt is comfortable for your canine pal. |
|
|
Samsung I617/M300 Compatible Stereo Hands-free Set $9.99 Talk on the phone, watch video clips, play games or listen to songs with this stereo headset Headphones for phones with a square hands-free jack shown in pictureEarbuds are lightweight and comfortable |
|
|
The Healthy Gluten-free Life (Paperback) $22.15 In The Healthy Gluten Free Life, Tammy Credicott shows you just how easy and budget-friendly living a healthy, gluten-free life can be. By giving detailed instructions and a host of tips on everything from choosing quality ingredients to technique… |
|
|
One-pound Sugar-free Deluxe Chocolates $25.49 Show someone you’re thinking of them with a one-pound box of chocolatesChocolates taste so good, you wouldn’t know they were sugar freeAssorted box of candy includes creams, nuts, chews and truffles |
|
|
Two-pound Sugar-free Chocolates $35.99 Show someone you’re thinking of them with a two-pound box of chocolatesChocolates taste so good, you wouldn’t know they were sugar freeAssorted box of candy includes creams, nuts, chews and truffles |
|
|
White Diamonds Women’s 1 oz EDT Spray $32.49 White Diamonds once again shows her exceptional sense of styleSophisticated feminine scentWomen’s fragrance is recommended for evening wear |
|
|
Safco Commercial Wire Shelving $137.99 Wire shelving starter kitKit includes four shelves, four posts and shelf clipsOpen metal shelves with strong steel posts reduce dust accumulation |
|
|
The Alan Freed Rock ‘N’ Roll Big Band: A Stompin’ Good Time $17.31 255 characters or less! |
|
|
Breaking Free Day by Day $10.09 With 300,000 copies in print, Breaking Free is one of author Beth Moore’s best-selling releases to date. An empowering book for anyone held back by sin or doubt, it shows readers how to make freedom in Christ a daily reality by id… |
|
|
Classic 56-gallon Low-density Can Liners (Case of 100) $48.73 Clear, low-density trash can liners hold 56 gallonsClear trash can liners allow contents to show, deterring pilferageIdeal for recycling |
|
|
Build Your Own Free-to-air (Fta) Satellite TV System (Paperback) $17.17 A do-it-yourself guide to installing a multi-channel satellite dish and receiver for under $300 and legally getting absolutely free satellite TVBuild Your Own Free-to-Air (FTA) Satellite TV System shows, step by step, how to select, … |
|
|
The Autism Diet (Paperback) $10.09 “Huge changes”, “A different child”, “A miracle” , “Vast improvements” This is what parents are saying about an amazing diet that is showing extraordinary results in helping children eliminate many traits and … |
|
|
Pain Free 1-2-3 (Paperback) $11.96 The bestselling author of From Fatigued to Fantastic shows chronic pain sufferers how to treat the underlying causes of pain and regain health and vitalityPain Free 1-2-3 demonstrates the four critical components for healing t… |
|
|
Pewter Eagle Claw Skull Necklace $17.99 Show off your wild side in style with our eagle claw skull necklaceRed enamel decorates the top of the claw as four perfect talons grip the cranium of a seemingly smiling skullJewelry piece is crafted of lead-free pewter |